The domestic abuse cases increased worldwide due to the lockdowns that were initiated in the country to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. The increase in domestic abuse cases forced the French government to think of fool-proof ways of keeping the abusers away from the victims.

In such a move, the French judges are now being given the&nbsp;option of putting electronic tracking ankle bracelets on the domestic violence abusers which would have GPS tags and will track every moment of the wearer. These trackers will alarm the authorities if the abuser gets too close to the victims and will&nbsp;trigger an alert to a private security firm which will warn the abuser to back off. If the abuser doesn't amend by the warning, the police will intervene and the abuser will be charged.

These GPS trackers have already been in use in the US and Spain, and have been tried in pilot projects in the UK and Australia. However, this is the first time such a rule has been implemented in France.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-courts-to-place-gps-trackers-on-domestic-violence-abusers-329906">Also read|&nbsp;French courts to place GPS trackers on domestic violence abusers</a>

The women's activists, however, are not completely satisfied with this measure. Some experts have pointed out the lack of security in this tag by claiming that if the abuser is short-headed and determined to attack, he/she will charge at the victim and also have the option of fleeing or hurting himself/herself before the police arrive.&nbsp;

Oren Gur, a policy advisor at Philadelphia’s District Attorney’s Office in the United States, told Reuters, that the effectiveness of this electronic bracelet depends on the usage of the data collected. The bracelet will be of advantage depending on whether the data is used primarily for gathering evidence or for launching real-time interventions.

If the main focus is building a judicial case, it can “lead to less active supervision or support”, he said. The effectiveness of the bracelet will amount to zero if the agencies collecting the data do not utilise it for real-time threats and warnings.

While many have claimed that the bracelet may not be useful in real-time, some assume that it might provide a sense of security to the victims who have to constantly worry about their wellbeing and the impending danger from their abusive partner.

“Victims generally like the sense of protection that it gives them... they report having peace of mind by virtue of being involved in these programmes,” Peter Ibarra, a criminology professor at the University of Illinois in Chicago told Reuters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-the-world-must-support-emmanuel-macron-338419">Also watc|&nbsp;Gravitas: Why the world must support Emmanuel Macron</a>

Several researchers have also proved that men who are kept under observation by these GPS-tracked bracelets tend to stay away from their victims more than the men who are not tracked. These devices can also&nbsp;help prosecutors bring perpetrators to justice. The same result was also concluded by a&nbsp;2016 study of the Spain’s University of Malaga that concluded that the electronic tags are successful in intimidating the attackers and prevent them from approaching their victims.

Research by the US National Institute of Justice (NIJ) also revealed that these systems decrease&nbsp;the threat to public safety posed by criminal offenders serving their sentences in the community, rather than behind bars. The bracelet gives the offenders a chance to truthfully serve their sentence as they are assured that their moments are being monitored, and they cannot be falsely accused — a danger the African American community over the world faces.

These electronic tags look similar to a sports watch.&nbsp;&nbsp;a sports watch, are being rolled out in five jurisdictions under a pilot scheme, with an eye to being deployed across France by early 2021 as part of a wider government crackdown on domestic violence. The bracelets will be provided to courts in five cities in the starting but will be made available to all courts across the country by the end of the year.

The French President Emmanuel Macron also announced an increased and more inclusive training of police officers and has vowed to create nearly 1,000 new places in the emergency shelters that will provide aid to the domestic violence victims.

The domestic abuse cases increased worldwide due to the lockdowns that were initiated in the country to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. The increase in domestic abuse cases forced the French government to think of fool-proof ways of keeping the abusers away from the victims.

