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India Today
16 hours ago
- Politics
- India Today
The looming Google Earth lens: How India's strategic assets lie exposed, vulnerable to harm
In today's digital age, the lines between convenience and vulnerability are increasingly blurred. Google Earth, a revolutionary mapping tool, has raised concerns about the security of India's military installations and critical infrastructure. The platform's high-resolution satellite imagery has made it possible for anyone with an internet connection to access detailed views of sensitive areas, including military bases, border posts and nuclear president Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was one of the first to sound the alarm about the potential dangers of Google Earth. He expressed concern over the detailed imagery of Indian military installations and nuclear plants, highlighting the risks of terrorism and security issue is not just about military threats from neighbouring countries but also about the potential of terrorist groups using this information for their nefarious designs. A military intelligence officer notes that while the armed forces may have their own means of accessing satellite images, terrorist groups may simply rely on Google Earth to survey army camps or paramilitary argue that India's sensitive sites should be blurred or pixelated on Google Earth, just like it is done for the US, Russia and China. The debate surrounding Google Earth also highlights the need for India to develop its own mapping systems and reduce dependence on public satellite imagery. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, India's ability to safeguard its national security will depend on its capability to adapt to emerging threats and technologies. The threat is clear and present. Type 'India-Pakistan Line of Control' into Google Earth and, in front of you, will appear hundreds of kilometres of the LOC. That too, in three dimensions, with zooming in possible up to 50 metres, allowing one to see Indian Army posts in extraordinary detail. At 50 metres of zoom-in, the images are so clear you can identify trucks stationed at posts, trenches, artillery positions and watchtowers with not that this satellite 3D imagery shows you one static post. Google Earth updates these images every year, sometimes even monthly. There's an option called 'Historical Imagery' that offers visuals of any location, from 1985 through March these continuous updates, it becomes effortless to analyse what construction has occurred on-site year by year, even month by month. Border Security Force (BSF) posts and watchtowers along the LOC are visible through these continually updated images—and can be easily National Remote Sensing Agency and the Advanced Data Processing Research Institute in Hyderabad are responsible for processing of satellite imagery for civil and military use. Both centres are located near the city's National Police Academy, where Dr Kalam, in an address in 2005, had expressed concern over vivid imagery of Indian military installations and nuclear plants on Google do India's clearly visible military installations on Google Earth threaten? A military intelligence officer explains: 'If we perceive Google Earth's unrestricted satellite imagery as a military threat, we are missing the context. China and Pakistan's armed forces have their means of accessing satellite images and don't need Google Earth. But does a small independent terrorist group in Kashmir or Maoists in places such as Gadchiroli or Sukma have their own satellites? If they need to survey an army camp or CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) checkpoint, Google Earth gives them ample opportunity. Who can say with certainty that Google Earth wasn't used in the recent Pahalgam terror attack? Or that Maoists aren't using it against our security forces?'Take the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu, for example. Like other sensitive Indian sites, it can be viewed from 50 metres in high definition on Google Earth. The imagery is so detailed and regularly updated that an ordinary person could deduce from water flow patterns when each reactor is operational. In comparison, France's Cattenom nuclear power plant is blurred entirely on Google the strategic Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha, formerly Wheeler Island, is a prime missile-testing site of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It has been off-limits to civilians since identified for defence use. Yet Google Earth allows close-up views, showing every construction detail, including testing pads. By contrast, Russia's secret military island, Jeannette Island, and Australia's Sand Island are entirely blacked out on Google greater concern is not military tensions with Pakistan or China but terrorism,' says an Indian security officer, who did not wish to be named. 'High-resolution maps in the public domain significantly increase security risks. Previously, Pakistani counter-intelligence relied on sleeper cells within India for reconnaissance. These individuals, well-integrated with civilians and sometimes even security personnel, weren't on any watchlist. But today, terrorists don't need that—Google Earth suffices.'Former BSF additional director general S.K. Sood raises a pertinent question. 'How much control does India have over foreign satellite imagery companies really? Sensitive Indian sites shouldn't be in the public domain, but how do we ensure satellite providers comply? If necessary, such apps should be banned entirely,' Sood tells INDIA TODAY.A military intelligence officer adds: 'After the 2016 Pathankot airbase attack, Google's high-res images had alarmed security agencies. Talks with Google ensued, urging them to blur sensitive sites, just like other nations do. If unresolved, India must compel Google India to comply through guidelines.'advertisementAmit Singh, associate professor at the Special Centre for National Security Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, concurs. 