Latest news with #quadcopter
India.com
4 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
After causing destruction in Pakistan, TTP is now spreading its network in this Muslim country, not Afghanistan, tension for India due to…
Representational Image Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has been spreading terror in Pakistan for a long time. Its name has been linked to several terrorist incidents. Now, after Pakistan, this terrorist organization is increasing its presence in Bangladesh and also creating new concerns for India. TTP's New Plan In Bangladesh Recently, TTP has been actively recruiting new fighters in Bangladesh to spread terror. As Bangladesh shares borders with India, these activities of TTP can lead to future terrorist incidents that may also impact India. Therefore, TTP may become a threat to India's national security. According to an India Today report, at least two TTP recruiters were recently found to be traveling from Bangladesh to Afghanistan via Pakistan. In April, the Pakistan Army conducted an encounter with them. Last month, Malaysia arrested 36 Bangladeshi nationals accused of being in contact with terrorists. Why Is Bangladesh TTP's Next Destination? TTP primarily operates from the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, planning attacks within Pakistan from there. Now, it is reportedly attempting to expand its reach into Bangladesh as well. During the political unrest in Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina's exit from power in August last year, extremism rose. In July, Bangladesh's Anti-Terrorism Unit arrested two individuals, Shamim Mahfuz and Mohammad Fojol, accused of having links with TTP. According to The Daily Star , Bangladeshi officials are running surveillance-based operations to monitor and counter such threats. Bangladeshi police are reportedly using the 2017-established 'Strategy for Countering Violent Extremism' to address these challenges. The arrests came after a report published by Bangladeshi digital outlet The District in May, which revealed that at least eight Bangladeshi nationals are currently active members of TTP in Afghanistan. TTP Commander Killed In Pakistan Last week, A militant commander of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) died when a bomb he was handling exploded while attempting to launch a quadcopter in Pakistan's northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to sources. The militant commander, Yasin alias Abdullah, was killed when a bomb accidentally fell while he was attempting to operate a quadcopter in Tirah Valley, Khyber district bordering of his associates were also injured in the incident, credible independent sources said. Yasin and his group had formally joined the banned TTP on May 24, they said. (With Inputs From PTI)
Arab News
09-07-2025
- Arab News
Police say militants behind quadcopter attacks in northwest Pakistan that killed one, injured three
PESHAWAR: One woman was killed while three others were injured in two quadcopter attacks in northwestern Pakistan this week, a police official said on Wednesday, blaming militants for carrying out the assault. The first attack took place on Tuesday night in the northwestern tribal Bannu district's Srah Bangla area, District Police Officer (DPO) Saleem Abbas Kulachi said. The quadcopter strike killed a woman and left three injured, including two children, he added. The second attack targeted the Miryan Police Station in the same district at 6:45 am on Wednesday, he said. The police officer added that an explosive-laden quadcopter deployed by the 'Khawarij' had struck the facility. Khawarij is a commonly used term by Pakistani authorities to describe extremist factions like the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). 'These attacks are being carried out by militants who have acquired and deployed quadcopters in carrying out attacks,' Amir Khan, a media officer for the regional police officer in Bannu, told Arab News. He did not provide further details. Kulachi, however, said an investigation is underway to identify those responsible for the Miryan Police Station attack. The TTP, which has carried out some of the deadliest attacks against Pakistan's armed forces and civilians since 2007, has not claimed responsibility for the attack so far. On May 19, a suspected drone strike reportedly led to the deaths of four children in Hurmuz village of the northwestern Mir Ali tehsil and injuries to five others, including a woman. Pakistan's military denied responsibility for the attack days later, attributing the incident to a proscribed militant network which it said was operating on 'the behest of their Indian masters.' 'Initial findings have established that this heinous act has been orchestrated and executed by Indian-sponsored Fitna Al Khawarij,' the military's media wing said in a statement. Later in May, police said at least 22 people were wounded in another suspected quadcopter attack near a volleyball ground in Pakistan's South Waziristan district. The police spokesperson had said the origins and operators of the drone remained 'undetermined. Islamabad has repeatedly blamed Afghanistan-based militant groups for launching attacks inside Pakistan, a claim that Kabul denies. Pakistan also blames India for backing militant groups in its Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. India denies the allegations.
