Tag Archives: Aero India

In this Issue

I. DEFENCE AND SECURITY

Defence Budget for the Financial Year 2023-24

The Ministry of Defence has been allocated a total Budget of Rs 5,93,537.64 crore (about US $72 billion), which is 13.18 percent of the total Union Budget for Financial Year (FY) 2023-24. Accordingly, the Capital Allocations pertaining to modernisation and infrastructure development of the Defence Services has been increased to Rs 1,62,600 crore representing a rise of Rs 10,230 crore (6.7 percent) over FY 2022-23. Towards strengthening Research and Development in Defence, the allocation to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been enhanced by 9 percent, with a total allocation of Rs 23,264 crore in BE 2023-24. To further foster innovation, encourage technology development and strengthen the Defence Industrial ecosystem in the country, iDEX and DTIS have been allocated Rs 116 crore and Rs 45 crore respectively representing an enhancement of 93 percent for iDEX and 95 percent for DTIS over 2022-23. For more information: Click here to read…

Mission Mode Projects of the DRDO

As on 3 February 2023, the DRDO is working on 55 Mission Mode (MM) Projects for a total sanctioned cost of Rs 73,942.82 crore. These are in the area of Decoys, Nuclear Defence Technologies, Air Independent Propulsion (AIP), Combat Suite, Propulsion System, Air Droppable Container, Torpedo, Fighter Aircraft, Cruise Missile, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, AEW&C Aircraft System, Gas Turbine Engine, Assault Rifle, Warhead, Light Machine Gun, Rocket, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Infantry Combat Vehicle Command, Ordnance Disposal System, Tactical Radios, EW Systems, Radars, Life Support System, Geographical Information System, Surface to Air Missile, Anti-ship Missile, anti-Airfield Weapon, Glide Bomb, Simulator etc. For more information: Click here to read…

PM Modi Inaugurates HAL’s Helicopter Manufacturing Factory

In yet another step towards ‘Aatmanirbharta’ or Self-Reliant in defence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Helicopter Factory to the nation in Tumakuru, Karnataka on 6 February 2023. The Prime Minister lauded the talent and innovation of Karnataka youth and said the manufacturing sector’s strength is manifested in products from drones to Tejas fighter planes. “Double-engine government has made Karnataka the first choice of investors” the Prime Minister asserted and illustrated the point by the HAL project dedicated for which the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone in 2016 with a pledge for reducing the foreign dependence for defence needs. For more information: Click here to read…

PM Modi Inaugurates 14th edition of Aero India 2023

Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the 14th edition of Aero India 2023 at Air Force Station, Yelahanka in Bengaluru on 13 February 2023. The theme of Aero India 2023 is “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities’ and will witness participation by more than 80 countries along with 800 defence companies including around 100 foreign and 700 Indian companies. In line with the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Make in India, Make for the World’, the event will focus on displaying indigenous equipment/technologies and forging partnerships with foreign companies. Prime Minister’s emphasis on Aatmanirbharta in the Indian Defence sector will also be displayed, as the event will showcase the country’s progress in design leadership, growth in UAVs Sector, Defence Space and futuristic technologies. For more information: Click here to read…

MoD Signs Contract with L&T for Procurement of 41 Indigenous Modular Bridges

In a major boost to indigenisation of defence equipment under Prime Minister Modi’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, Ministry of Defence has approved the proposal for indigenous manufacture of 41 sets of Modular Bridges for the Corps of Engineers of the Indian Army. These game-changing bridges have been designed and developed by the DRDO and shall be produced by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) as DRDO-nominated production agency. The contract for the procurement of Modular Bridges was signed with L&T on 8 February 2023 at an estimated cost of over Rs 2,585 crore. For more information: Click here to read…

Indigenous Manufacturing of AK-203 Rifles

Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) is a joint venture company established for indigenous production of AK-203 Rifles. IRRPL has established all facilities to commence production of indigenized assault rifle at Korwa, Uttar Pradesh (UP). The Rifles are currently under manufacturing and testing stage. Indigenization of AK-203 Rifles will lead to self-sufficiency in respect of Assault Rifles for Indian Defence Forces, which is in the spirit of “Atmanirbhar Bharat”. For more information: Click here to read…

Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor

In Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor (TNDIC), five nodes namely Chennai, Coimbatore, Hosur, Salem and Tiruchirappalli have been identified. As per information received from Government of Tamil Nadu, arrangements have been made through Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) etc. for potential investment of Rs 11,794 crore by 53 Industries & Organisations in TNDIC. As on date, Rs 3,861 crore have already been invested by the Industries/Organisations. The setting up of new industries in an area generates opportunities for direct and indirect employment. For more information: Click here to read…

II. STI IN SPACE SECTOR

SSLV Launches Three Satellites

On 10 February 2023, Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) successfully launched three satellites into their intended orbits. In its second developmental flight, the SSLV-D2 vehicle placed EOS-07, Janus-1 and AzaadiSAT-2 satellites into their intended 450 km circular orbit with an inclination of 37 degrees. It took-off from the first launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota at 09:18 hours IST and took about 15 minutes to inject the satellites. SSLV is the new small satellite launch vehicle developed by ISRO to cater the launch of small satellites up to 500 kg to Low Earth Orbits on ‘launch-on-demand’ basis. For more information: Click here to read…

Total Imports and Exports in Space Tech-Based Industry

In FY 2021-22, items worth Rs. 2,114 Crore (approx.) were imported for executing various projects/ programmes; and, Rs. 174.90 Crore was generated towards export of launch services, data sales and in-orbit support services and post-launch operations. As on 8 February 2023, 135 applications have been received by IN-SPACe from 135 Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) in the Space Sector, the Minister of Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh said in the Lok Sabha in reply to a question on Start-Ups in Space. The Minister informed that a new Seed fund scheme has been approved by IN-SPACe Board to provide initial financial assistance to Indian space start-ups. A revised FDI policy in space sector to facilitate overseas investment in NGEs and a National Space Policy are also in the process of final approval of the Government. For more information: Click here to read…

Indian Objects Orbiting the Earth

There are a total of 111 payloads and 105 Space Debris identified as Indian Objects orbiting the Earth, as tracked and catalogued by USSPACECOM and published in spacetrack website, as on 20 January 2023. In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Dr Jitendra Singh said, all orbiting debris will have impact on the sustainability of outer space and future missions and added that ISRO has been carrying out many studies on impacts of growing space debris on space environment. ISRO has carried out 21 collision avoidance manoeuvres of Indian Operational Space assets in 2022 to avoid collision threats from other space objects. For more information: Click here to read…

Augmenting Domestic Capacity for Realisation of Space Tourism

The Indian Government is taking measures to augment domestic capacity for future realisation of space tourism. In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Dr Jitendra Singh said, ISRO has also carried out a few feasibility studies for a sub-orbital space tourism mission onboard a liquid propellant stage booster. Gaganyaan, India’s maiden human spaceflight programme, ISRO is engaged in development of various technologies, which are essential building blocks for human space missions. The Minister informed that the objective of the Gaganyaan programme is the demonstration of human spaceflight capability to Low earth orbit. Future missions will be taken up after the accomplishment of Gaganyaan mission. For more information: Click here to read…

III. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the capability of AI-enabled machines to use existing text, audio files, or images to create new content. The use of Generative AI is still in its early stages, and its impact is likely to grow as technology continues to evolve and improve. The Government is cognizant of the emergence of these technologies and their rapid proliferation in sectors like education, manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and others. There is no data available on Generative AI employment. However, as per NASSCOM data, the overall AI employment in India is estimated at about 416,000 professionals. The growth rate for the sector is estimated at about 20-25 percent. Further, AI is expected to contribute an additional USD 957 billion to India’s economy, by 2035. For more information: Click here to read…

