Terror-Tech

From the ever-evolving computer industry to the introduction and widespread popularity of the internet, from the various electronic cars to spacecraft, the world of technology is seemingly endless. Technology is a powerful tool in this modern era, and it has the capability to influence society for its betterment, as well as destruction. Terrorism, by far, is the worst reason for which technology can be utilized. Unfortunately, however, technology has helped terrorism to grow by leaps and bounds. It has helped terrorism in both actual and cyber terrorism. It takes only a glance at the complex making and build-up of an explosive or bomb to realize that yes; technology has had a worldwide impact on terrorism. Thus we know that, on one hand, in the long run, terrorism nowadays is based mainly on different types of technology, Manufacturing hi-tech gadgets illegally, that to on a daily basis, using the internet as hub to meet, discuss and plan attacks with fellow terrorists breaking (hacking) into government data systems to wreck havoc are only some of the ways in which terrorists utilize technology. Even now, every Indian shudders when the thought of the 26/11 attacks come to mind, when the whole Mumbai lost many of her loved ones, including army personnel, police officers, women and children. One question, keeps staring at us in the face-“How did a bunch of young boys keep an entire city under siege?” The answer lies only in one word – technology. By using sophisticated weapons and gadgets, even a dozen of young boys were able to terrorize us. Another example is of the train blasts that happened in Mumbai few years back. News reports state that the bomb inside the train was activated using a cell phone. Conversely, if advancing technology supports the growth of terrorism, it also means that the government has better ways to defend the country/state against terrorism. Hi-end security measures, such as CCTV cameras, infrared detection, video messages regarding solely for the purpose of reporting unidentified/suspicious objects, are all ways in which government can defend the country and combat terrorist by foiling their plans, Bomb-squads, Bullet-proof jackets are many other ways for police and law enforcement officers to fight terrorism effectively. Whether technology affects the future of terrorism in both the aforementioned ways, is quite clear. As technology advances it will propel the ways and means of terrorism. Nevertheless, it will also enable the government to take better, stringent measure to protect the people against terrorist. It simply is the question of who will prevail first. And that, in it’s entirely, is a very scary thought.

• Why is technology described as a powerful tool in the passage? (1M)

• How has technology helped terrorism? (1M)

• How do terrorists utilize technology? (1M)

• What are the good uses of technology? (1M)

• Give one word for: (1M)

  • Extensive far-reaching
  • Confusion and destruction

• Technology is described as a powerful tool in the passage because it has the capability to influence society for its betterment, as well as destruction.

• Technology has helped terrorism in both actual and cyber terrorism. It takes only a glance at the complex making and build-up of an explosive or bomb.

• Terrorists utilize technology by using sophisticated weapons and gadgets. The attacks of 26/11 and Mumbai train blasts are best examples of how even dozen of young boys can destruct the complete city using high-tech gadgets.

• Technology has helped some negative people of society in terrorism as well as it has also helped positive ones too. Along with terrorism, Government can also makes us of these high-tech gadgets to protect cities from terrorism e.g. CCTV cameras, infrared detection etc.

• i) Extensive far-reaching - Widespread

  ii) Confusion and destruction - Havoc