CNA
06-07-2025
- CNA
Commentary: Don't let paranoia over drones clip the wings of progress
SINGAPORE: I remember my first drone crash vividly. Before that flight, I was meticulous about preparation. I had clocked several hours of simulator flights, carefully inspected my equipment including radio transmitter and batteries, and walked two laps around the Toa Payoh field I'd chosen to familiarise myself with potential obstacles and ensure it was devoid of people. Crucially, I checked government mapping tool OneMap to confirm I was not within one of Singapore's densely marked no-fly zones. Known among RC (radio control) enthusiasts as a 'tiny whoop', my miniscule drone was barely the size of my palm and is meant for newcomers to the hobby to practise their skills. Despite this and the extensive precautions I took, my drone clipped a tree branch mid-flight, spiralled dramatically and crashed onto the field. Thankfully, no one was around to be injured – though my drone's expensive camera system was destroyed, leaving behind only the memory captured in high-definition footage. Across Singapore, drones have surged in popularity, especially remote-controlled quadcopters, now frequently seen buzzing above permitted fields like those at Pandan Reservoir and Dover Road. Last year, more than 2,300 drone users registered their unmanned aircraft (UA) with the authorities. Unsurprisingly, there have been notable mishaps over recent years: drones causing disruptions at Changi Airport, landing on MRT tracks, and even being struck by moving trains. In the last year, incidents at a condominium in one-north and Methodist Girls' School (MGS) have elevated public concerns significantly. The MGS incident gained particular attention, with court documents describing how windy conditions led a remotely controlled plane to crash dangerously close to people, leaving craters upon impact. The pilot was fined S$7,000 under the Air Navigation Act. PUBLIC SAFETY VS TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION On one side, proponents argue that drones are too risky in Singapore's crowded skies and suggest banning their usage near schools, parks and residential areas to prevent accidents. On the other, drone enthusiasts and innovators highlight the significant benefits drones offer, arguing that excessive restrictions could stifle valuable technological advancements. Outside of just recreational flight, drones have transformed sectors such as agriculture, logistics and surveillance. They offer immense potential benefits – for instance, they enable delivery of critical supplies to remote areas and support vital disaster relief operations. Here, the work has already started on developing guidelines for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft – air taxis, for example, as well as greater applications for unmanned drones that can transform the way we work, live and commute. Another distinct possibility: aerial food deliveries via unmanned drones, as what I witnessed on a recent trip to Shenzhen, China. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) in April called for feedback on such industry guidelines to be submitted to the International Civil Aviation Organization in September. PENALISING THE RESPONSIBLE Drone tech is still relatively nascent. Crashes are inevitable – whether due to novice errors, unforeseen mishaps or, occasionally, negligence. Even drones as small as my 'tiny whoop' are powerful and agile machines that require careful management and accountability. However, how can Singapore deter reckless operators without inadvertently punishing responsible pilots? This dilemma is notably playing out in the United States with the implementation of Remote ID, a transponder or module installed on drones above 250g, so that people on the ground – the authorities, in particular – know whose drone is in the air and where its operator is located. This accountability measure has seen some pushback from drone advocates in the US who say that Remote ID unfairly increases scrutiny on compliant users who want to stay on the right side of the law, which they would have to do at a significant personal cost. (Types vary, but the modules can run up to US$300, and some users may need to further modify their drones to add GPS capability.) Non-compliant users can simply disregard Remote ID and keep flying their drones without any modules, and there would be limited ways for the authorities to find out. Some also cite privacy concerns, claiming that members of the public will be able to find out who is flying, track down the location of the drone pilot and harass them – simply by using a smartphone app. The resulting acrimony between drone users and regulators has even prompted some in the community to urge fellow pilots to falsely broadcast RemoteID signals via decoy