Startup India Seed Fund Scheme

The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), a flagship scheme under Startup India initiative has been implemented with eﬀect from 1st April 2021. Under the Scheme, Rs. 477.25 crore has been approved to 133 incubators of which Rs. 211.63 crore has been disbursed as on 31st December 2022, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Som Parkash said in his reply to a Parliament Question on 3 February 2023. The SISFS has been approved with a corpus of Rs. 945 crore for the period of 4 years starting from 2021-22. Other ﬂagship schemes under Startup India initiative include Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) and Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) extend support to startups at various stages of their business cycle. For more information: Click here to read…

Use of Drone Technology in Coal Mines

Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL), the premier Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Coal has introduced drone technology in coal mines by launching a web- based portal VIHANGAM along with a drone and ground control system. The portal allows an authorised person to access real time drone video from the mine through a dedicated 40 Mbps internet lease line near the mines. There is a control station that flies the drone and the system can be operated through the portal from anywhere. This pilot project is at present operational at Bhubaneswari and Lingraj opencast mines of Talcher Coalfields. MCL is making use of drone technology for environmental monitoring, volume measurement and photogrammetric mapping of mine for digitalization of mining process. Besides deploying state- of- art technology to further enhance record coal production, MCL has also stepped up the use of latest equipment to further enhance safety standards. For more information: Click here to read…

Promoting Drones in Agriculture Sector

The Indian government has released funds amounting to Rs. 126.99 crores towards Kisan Drone promotion based on the proposals received so far. This includes Rs. 52.50 crores released to the ICAR for purchase of 300 Kisan Drones and organizing their demonstrations on the farmers’ fields in 75000 hectares through 100 KVKs, 75 ICAR institutions and 25 SAUs. It also includes funds released to various State Governments for supply of more than 300 Kisan Drone to farmers on subsidy and establishment of more than 1500 Kisan Drone CHCs to provide drone services to the farmers. The use of Kisan Drones has a potential to provide ample opportunities of employment to people in rural areas. For more information: Click here to read…

5G Services in India

Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have started providing 5G services in the country from 1st October 2022 onwards. As on 31 January 2023, 5G services have been started in 238 cities distributed across all license service areas. The Indian Government has established a road map to make 5G services available in different parts of the country through rollout obligations. As per the Notice Inviting Application (NIA) dated 15 June 2022 for auction of spectrum and the license conditions, the rollout obligations are required to be met over a period of five years, in a phased manner, from the date of allocation of spectrum. For more information: Click here to read…

Initiatives to Promote Electricity Mobility and Increase Charging Stations for EVs

Several initiatives have been taken to promote electricity mobility including Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles (EVs). The steps taken to increase the number of the charging stations across the country include: Ministry of Power along with Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Heavy Industries and NITI Aayog has launched a nationwide “Go Electric” Campaign on 19 February 2021 to educate the general public on the benefits of EVs. Action plans for 9 major cities have been prepared by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) for installation of Public Charging Stations. As per the initial estimates, a total of 46,397 Public Charging Stations (PCS) are being targeted in these cities by 2030. For more information: Click here to read…

TRAI Releases Consultation Paper on Digital Connectivity Infrastructure

On 11 February 2023, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released the Consultation Paper on “Introduction of Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Provider Authorization under Unified License (UL)”. The purpose of this Consultation Paper is to seek views of stakeholders on the proposed DCIP authorization under Unified License. A robust Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI) contributes significantly to economic development both by increasing productivity and by providing amenities that enhance the quality of life. DCI plays a vital and leading role in successful implementation of various Government schemes under Digital India, Make in India, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), and development of Smart Cities. For more information: Click here to read…

Digital Transactions Increasing in India

Digital payment transactions have significantly increased as a result of coordinated efforts of the Government as a whole, along with all stake holders concerned, from 2,071 crore transactions in FY 2017-18 to 8,840 crore transactions in FY 2021-22 (Source: RBI, NPCI and banks). During last five years, various easy and convenient modes of digital payments, including Bharat Interface for Money-Unified Payments Interface (BHIM-UPI), Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), and National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) have registered substantial growth and have transformed digital payment ecosystem by increasing person-to-person (P2P) as well as person-to-merchant (P2M) payments. BHIM UPI has emerged as the preferred payment mode of the citizens and has recorded 803.6 crore digital payment transactions with the value of ₹ 12.98 lakh crore in January 2023. For more information: Click here to read…