'For years, Google has provided clear images of Indian defence sites. Modern warfare is about air strikes and missiles, and Google exposes our vulnerabilities. The government must pressure Google to pixelate or blur these images immediately. If not, threaten a ban. Google won't want to lose India's market.''Countries such as US, Russia, China and Japan mask sensitive sites. Why not India? We should develop our own mapping systems, like China and Russia have, to end reliance on Google,' he Operation Sindoor and the India-Pakistan military conflict, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had issued a directive on May 20 that commercial flights must keep windows closed during take-off and landing at the four defence-linked airports—Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar and Jaisalmer. Photos and videos were also banned during these phases to prevent leak of sensitive information. Yet, data on these airports, possibly including fighter stations, air defence systems and drone systems, is already in the public domain and updated the Department of Science And Technology's Survey of India, defence mapping is separate from civilian use. Strategic locations require defence ministry clearance. However, no guidelines addressed third-party providers like Google. The 2016 Pathankot attack revived the 'Geospatial Information Regulation Bill 2016,' but it wasn't passed. In 2021, a list of 51 categories prohibited naming or geo-tagging of locations like air force bases, naval bases, army bases, nuclear plants and LOC zones that could be zoomed in beyond 25 metres. Yet the same year, Google Maps allowed 20-metre Google's policy states sensitive sites won't be public. This applies in Russia, US, China, Japan and France, but seemingly not in TODAY sent queries to the Ministry of Defence and Google—no response has been received Survey of India officially stated to INDIA TODAY that controlling open platform satellite imagery was impractical and that blurring areas could draw attention to sensitive sites. Sharing coordinates with foreign providers for masking was a security risk source intelligence (OSINT) expert Sunny Nehra, who works with the DRDO and other agencies, notes: 'Google Earth remains a primary tool for countless OSINT researchers, later supplemented by paid services like Sentinel. For strategic research against India, neighbours start with Google Earth. Why is India only making requests to Google after so long? Why not take action?'Highlighting threats from free satellite imagery, Nehra adds: 'How will someone know precise coordinates for India's largest ammunition depot? Answer: Google Earth. Search Pulgaon CAD (central ammunition depot) and sensitive ammo depots appear. Such risks require immediate action.'Subscribe to India Today Magazine- Ends
India.com
2 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
India Hit Pakistan's Nuclear Nerve Kirana Hills In Covert Warning During Operation Sindoor – Here's The Evidence
New Delhi: In May 2025, as skies crackled with fire between India and Pakistan, a peculiar hush followed one specific strike. A place that is always whispered about but rarely named aloud – Kirana Hills. Known in military circles as a suspected hideaway for Pakistan's nuclear warheads, this location now finds itself under a cloud of satellite speculation. An intriguing claim has surfaced, not from any anonymous source, but from a respected name in the world of open-source intelligence. Damien Symon, a geo-intelligence researcher who has spent years decoding satellite imagery and monitoring warzones from the sky, posted something that raised eyebrows. A few high-definition frames from updated Google Earth imagery. A note that something may have scorched the Kirana Hills. Not deep. Not destructive. But deliberate. Symon, who operates under the social media handle @detresfa, did not suggest a blast that ripped through mountain tunnels or crumbled bunkers. Instead, he spoke of a single blemish, an impact scar. One that does not disturb the fortified caves beneath but leaves a mark nonetheless. A message in smoke. A tap on the shoulder. As images from June 2025 surfaced, Symon pointed out two changes in Pakistan's Sargodha region. First, damage near the Kirana Hills. Second, runways at the nearby Sargodha airbase that had been patched up after Indian strikes. His interpretation? India may have chosen a strategic 'warning strike' on the Kirana Hills. A symbolic nudge. One that did not penetrate, but pointed straight at something precious. Imagery update from Google Earth of the Sargodha region, Pakistan, captured in June 2025, shows - 1 - the impact location of India's strike on Kirana Hills in May 2025 2 - repaired runways at Sargodha airbase post India's strikes in May 2025 — Damien Symon (@detresfa_) July 18, 2025 The Indian government, meanwhile, maintains a denial. During a press briefing on May 12, Air Marshal A.K. Bharti made it clear, 'We have not hit Kirana Hills. Whatever is there, I did not brief that yesterday.' The message was firm. The military line has not budged. Around the same time, smoke columns caught the attention of digital sleuths. Videos posted online showed plumes rising near rugged hills. Analysts began digging. It hovered uncomfortably close to Kirana. Social media lit up. Threads speculated. Images floated. People claimed Kirana Hills were hit. Some saw it as proof of India calling Pakistan's nuclear bluff. Others saw clever psychological warfare, impact without incursion. Symon replied to a user's question about whether the imagery implied a deep strike. He was unequivocal, 'No. This along with earlier imagery indicates no underground