Puducherry has become the focal point of extensive rescue operations as severe flooding continues to affect the region, driven by the heavy rains from Cyclone Fengal. On Sunday, the Indian Army mobilized multiple rescue teams to assist in the flood-hit areas, including Krishna Nagar, Kuber Nagar, and Jiva Nagar, where floodwaters have risen dramatically.

The Army operations have resulted in the successful evacuation of hundreds of residents from these dangerous areas, with reports indicating that over 200 lives were saved in Krishna Nagar and Kuber Nagar alone. Ongoing efforts in Jiva Nagar involve 30 soldiers working tirelessly to reach those who remain stranded. Authorities are currently extending evacuation operations to other vulnerable localities.

Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy reported that the region received a staggering 50 centimetres of rainfall overnight. This unprecedented deluge has caused significant flooding, leading the Chief Minister to conduct inspections of the inundated areas while rescue teams operate around the clock to assist trapped residents. “Puducherry has received 50 cm of rainfall, resulting in severe flooding. I am currently inspecting the flood-affected areas. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to evacuate those stranded in the floodwaters,” Rangasamy explained.

The impact of Cyclone Fengal has been substantial, with the Union Territory recording a total of 48.4 centimetres of rain within a 24-hour period up until 8:30 am on December 1. This figure represents the highest level of 24-hour cumulative rainfall observed in the past three decades, a record stretching from 1995 to 2024.

In response to the escalating crisis, troops from the Chennai Garrison Battalion, operating under the Dakshin Bharat Area of the Indian Army, were swiftly mobilized early Sunday morning. Following a request from the Puducherry District Collector around 1 am, a dedicated Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) unit consisting of one officer, six junior commissioned officers, and 62 other personnel was dispatched. This team traveled through the night, departing Chennai at 2 am and arriving in Puducherry by 5:30 am after covering approximately 160 kilometres.

Led by Major Ajay Sangwan, the response team received briefings about the dire situation awaiting them in Krishna Nagar, where rising water levels had stranded residents in nearly 500 homes. The rescue operations commenced at 6:15 am, with over 100 individuals evacuated in the first two hours.

In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister MK Stalin also took action in response to the crisis. He visited the state emergency operation centre to review ongoing relief efforts and emphasized the need for federal assistance by requesting that a central team be dispatched to assess the situation and any resultant crop damage caused by Cyclone Fengal. During his visit to various locations within the Kolathur assembly constituency, Stalin noted that nearly 27,000 people had received food packages from Amma canteens since Saturday, and reported that the majority of the water in Chennai’s subways had been cleared, with 21 out of 23 subways returning to functionality.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has monitored Cyclone Fengal closely, reporting that it has remained nearly stationary for the past six hours, positioned approximately 30 kilometres north of Cuddalore and 40 kilometres east of Villupuram. As of 5:30 am, the cyclone was also located approximately 120 kilometres south-southwest of Chennai, indicating ongoing risks for the region as authorities continue their response efforts.

Puducherry has been hit hard by an unprecedented deluge, receiving a staggering 48.4 centimeters of rainfall within a 24-hour period ending at 8:30 AM on Sunday, December 1. This rainfall figure marks the highest 24-hour cumulative total in the last three decades, as confirmed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The relentless and heavy downpour, attributed to the impact of Cyclone Fengal, has led to severe flooding throughout the union territory. In response to the escalating crisis, the Indian Army has been mobilized to assist in rescue operations. Troops from the Garrison Battalion in Chennai, which houses the Dakshin Bharat Area Headquarters, have successfully rescued over a hundred civilians stranded in various locations across Puducherry.

According to an official statement from the Army, the Area Headquarters received a call for assistance from the district collector and immediately dispatched a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) team. Comprising one officer, six junior commissioned officers, and 62 men, this unit was led by Major Ajay Sangwan. They primarily focused their efforts in the Krishnanagar region, where reports indicated that water levels had surged to around 5 feet in certain areas. The rescue teams began their operations shortly after arriving in Puducherry at 5:30 AM on December 1, initiating their first mission at 6:15 AM. Rescue work remains ongoing, according to updates from the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI).