Digitization of Courts in India

The Indian Government has launched the eCourts Integrated Mission Mode Project in the country for computerization of District and subordinate courts with the objective of improving access to justice using technology. As part of the National eGovernance Plan, the project is under implementation since 2007 for ICT development of the Indian Judiciary based on the “National Policy and Action Plan for Implementation of Information and Communication Technology in the Indian Judiciary”. eCourts project is being implemented in association with e-Committee Supreme Court of India and Department of Justice. Phase I of the project was implemented during 2011-2015. Phase II of the project started in 2015 under which 18,735 District & Subordinate courts have been computerised. For more information: Click here to read…

Six Greenfield Airports Operationalised since 2019

Since 2019, six Greenfield airports namely, Kalaburagi (project cost Rs. 175.57 crore), Orvakal (Kurnool) (project cost Rs. 187 crore), Sindhudurg (project cost Rs. 520 crore), Itanagar (project cost Rs. 646 crore)Kushinagar (project cost Rs. 448 crore) and Mopa (project cost Rs.2870 crore) have been operationalised, out of which Kushinagar and Mopa airports are International airports. For more information: Click here to read…

India’s Nuclear Power Capacity Increasing

India’s Nuclear Power capacity witnessed a quantum jump since 2014. Going by the exact figures, in the year 2013-14 if the annual nuclear power generation stood at 35,333 Million Units, in the latest year of 2021-22 it stands at 47,112 Million Units which is nearly 30 to 40 percent increase within a short span of over eight and a half years. Dr Jitendra Singh noted that the world’s first thorium based nuclear plant “Bhavni” using Uranium-233 is being set up at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu. It is going to be entirely indigenous and the first-of-its-kind. The experimental thorium plant “Kamini” already exists in Kalpakkam. For more information: Click here to read…

IV. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

India-Argentina S&T Cooperation

A high level delegation led by Argentina’s Minister of Science, Technology & Innovation of Argentina, Mr Daniel Filmus visited India and called on Dr Jitendra Singh. During the visit, the two sides discussed bilateral collaboration on a wide range of areas, including the Argentina Minister sought India’s support to deploy technologies for implementation by industry and facilitating the entrepreneurs in Argentina. Dr Jitendra Singh informed his Argentinian counterpart Mr Filmus that Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), with world-class expertise and facilities, is one of the largest industrial R&D organizations in the world with 37 multi-disciplinary R&D institutes located across India. With its state-of-the-art expertise, capacities and capabilities CSIR could contribute effectively towards Research and Innovation Collaborations, Technology Partnerships, Research Infrastructure Development & Sharing, and Capacity Building. For more information: Click here to read…

India-EU Technology Cooperation

On 6 February 2023, under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), India and the EU announced the establishment of the three Working Groups: i) Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance and Digital Connectivity; ii) Green & Clean Energy Technologies; and, iii) Trade, Investment & Resilient Value Chains. The TTC is a strategic coordination mechanism that will allow both partners to tackle challenges at the nexus of trade, trusted technology and security, and thus deepen cooperation in these fields between India and the EU. It will be co-chaired on the Indian side by the Ministers for External Affairs; Commerce & Industry; and Communications, Electronics & Information Technology. For more information: Click here to read…

India-France Tech Cooperation

Prime Minister Modi participated in a video call with President of France Emmanuel Macron on the occasion of the launch of a partnership between Air India and Airbus. Air India and Airbus have signed a contract for the supply of 250 aircraft, 210 single-aisle A320neos and 40 widebody A350s to Air India. This commercial partnership between these two players of the aviation sector also displays the strength of the India-France Strategic Partnership, which marks its 25th anniversary this year. Complimenting the strong presence of French companies in India, Prime Minister also recalled the recent decision by French aerospace engine manufacturer SAFRAN to set up its largest MRO facility in India to service aircraft engines for both Indian and international carriers. For more information: Click here to read…

