US EditionIs China Using Birds to Spy on India? Why a Seagull Found Near Karnataka Naval Base Has Sparked Concerns
The GPS device on the seagull, linked to the Chinese Academy of Sciences, covered over 10,000 km and is under technical and security review by Indian authorities.
- Recently, a migratory seagull fitted with a GPS device was found on the Karwar coast near the Kadamba Naval Base, and locals alerted officials who secured it for examination at the Marine Forest Department office.
- Scientific tagging programs routinely track long-distance migration routes, and in the recent past tracked birds in the Karwar region appeared, including a war eagle sighting in November last year.
- Inspection revealed markings linking the device to the Chinese Academy of Sciences and data showed the bird travelled over 10,000 kilometres; officials plan technical analysis by Marine Forest Department with possible intelligence involvement.
- Karwar City police station and naval police have opened an investigation while the bird remains in Marine Forest Department office custody; forest officials have contacted the Chinese Academy of Sciences and expect protocol reviews near INS Kadamba.
- The recurrence of tagged birds near the Karwar naval area raises broader research-versus-surveillance debate among officials, as authorities consider potential technical checks for transmissions and parameters.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Is China using birds to spy on India? Why a seagull found near Karnataka naval base has sparked concerns
A migratory seagull fitted with a Chinese-made GPS tracking device was discovered by locals behind the Thimmakka Garden near the coastal belt of Karwar in Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district earlier this week. The device tied to the injured bird included an electronic unit with a small solar panel. A note on the tracking device came with an email ID that is being linked to Chinese Academy of Sciences. Was the bird being used for research or espi…
China spying? Seagull with Chinese GPS tracker found near Karwar Coast in Karnataka: What we know so far
Karnataka news: Police said the incident came to light when local residents noticed an unusually tagged seagull resting behind the Thimmakka Garden area near the beach on Wednesday.
Times of India
The Economic TimesChinese GPS tracker found on seagull near Karwar Coast in Karnataka, officials initiate inquiry
A Chinese-made GPS tracker was found on a seagull near Karwar's sensitive naval zone. Security and forest officials are investigating. Preliminary findings suggest scientific research, not espionage. This follows a similar incident last year. Authorities are exercising caution due to the strategic location. Further action depends on responses from the research body.
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