The domestic abuse cases increased worldwide due to the lockdowns that were initiated in the country to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. The increase in domestic abuse cases forced the French government to think of fool-proof ways of keeping the abusers away from the victims. In such a move, the French judges are now being given the option of putting electronic tracking ankle bracelets on the domestic violence abusers which would have GPS tags and will track every moment of the wearer. These trackers will alarm the authorities if the abuser gets too close to the victims and will trigger an alert to a private security firm which will warn the abuser to back off. If the abuser doesn't amend by the warning, the police will intervene and the abuser will be charged. These GPS trackers have already been in use in the US and Spain, and have been tried in pilot projects in the UK and Australia. However, this is the first time such a rule has been implemented in France. Also read| French courts to place GPS trackers on domestic violence abusers The women's activists, however, are not completely satisfied with this measure. Some experts have pointed out the lack of security in this tag by claiming that if the abuser is short-headed and determined to attack, he/she will charge at the victim and also have the option of fleeing or hurting himself/herself before the police arrive. Oren Gur, a policy advisor at Philadelphia’s District Attorney’s Office in the United States, told Reuters, that the effectiveness of this electronic bracelet depends on the usage of the data collected. The bracelet will be of advantage depending on whether the data is used primarily for gathering evidence or for launching real-time interventions. If the main focus is building a judicial case, it can “lead to less active supervision or support”, he said. The effectiveness of the bracelet will amount to zero if the agencies collecting the data do not utilise it for real-time threats and warnings. While many have claimed that the bracelet may not be useful in real-time, some assume that it might provide a sense of security to the victims who have to constantly worry about their wellbeing and the impending danger from their abusive partner. “Victims generally like the sense of protection that it gives them... they report having peace of mind by virtue of being involved in these programmes,” Peter Ibarra, a criminology professor at the University of Illinois in Chicago told Reuters. Also watc| Gravitas: Why the world must support Emmanuel Macron Several researchers have also proved that men who are kept under observation by these GPS-tracked bracelets tend to stay away from their victims more than the men who are not tracked. These devices can also help prosecutors bring perpetrators to justice. The same result was also concluded by a 2016 study of the Spain’s University of Malaga that concluded that the electronic tags are successful in intimidating the attackers and prevent them from approaching their victims. Research by the US National Institute of Justice (NIJ) also revealed that these systems decrease the threat to public safety posed by criminal offenders serving their sentences in the community, rather than behind bars. The bracelet gives the offenders a chance to truthfully serve their sentence as they are assured that their moments are being monitored, and they cannot be falsely accused — a danger the African American community over the world faces. These electronic tags look similar to a sports watch. a sports watch, are being rolled out in five jurisdictions under a pilot scheme, with an eye to being deployed across France by early 2021 as part of a wider government crackdown on domestic violence. The bracelets will be provided to courts in five cities in the starting but will be made available to all courts across the country by the end of the year. The French President Emmanuel Macron also announced an increased and more inclusive training of police officers and has vowed to create nearly 1,000 new places in the emergency shelters that will provide aid to the domestic violence victims.

France to use GPS tags to track domestic violence abusers. Experts unsure about effectiveness

China today completed the deployment of its own global navigation system. The last of 35 satellites to power China’s homegrown navigation system are now in space.&nbsp;The historic launch took 30 minutes until it was confirmed as a successful mission.

However, over 100 countries are fighting COVID-19 right now, but China had other plans. China calls this group of satellites the “Beidou” navigation satellite system.

Beidou is the Mandarin name for the the big dipper constellation and caters to Chinese plans that seek to end dependence on foreign GPS systems.

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Beidou is made for all purposes, from map based navigation on smartphones for civilians, to even guiding the weapons of the People's Liberation Army.

History of Beidou

Back in 1996, China lost its missiles fired across the Taiwan strait, to prevent the country from seeking independence. However, it lost track of two missiles.&nbsp;Later, the Chinese blamed their failure on a sudden disruption of GPS.

The event may have been the guiding principle for the development of this homegrown GPS which has cost the country over 10 billion Dollars.

Before Beidou, China was dependent on the American GPS system, even for its military pursuits. The countries are currently locked in repeated diplomatic rows.

In case of a military conflict with the United States, Beidou will keep the chinese military online.

“The [launch of the final satellite] marks the completion of the global constellation deployment. As I mentioned before, it also marks the full completion of our country's three-step strategy for the navigation satellite system. In the meantime, it is also of paramount significance as one of the key indicators showing our country has taken a step further towards becoming an aerospace power”, said Yang Changfeng, Chief Designer, Beidou navigation satellite system.

