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Hikvision Announces New Audio Product Line, Unveils Range of Network Speakers

Hikvision has recently unveiled its latest audio product line, featuring a variety of advanced network speakers. Drawing on its deep expertise in video technology, Hikvision further expands the business boundaries to incorporate audio capabilities into its comprehensive security solutions. This new product line promises users a smarter audio experience, enhan-ced security, simplified installation, and hassle-free after-sales service. The product line includes a diverse range of network speakers, spanning the network horn, ceiling, cabinet, and column models. Each product is designed to meet unique application needs, ensuring flexibility and adaptability across numerous environments. Versatile broadcast modes for different applications Hikvision’s network speakers offer a wide range of broadcast modes to cater to various scenarios, making them highly versatile. These modes include live broadcast, scheduled broadcast, alarm linkage broadcast, and emergency mustering linked broadcast. Whether used for security, paging & notifications, or background music, these speakers prove invaluable in delivering important messages effectively. Imagine vital announcements in hospitals, facilitating emergency evacuation notifications or creating desired ambiance in shopping malls. The power of ‘audio+video’ security By combining audio and video technologies, Hikvision provides customers with heightened protection, from post-event investigation to real-time deterrence and intervention. The synchronized audio and video responses to potential threats or incidents amplify alarm systems, significantly enhancing overall security measures. The powerful combination empowers security personnel to handle perimeter protection, danger prevention, and emergency response requirements with greater efficiency. Easy operation and maintenance Hikvision’s network speakers offer compatibility with HikCentral Professional software, NVRs, or third-party platforms, ensuring seamless integration into existing systems and unified management. The user-friendly interface supports batch device addition and upgrades, streamlining both operation and maintenance procedures. Additionally, remote configuration options provide added convenience and peace of mind. Hikvision’s new audio product line represents its commitment to delivering innovative and reliable security solutions with extensive range of professional products and cutting-edge features.

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Global South Adopts Landmark Legal Architecture for AI Governance and Accountability

The Second Global South Artificial Intelligence Law and Governance Dialogue 2026, convened online, concluded with the formal adoption of the Global South Legal Architecture for Artificial Intelligence Governance and Accountability, a structured, operational instrument designed to translate the Global South’s stated principles on AI into national statute, sectoral policy, and enforceable practice. Convened by Dr. Pavan Duggal, Advocate, Supreme Court of India and a globally recognised authority on AI law and cyberlaw, the Second Global South Artificial Intelligence Law and Governance Dialogue 2026 brought together judges, senior government officials, regulators, scholars, technologists and civil-society leaders from across Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and Europe. The Architecture is conceived not as another declaration of principle but as operational scaffolding. It builds upon – and does not seek to replace – the instruments already adopted by the Global South, including the New Delhi Accord on Artificial Intelligence Law and Governance (2025), the New Delhi Declaration on Artificial Intelligence (February 2026), the New Delhi Compact on Artificial Intelligence Accountability (May 2026), the AI Accountability Framework 2026, the Global Agentic AI Liability Framework, and the Universal Declaration of AI Accountability Rights adopted at the International AI Accountability Forum 2026. A distinguished opening The proceedings featured a keynote address by Hon’ble Justice Suraj Govindraj, Judge, High Court of Karnataka, setting the judicial and constitutional context for AI law, governance and accountability, and a Special Address by Dr. Manoj Kumar, Additional Secretary, Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India. Professor Christoph Stueckelberger, Professor of Global Ethics in Asia and Africa, addressed the ethical challenges confronting the Global South in the age of AI. Across the day’s sessions, chaired by the Convenor, Dr. Pavan Duggal, the platform featured voices from every region of the Global South and beyond, including Lebanese cyberlaw scholar Mona Al Achkar Jabbour, Ambrose Ruyooka of Uganda’s Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, Rosa Delgado from Peru, Latin America, Alfredo Ronchi, Secretary General EC Medici Framework, Prof Sarah Fox, eminent British academician, Axel Lehmann of the World Federation of Scientists, Saakshar Duggal, eminent AI Law expert, Amandeep Singh of the Bureau of Police Research & Development, Manoj Chugh corporate governance guru, and Drishyaa Duggal AI Psychology evangelist alongside leading academics, regulators and industry leaders from across Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and Europe. What the architecture establishes A three-layer legal architecture. The instrument is built on three concentric, independently operative layers – a dedicated national statute on artificial intelligence and accountability in each Global South nation; sector-specific national policies spanning health, education, finance, agriculture, public administration, law enforcement, judicial processes, electoral integrity, defence and digital public infrastructure; and a continuously updated layer of living standards and best practices that allows governance to evolve without statutory amendment at every turn. Seven non-negotiable pillars – the common minimum denominators that must inform every national instrument and sectoral policy: Novel building blocks. The Architecture introduces a set of original instruments, including a Global South Algorithmic Sovereignty Index, an Inter-Global South AI Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) Compact, a Civilizational AI Audit standard, a Doctrine of Algorithmic Non-Alignment, a Right to Algorithmic Refusal for indigenous and tribal communities, a Reverse Burden of Proof for Foreign AI Providers, a Sovereign Data Repository Principle, and a Global South AI Harm Notification Protocol. Institutional engine and early deliverables The Architecture establishes two complementary Working Groups – a Working Group on Global South Algorithmic Sovereignty, drawn initially from the Dialogue’s speakers, scholars and practitioners, to serve as the doctrinal and technical engine; and a State-anchored Working Group on Global South AI Governance, to which ministries and designated nodal officers across the Global South will be invited, charged with translating doctrinal output into harmonised national positions and multilateral submissions, including to United Nations preparatory processes. Two early deliverables were identified: “This Architecture belongs, from the moment of its adoption, to the nations and institutions of the Global South that will take it forward,” said Dr. Pavan Duggal, Convenor of the Dialogue, “It is offered without proprietary claim and with a single conviction: that the algorithms which shape a citizen’s life must be subject to the laws of their land, the values of their civilization, and the consent of their community. Algorithmic sovereignty, the prevention of cognitive colonialism, and the anchoring of agentic-AI liability are no longer aspirations for the Global South – under this Architecture, they are commitments.” Pathway forward The outputs of the Architecture – the work of both Working Groups and the text of the MLA Compact – are to be channelled into the United Nations preparatory process for the global AI scientific model and related multilateral instruments. The Architecture is designed to remain operative for the Global South Group of Nations, whether or not it is absorbed by other multilateral processes, and remains open for endorsement, signature, accession and national adoption by all States of the Global South. About the Global South Artificial Intelligence Law and Governance Dialogue The Global South Artificial Intelligence Law and Governance Dialogue is an international platform dedicated to amplifying the voice and agency of developing nations in shaping the law, policy and governance of artificial intelligence. It convenes jurists, policymakers, scholars, regulators and industry leaders from across Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East to develop equitable, inclusive and sovereignty-respecting approaches to AI governance.