India-US Tech Cooperation

On 14 February 2023, President Joe Biden had a phone call with Prime Minister Modi to discuss the historic agreement for Air India to purchase over 200 American-made aircraft from Boeing. President Biden noted how the sale will support over one million American jobs across 44 states, and help Air India meet growing demands for air transportation in India. The two leaders also discussed the importance of the strategic technology partnership between the two countries, highlighting the recent inaugural launch of the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) hosted in Washington in January 2023. For more information: Click here to read…

V. REGIONAL AND GLOBAL TRENDS

AI Chatbots: Next US-China Tech War

After Chip War, China is getting ready for the next tech war against the US amid rapid advances in generative AI in recent months. Chinese companies are stepping up efforts to enter the fast-growing AI content sector. But apart from the hype and excitement, people are probably missing the threat factors, especially with China in the AI game. An American company, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, has swept the globe because of its advanced conversational features since its launch in November 2022. On 6 February 2023, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai announced the launch of its own AI chatbot, Bard, in a blog post. Google’s Chinese equivalent, Baidu Inc, revealed on 7 February that it will complete internal testing of Ernie Bot, a comparable AI chatbot project, by March and then go live. For more information: Click here to read…

Japan, Netherlands to Join US in Restricting Chinese Accesses to Advanced Materials

The US, Japan, and the Netherlands are also in discussions to restrict China’s access to materials for semiconductor technology and for the manufacturing of advanced processor chips which, they claim, can be used in weapons. The Chinse government has protested the move and continue to do so, claiming the West is trying to “maintain its hegemony” and containing China by abusing export controls. It charges the United States of encouraging other countries ganging up against China as well. For more information: Click here to read…

ASML says Chinese Employee Stole Information about Its Technology

The Netherlands’ ASML, one of the world’s major suppliers to the semiconductor industry and the sole producer of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography photolithography devices, has claimed that a former employee in China stole sensitive technological information in a data breach. Based on its preliminary investigations, ASML believes that the misappropriated data will not have a negative impact on its current operations, although it concedes that some “export control requirements” may have been breached. ASML has subsequently disclosed the data breach to the appropriate authorities, and it is “implementing further corrective steps in light of this event.” According to a Gartner report, ASML is a crucial cornerstone of the worldwide technology supply chain, holding over 90 per cent of the global market for chipmaking lithography equipment by 2021. For more information: Click here to read…

South Korea Concerned about Possible Leakage of Trade Secrets to China

As a result of the United States sweeping sanctions on Chinese tech companies, South Korea, one of China’s largest trading partners is now worried that certain companies may leak trade secrets to the Chinese. After getting Japan and the Netherlands to impose certain trade restrictions on the country, particularly those that would not allow tech companies based in these countries to sell technology or machinery that would allow the Chinese to develop the latest generation of semiconductors, the US is now going after China’s trade with South Korea. According to Korean specialists, as US’ efforts to deny China access to chip innovations increase, South Korea is on the lookout for technical knowledge and guides being leaked to China. In the last 5-6 years, China has reportedly been involved in over 110 cases of corporate espionage and industrial espionage with South Korean tech companies. Of these, about 36 have been related to tech which is at the centre of South Korea’s tech industry. For more information: Click here to read…

US Military Shot Down the Chinese Surveillance Balloon and Unidentified Objects

The US military shot down the Chinese surveillance balloon in early February 2023 and subsequently three unidentified objects. Since then US-China tensions have been high. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken abruptly called off his planned 5 February trip to Beijing. Just days later, the Pentagon said China refused a call from US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Administration officials say the device was part of an international “high-altitude balloon programme for intelligence collection” by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) that has flown over 40 countries. Beijing maintains that the balloon was a civilian airship used for meteorological research. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden said that the incident “underscores the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between our diplomats and military professionals” and reiterated that his administration is “not looking for a new Cold War” with China. For more information: Click here to read…