The new Chinese global navigation system will help China cement its place in the global technological race, considering there are only a few players in the global GPS game.

Several countries use the American GPS right now. Russia has its own system called “Glonass”. The europeans have the Galileo system. India has its own regional system, called the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System or IRNSS. Similarly, Japan has the quasi-zenith satellite system or QZSS.

However, China has no plans to sell the technology. Last week, the Chinese state media described the navigation system as “a gold key of your home, that should only be kept in your own hands”.

China today completed the deployment of its own global navigation system. The last of 35 satellites to power China’s homegrown navigation system are now in space.

China today completed the deployment of its own global navigation system. The last of 35 satellites to power China’s homegrown navigation system are now in space. The historic launch took 30 minutes until it was confirmed as a successful mission. However, over 100 countries are fighting COVID-19 right now, but China had other plans. China calls this group of satellites the “Beidou” navigation satellite system. Beidou is the Mandarin name for the the big dipper constellation and caters to Chinese plans that seek to end dependence on foreign GPS systems. × Beidou is made for all purposes, from map based navigation on smartphones for civilians, to even guiding the weapons of the People's Liberation Army. History of Beidou Back in 1996, China lost its missiles fired across the Taiwan strait, to prevent the country from seeking independence. However, it lost track of two missiles. Later, the Chinese blamed their failure on a sudden disruption of GPS. The event may have been the guiding principle for the development of this homegrown GPS which has cost the country over 10 billion Dollars. Before Beidou, China was dependent on the American GPS system, even for its military pursuits. The countries are currently locked in repeated diplomatic rows. In case of a military conflict with the United States, Beidou will keep the chinese military online. “The [launch of the final satellite] marks the completion of the global constellation deployment. As I mentioned before, it also marks the full completion of our country's three-step strategy for the navigation satellite system. In the meantime, it is also of paramount significance as one of the key indicators showing our country has taken a step further towards becoming an aerospace power”, said Yang Changfeng, Chief Designer, Beidou navigation satellite system. The new Chinese global navigation system will help China cement its place in the global technological race, considering there are only a few players in the global GPS game. Several countries use the American GPS right now. Russia has its own system called “Glonass”. The europeans have the Galileo system. India has its own regional system, called the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System or IRNSS. Similarly, Japan has the quasi-zenith satellite system or QZSS. However, China has no plans to sell the technology. Last week, the Chinese state media described the navigation system as “a gold key of your home, that should only be kept in your own hands”.

While the world grapples with COVID-19, China completes its homegrown GPS system 'Beidou' with new launch

Apple and Google have decided to ban location-tracking on contact-tracing apps. The tech giants say they are trying to protect user privacy. But, is this a case of the pot calling the kettle black?

Gravitas: Apple, Google ban GPS tracking in Covid-19 tracking apps

How China plans to disrupt GPS through ASAT in 2020 & beyond

In a bid to make smooth voting at polling booths and strengthen the polling process of every constituency the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2019-lok-sabha-elections-check-when-your-state-ut-goes-to-the-polls-202410">election commission</a> has introduced a few new rules and regulations for the first time in upcoming <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-to-stretch-out-for-over-a-month-from-april-11-to-may-19-results-on-may-23-202404">Lok Sabha elections 2019.</a>

Some of these initiatives have already been used in past Assembly elections in different states but this is is the first time they are being used in Lok Sabha Elections.

Here's a look at the new facilities and rules introduced for Lok Sabha elections 2019:

cVigil Election Commission App to stop violations of model code

By using this app, citizens can immediately report on incidents of misconduct within minutes of having witnessed them and without having to rush to the office of the returning officer to lodge a complaint.

Close watch on political parties’ social media content

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora has said that the EC will watch out for any content aimed at destroying the electoral process.&nbsp;

Social media giants like- Facebook, Twitter and Google have said that they will work with the Election Commission in tandem to curb any sort of hate speech or misuse of content related to polling.

The EC has also asked Google, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to verify all the political advertisements coming from various political parties. The CEC also informed that a grievance officer has also been appointed to take complaints related to these advertisements on all social media platforms.