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CP PLUS Strengthens Its Leadership in Intelligent Surveillance at InnoMetro 2026 and CCTV TECH INDIA 2026

As India advances toward a future shaped by intelligent infrastructure, digital transformation, and AI-driven security ecosystems, CP PLUS continues to reinforce its position at the forefront of the nation’s taechnological evolution. Demonstrating its steadfast commitment to innovation-led nation building, the company marked a powerful presence at two of the industry’s most influential platforms this May – InnoMetro 2026 and CCTV TECH INDIA 2026. These prestigious gatherings brought together policymakers, infrastructure leaders, security experts, system integrators, technology pioneers, and digital transformation visionaries to collectively shape the future of India’s mobility and surveillance landscape. At both events, CP PLUS emerged not merely as a participant but as a thought leader driving conversations around intelligent surveillance, cyber-secure ecosystems, smart command centers, and future-ready infrastructure. At InnoMetro 2026, CP PLUS showcased its vision for a safer and smarter mobility ecosystem powered by Made-inBharat innovations. As India rapidly modernizes its railway and metro infrastructure under the broader vision of sustainable urban mobility, intelligent surveillance is becoming a cornerstone of operational resilience, passenger safety, and infrastructure efficiency. Aligning with this transformative momentum, CP PLUS highlighted its advanced portfolio of AI-enabled surveillance technologies engineered specifically for the evolving needs of rail and metro environments. Adding depth to the industry dialogue, M.A. Johar, President – Project Business at CP PLUS, joined an important conference session titled ‘Leveraging Digital Technologies in Railways: Opportunities, Risks, and Readiness.’ During the discussion, he shared valuable insights into how emerging technologies such as AI-powered analytics, centralized monitoring systems, intelligent video management, and integrated command centers are reshaping railway security and operational readiness across the nation. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Johar emphasized that the future of rail infrastructure lies not only in connectivity and speed, but also in the ability to create intelligent, responsive, and secure ecosystems capable of adapting to evolving risks and passenger expectations. He further highlighted CP PLUS’s continued focus on building scalable, indigenous surveillance technologies tailored to India’s rapidly expanding infrastructure landscape. Further strengthening its industry leadership this month, CP PLUS also made a significant impact at CCTV TECH INDIA 2026, a premier platform dedicated to the future of surveillance technology and integrated security systems. Centered around the compelling vision of ‘Securing Surveillance: From Components to Command Centers,’ the event served as a dynamic forum for discussing the next generation of intelligent surveillance ecosystems, cybersecurity integration, AI-driven monitoring, and operational intelligence. CP PLUS leveraged the platform to showcase how the convergence of surveillance hardware, intelligent software, analytics, and cyber resilience is shaping a more connected and secure India. Representing the brand during the inaugural session titled ‘Building Secure & Intelligent Surveillance Ecosystems for India,’ Sanjay Arora and Ms. Swati Samaddar shared expert perspectives on the growing importance of intelligent surveillance infrastructure in safeguarding modern enterprises, public spaces, critical infrastructure, and smart city ecosystems. Their participation underscored how surveillance today has evolved far beyond passive monitoring, emerging instead as a strategic layer of intelligence capable of enabling proactive threat detection, operational optimization, predictive insights, and enhanced situational awareness. Adding further momentum to these conversations, Omar Farooq participated in the insightful session ‘From Data to Decisions: VMS, SOC & Cybersecurity in CCTV Systems.’ During the discussion, he highlighted the increasing significance of integrated Video Management Systems (VMS), Security Operations Centers (SOC), and cyber-secure surveillance architectures in ensuring operational continuity and intelligent decision-making across large-scale deployments. His insights reflected the growing reality that surveillance ecosystems today must not only capture information but also transform data into actionable intelligence while remaining resilient against evolving cyber threats. CP PLUS’ impactful participation across both events reflects the company’s larger vision of enabling India’s digital transformation journey through indigenous innovation, intelligent surveillance technologies, and future-ready security ecosystems. With a robust portfolio spanning AI-powered cameras, integrated command and control centers, advanced video analytics, intelligent VMS platforms, cybersecurity-focused solutions, and smart monitoring technologies, the company continues to play a defining role in building safer cities, smarter mobility systems, and resilient infrastructure networks for the nation. As India accelerates toward a digitally empowered future, CP PLUS remains steadfast in its mission to engineer technologies that not only secure environments, but also strengthen trust, intelligence, and preparedness across every layer of modern infrastructure.

