The Indian government will enforce a total ban on the sale of non-certified internet-connected CCTV cameras from Chinese manufacturers starting April 1, 2026. This decision comes as part of a broader effort to enhance national security and promote domestic manufacturing in the surveillance technology sector.

Chinese brands, particularly Hikvision and Dahua, previously held a significant share of India’s CCTV market, collectively accounting for one-third of the market until 2024. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically, with Indian companies now controlling over 80% of the market as of February 2026. CP Plus, a domestic manufacturer, has seen its market share surge to 45–50%, a significant increase from 20–25% prior to the new regulations.

The government has refused to certify products made in China or those using Chinese chipsets under the new Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) rules. This has led to a substantial contraction in Dahua’s business, which has reportedly shrunk by 80%, limiting its operations to selling obsolete analog cameras.

The shift away from Chinese suppliers has not come without challenges. Industry experts note that the transition has resulted in a 15–20% rise in the bill of materials (BoM), increasing costs for manufacturers and consumers alike. A senior executive at a domestic electronics firm remarked, “The compliance requirements are stringent, particularly around disclosure of components and software integrity.”

Despite these challenges, the policy is seen as a catalyst for accelerating the shift towards indigenous manufacturing. An industry analyst stated, “This policy has accelerated the shift towards indigenous manufacturing,” highlighting the potential long-term benefits for local companies.

Existing installations of affected CCTV systems are not expected to face immediate disruption, allowing businesses and consumers to continue using their current equipment without concern for sudden obsolescence. However, the long-term implications of this ban could reshape the surveillance market in India.

As the enforcement date approaches, observers are closely monitoring the impact of these regulations on both the market and consumer behavior. Details remain unconfirmed regarding how the ban will affect ongoing contracts and the future landscape of surveillance technology in India.

The post India bans Chinese CCTV cameras starting April 1, 2026 appeared first on newscri.

The recent outbreaks of the Nipah virus in Kerala, India, raise the critical question: how is the region responding to this persistent health threat? Kerala has experienced multiple Nipah virus outbreaks, with significant incidents occurring in 2018 and 2023, leading to increased vigilance among health-care workers and authorities.

The Nipah virus, first identified in Malaysia in 1999, is transmitted to humans through infected animals or contaminated food. As of 2026, Kerala has reported two deaths attributed to the virus, with a total of 18 confirmed cases during the initial outbreak in 2018, which also saw 17 fatalities.

In recent developments, two laboratory-confirmed cases were recorded in West Bengal on January 26, 2026, involving health-care workers who slipped into a coma. This incident has heightened awareness and concern regarding the virus’s potential spread beyond Kerala.

Health officials have identified approximately 700 individuals on the contact list for Nipah virus risk, with 77 categorized as high-risk. The Nipah virus infection can lead to severe symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle pain, and respiratory issues, making early detection and response crucial.

Notably, the fruiting season in Kerala, which peaks around April, correlates with an increase in Nipah virus cases. Deforestation and urban expansion have been cited as factors that amplify the risk of transmission, prompting calls for better surveillance and preparedness.

Dr. Anish, a local health expert, emphasized the importance of preventive measures, stating, “Avoiding fruits lying on the ground or those bitten by bats, washing and peeling fruits before consumption, and keeping away from bat roosts are some of the steps suggested to avoid the infection.”

Despite these measures, scientists have criticized the current state of surveillance and preparedness as poor and episodic, with funding for research being sporadic. They warn that the danger of the Nipah virus lies in its periodic and lethal nature, underscoring the need for consistent public health strategies.

Awareness campaigns targeting children are planned in Kerala due to the history of infections in that age group. As health officials work to mitigate the risks associated with the Nipah virus, the community remains vigilant, with ongoing efforts to educate the public about prevention and response strategies.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the current outbreaks, but health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

The post Nipah virus: Update on Outbreaks in Kerala, India appeared first on newscri.