penetration. Just one side of a hill. No critical assets nearby. Must have been a warning. The tunnels are farther away. No damage there.' To understand why this one strike matters, it is necessary to go back to how things unfolded in May. India launched precision strikes on May 7 in retaliation for a terror attack on April 22 in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, where 26 innocent civilians lost their lives. The Indian response was swift and calculated. Eleven Pakistani military locations were hit. Among them were Nur Khan near Rawalpindi, Rafiqui, Murid, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Chunian, Pasrur and Sialkot. The strike on Nur Khan airbase, near Pakistan's military nerve centre, drew global attention. Located alarmingly close to the Strategic Plans Division, which manages Pakistan's nuclear arsenal, the Nur Khan attack was seen as a game-changer. The New York Times quoted a former U.S. official who suggested that the strike could have rattled Pakistan's nuclear security nerves. The possibility of India demonstrating a decapitation capability was not ruled out. Satellite imagery later suggested that even the Mushaf airbase in Sargodha was hit with loitering munitions. This airbase is associated with underground bunkers said to store nuclear warheads – yes, the same facility closely tied to the Kirana Hills. The Indian military leadership has not confirmed this strike beyond general statements. But Symon's recent findings, if verified, add to the belief that India intended to send a direct signal – don't cross the line; we can reach wherever we want to. This is where Symon's credibility matters. Known for exposing doctored images and false claims, especially during periods of high tension, he is not easily dismissed. He flagged fake visuals spread by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR – the media and public relations wing of Pakistan's armed forces), confirmed hits on military targets and used tools like LANDSAT, KawaSpace and MazarVision to ground his assessments in visual proof. More than a show of firepower, Operation Sindoor was a mind game. A move-and-countermove battle played out in the skies and on screens, maps and strategic nerve centres. While India insists that Kirana Hills were left untouched, Symon's evidence continues to echo across defence circles. If the hit did happen, even if just a scrape, it was not meant for destruction, but for precision, posture and psychological dominance. Sometimes the loudest statements are made in silence. And sometimes, the deepest impacts leave no crater.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
The underrated blue-flag Irish beach near seaside town with golden sands, incredible views, rock pools and windsurfing
TAKE a look at the underrated Irish beach near a seaside town with stretches of golden sand, incredible views, rock pools and windsurfing. The stunning spot, Clogherhead Beach in 4 Clogherhead is a vibrant seaside town that's home to a stunning beach Credit: Alamy 4 It features soft golden sands that stretches for miles Credit: Google Earth 4 It's also a hugely popular hiking spot Credit: Alamy Located right outside the fishing village of Clogherhead in Co Louth, this spectacular stretch of coastline is known as one of the most scenic beaches on Ireland's east coast. The underrated spot stretches across a wide bay along the Irish Sea and offers a peaceful retreat for those coming from Dublin or Drogheda town. Known for its soft golden sands and crystal-clear waters, the And it even received the acclaimed Blue Flag award back in 2020. READ MORE IN TRAVEL Visitors to Clogherhead Beach are greeted by breathtaking views of rugged headlands, stunning rock pools and grassy dunes that add to its natural beauty. Nestled between the rocky Clogherhead cliffs and the Irish sea, the beach's sheltered location creates a calm and inviting atmosphere that's ideal for The beach is located just an hour's drive from Dublin and offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Clogherhead has also become a hot-spot for Most read in Beach The surrounding headland is perfect for exploring. It boasts walking trails leading up to the historic Clogherhead cliffs that offer sweeping panoramic views of the coastline. 'We should've known better', says stranded beachgoers as hundreds of Irish flock to overcrowded beach as temps hit 30.8C Visitors can enjoy scenic cliff walks, take part in various water activities or simply relax on the beach. This fantastic spot is also ideal for swimmers thanks to its clear, shallow waters and lifeguards who patrol the area during the summer season. Clogherhead Beach is rich in biodiversity and is home to a wide variety of What's more, seals can often be spotted in the waters and nearby rocks during the summer. The area is well-equipped with facilities for visitors, including public toilets, parking areas, and lots of nearby food spots for a post-swim treat. FAB SEASIDE TOWN The town of Clogherhead is also a popular summer spot for tourists - especially those looking for a fantastic staycation. This charming fishing town offers a friendly atmosphere, a harbour and some of the best There are often local events held here, including live music nights and seafood festivals that take place throughout the summer. Tourists from across Ireland and beyond have shared their experiences of this hidden gem on One visitor wrote: 'Clogherhead beach boasts stunning views, miles of sand, and a water adventure centre." Another added: 'Turn left and walk around the headland and end up at clogherhead pier, where yet another coffee shop and the best fish and chip vans in the county is situated." Don't miss out on your chance to visit Clogherhead Beach this summer. 4 Clogherhead town is another must-visit when stopping by the beach Credit: Google Earth
India Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
India hit Pak N-warheads depot Kirana Hills during Op Sindoor, claims OSINT expert
There is satellite imagery to suggest that India hit Pakistan's Kirana Hills, one of the storehouses of the country's nuclear warheads, according to renowned OSINT expert Damien Symon. However, replying to a query, Symon suggested that the image indicates it was a warning strike without any subterranean impact or the mini-war between India and Pakistan in May, India's retaliatory strikes, including those at Nur Khan airbase in Chaklala, made Islamabad call for a Indian military rejected that it had targeted Kirana Hills in Sargoda district of Pakistan's Punjab province. It is believed that reinforced caves within the mountains are one of the sites of where the Pakistani military stores its nuclear warhead."We have not hit Kirana Hills, whatever is there. I did not brief in my briefing yesterday," said Air Marshal AK Bharti on May 12 responding to a question from a journalist during a tri-services Symon shared Google Earth an image of Sargodha region of Pakistan that he claimed were from updated June 2025, saying that it showed the "impact location of India's strike on Kirana Hills in May 2025". Symon is a geo-intelligence researcher and Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) expert known for his work at The Intel is widely recognised for analysing satellite imagery and publicly available data to verify or debunk claims related to conflict zones, particularly in the India-Pakistan region."Imagery update from Google Earth of the Sargodha region, Pakistan, captured in June 2025, shows -1 - the impact location of India's strike on Kirana Hills in May 2025. 2 - repaired runways at Sargodha airbase post India's strikes in May 2025," Symon posted on X on July 18.A user asked Symon if the scar indicated it was a deep strike."No, this along with earlier imagery, neither indicate any subterranean impact or penetration, it's just one side of a hill with nothing of value in its immediate vicinity, must've been a warning strike on India's part, tunnels etc are further away & don't show any damage," replied media was abuzz with chatter on how Kirana Hills might have been hit in Operation Sindoor. Handles have shared images, videos and maps claiming a blast at the Kirana Hills in showed dense plumes of smoke rising from the base of the rugged Kirana Hills. But high-resolution satellite imagery was by India Today's OSINT team placed the smoke near the hills, based on the footage posted on the day of the IS OSINT EXPERT DAMIEN SYMON?Operating under the handle @detresfa on X, Symon has garnered attention for exposing disinformation, such as manipulated images and false claims by Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) during India's Operation Sindoor in May work includes confirming damage to Pakistani military installations, like the Sargodha airbase, and debunking fabricated narratives, such as doctored images of Indian uses tools like LANDSAT, KawaSpace, and MazarVision imagery to provide verifiable evidence, contributing to discussions on digital disinformation and military KIRANA HILLS HIT UNDER OPERATION SINDOOR?While the Mushaf airbase in Sargodha was confirmed as one of India's missile targets, Air Marshal Bharti denied reports of any strike on the facility at Kirana two sites are barely seven kilometres carried out strikes on terror camps inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) on May 7 after Pakistani terrorists on April 22 killed 26 people in Kashmir's Pakistan targeted Indian military and civilian sites, India struck 11 military sites deep inside Pakistan, using precision targets included critical airbases in Rafiqui, Murid, Nur Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Chunian, Pasrur, and Sialkot, according to India's Ministry of attack on Nur Khan military base near Rawalpindi, the headquarters of Pakistan's military establishment, is the most strike on Nur Khan airbase in Chaklala, near Rawalpindi, was significant as it lies in close proximity to the headquarters of the Strategic Plans Division, the body overseeing Pakistan's nuclear New York Times quoted a former US official familiar with Pakistan's nuclear programme, noting, "Pakistan's deepest fear is of its nuclear command authority being decapitated. The missile strike on Nur Khan could have been interpreted... as a warning that India could do just that."Satellite imagery also indicated a strike on the runway of Mushaf airbase in Sargodha with loitering munitions. This base is reportedly linked to underground nuclear storage sites beneath the Kirana strikes at Nur Khan and Sargodha were meant to indicate India's capability to neutralise Pakistan's nuclear arsenal in case of further escalation in the called Pakistan's nuclear bluff with its attack during Op target sites and videos on social media gave a boost to the buzz that Kirana Hills had been hit in an indicative attack, revealing India's strike capability. Though Indian military denied there was any attack, OSINT expert Damien Symon has now claimed that Google Earth images, updated in June, indicate Kirana Hills in Sargodha region were hit in a "warnig strike".- EndsMust Watch
India.com
4 days ago
- Science
- India.com
Was Kirana Hills targeted? Satellite Imagery Sparks Fresh Speculation After Operation Sindoor
Fresh satellite images analysed by a leading geo-intelligence expert have reignited speculation over whether Kirana Hills, a highly sensitive facility linked to Pakistan's nuclear programme, was targeted during India's Operation Sindoor in May 2025. Imagery update from Google Earth of the Sargodha region, Pakistan, captured in June 2025, shows - 1 - the impact location of India's strike on Kirana Hills in May 2025 2 - repaired runways at Sargodha airbase post India's strikes in May 2025 July 18, 2025