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Hikvision Introduces Video & Audio Convergence Solution Featuring Real-time Deterrent

Hikvision, the world’s leading provider of innovative security products and solutions, has introduced its Video & Audio Convergence Solution to the market, featuring an innovative real-time intrusion deterrent feature. With Hikvision’s new Video & Audio Convergence Solution, IP speakers now can be linked with cameras, access control systems, and alarm devices. When the CCTV system automatically detects an intrusion or if the alarm system is activated, IP speakers can immediately play programmed audio warnings to drive away would-be intruders. The audio message acts as a deterrent to possible intrusion actions as they happen. Loss and damage can be prevented, and footage of the event gets recorded for investigation and evidence collection. Along with imported audio warnings, operators can also speak via the IP speakers to give live warnings when notified of an intrusion. Efficient security operations and digital transformation are further supported by alarm video which can pop up automatically. Scheduled audio messaging and public information broadcasting are two more practical functions made possible by Hikvision’s Video & Audio Convergence Solution. IP speakers can play recorded audio recordings according to a schedule, and operators can use the audio system to broadcast public information as needed to audiences as well. Frank Zhang, General Manager of the International Product Marketing Department at Hikvision said, “We are excited to introduce our innovative Video & Audio Convergence Solution to the market. With the linkage between video and audio, our solution will empower security systems with cautionary and immediate processing abilities. We believe convergence will be a new trend in the near-future for the security industry.” With its valuable functionality, Hikvision Video & Audio Convergence can be applied across a wide range of scenarios and applications – including perimeter security, petrol stations, metro and railway stations, office buildings, and much more. Continue reading for more details on various applications. Perimeter Security In luxury homes equipped with outdoor CCTV cameras, trespassers will be recorded by security cameras and NVRs, but no immediate deterrent actions can be taken. Now with the Hikvision Video & Audio Convergence Solution, audio warnings can be automatically triggered to deter intruders, helping to prevent loss of property or more serious incidents. Petrol Stations Petrol stations are vulnerable to intrusions during non-business hours and damage to petrol storage facilities can cause disasters. Currently, with CCTV systems alone, no immediate action can be taken when an intrusion occurs. But the Hikvision Video & Audio Convergence Solution now provides an intelligent detection function, alarm triggering, and audio warnings. At petrol stations with self-payment systems but no outside service staff, the Hikvision Video & Audio Convergence Solution enables operators to speak to customers remotely via the IP speakers. They can help customers and prevent security incidents without putting themselves in danger. And in emergency situations, the audio system can be used to broadcast critical information to staff and customers. We are excited to introduce our innovative Video & Audio Convergence Solution to the market. With the linkage between video and audio, our solution will empower security systems with cautionary and immediate processing abilities. We believe convergence will be a new trend in the near-future for the security industry Frank Zhang, General Manager, International Product Marketing Department, Hikvision Metro and Railway Stations Platforms are dangerous during peak hours when passengers cross warning lines and move too close to the edge. The Hikvision Video & Audio Convergence Solution helps monitor people flow and can identify when passengers cross warning lines. Staff can use the solution to broadcast live audio warnings and train schedule information whenever it’s needed. Office Buildings CCTV and access control systems are commonly used in office buildings. However, when an intrusion or security anomaly has been detected, operators rely on sending on-site guards to check the situation. Efficiency is low and guards often arrive too late to prevent an incident. In such a case, Hikvision‘s Video & Audio Convergence Solution can send an immediate audio warning to deter an intrusion, as well as build video and audio linkage for operators to check remotely via live view. Similarly, during emergency situations, security operators can use the audio system to broadcast information to people inside a building.