Local residents have reported dire conditions, with water infiltrating many homes across the city. In some neighborhoods, the water level has risen to hip height, leaving residents trapped without access to pumps or essential supplies. Eyewitness accounts indicate heavily flooded streets, uprooted trees, abandoned shops, and numerous individuals being evacuated by boat from submerged homes.

As the situation continues to unfold, uncertainty lingers regarding the cyclone’s landfall timing. The IMD has indicated that Cyclone Fengal made landfall near Puducherry on November 30 at around 10:30 PM. However, prominent private weather analysts like Pradeep John and Chennai Rains suggest that the storm actually crossed the coast later, between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM on December 1. The Regional Meteorological Department has reported that the cyclone’s eye is currently situated close to Villupuram, resulting in continued heavy rain in the area. Presently, the storm is located approximately 40 kilometers east of Villupuram, prompting ongoing concern and monitoring of weather patterns in the region.

On October 17, the Indian Air Force (IAF) formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Uber, aiming to enhance transportation options for IAF personnel, veterans, and their families. This agreement is designed to facilitate reliable, convenient, and safe transportation for official travel and daily commutes. The initiative mirrors a similar agreement made by the Indian Navy with Uber in September 2023.

Under this MoU, service members and their families will need to share personal information, including names, email addresses, and mobile numbers, to utilize Uber’s services. However, this development has raised red flags among cybersecurity experts, who express serious concerns about the implications of sharing sensitive data related to military movements with a private, foreign-owned company. Such data, they argue, could expose travel patterns, assignments, real-time locations, and even the daily routines of military personnel and their families, potentially compromising national security and operational integrity.

While the Indian Air Force has defended the MoU, sources cited by The Sunday Guardian claim that these agreements with foreign entities are executed with extreme caution, utilizing Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)-256-bit encryption to protect the data. Proponents argue that since personal data from military personnel is already shared with various other companies, the risk associated with Uber is not significantly greater.

In assessing the implications of this agreement, two major questions emerge: the connection between data privacy and national security, and the reliability of how private companies manage personal data. On one hand, personal data holds substantial national security relevance. Data generated from individuals’ online activities, smartphones, and digital interactions can build detailed profiles that reveal much about a person’s identity, beliefs, and behaviors. Hostile entities can exploit this information to conduct psychological operations against military personnel, creating stress and fear within ranks, thereby undermining morale and operational readiness.

The misuse of personal data for disinformation campaigns is not a new phenomenon. Historical examples include Russia’s Internet Research Agency’s tactics during the 2016 U.S. elections, where targeted social media ads contributed to societal divisions. Similar strategies have emerged globally, influencing significant events such as Brexit, the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar, misinformation about vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic, and protests in Hong Kong. Experts have indicated that misinformation remains a major risk for India, highlighting the importance of protecting personal data.

The second question focuses on the handling of personal data by private companies. Data breaches have become alarmingly common, with Uber experiencing multiple significant breaches over the years. While encryption technologies like AES are critical for safeguarding data, they do not eliminate all risks. Reports indicate that a vast majority of data breaches involve human factors, including social engineering attacks that manipulate individuals into divulging sensitive information or unwittingly breaching security protocols.

Another crucial aspect involves the geographical location of data storage and the access rights of different entities. India has recently instituted the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, which may eventually restrict the transfer of personal data to foreign jurisdictions. Nevertheless, the rules surrounding this Act have yet to be fully implemented, leaving the possibility for personal data to be transferred abroad. Foreign companies operating under their national laws may be compelled to share data with their governments. For example, China’s National Intelligence Law implies mandatory compliance for companies to aid state intelligence operations, while U.S. laws may allow enforcement agencies to access data from U.S.-based companies regardless of where the data is stored.

Moreover, the commercial practices of technology firms often involve selling personal data to third parties, thereby complicating data security concerns. Intelligence agencies in the U.S. have acknowledged purchasing personal information from brokers to facilitate surveillance, raising further alarms over privacy.

