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Daily News Analysis

NATIONAL TECHNICAL RESEARCH ORGANISATION (NTRO)

21st April, 2023 POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

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Context: The Government has selected Arun Sinha as Chairman of the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO).

Details

  • Arun Sinha was Appointed as the Chairman of the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO)
  • He has been an advisor in NTRO for two years.
  • He is a 1984 batch Kerala cadre.

National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO)

About

  • It is a premier intelligence agency under the National Security Advisor in the Prime Minister's Office, India.
  • It was set up in 2004 as a technical wing of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), the country's external intelligence agency.
  • It operates under the direct control of the Prime Minister and reports to the National Security Advisor.
  • NTRO is headed by a Chairman, who is a senior officer of the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.
  • NTRO has its headquarters in New Delhi and has regional offices in various cities across the country.
    • NTRO also has overseas stations in some countries for operational purposes.

Responsibilities

  • Gathering and analysing data from various sources, such as satellites, radars, communications, cyberspace, and other technical means.
  • Provide technical assistance and expertise to other intelligence and security agencies in the country.
  • Provide timely and actionable intelligence inputs to the government and the armed forces on matters of national security and strategic interest.
  • NTRO works closely with other intelligence agencies, such as RAW, Intelligence Bureau (IB), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), National Investigation Agency (NIA), etc., as well as with friendly foreign agencies.

NTRO's activities include

  • Monitoring and intercepting foreign communications and signals.
  • Conducting cyber operations and counter-cyber activities.
  • Developing and operating state-of-the-art technical systems and platforms.
  • Providing geospatial intelligence and imagery analysis.
  • Conducting scientific and technical research and development.
  • Training and capacity building of personnel in technical intelligence.

 

Workforce

  • NTRO workforce is drawn from various services and organisations, such as the Indian Armed Forces, Indian Police Service, Indian Revenue Service, Indian Telecom Service, Indian Engineering Service, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), etc.
  • NTRO also recruits technical experts and specialists from the private sector and academia.

Conclusion

  • NTRO is constantly evolving and adapting to the changing security environment and technological trends. NTRO strives to maintain its edge over its rivals and adversaries by investing in research and development, acquiring cutting-edge technologies, upgrading its infrastructure and systems, expanding its network and reach, strengthening its human resources, and fostering a culture of excellence and professionalism.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. National Technical Research Organization (NTRO) is an agency under;

(A) Ministry of Home Affairs

(B) Ministry of Defense

(C) Prime Minister's office

(D) Ministry of Skill Development

Answer: C 

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/arun-sinha-appointed-ntro-chairman-2362156-2023-04-20