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Cloudflare LaunchesDesign Partner Designation to Accelerate Secure AI and Seamless SASE Adoption

Introduces the Cloudflare One Stack – a robust library of AI skills – tostreamline SASE deployment alongside select global partners including Arctiq, Consortium, CMT, Presidio, Softcell, The Missing Link, and others Cloudflare, Inc., the leading connectivity cloud company, recently announced the launch of its Cloudflare One Design Partner Designation. The new initiative will help customers safely adopt AI, simplify their networking, and defend against an expanding attack surface. As a high-priority tier within Cloudflare’s PowerUP Partner Program, this designation focuses on the Cloudflare One suite with a select group of partners including Arctiq, Consortium, CMT, Presidio, Softcell, The Missing Link, among others worldwide. The program will equip these partners with the deep technical expertise required to secure against today’s threats and accelerate innovation efforts. Migrating away from legacy security architectures is traditionally slow and risky. When companies rely on a patchwork of siloed tools, they face severe friction. Auditing existing environments, mapping out new architectures, and avoiding configuration errors during vendor transitions can create dangerous vulnerabilities. This fragmentation doesn’t just create security gaps – it completely stalls innovation, which is particularly dangerous as AI adoption accelerates. Cloudflare One has evolved into a partner-led engine and our new Design Partner Designation is built to propel long-term growth. This new framework represents our deepest channel co-investment yet. We are equipping our elite partners with the financial runway and technical mastery they want to scale the Cloudflare One platform. By blending our unified SASE architecture with partner expertise, we are turning complex network migrations into high-margin, high-value consulting opportunities for the AI era Tom EvansChief Partner Officer at Cloudflare “Cloudflare One has evolved into a partner-led engine and our new Design Partner Designation is built to propel long-term growth,” said Tom Evans, Chief Partner Officer at Cloudflare, “This new framework represents our deepest channel co-investment yet. We are equipping our elite partners with the financial runway and technical mastery they want to scale the Cloudflare One platform. By blending our unified SASE architecture with partner expertise, we are turning complex network migrations into high-margin, high-value consulting opportunities for the AI era.” To support the launch, Cloudflare is introducing the Cloudflare One Stack. This framework provides a robust library of authoritative AI skills that security teams can use with any agent to evaluate, deploy, and manage Cloudflare One. Built directly on top of Cloudflare One, these skills provide structured knowledge, decision trees, and tool definitions that AI agents can automatically use. By giving partners access to a central repository of blueprint configurations and automated workflows, Cloudflare eliminates tedious manual provisioning. Instead, partners can focus on delivering high-margin managed services tailored for the AI era. Cloudflare One design partner testimonials

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Recognition, Resilience and Responsibility: Why Platforms Like Surakshit NCR 2026 Matter to India’s Security Ecosystem

