- India, in collaboration with the United Nations (UN), has launched a technology platform to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers who are operating across the world.
- The launch of the UNITE AWARE platform came as India assumed the Presidency of the 15-nation UN Security Council for the month of August.
Important points:
- This project aims to demonstrate the impact of modern surveillance technology on the detection of asymmetric threats.
- It utilises modern surveillance technology for real time threat assessments to peacekeepers in maintaining security.
- This will access live video and satellite imagery, and in very volatile circumstances can also deliver early warnings to peacekeepers.
- It can also record data on critical incidents and events and follow daily operational activities.
- Using the platform, the entire peacekeeping operation can be visualised, coordinated, and monitored on a real time basis.
- India has developed the technology platform in partnership with the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Department of Operational Support.
- The platform will be deployed initially in four UN Peacekeeping Missions: MINUSMA (Mali), UNMISS (South Sudan), UNFICYP (Cyprus) and AMISOM (Somalia).
- India’s Contribution: India has contributed USD 1.64 million for this project.
India’s Contribution:
- India is a major contributing nation to UN peacekeeping activities.
- Currently, there are 5506 troops and police from India who have been deployed to nine different UN peacekeeping missions, the second highest amongst troop-contributing countries.
- More than 200,000 Indians have served in 49 of the 71 UN peacekeeping missions established around the world since 1948.
- India has a long tradition of sending women on UN peacekeeping missions.
- In 2007, India became the first country to deploy an all-women contingent to a UN peacekeeping mission.
SOURCE: THE HINDU,THE ECONOMIC TIMES,MINT