Candidate photo on EVMs

For the first time, the poll panel will introduce candidates’ photos on the voting machines, in addition to the party name and symbol. &nbsp;&nbsp;

All EVMs to have photo ballot labels, apart from symbol and candidate name in Braille. 
&nbsp; 
VVPAT machines at all polling stations

Voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) is a machine which dispenses a slip with the symbol of the party for which a person has voted for. The slip appears on a small window for seven seconds and then drops in a box. But the voter cannot take it home.''

Photo voter slip won't be used as standalone ID for voting

The Election Commission has said that a photo voter slip shall no longer be used as a standalone identification document during elections, and a voter will have to carry any of the twelve approved identity cards to the polling station. &nbsp;

The 12 documents accepted for identification include -- Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC), passport, Aadhar card, driving licence, service identity cards with photographs issued to employees by central/state government, PSUs, public limited companies, passbooks issued by bank or post office, PAN card and smart card issued by the Registrar General of India under National Populations Register. &nbsp;

Income tax returns for five years, declaration of foreign assets, PAN mandatory for candidates

The government has made it mandatory for candidates to declare their income tax returns of the last five years, details of foreign assets and Permanent Account Number (PAN).&nbsp;

All women- managed polling stations in every constituency

To ensure more participation of women in the electoral process, the Election Commission has made special arrangements in the form of "all women managed polling stations" in all constituencies of the country.

The entire polling staff, including the police and security personnel, in such centres, shall be women.

Braille voter slips and photo ballot labels

Visually impaired and blind voters will be provided with braille voter slips in the Lok Sabha elections due this summer.

Braille is a script with raised dots that can be read with the fingers by people who are blind or who have low vision.

GPS tracking of voting machines

The poll panel has decided to fit GPS devices to the vehicles carrying them, facilitating end-to-end monitoring of their movement through mobile tracking.

Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System

Electronically transmitted postal ballots (ETPBS) system would be used for the first time to facilitate hassle-free voting.

Criminal antecedents of candidates in media

The Supreme Court on September 25, 2018, held that all candidates will have to declare their criminal antecedents to the Election Commission before contesting an election, saying criminalisation of politics in the largest democracy is "unsettling".

(With inputs from agencies)

In a bid to make smooth voting at polling booths and strengthen the polling process of every constituency the election commission has introduced a few new rules and regulations for the first time in upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2019.

In a bid to make smooth voting at polling booths and strengthen the polling process of every constituency the election commission has introduced a few new rules and regulations for the first time in upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2019. Some of these initiatives have already been used in past Assembly elections in different states but this is is the first time they are being used in Lok Sabha Elections. Here's a look at the new facilities and rules introduced for Lok Sabha elections 2019: cVigil Election Commission App to stop violations of model code By using this app, citizens can immediately report on incidents of misconduct within minutes of having witnessed them and without having to rush to the office of the returning officer to lodge a complaint. Close watch on political parties’ social media content Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora has said that the EC will watch out for any content aimed at destroying the electoral process. Social media giants like- Facebook, Twitter and Google have said that they will work with the Election Commission in tandem to curb any sort of hate speech or misuse of content related to polling. The EC has also asked Google, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to verify all the political advertisements coming from various political parties. The CEC also informed that a grievance officer has also been appointed to take complaints related to these advertisements on all social media platforms. Candidate photo on EVMs For the first time, the poll panel will introduce candidates’ photos on the voting machines, in addition to the party name and symbol. All EVMs to have photo ballot labels, apart from symbol and candidate name in Braille. VVPAT machines at all polling stations Voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) is a machine which dispenses a slip with the symbol of the party for which a person has voted for. The slip appears on a small window for seven seconds and then drops in a box. But the voter cannot take it home.'' Photo voter slip won't be used as standalone ID for voting The Election Commission has said that a photo voter slip shall no longer be used as a standalone identification document during elections, and a voter will have to carry any of the twelve approved identity cards to the polling station. The 12 documents accepted for identification include -- Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC), passport, Aadhar card, driving licence, service identity cards with photographs issued to employees by central/state government, PSUs, public limited companies, passbooks issued by bank or post office, PAN card and smart card issued by the Registrar General of India under National Populations Register. Income tax returns for five years, declaration of foreign assets, PAN mandatory for candidates The government has made it mandatory for candidates to declare their income tax returns of the last five years, details of foreign assets and Permanent Account Number (PAN). All women- managed polling stations in every constituency To ensure more participation of women in the electoral process, the Election Commission has made special arrangements in the form of "all women managed polling stations" in all constituencies of the country. The entire polling staff, including the police and security personnel, in such centres, shall be women. Braille voter slips and photo ballot labels Visually impaired and blind voters will be provided with braille voter slips in the Lok Sabha elections due this summer. Braille is a script with raised dots that can be read with the fingers by people who are blind or who have low vision. GPS tracking of voting machines The poll panel has decided to fit GPS devices to the vehicles carrying them, facilitating end-to-end monitoring of their movement through mobile tracking. Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System Electronically transmitted postal ballots (ETPBS) system would be used for the first time to facilitate hassle-free voting. Criminal antecedents of candidates in media The Supreme Court on September 25, 2018, held that all candidates will have to declare their criminal antecedents to the Election Commission before contesting an election, saying criminalisation of politics in the largest democracy is "unsettling". (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha elections 2019: From social media monitoring to GPS tracking of EVMs, things Election Commission introduced for the first time

