The Great Balloon Conundrum: China's Suspicious Balloon Spotted in US Skies
In a recent development, a high-altitude balloon suspected to be of Chinese origin was seen drifting across the US. Although China confirmed the balloon's belonging to the country, it was stated to be used for scientific research purposes. The massive structure, measuring the size of two to three school buses and equipped with surveillance equipment, has drawn concern from the US Defense Department and NASA, who are collaborating to assess the potential impact in case the balloon were to be shot down. China attributed its presence in US airspace to 'force majeure' and has communicated with the US regarding the situation. The balloon's trajectory remains uncertain, as it is at the mercy of the jet stream. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Antony Blinken's planned diplomatic trip to China has been postponed due to the balloon's presence.
Spy balloons are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that are used for surveillance and reconnaissance. They are typically equipped with sensors and cameras to gather data and images from the ground. These images can then be used to identify targets and track movement. Spy balloons usually fly at a low altitude, usually below 1000 feet.
Sometimes special equipment attached to such balloons may be powered by radar or solar energy and make them fly at 24,000 metres or 37,000 metres. This height is above commercial air traffic as airlines never fly higher than 12,000 metres. This allows the balloon to stay out of sight and gather data without being detected. The balloons are equipped with navigation systems that allow them to travel along a predetermined route. They are powered by a helium or hydrogen gas-filled balloon.
The balloon can also be equipped with radar, infrared sensors, and sonar to detect any activity on the ground. The balloon can also be outfitted with night-vision cameras and other sensors to monitor activity at night. The balloon can also be outfitted with a variety of sensors to detect objects or vehicles on the ground. The balloon can be controlled remotely, usually through a radio-controlled aircraft or a computer system. The data collected is then sent to a mission control centre where it can be analysed and used for tactical decisions.
Spy balloons are a powerful tool for surveillance and reconnaissance, and can be used to gather valuable intelligence from the ground. They are also relatively inexpensive, making them a cost-effective option for many agencies or organisations.
Girish Linganna
Defence and Aerospace Analyst
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Defamation complaint: You cannot be touchy in politics, says SC
New Delhi (PTI): You cannot be "touchy" in politics, the Supreme Court observed while hearing Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan's plea relating to a criminal defamation proceeding initiated against him.
Murugan approached the apex court last year, challenging a September 5, 2023, Madras High Court order in which it had refused to quash the proceeding against him on a complaint filed by Chennai-based Murasoli Trust for his alleged defamatory statements during a December 2020 press conference.
While agreeing to hear his petition on September 27 last year, the top court stayed the proceeding against Murugan that was pending in a special court in Chennai.
The apex court had also sought the Trust's response on his plea challenging the high court order.
When the matter came up for hearing before a bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Viswanathan on Friday, the counsel appearing for Murugan said, "Where is the question of defamation in this case?"
The lawyer appearing for the Trust sought an adjournment in the matter.
"You cannot be touchy in politics," the bench observed.
"Put up after four weeks at the request of the counsel for the respondent," the apex court said.
Murugan had earlier approached the high court, challenging the proceeding initiated against him.
The high court had noted in its order that according to the Trust, Murugan made the statements "with an ulterior motive to degrade and tarnish the reputation of the Murasoli Trust in the eyes of the general public".
"While dealing with the quash petition, this court cannot go into the merits of the case or the disputed questions of fact. This court has to merely go by what is alleged in the complaint and prima facie find out as to whether the offence is made out," the high court had said.
"In an offence of defamation, the statements have to be tested only from the point of view of a common prudent man, who comes across the defamatory statements made," it had said.
While dismissing the petition, the high court had directed the trial court to dispose of the case within three months.
"It is left open to the petitioner (Murugan) to raise all the grounds before the trial court and the same will be considered on its own merits and in accordance with law," it had said.