modules to confuse enforcers and the public. THE FUTURE: INNOVATION WITH RESPONSIBILITY Clearly, what's needed are regulations that specifically target irresponsible users without unfairly penalising those who follow safety guidelines meticulously. Singapore already maintains strict zonal restrictions around sensitive areas, including airports and military facilities. Based on mapping data on OneMap, I estimate that these restricted areas cover about two-thirds of Singapore's over-land airspace. Some advocate expanding these restrictions to areas near schools and densely populated neighbourhoods. However, overly restrictive measures may unintentionally inhibit beneficial drone innovations without significantly improving safety. The CAAS-approved designated drone area in Dover Road, for example, is a stone's throw away from Singapore Polytechnic, UWC South East Asia Dover and a preparatory school. Should flight restrictions be expanded to areas home to educational institutions, the drone community may just lose one of two dedicated flying areas with amenities catered to pilots. Instead, Singapore is wisely pursuing a more nuanced approach. From Dec 1, 2025, the CAAS will introduce ' digital licence plates ' for UA in the form of Broadcast Remote Identification (B-RID) as part of a broader air traffic management system. Like the Remote ID, B-RID transmits similar data about the pilot's identification details and location, among others. However, unlike the Remote ID, the full details released by CAAS on Jun 9, 2025, seem to position B-RID as a more effective measure for enhancing accountability without unduly restricting drone use. Drones sold in Singapore will come pre-installed with B-RID, allowing authorities to swiftly detect and penalise operators who flout regulations by flying dangerously or in unauthorised zones. This measure not only makes clear to pilots that their drone activity is being monitored, it also refrains from burdening them financially. Moreover, eligible drone pilots who register their drones early can install B-RID at no additional cost. Regardless of how likely it is that drone users in the US will indeed face hassle from other members of the public tracking down their locations, it's even less likely in Singapore, where the habit of ordinary citizens taking the law into their own hands isn't particularly widespread or entrenched. With B-RID, drone users who broadcast intentionally misleading remote identification data will also face heavy penalties and possible jail time. As a whole, B-RID practically and prudently facilitates safer skies – essential for managing future complex operations such as drone deliveries and unmanned air taxis. Of course, bad actors may circumvent these rules, and some may continue to fly their drones dangerously in restricted areas or altitude despite ample warnings. Addressing these individuals requires separate targeted enforcement strategies, distinct from broad-based regulations designed to encourage responsible flying. Ultimately, cultivating a culture of responsible drone operation through community education and proactive engagement is likely more effective than reactionary, restrictive policies. Responsible innovation strikes the optimal balance – allowing drone technology to thrive safely and sustainably, benefiting all of society.
Wall Street Journal
04-07-2025
- Wall Street Journal
The Complex Engineering Behind Firework-Firing Drones
Pyro drones are transforming firework displays by launching pyrotechnics in intricate patterns with millisecond accuracy. WSJ explores the technology behind how quadcopter fleets are changing aerial displays. Photo: Sky Elements
Wall Street Journal
19-06-2025
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
The Future of Weather Forecasting Is Hyperlocal
On a sunny spring afternoon in Virginia Beach, Va., I'm waiting on a package delivery from a big-box retailer. But today, I'm not looking for a truck or the neighborhood postal carrier; I'm watching the sky. I see a small dark dot in the distance, and as it nears the object reveals itself clearly as a quadcopter-style drone. While it hovers nearby, a small box detaches from underneath and is lowered on a thin tether until it touches the ground, with surprising gentleness. The box sports an orange-and-white logo for DroneUp, the startup that's sending these packages flying through the air. The technology behind drone delivery has advanced significantly in just a few years, but its future depends in large part on using weather intelligence to ensure safe and efficient flights. Every flight takes off at the whims of the weather, particularly the winds. Gusting air can affect a drone's stability. Strong headwinds force it to perform the aerial equivalent of swimming upstream, depleting its batteries at a faster clip.