Finland's GPS signal was intentionally disrupted during <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-turns-up-uninvited-to-major-nato-wargames-175349">NATO war games</a> in the Nordic countries over the past few weeks and the culprit could be <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russias-putin-inspects-war-games-and-vows-to-beef-up-army-165406">Russia</a>, Prime Minster Juha Sipila said on Sunday.

Finland's air navigation services on Tuesday issued a warning for air traffic due to a large-scale GPS interruption in the north of the country. Norway posted a similar warning about loss of GPS signals for pilots in its own airspace at the end of the October when the NATO exercise began.

"It is possible that Russia has been the disrupting party in this. Russia is known to possess such capabilities," Sipila told public broadcaster Yle.

Finland is not a NATO member but it took part as an ally in 'Trident Juncture', NATO's largest exercise in decades which ended on Wednesday. Forces from 31 countries participated in the games close to Russia, in an area stretching from the Baltic Sea to Iceland.

Finland shares a 833-mile (1,340 km) border and a difficult history with Russia. It has lately developed closer ties with NATO but stopped short of full membership in line with a tradition of avoiding confrontation with its eastern neighbour.

 
&nbsp;

Finland's GPS signal was intentionally disrupted during NATO war games in the Nordic countries over the past few weeks and the culprit could be Russia, Prime Minster Juha Sipila said on Sunday.

Finland's GPS signal was intentionally disrupted during NATO war games in the Nordic countries over the past few weeks and the culprit could be Russia, Prime Minster Juha Sipila said on Sunday. Finland's air navigation services on Tuesday issued a warning for air traffic due to a large-scale GPS interruption in the north of the country. Norway posted a similar warning about loss of GPS signals for pilots in its own airspace at the end of the October when the NATO exercise began. "It is possible that Russia has been the disrupting party in this. Russia is known to possess such capabilities," Sipila told public broadcaster Yle. Finland is not a NATO member but it took part as an ally in 'Trident Juncture', NATO's largest exercise in decades which ended on Wednesday. Forces from 31 countries participated in the games close to Russia, in an area stretching from the Baltic Sea to Iceland. Finland shares a 833-mile (1,340 km) border and a difficult history with Russia. It has lately developed closer ties with NATO but stopped short of full membership in line with a tradition of avoiding confrontation with its eastern neighbour.

Finland's GPS disrupted during NATO war games, Russia could be responsible: PM Sipila

In an endeavour to curb the menace of&nbsp;illegal sand mining&nbsp;in the state, the&nbsp;Andhra Pradesh&nbsp;Government will be introducing GPS tracking system by July end this year.

