National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO)

About National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO):

• It is a technical intelligence Agency under the National Security Advisor in the Prime Minister's Office, India.
• It was formed in 2004 to strengthen the country's national security apparatus.
• It is under the direct control of the Prime Minister's Office and operates as an autonomous organization.
• Primary Objective: Gather technical intelligence, which involves intercepting and analyzing communications signals, imagery intelligence, and cyber intelligence.
• Other Functions:
  • It also provides technical assistance to other intelligence agencies in the country, including the Intelligence Bureau and Research and Analysis Wing.
  • It is responsible for maintaining a database of information related to technology and developing advanced tools and techniques for intelligence gathering.
  • It also conducts research and development activities in the field of technical intelligence.
• NTRO is headed by a Chairman who reports directly to the Prime Minister of India.
• Its headquarters is located in New Delhi, and it has operational centres in various parts of the country.

Key Facts about Special Protection Group (SPG):

• It is entrusted with the task of providing proximate security to the Prime Minister of India, the former Prime Minister and their immediate family members.
• It was formed in 1985 after the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as an executive body on the recommendation of the Birbal Nath committee.
• Later on, it became a statutory body under Special Protection Group Act 1988.
• Governance:
  • It is governed by the Cabinet secretariat of India.
  • SPG chief is an officer of the rank of inspector-general.