Taken strict measures to curb cybercrime in Karnataka: Home Minister
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Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Saturday said the state government had taken strict measures to curb cybercrime, including the establishment of specialised units and expanding cyber police infrastructure across the state.
He was speaking after inaugurating the third annual cybercrime investigation summit "CIDECODE", organised by the Criminal Investigation Department and the Cyber Crime Investigation Training and Research Centre in Bengaluru, a statement issued by his office said.
"Karnataka is not just a state; it is a global brand. When the world looks at Bengaluru, it sees the future of innovation. We have a robust and highly secure digital ecosystem," Parameshwara said.
The minister said the government had set up specialised cybercrime units equipped with advanced skills, training and technology to investigate cyberattacks and gather digital evidence.
He noted that 43 Cyber, Economic and Narcotics (CEN) police stations have been established across districts and major cities in the state.
"Our government is committed to ensuring cybersecurity for our citizens," he said.
Parameshwara added that the state has created a supportive ecosystem for cybersecurity innovation by working with companies specialising in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity compliance and risk management.
He said cooperation with the private sector and international organisations was important to tackle emerging cyber threats, including dark web activities, cryptocurrency tracking, financial fraud and strengthening digital forensic laboratories.
The minister said the establishment of the Cyber Crime Investigation Training and Research Centre (CCITR) has helped in strengthening cybercrime investigations and in building research capacity.
According to him, the centre has trained over 62,000 personnel, including police officers and members of various state and central agencies.
"Cybercrime is not limited to any geographical region. It is borderless, technology-driven and constantly evolving," Parameshwara said.
State Director General and Inspector General of Police M A Saleem, Cyber Command DGP Pranav Mohanty, Infosys Foundation trustee Sunil Kumar Dhareshwar and Data Security Council of India CEO Vinayak Godse were among those present on the occasion.
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Trekking without nature guide won't be allowed; Karnataka forest minister releases SOP
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre on Friday said that trekking will no longer be permitted on any approved trekking routes under the forest department, without a certified nature guide equipped with GPS-enabled walkie-talkies.
Speaking after releasing the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) formulated for the safety of trekkers, he said that there will be one local nature guide for every 10 trekkers. A maximum of 150 trekkers will be allowed per batch on any trekking route.
According to him, online registration for trekking is mandatory. Even if a single individual registers for a particular day, a guide will still be provided, and trekking without a guide will not be allowed.
He said the SOP was introduced following recent incidents, including a woman from Kerala who went missing for three days in the forests during a trek at Tadiandamol hill in Kodagu, and a minor girl who went missing and was later found dead near Manikyadhara in Chikkamagaluru, which is outside forest jurisdiction.
In a statement, the Khandre's office said that nature guides will be mandatorily equipped with GPS-enabled walkie-talkies on all trekking routes. "Additionally, a mobile app containing trekking route maps will be installed on trekkers' phones. This will help locate trekkers if they lose their way", it said.
As per the SOP, before the trek begins, trekkers will be briefed about the distance, duration, and local conditions.
"Instructions on how to respond if wildlife is encountered will also be provided. Loud devices, sharp metal objects, weapons, and campfires are strictly prohibited on trekking routes," it said.
The SOP further stated that separate toilets for men and women and drinking water facilities will be provided at base camps.
Directional arrow markings will guide trekkers along the route, and rest points will be created along the way, it said.
Citing the SOP, the statement said that nature guides must ensure that no trekker moves ahead of them or is left behind. Headcounts must be conducted at base camps and rest points.
"Guides must communicate with the base camp via walkie-talkie every 30 minutes. If there is no communication within an hour of the trek starting, base camp staff will contact the guide to confirm safety," it said.
The SOP states that minors must carry a consent letter from their parents or guardians, and senior citizens must provide a fitness certificate confirming their physical capability to undertake trekking. To be able to respond to unexpected health issues, trekkers and guides must carry a first aid kit.
However, flash photography, single-use plastics, and carry bags are prohibited and trekkers must bring back their waste and dispose of it only at base camps, as per SOP.
It further said that all trekking routes under the forest department will be integrated into the official website (https://aranyavihaara.karnataka.gov.in/) to enable advance booking of tickets.