For decades, the security profession has operated largely outside the public spotlight. Whether in law enforcement, fire and emergency services, disaster response, corporate security, cyber defence, or critical infrastructure protection, the work of security professionals has traditionally been measured not by visibility but by absence. When security functions effectively, incidents are prevented, risks are mitigated, and crises are contained before they become headlines. Yet, as India’s urban centres continue to expand, digital transformation accelerates, and threats become increasingly interconnected, there is a growing recognition that the people and institutions responsible for safety deserve greater acknowledgement. Across sectors, organisations are beginning to understand that recognition is not merely ceremonial. It serves as an important mechanism for professional validation, knowledge sharing, and the promotion of best practices. Against this backdrop, the upcoming Surakshit NCR Awards 2026 arrives at a particularly relevant moment for the security industry. Conceptualised by PSP and presented by SymX, with CAPSI and Pinkerton serving as Knowledge Partner, and supported by FSAI, GACS, WEC and Cyber Buddha, the platform brings together industry leaders, practitioners and institutions committed to advancing safety, security and resilience across sectors. Scheduled as the next chapter in a series of city-focused safety and security recognitions, the NCR edition seeks to acknowledge individuals, teams, organisations, and government agencies contributing to the safety and resilience of the National Capital Region. More importantly, it reflects a broader shift within the profession itself. Security is increasingly being viewed not as a support function but as a strategic pillar of organisational and societal resilience. The expanding definition of security The traditional boundaries of security have undergone significant transformation over the past decade. Physical security, once centred largely around access control, guarding, surveillance, and asset protection, now operates within a far more complex environment. Security leaders today are expected to manage risks associated with cyber threats, insider vulnerabilities, business continuity, supply chain disruptions, misinformation, and geopolitical uncertainties. This evolution has elevated the role of security professionals across both public and private sectors. In cities such as Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad, security management increasingly requires collaboration among law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, cyber security specialists, infrastructure operators, corporate security teams, and technology providers. For decades, the security profession has operated largely outside the public spotlight. Whether in law enforcement, fire and emergency services, disaster response, corporate security, cyber defence, or critical infrastructure protection, the work of security professionals has traditionally been measured not by visibility but by absence. When security functions effectively, incidents are prevented, risks are mitigated, and crises are contained before they become headlines The National Capital Region presents a particularly unique security environment. It hosts central government institutions, diplomatic missions, multinational corporations, transportation networks, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, industrial clusters, and critical infrastructure. Managing safety across such a diverse ecosystem requires coordinated effort from thousands of professionals whose contributions often remain largely unseen. Recognition platforms that focus on these contributions therefore serve an important purpose. They highlight the practical work being undertaken across the security value chain and provide visibility to initiatives that may otherwise remain confined within organisational boundaries. Learning from the momentum of previous editions One of the most interesting aspects of the Surakshit initiative has been its progression across different cities. The Mumbai edition in 2025 demonstrated that there is considerable appetite within the security community for platforms that celebrate service, professionalism, and dedication. What distinguished the Mumbai event was its emphasis on frontline contributions. The programme brought together senior police officials, fire service leaders, disaster response personnel, security practitioners, and industry stakeholders under a common theme of appreciation for those who contribute to public safety. The event also highlighted an important reality often overlooked in discussions about security technology and infrastructure. Behind every system, protocol, and response framework are individuals who make critical decisions under pressure and often work without public recognition. The participation of senior leaders from law enforcement, emergency services, and industry reflected a growing understanding that security outcomes depend on collaboration rather than isolated effort. The Hyderabad edition later expanded this conversation by placing greater emphasis on the convergence of physical and cyber security. This was particularly relevant given Hyderabad’s position as one of India’s leading technology hubs. Discussions during the event highlighted the increasing need for integrated approaches to risk management, where cyber resilience and physical security are viewed as complementary disciplines rather than separate functions. That perspective resonates strongly across the broader industry. Physical security, once centred largely around access control, guarding, surveillance, and asset protection, now operates within a far more complex environment. Security leaders today are expected to manage risks associated with cyber threats, insider vulnerabilities, business continuity, supply chain disruptions, misinformation, and geopolitical uncertainties Today, a disruption to operations may originate from a cyber incident, a physical breach, a supply chain interruption, or a natural disaster. Effective security leadership requires the ability to understand and respond across multiple domains simultaneously. The progression from Pune to Mumbai and Hyderabad suggests that the Surakshit platform has gradually evolved from a regional recognition initiative into a broader industry conversation around resilience, leadership, and professional excellence. Why NCR represents a significant milestone The National Capital Region offers a particularly compelling setting for such a platform. Unlike many metropolitan regions, NCR combines the complexity of governance, commerce, diplomacy, infrastructure, and urban development within a single interconnected geography. The region is home to major public institutions, transportation corridors, financial centres, industrial facilities, technology parks, educational campuses, healthcare networks, and residential communities. Each of these environments presents unique security requirements and operational challenges. Professionals responsible for protecting these environments often operate under conditions that demand continuous vigilance and adaptation. The Surakshit NCR Awards 2026 recognises this diversity through a broad range of categories that encompass government officials, security professionals, cyber security teams, service providers, consulting projects, fraud prevention initiatives, and safe premises across sectors including hospitality, banking, healthcare, manufacturing, education, and residential communities. Such an approach reflects the reality that safety is not the responsibility of any single stakeholder. A secure…

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From Information to Intelligence Building Future-Ready Organisations in an Era of Constant Disruption