The UK Falling Behind in the Global Semiconductor Race

As nations around the world scramble to secure crucial semiconductor supply chains over fears about relations with China, the UK is falling behind. Britain’s government has been readying a plan to diversify supply chains for key components and boost domestic production. However, a lack of experience and joined-up policy-making in Whitehall, a period of intense political upheaval in Downing Street, and new US controls on the export of advanced chips to China, have collectively stymied the UK’s efforts to develop its own coherent plan. Against this backdrop, many of the UK’s allies are investing billions in domestic manufacturing. The Biden administration’s CHIPS Act, passed last summer, offers $52 billion in subsidies for semiconductor manufacturing in the US. The EU has its own €43 billion plan to subsidize production — although its own stance is not without critics. Emerging producers like India, Vietnam, Singapore and Japan are also making headway in their own multi-billion-dollar efforts to foster domestic manufacturing. Now the UK government is under mounting pressure to show its own hand. For more information: Click here to read…

Defense, National Security and Terrorism

VIF News Digest: National Security – Defence Studies & Terrorism, 01-15 February 2023

February 17, 2023 vd@admin

DEFENCE

Defence Budget 2023-24.
Mission Mode (MM) projects of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and Commander of Royal Cambodian Army visiting India.
HAL’s Helicopter Factory at Tumakuru inaugurated by PM.
Operation Dost.
NSA Shri Ajit Doval visited Moscow from 07-09 February 2023.
Maiden landing of LCA Navy and Mig-29K fighter aircraft on board INS Vikrant.
MoD signs contract worth over Rs 2,585 crore, for Corps of Engineers of Indian Army.
11th meeting of India-Mongolia Joint Working Group.
Prime Minister inaugurates Aero India 2023
Defence Secretary meets delegations from Saudi Arabia, USA and Oman on the sidelines of Aero India 2023
Defence Secretary meets UK Delegation.
Raksha Mantri hosts Defence Ministers’ Conclave.
Indigenous manufacturing of aero-engines; MoD working on the details
Raksha Mantri calls for joint efforts to develop India as MRO hub.
Defence Secretary holds talks with several defence delegations.
Record 75 per cent of defence capital procurement budget earmarked for domestic industry in FY 2023-24.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

“lack of employment- a main driver of violent extremism in Sub-Saharan Africa”: UNDP

Afghanistan

Taliban killed three IS operatives in a raid in Kabul.
“Afghanistan remains primary source of terrorist threat for Central and South Asia”: UN report.

East Asia

South Korean police arrested two foreigners funding terrorist groups using cryptocurrency.
Singaporean law-enforcement authorities detained an 18 years-old IS supporter for planning terror attacks in the country.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

Security forces arrested six JeM terrorists from Kulgam.

Left-Wing Extremism

A key-Maoist surrendered in Jharkhand.

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

NIA searched multiple locations in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka in connection with ‘Coimbatore car bomb blast’ and ‘Mangaluru blast’ cases.
“Popular Front of India wanted to turn Bharat into Islamic State by 2047”: Maharashtra ATS.
NIA filed charge sheet against a PFI operative in ‘Activities of IS module in India’ case.
NIA arrested two accused in the ‘Phulwarisharif Patna PFI’ case.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

Bharat condemned vandalism in Melbourne, Australia.

Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) cases

Assam-based FICN racket busted in West Bengal.
STF team recovered FICNs worth ₹ 31 lakh from Odisha.

DEFENCE

Defence Budget 2023-24.