State minister&nbsp;R Sujayakrishna Ranga Rao&nbsp;while addressing a press conference, said, "Andhra Pradesh&nbsp;government is about to bring GPS tracking system by the end of July 2018 to prevent illegal transport of sand in the state. The government is taking stern actions to avoid interstate illegal transport of sand. After the Government of&nbsp;Andhra Pradesh&nbsp;has implemented free sand policy, reports of the sand mafia are on rife."

The minister said that there are 150 notified sand reaches in the state and that 54 check posts have been established to prevent illegal transport of sand.

Ranga Rao further said that geo referral policy is being brought for all major minerals in the state and the permissions for mining activities are being given through auction in an e-permit model.

In an endeavour to curb the menace of illegal sand mining in the state, the Andhra Pradesh Government will be introducing GPS tracking system by July end this year

In an endeavour to curb the menace of illegal sand mining in the state, the Andhra Pradesh Government will be introducing GPS tracking system by July end this year. State minister R Sujayakrishna Ranga Rao while addressing a press conference, said, "Andhra Pradesh government is about to bring GPS tracking system by the end of July 2018 to prevent illegal transport of sand in the state. The government is taking stern actions to avoid interstate illegal transport of sand. After the Government of Andhra Pradesh has implemented free sand policy, reports of the sand mafia are on rife." The minister said that there are 150 notified sand reaches in the state and that 54 check posts have been established to prevent illegal transport of sand. Ranga Rao further said that geo referral policy is being brought for all major minerals in the state and the permissions for mining activities are being given through auction in an e-permit model.

Illegal sand mining: Andhra Pradesh to use GPS to curb menace

Undeniably, the world will face paralysis if we were to do away with GPS. The Global Positioning System is an intricate web of signals that are beamed off satellites positioned in space.

While most of us would not like to fancy a scenario devoid of internet and GPS, United States seem to have started putting the mind in the reverse direction -- what to do if GPS fails?

Reportedly, America&nbsp;has begun bracing-up for a situation where its space-based technology is disrupted or damaged.

While it is extremely cumbersome and expensive for countries to innovate and develop orbital platforms, jamming or destroying military satellites of an enemy country would be way too simpler and easier. Low-cost jammers, strategically stationed, can wreak havoc with incoming GPS signals.

&quot;When you start taking away those combat multipliers, we need to go back then to the days of the industrial-age army where you have to have three times as many people as the adversary does,&quot; said Colonel Richard Zellmann, commander of the 1st Space Brigade based in Colorado.

According to a latest AFP report, about 70 per cent of US Army&#39;s &#39;major combat systems&#39; depends on GPS signals.

While countries like Russia and China are busy bolstering their satellites competence, America has also developed satellites capable of inspecting or monitoring other space objects.

America plans ahead

The US now thinks of going the old-school way, training their soldiers to read paper maps, and teaching their sailors how to navigate by the stars.

The older, analogue technologies are being technologically overhauled by new science, &quot;designed to replicate satellites, only from Earth,&quot; noted the report.&nbsp;

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, US (DARPA) is now all set to develop next-gen navigation and timing tools for the Pentagon that are better-off GPS. 
&nbsp; 
But space, once an uncontested territory, is also becoming congested and crowded by the day, all thanks to technological advancements. Keeping the same in mind, United States has started investing in a new generation of satellites equipped with better accuracy and anti-jamming capabilities.

President Donald Trump on Monday communicated his first National Security Strategy and talked about America&#39;s space infrastructure and US military&#39;s dependence on it.

(With inputs from AFP)

According to a latest AFP report, about 70 per cent of US Army's 'major combat systems' depend on GPS signals