Garry Singh and Sagarika Chakrabortyon Building Organisations That See What Others Miss In an era where businesses are overwhelmed with information yet increasingly exposed to disruption, the challenge is no longer collecting data – it is understanding what matters and acting before opportunities disappear or risks materialise. From geopolitical tensions and cyber threats to artificial intelligence and rapidly shifting market dynamics, organisations today operate in an environment where speed of insight is becoming as important as speed of execution. Against this backdrop, intelligence is emerging as a defining leadership capability rather than merely a support function. Gurupawan ‘Garry’ Singh, President of IIRIS, and Sagarika Chakraborty, Co-Founder and CEO for India and the Gulf, have been at the forefront of advocating this transformation. Through their work across intelligence, strategic risk, investigations, and organisational design, they have advanced a powerful idea – intelligence should not function as an isolated department but as the central nervous system of an organisation. Together, Garry Singh and Sagarika Chakraborty have developed frameworks such as the Intelligence Pyramid, highlighting how organisations can convert data into insight, insight into decisions, and decisions into meaningful outcomes. Their work reflects a broader shift in thinking – from reactive management toward intelligence-led leadership and resilience. In this exclusive cover story conversation, Garry Singh and Sagarika Chakraborty share their perspectives on the future of intelligence-driven enterprises, the convergence of security and business strategy, the opportunities and challenges posed by AI, and how organisations can build the capability not only to respond to change, but to anticipate it before others do. This conversation draws on the authors’ June 2026 research paper, ‘Business Intelligence Is the Single Most Critical Factor for Success in New Age Business,’ which introduces the Intelligence Pyramid framework. You have spent decades working at the intersection of security, intelligence, risk management, and business leadership. Could you briefly share your professional journey and what inspired the establishment of IIRIS? Garry Singh: My career has been built across disciplines that most organisations treat as separate: security, intelligence, investigations, and enterprise risk. The thread running through all of them is a single question, what do we know, how reliably do we know it, and what should we do about it before events overtake us. From protecting people in volatile environments to investigating complex frauds and advising boards, I saw the same pattern repeatedly: the organisations that suffered most were rarely short of information. They were short of judgement applied in time. IIRIS was founded to close that gap. We built it as a forensic intelligence and strategic risk advisory firm because intelligence, the tradecraft of turning fragments into foresight, belongs not only to governments and armed forces but in the boardroom. The inspiration was a settled conviction, that disciplined intelligence, practised with integrity, is one of the few durable advantages still available to an enterprise. Sagarika Chakraborty: My route was different and complementary. I trained as a corporate lawyer at NLU Jodhpur and took an MBA in strategy at ISB, then moved into investigations and forensic intelligence. What drew me was the same gap Garry describes, but seen from the evidence side: companies held facts that were never converted into findings they could defend or act upon. I wanted to bring legal rigour and commercial discipline to a field that, in this region, was often informal. Co-founding IIRIS let us build a firm where intelligence is gathered to an evidentiary standard, graded honestly, and delivered in a form a board can actually use. Doing that across India and the Gulf, in markets maturing very quickly, was both the challenge and the opportunity. How has the role of intelligence evolved over the past decade, particularly in today’s environment marked by geopolitical instability, cyber threats, AI disruption, and economic uncertainty? Garry Singh: A decade ago, corporate intelligence was a quiet, specialised function, often confined to physical security. Three shifts have moved it to the centre. Threats have converged, so a single hostile act is now cyber, physical, financial, and reputational at once. The decision clock has compressed, from quarterly review cycles to hours. And geopolitics has returned to the boardroom through sanctions, supply chain fragmentation, and great-power competition. Over all of this sits AI, both a powerful tool and a weapon in an adversary’s hands. Intelligence has become a core leadership competence rather than a support activity. Sagarika Chakraborty: From the engagement side I see the same evolution in the questions clients now ask. A due diligence that once meant a registry search and a reference call now has to account for sanctions exposure, beneficial ownership across jurisdictions, digital footprint, and reputational risk that moves in real time. Fraud has gone digital and cross-border. Regulators increasingly expect organisations to have anticipated risk, not merely responded to it. The investigator’s remit has widened, from establishing what happened to advising what is likely to happen next. In your recent concept, you indicate that ‘Intelligence is not a department; it is the organisation.’ What exactly does this mean in practical terms for modern enterprises? Garry Singh: It means intelligence is not a box on an organisation chart. In our recent paper I described it as the central nervous system of the enterprise, and the phrase is exact. Intelligence is the way an organisation senses its environment, makes sense of what it sees, and acts ahead of events. When it is confined to a department, the rest of the business stops feeling responsible for noticing, the signals never reach the centre, and the specialists, however skilled, are blind to most of what the enterprise already knows. Sagarika Chakraborty: In practice this is very real. In almost every serious investigation we run, the decisive fragment comes from outside the security team, from a finance clerk who noticed an odd reconciliation, a salesperson uneasy about a counterparty, a vendor manager who saw a pattern. The capability that matters is whether the organisation can surface those fragments, route them to someone who can interpret them, and act. That is a question…