The Armed Forces allocation fornon-Salary revenue outlay has been enhanced to Rs 90,000 crore in BE 2023-24, representing a 44% jump. The Union Budget for Financial Year 2023-24 envisages a total outlay of Rs 45,03,097 crore. Of this, Ministry of Defence has been allocated a total Budget of Rs 5,93,537.64 crore, which is 13.18 % of the total budget. This includes an amount of Rs 1,38,205 crore for Defence Pensions. The total Defence Budget represents an enhancement of Rs 68,371.49 crore (13%) over the Budget of 2022-23. The Capital Allocations pertaining to modernisation and infrastructure development of the Defence Services has been increased to Rs 1,62,600 crore representing a rise of Rs 10,230 crore (6.7%) over FY 2022-23.
For more information: Click here to read…

Mission Mode (MM) projects of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The Government has worked out the Mission Mode (MM) projects of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). As on date, DRDO is working on 55 MM Projects for a total sanctioned cost of Rs 73,942.82 crore. These are in the area of Decoys, Nuclear Defence Technologies, Air Independent Propulsion (AIP), Combat Suite, Propulsion System, Air Droppable Container, Torpedo, Fighter Aircraft, Cruise Missile, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, AEW&C Aircraft System, Gas Turbine Engine, Assault Rifle, Warhead, Light Machine Gun, Rocket, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Infantry Combat Vehicle Command, Ordnance Disposal System, Tactical Radios, EW Systems, Radars, Life Support System, Geographical Information System, Surface to Air Missile, Anti-ship Missile, anti-Airfield Weapon, Glide Bomb, Simulator etc.
Reference: Click here to read…

Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and Commander of Royal Cambodian Army visiting India.

Lieutenant General Hun Manet, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and Commander of Royal Cambodian Army along with a delegation visited India from 02 to 04 February 2023. This was the maiden visit by any Commander of Royal Cambodian Army and is a milestone in Army to Army relations between both countries. He called on Mr Giridhar Aramane, Defence Secretary and was briefed on Indian indigenous defence equipment manufacturing eco-system by the Department of Defence Production (DDP) and the Army Design Bureau. He later called-on the Hon’ble Vice President of India Shri Jagdeep Dhankar, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Deputy National Security Advisor Mr Vikram Misri.
For more information: Click here to read…

HAL’s Helicopter Factory at Tumakuru inaugurated by PM.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Helicopter Factory at Tumakuru in Karnataka on February 06, 2023. He took a walk through of the Helicopter Facility & Structure Hangar and unveiled the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH). The factory is India’s largest helicopter manufacturing facility and will initially produce LUHs. The LUH is an indigenously designed and developed three-ton class, single engine multipurpose utility helicopter with unique features of high maneuverability. Initially, this factory will produce around 30 helicopters per year and can be enhanced to 60 and then 90 per year in a phased manner.

The Greenfield Helicopter Factory, spread across 615 acres of land, is planned with a vision to become a one-stop solution for all helicopter requirements of the country. After initially producing LUHs, the factory will be augmented to produce other helicopters such as Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs) and Indian Multirole Helicopters (IMRHs). It will also be used for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul of LCH, LUH, Civil Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and IMRH in the future. Potential exports of civil LUH will also be catered to from this factory. The HAL plans to produce more than 1,000 helicopters in the range of 3-15 tonnes, with a total business of over Rs four lakh crores over a period of 20 years.
For more information: Click here to read…

Operation Dost

Following the massive earthquake that struck Türkiye and Syria on 6 February 2023, Prime Minister directed that all possible assistance be extended to the affected people. In pursuance of this, Operation Dost was launched to provide necessary support in terms of search and rescue (SAR) efforts as well as medical assistance. This swift response led to the first C-17 IAF aircraft with a specialized SAR team leaving for Türkiye within hours of a request of assistance being received. Since then, India has been able to send more than 250 personnel, specialized equipment and other relief material amounting to more than 135 tons to Türkiye on 5 C-17 IAF aircrafts.

These include three self-sustained teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) numbering more than 150 specially trained personnel, along with dog squads, specialized equipment, vehicles and supplies. Their equipment allows for detection, location, access and extrication of people trapped under collapsed structures. In addition, personnel and equipment have been sent to set up a 30-bed self-sustained field hospital of the Indian Army. This includes a team of 99 specially trained personnel, with essential medicines, advanced equipment, vehicles and ambulances. The hospital will provide for a fully functional Operation Theatre, and facilities such as X-ray, ventilators, etc.
For more information: Click here to read…

NSA Shri Ajit Doval visited Moscow from 07-09 February 2023.

