What is the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID)?

About National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID)

• It is conceptualised as a seamless and secure database for information on terrorists, economic crimes and similar incidents to help bolster India's capabilities.
• Background: 
  • The project was started in 2009 in the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
  • NATGRID was set up as an attached Office of the Ministry of Home Affairs with effect from December 1, 2010.
  • It started its operations on December 31, 2020.
• Natgrid services will be available to 11 central agencies and police departments of all states and union territories. 
• Operation:
  • It has been mandated to maintain a repository of intelligence databases.
  • It works as an integrated intelligence grid that connects databases of core security agencies of the government of India.
  • It will have data related to all immigration entry and exit, banking and financial transactions, credit card purchases, telecom, individual taxpayers, air flyers, train travellers besides others to generate intelligence inputs.
  • It will utilise Big Data and Analytics to study huge amounts of data generated to analyse events in order to get a better picture as well as to trail suspects.
  • The data is used to counter illegal activities by sharing information with several security agencies. 
• Data Protection: The data is end-to-end encrypted and can be accessed only after proper authorisation and authentication have been completed.

Q1) What is Big Data and Analytics?

Big Data and Analytics are two interconnected concepts that are fundamental in the field of data science and business intelligence. They involve the collection, processing, analysis, and interpretation of large and complex data sets to extract valuable insights and inform decision-making.

Source: Centre extends senior bureaucrat Piyush Goyal’s tenure as National Intelligence Grid chief