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Storage Technology

Smarter Eyes in the Sky: The Future of Airport Video Analytics

Milind BorkarStrategic Consultant, VICON Although only a small number of airports are using video analytics in a sophisticated manner, there is no question that the technology offers the potential for improving video-based security operations. The questions which the airport must address in considering whether and to what extent video analytics should be deployed are: The false alarm issue is fundamental. A single or even a small number of cameras which false alarm several times a day may be tolerated, but San Diego International Airport (SDIA) is looking at a population of some 400 cameras through the AMP2 expansion program. Even if 10 percent, or 40 cameras, are set up with video analytics, and if all or most of alarms make false alarm several times each day, the alarms would overwhelm the SOC and the system would be shut down. Exterior and interior opportunities for using video analytics at SDIA present different challenges, and have to be treated differently. The video cameras now being used for exterior perimeter surveillance are not suitable for video analytics at night for a variety of reasons including: Better cameras and lenses, and better and more controlled scene lighting, may enable video analytics to be effective for perimeter surveillance, but that needs to be demonstrated. Infrared and thermal cameras may be better choices, as they eliminate the problems of scene illumination and poor visibility, but they, too, must be subject to testing. The following images, recorded by Siemens Corporate Research, illustrate some of the scene variables that have to be dealt with in applying video analytics to exterior surveillance. Scene conditions at night, when target contrast is usually reduced and bright point light sources in the scene may be present (as in the cargo area of SDIA), can be especially challenging. Applying video analytics indoors should present fewer problems. Scene illumination should be under the airport’s control, wind and fog will not be issues, distances will be relatively short etc. That does not, however, avoid the need for careful planning and testing, both of which are prerequisites to realizing effective performance. The potential impact of false alarms from a large number of cameras argues for a minimalist approach in which a few mature video analytic functions are installed and then are subject to rigorous testing in the real airport environment before being extended. Each analytic function will present its own unique requirements. This process starts with defining the minimum functionality needed at each camera site, which is much an airport responsibility as a technical issue; the environment in which the function must perform (camera motion being a critical problem, since video analytics are designed to work with fixed cameras, along with scene illumination); camera placement and aspect needed to achieve the performance objectives; and the maximum false alarm rate that can be tolerated. In this context, being able to do one function very well is more important than doing several functions less well. Of the many offerings available from different vendors, the following list is representative of the video analytic functions that SDIA might consider adopting selectively based on the specific requirements of each situational condition: Variable lengths of time by passenger traffic flow and other objects of variable size and dwell time, and persons who move in and out of the ROI set for associating them with the targeted objects. The function is vulnerable to the presence of other objects of similar size in the camera field of view, target-to-background contrast, the movement of persons in front of and around the object that can grow quickly. Drawing a box (ROI) around an object is the easy part (and the object should occupy 25 percent or more of the field-of-view of the camera for best results). Defining what constitutes an ‘object of interest’ worthy of setting an alarm may be based on criteria such as the amount of time since the object last moved and on rules established for object behavior. Associating objects with owners can be very complicated, especially when other passengers are present and move in and out of the ROI. If a bag enters the terminal lobby with two persons and one or both leave the bag at different times, and one returns but other persons also appear in the ROI, the software will be challenged to associate ‘ownership’ with the proper person and establishing a rule for what constitutes an alarm will be similarly challenged. Heft Detection, Stationary Object Detection, and Loitering Object Detection are variations of the abandoned object function, each with its own peculiarities. Video analytics come in several ‘flavors’ including policy-based, rules-based, and behavior-based – these terms being relatively loosely defined. The classes will often overlap, with each new class increasing detection performance but also computational complexity (and cost). Behavioral analytics, for example, intelligently monitor all the standard detected features of moving objects and build up a concept, over a large period of time, of what motion can be deemed as typical, and thus can be ignored. Events then become triggered by abnormal behavior which the airport operator should define. A pedestrian loitering and/ or approaching a number of different cars in a parking lot in a short period of time, indicating potential criminal activity, could be viewed as abnormal behavior, and consequently generating an event. How the video analytics function is less important than what they deliver for airport security in the real-word environment, whether they be understood by the operators, and whether they be adapted to the moves/ adds/ changes typical of an airport operation. Video analytics are best applied to full resolution (4CIF) images at full frame rate (30 fps), because this presents the greatest amount of information in the shortest time for analysis. Proposals to apply video analytics to CIF images (quarter frame) and at reduced frame rates, typically 7 to 12 fps, are more susceptible to false alarms. The best place to perform live video analytics is at the camera, at the edge of the network, where the analytics can be applied to…

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Over Ground Workers (OGWs),Hidden Jihadists in Bengal 

Sunjoy Nath, CSM Counter-Terrorism & Intelligence Anyalist OGWs refer to individuals who provide logistical, financial, informational, and ideological support to terrorist or militant groups without directly participating in armed combat. Indian security forces use this term extensively for sympathizers who offer shelter, cash, intelligence, recruitment aid, propaganda, and safe houses. In West Bengal, jihadist activities center on cross-border networks, primarily linked to Bangladesh-based outfits like Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and its India chapter, with some Al-Qaeda or ISIS-inspired modules. Supporters here function similarly to OGWs – providing safe houses, radicalization platforms, document forgery, funding channels, and cross-border movement. Key characteristics in West Bengal Notable incidents and networks OGWs refer to individuals who provide logistical, financial, informational, and ideological support to terrorist or militant groups without directly participating in armed combat. Indian security forces use this term extensively for sympathizers who offer shelter, cash, intelligence, recruitment aid, propaganda, and safe houses Why called OGWs? (Over Ground Workers) These supporters operate within society – as locals, educators, or community figures – making them hard to detect. They enable: Without this layer, foreign or hardcore terrorists struggle to operate. In West Bengal, this manifests as a ‘terror blind spot’ due to political sensitivities, vote-bank dynamics, and challenges in regulating madrassas or border security. This pattern aligns with global jihadist strategies: blend into communities, build support networks, and use local facilitators (OGWs) as the enablers. West Bengal’s issues are more about infiltration and radicalization pipelines than sustained domestic militancy like in Kashmir, but the support structures play a parallel role. Security assessments emphasize strengthening border management, education reform, and deradicalization.

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Surveillance Beyond Infrastructure: How CP PLUS is Redefining Security for India’s Remote Homes and Businesses