Undeniably, the world will face paralysis if we were to do away with GPS. The Global Positioning System is an intricate web of signals that are beamed off satellites positioned in space. While most of us would not like to fancy a scenario devoid of internet and GPS, United States seem to have started putting the mind in the reverse direction -- what to do if GPS fails? Reportedly, America has begun bracing-up for a situation where its space-based technology is disrupted or damaged. While it is extremely cumbersome and expensive for countries to innovate and develop orbital platforms, jamming or destroying military satellites of an enemy country would be way too simpler and easier. Low-cost jammers, strategically stationed, can wreak havoc with incoming GPS signals. "When you start taking away those combat multipliers, we need to go back then to the days of the industrial-age army where you have to have three times as many people as the adversary does," said Colonel Richard Zellmann, commander of the 1st Space Brigade based in Colorado. According to a latest AFP report, about 70 per cent of US Army's 'major combat systems' depends on GPS signals. While countries like Russia and China are busy bolstering their satellites competence, America has also developed satellites capable of inspecting or monitoring other space objects. America plans ahead The US now thinks of going the old-school way, training their soldiers to read paper maps, and teaching their sailors how to navigate by the stars. The older, analogue technologies are being technologically overhauled by new science, "designed to replicate satellites, only from Earth," noted the report. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, US (DARPA) is now all set to develop next-gen navigation and timing tools for the Pentagon that are better-off GPS. But space, once an uncontested territory, is also becoming congested and crowded by the day, all thanks to technological advancements. Keeping the same in mind, United States has started investing in a new generation of satellites equipped with better accuracy and anti-jamming capabilities. President Donald Trump on Monday communicated his first National Security Strategy and talked about America's space infrastructure and US military's dependence on it. (With inputs from AFP)

GPS failure will paralyse the world, US plans ahead

Each year, crowdfunding offers us the best of innovative minds who come together to put out a brilliant idea. The current lot of crowd-funders have made interesting choices in bringing forth ideas that people can contribute to.

Here are some very unique products that are either currently under process of&nbsp;funding&nbsp;or have reached their final stage:&nbsp;

<h2>AER&nbsp;</h2>

AER leverages drone technology to bring you a whole new perspective. It allows you to throw your GoPro camera in the air for amazing aerial shots. It is a foam dart designed to fly straight and far while protecting the camera. The system is safe, although the user will have to fasten the kit well to the camera. The idea struck the founders when they wanted a cheaper alternative to make GoPros airborne.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1o4T24BoMIc" width="970"></iframe>

<h2>Calla: Indoor Garden</h2>

Calla is born out of the need for an indoor garden that will keep your&nbsp;favourite herbs healthy and within reach, at all times. It takes care of plotted plants with appropriate lighting and controlled watering. The indoor garden is easy to use, keeps the herbs fresh&nbsp;for months and can be harvested several times. It was developed with an aim to fight food waste with different cuisine lovers not wasting the herbs they love and using only the needed quantity.

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Indoor garden (Pinterest)
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<h2>Head-Up Display GPS Unit</h2>

For all the hassles you face while driving to a new location, there is a genius navigation device under process. Head-Up Display Unit (HUD) GPS device can connect to any smartphone and will project a virtual image of the route onto your car&#39;s windshield. It aims to make driving safe, with people not having to shift attention to their phones for directions. It can be placed on the dashboard of the car and easily pairs with any smartphone. It can also project incoming calls, messages, and social media notifications.

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GPS display (Pinterest)
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<h2>Prisma&rsquo;s Cold-Brew Coffee</h2>

Coffee machines are readily available in the market, but Prisma&rsquo;s machine aims to change the way we drink our coffee. What&rsquo;s more, the machine will ready a cup of coffee in a matter of ten minutes. The Prisma Cold Brew requires no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or apps to function. It is simply a classic coffee making machine. It has a specialized vacuum infusion process, which speeds up the process to brew a fresh cup of cold-brew coffee.

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Coffee machine (Pinterest)
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<h2>Travelmate Robotics&#39; Suitcase</h2>

It is a smart suitcase that can carry itself and follows your direction via GPS. For those who hate carrying baggage, this is all that you can ask for. The first truly autonomous suitcase, Travelmate is LED-lit and has omni wheels that weave through crowds and can be connected with any smartphone. The suitcase can be opened manually or via a fingerprint enabled lock system.

