According to media reports, amateur Ham Radio operators have detected suspicious late-night radio signals in coded Bengali, Urdu, and Arabic along the Indo-Bangladesh border in South Bengal over the past two months. The discovery comes amid ongoing unrest in Bangladesh and growing anti-India rhetoric in the neighboring country.
What is Amateur (Ham) Radio?
Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) is both a hobby and a communication service that brings together people, electronics, and radio communication. It enables individuals to communicate:
- Locally (across town)
- Globally (around the world)
- Beyond Earth (even into space)
Key Aspects of Ham Radio
- Non-commercial activity: Used for personal learning, intercommunication, and technical experimentation.
- Operated by licensed individuals: Conducted by authorized amateur radio operators.
- No reliance on internet or cellular networks: Uses designated radio frequencies.
- Diverse applications:
- Contests
- Emergency communication support
- Scientific experimentation
- Technical learning
- Community engagement
Global & Indian Ham Radio Community
- Over 3 million (30 lakh) operators worldwide.
- India has approximately 15,000 licensed operators.
Becoming a Ham Radio Operator in India
- Eligibility: Any Indian citizen aged 12 or above can apply.
- Process:
- Pass the Amateurs Station Operators’ (ASO) examination.
- Obtain a valid Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station License.
Clarifications on Terminology
- “Ham radio” refers to the hobby and not the equi
(Sources: The Hindu & PIB)