In light of these considerations, the military must treat personal data management with heightened seriousness, distinguishing its imperative to safeguard national security from the profit-driven motives of private enterprises. The responsibilities of protecting sensitive information and ensuring operational integrity should remain a top priority for the military, particularly in a landscape where digital threats are increasingly prevalent. The MoU with Uber could potentially undermine these critical security standards, warranting careful scrutiny and consideration.

On December 4, Odisha will host its inaugural Navy Day celebration, a significant event that promises to showcase the valour and capabilities of the Indian Navy. The Pilgrim Town of Puri is gearing up for this grand occasion, with preparations now in the final stages. As part of the lead-up to the event, a two-day full dress rehearsal has commenced, aiming to ensure everything is in place for an impressive display expected to draw thousands of spectators.

This year’s Navy Day celebrations will feature a remarkable display, including the participation of 15 warships and 40 aircraft executing combat exhibitions, marking a first for the state. The event has garnered high-profile attention, with President Droupadi Murmu set to attend. Naval personnel are prepared to showcase their prowess through daring combat demonstrations, notably including stealth operations by MARCOS commandos. This exhibition highlights the Indian Navy’s readiness and commitment to safeguarding the nation.

Commodore B. Deepak Aneel, commanding officer of INS Chilka, provided insights into the extensive preparations for the Navy Day celebrations, noting that plans had been in the works for several months. “This is the first time it has been decided to demonstrate operations in Odisha. Ships, submarines, aircraft, and various marine commandos will be participating in the event. You will have a spectacular show,” he stated.

To facilitate a smooth experience for attendees, the Puri district administration has implemented necessary infrastructure developments. Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain mentioned that adequate police forces have been deployed to maintain safety and prevent untoward incidents. Additional provisions such as LED walls, sanitation facilities, and medical units will also be available to cater to the needs of the public during the event.

According to an official release from the Indian Navy, the Operational Demonstration off the coast of Puri will not only showcase the strength and versatility of its naval fleet but also serve as a tribute to India’s rich maritime heritage. This event presents a unique opportunity for the general public to witness firsthand the operational capabilities of India’s maritime forces, a realm that is often hidden from public view.

Navy Day is celebrated annually on December 4 to commemorate India’s significant naval victory during the 1971 war with Pakistan, adding historical resonance to the upcoming events in Puri. The preparations reflect the Indian Navy’s commitment to engaging with the community and fostering greater public awareness of its critical role in national security.

A court in Mumbai has granted bail to Lieutenant Commander Vipin Dagar, an officer of the Indian Navy, who was arrested in connection with a visa fraud case. The decision, made by Additional Sessions Judge V M Pathade on November 25, noted that Dagar has been in detention since June 2023 and that the trial has yet to begin.

The allegations against Dagar include possessing 14 Indian passports under different names, a stamp machine, and 108 rubber stamps associated with various establishments. Prosecutors claim that he utilized a rubber sheet to forge documents necessary for obtaining passports and visas for his co-accused. Furthermore, it was alleged that Dagar entered the Korean Embassy wearing his naval uniform, where he purportedly attempted to exert pressure on an embassy officer and behaved inappropriately—actions deemed unbecoming of a public servant.

The prosecution contended that the evidence gathered by the investigating agency indicated Dagar’s active participation in the alleged criminal activities. Despite these claims, Dagar’s attorney, Sunil Pandey, argued for his client’s innocence, asserting that Dagar had been wrongfully implicated and was a victim of circumstances. He pointed out that the grounds for arrest were not provided by the police at the time Dagar was taken into custody.

Dagar’s defense also referenced several landmark Supreme Court judgments to strengthen their case for bail, emphasizing that there was no prima facie evidence linking Dagar to any financial benefit from the alleged crime.

In its ruling, the court acknowledged that while a chargesheet had been submitted against Dagar and the co-accused, the prolonged detention—over four months without the trial commencing—was a significant factor in its decision. The court emphasized that, in light of Supreme Court precedents, Dagar was entitled to bail, subject to appropriate conditions.

Overall, this case continues to attract attention as the investigation unfolds and the judicial process progresses.