EP-237 | India’s Digital Vulnerabilities, Future Wars, Big Tech Monopolies with Lt Col Rajan (Retd)

A few major tech companies are dominating the digital world and have significant influence in politics as well. Big Tech companies control many aspects of our lives, including markets, businesses, and public services. Is it a good idea to allow a few tech giants to monopolize our data?

Where does China stand in the tech race against the USA? Where does India stand in the global tech race, and what are its digital vulnerabilities? And what about modern warfare? How are drones changing the course of war and transforming how battles are fought? what is data privacy—and why is it important?

To answer these questions, the ANI podcast with Smita Prakash features Lt. Col. Pavithran Rajan, a former intelligence officer, academic, and tech entrepreneur.

He explains how technology is reshaping the battlefield, allowing countries to win wars without even entering the battlefield. He also discusses the role of artificial intelligence in modern warfare and emphasizes the need for India to protect its digital interests.

This is a must-watch podcast for anyone who thinks there’s nothing to hide and doesn’t understand why privacy matters for both individuals and businesses.

00:00 - Introduction

01:16 - Pager Attack in Lebanon

10:24 - China’s Supply Chain Strategy

15:36 - OSI Layers of Encryption

25:58 - Five Eyes' Response to Intel Threats

28:54 - Digital Policies of China & India

35:28 - Data Privacy in India

41:02 - Data Breaches in the USA

42:59 - India Under Surveillance

47:41 - Semiconductor Industry in India

51:19 - China–India Relations

56:16 - U.S. Dollar and SWIFT

59:21 - Why SWIFT Remains Indispensable

1:10:36 - Use of Cyber Technology in Wars

1:13:54 - The Rise of AI Apps

1:15:45 - India’s Position in the Cyber Power Ranking

1:24:36 - Quantum Cryptography

1:28:21 - Snowden Revelations

1:31:49 - Is Your Phone Listening to You?

1:44:48 - Hamas Attack on Israel

1:52:00 - What Should India Do Amid Global Wars?