Aditya KhemkaManaging Director, CP PLUS For years, surveillance technology evolved around a single assumption – that infrastructure already existed. Cameras were designed with the expectation that every location would have stable electricity, broadband connectivity, structured cabling, networking equipment, and the technical ecosystem required to support continuous monitoring. While this worked effectively in urban offices, malls, corporate campuses, and smart buildings, the reality across vast parts of India remained very different. Beyond city centers and organized commercial zones lie millions of homes, farms, warehouses, factories, construction sites, village establishments, and remote facilities where security concerns are equally urgent, yet traditional surveillance systems remain impractical. In these locations, the challenge was never merely about installing a camera; it was about enabling the entire ecosystem necessary to keep that camera functioning. This is where CP PLUS is driving a remarkable transformation with the integration of the CP PLUS EZ-S35T 3MP 4G PT Camera and the CP PLUS CP-SL06K Solar Panel Kit. Together, these technologies are reshaping the very philosophy of surveillance deployment by eliminating the two biggest barriers that have historically restricted security adoption in remote environments – internet dependency and electrical dependency. The result is a highly intelligent, self-sustaining, wire-free surveillance solution capable of functioning even in the remotest corners of the country where broadband connectivity may not exist, and conventional wiring becomes economically or physically impossible. The significance of such a solution becomes increasingly evident when one observes the changing nature of India itself. The country’s growth is no longer concentrated solely within metropolitan boundaries. Industrial expansion is rapidly moving toward Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Warehousing hubs are emerging along highways and peripheral industrial corridors. Agricultural modernization is accelerating across rural regions. Renewable energy projects are spreading into isolated landscapes. Small factories, workshops, poultry farms, retail outlets, telecom infrastructure, educational institutions, and temporary project sites are appearing far beyond the reach of conventional urban infrastructure. Yet despite this expansion, security vulnerabilities continue to grow in these areas due to inadequate surveillance capabilities. Traditionally, deploying CCTV systems in such environments involved enormous logistical complications. Extensive cabling had to be laid across large distances. Broadband installations required coordination with internet service providers. Network switches, routers, DVRs, or NVRs had to be installed and maintained. Continuous power supply became essential. In many cases, the cost of setting up the supporting infrastructure exceeded the actual cost of the surveillance equipment itself. Even after deployment, these systems remained vulnerable to wire damage, voltage fluctuations, environmental exposure, and recurring maintenance issues. For remote deployments, surveillance often became an expensive burden rather than a practical solution. The CP PLUS EZ-S35T changes this equation fundamentally by removing the need for conventional Wi-Fi or broadband infrastructure altogether. Instead of relying on wired internet connectivity, the camera operates using 4G LTE networks, allowing users to deploy surveillance systems virtually anywhere mobile network coverage is available. This seemingly simple shift carries revolutionary implications. It transforms surveillance from a location-dependent technology into a location-independent one. By simply inserting a SIM card, the camera can establish remote connectivity without requiring routers, LAN cables, or broadband installations. This dramatically simplifies deployment across remote homes, farms, offices, temporary facilities, and industrial locations where internet infrastructure may be weak or nonexistent. For years, surveillance technology evolved around a single assumption – that infrastructure already existed. Cameras were designed with the expectation that every location would have stable electricity, broadband connectivity, structured cabling, networking equipment, and the technical ecosystem required to support continuous monitoring What makes this development particularly important for India is the sheer scale of mobile network penetration across the country. In many rural and semi-urban regions, 4G coverage has expanded far more rapidly than wired broadband infrastructure ever could. The EZ-S35T intelligently leverages this reality, enabling users to establish surveillance systems in locations that were previously considered inaccessible for continuous remote monitoring. A warehouse located outside city limits, a farmhouse surrounded by agricultural land, a roadside commercial establishment, a mining project, a village school, or a factory under construction can now maintain live surveillance without the complexities of traditional networking infrastructure. Equally transformative is the integration of the CP-SL06K Solar Panel Kit, which addresses another longstanding challenge in remote surveillance – uninterrupted power availability. Across many parts of India, especially in rural and semi-urban regions, electricity supply can remain inconsistent, unpredictable, or entirely unavailable for extended durations. Conventional surveillance systems become ineffective in such environments because cameras cease functioning during outages unless supported by expensive backup systems. The CP-SL06K changes this reality by introducing energy independence into the surveillance ecosystem. With solar-powered charging capabilities and an integrated battery backup system, the solution enables continuous surveillance operations even in off-grid or low-power environments. This shift toward solar-powered surveillance is not merely an engineering advancement; it represents a strategic evolution in how security systems are conceptualized. Instead of surveillance depending upon infrastructure, the surveillance system itself becomes self-sustaining infrastructure. Powered by sunlight and connected through mobile networks, the combined EZ-S35T and CP-SL06K ecosystem creates an autonomous monitoring solution capable of functioning almost anywhere. This opens enormous possibilities for sectors where conventional surveillance deployments were once considered impractical or financially unviable. For homeowners with isolated properties or farmhouses, this solution introduces an unprecedented level of peace of mind. Families can remotely monitor entrances, boundaries, livestock areas, storage spaces, or vacant properties directly through mobile applications without depending on local internet connectivity. For small businesses and factories, the solution offers operational visibility without requiring major infrastructure investments. Shop owners, warehouse operators, workshop managers, and industrial site supervisors can oversee activities remotely, receive motion alerts, engage in two-way communication, and maintain visual records even in locations where traditional surveillance systems would have been impossible to deploy. Beyond infrastructure flexibility, the EZ-S35T also incorporates advanced intelligent surveillance capabilities that elevate its practical effectiveness. Features such as human detection, motion tracking, full-color night vision, active deterrence through built-in sirens, two-way audio communication, and remote pan-tilt functionality allow the camera to deliver comprehensive situational awareness rather than merely passive recording. Its ability…

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