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<h2>Vi: Artificial Intelligence Personal Trainer</h2>

Artificial intelligence continues to make our lives easier and&nbsp;Vi&nbsp;takes it a notch above. Imagine working out with a personal trainer who reads, understands and communicates with you, at your beck and call. There are many fitness tracking devices in the market, and with this new AI, health and fitness can get a gradual boost. Still under the initial stages of funding, Vi offers a look into the future of the fitness industry.&nbsp;

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AI personal trainer (Pinterest)
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<h2>Smart Pillow</h2>

The ZEEQ&rsquo;s smart pillow comes with a promise to make sleeping enjoyable and productive with less disturbance to anyone sleeping close-by. It works for all kinds of sleepers, like those who snore or are motion-sensitive. It has REM-Fit audio so that you can listen to music without causing any noise, a snore alarm, a smart wake mechanism and much more. It can also be connected to any smartphone, which allows the pillow to track your sleep trends, habits and can even track diet and exercise.&nbsp;

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(Contributed by: Zeba Khan)

From aerial cameras to a suitcase that follows you, these are kickass products of the future

Each year, crowdfunding offers us the best of innovative minds who come together to put out a brilliant idea. The current lot of crowd-funders have made interesting choices in bringing forth ideas that people can contribute to. Here are some very unique products that are either currently under process of funding or have reached their final stage: AER AER leverages drone technology to bring you a whole new perspective. It allows you to throw your GoPro camera in the air for amazing aerial shots. It is a foam dart designed to fly straight and far while protecting the camera. The system is safe, although the user will have to fasten the kit well to the camera. The idea struck the founders when they wanted a cheaper alternative to make GoPros airborne. Calla: Indoor Garden Calla is born out of the need for an indoor garden that will keep your favourite herbs healthy and within reach, at all times. It takes care of plotted plants with appropriate lighting and controlled watering. The indoor garden is easy to use, keeps the herbs fresh for months and can be harvested several times. It was developed with an aim to fight food waste with different cuisine lovers not wasting the herbs they love and using only the needed quantity. Indoor garden (Pinterest) × Head-Up Display GPS Unit For all the hassles you face while driving to a new location, there is a genius navigation device under process. Head-Up Display Unit (HUD) GPS device can connect to any smartphone and will project a virtual image of the route onto your car's windshield. It aims to make driving safe, with people not having to shift attention to their phones for directions. It can be placed on the dashboard of the car and easily pairs with any smartphone. It can also project incoming calls, messages, and social media notifications. GPS display (Pinterest) × Prisma’s Cold-Brew Coffee Coffee machines are readily available in the market, but Prisma’s machine aims to change the way we drink our coffee. What’s more, the machine will ready a cup of coffee in a matter of ten minutes. The Prisma Cold Brew requires no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or apps to function. It is simply a classic coffee making machine. It has a specialized vacuum infusion process, which speeds up the process to brew a fresh cup of cold-brew coffee. Coffee machine (Pinterest) × Travelmate Robotics' Suitcase It is a smart suitcase that can carry itself and follows your direction via GPS. For those who hate carrying baggage, this is all that you can ask for. The first truly autonomous suitcase, Travelmate is LED-lit and has omni wheels that weave through crowds and can be connected with any smartphone. The suitcase can be opened manually or via a fingerprint enabled lock system. Vi: Artificial Intelligence Personal Trainer Artificial intelligence continues to make our lives easier and Vi takes it a notch above. Imagine working out with a personal trainer who reads, understands and communicates with you, at your beck and call. There are many fitness tracking devices in the market, and with this new AI, health and fitness can get a gradual boost. Still under the initial stages of funding, Vi offers a look into the future of the fitness industry. AI personal trainer (Pinterest) × Smart Pillow The ZEEQ’s smart pillow comes with a promise to make sleeping enjoyable and productive with less disturbance to anyone sleeping close-by. It works for all kinds of sleepers, like those who snore or are motion-sensitive. It has REM-Fit audio so that you can listen to music without causing any noise, a snore alarm, a smart wake mechanism and much more. It can also be connected to any smartphone, which allows the pillow to track your sleep trends, habits and can even track diet and exercise. Smart pillow (Pinterest) × (Contributed by: Zeba Khan)

7 unique crowdfunding projects that will make the world a happy place

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