NSA visited Moscow from 07-09 February 2023. He participated at the 5th Multilateral Meeting of Secretaries of Security Councils/National Security Advisers on Afghanistan on 08 February 2023. Apart from the host country, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan were represented at this meeting. Issues discussed included the security and humanitarian challenges facing Afghanistan.

In his remarks, NSA stressed the need to ensure that the territory of Afghanistan does not become a source of radicalization and terrorism, regionally or globally, as well as to intensify intelligence and security cooperation to deal with terror outfits, including those designated under the UNSCR 1267. He also pointed out that the well-being and humanitarian needs of the Afghan people is India’s foremost priority.

NSA also called on the President of the Russian Federation Mr. Vladimir Putin and had wide-ranging discussions on bilateral and regional issues. It was agreed to continue work towards implementing the India-Russia special and privileged strategic partnership.

On 09 February 2023, NSA held a bilateral dialogue with Secretary of the Russian Security Council, and discussed issues, including bilateral relations, regional and international developments. He also met with Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Minister of Trade and Industry and discussed issues pertaining to bilateral defence and economic cooperation.
For more information: Click here to read…

Maiden landing of LCA Navy and Mig-29K fighter aircraft onboard INS Vikrant.

The Carrier has been undertaking extensive Air Operations with Rotary Wing and Fixed Wing aircraft since 13 Dec 22 towards Air Certification and Flight Integration Trials for achieving the ultimate aim of being ‘Combat Ready’. As part of the aviation trials, landing of LCA (Navy) and MiG-29K on board INS Vikrant was carried out on 06 Feb 23 for the first time.
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MoD signs contract worth over Rs 2,585 crore, for Corps of Engineers of Indian Army.

Ministry of Defence has approved the proposal for indigenous manufacture of 41 sets of Modular Bridges for the Corps of Engineers of the Indian Army. These game-changing bridges have been designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and shall be produced by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) as DRDO-nominated production agency. The contract for the procurement of Modular Bridges was signed with L&T on February 08, 2023 at an estimated cost of over Rs 2,585 crore.
For more information:

11th meeting of India-Mongolia Joint Working Group.

The 11th meeting of India-Mongolia Joint Working Group was held today on 10th February 2023 in New Delhi. Both sides reviewed the progress on various bilateral defence cooperation initiatives and identified means to further enhance the existing areas of cooperation and articulated steps in this direction. During the meeting, both the sides expressed satisfaction at the ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries despite the limitations imposed by Covid-19 pandemic.

India established diplomatic relations with Mongolia in 1955. The Indian Resident Mission in Ulaanbaatar was opened in 1971. This relationship was upgraded to “strategic partnership” in 2015 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Mongolia and declared it as an essential component of ‘Act East Policy’.
For more information: Click here to read…

Prime Minister inaugurates Aero India 2023.

Prime Minister inaugurated the 14th edition of Asia’s largest aero show –– Aero India 2023 – in Bengaluru, Karnataka on February 13, 2023. February 13th to 15th were the business days, while 16th & 17th were public days to allow people to witness the show. The event comprised of a Defence Ministers’ Conclave; a CEOs Round Table; Manthan start-up event; Bandhan ceremony; breath-taking air shows; a large exhibition; India Pavilion and a trade fair of aerospace companies.

Organised at Air Force Station, Yelahanka in a total area of around 35,000 sqm, the event, the biggest-ever till date, witnessed the participation of 98 countries. The Defence Ministers of 32 countries, Air Chiefs of 29 countries and 73 CEOs of global and Indian OEMs were expected to attend the event. Eight hundred and nine (809) defence companies, including MSMEs and start-ups, showcased the advancement in niche technologies and the growth in aerospace and defence sector.
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Defence Secretary meets delegations from Saudi Arabia, USA and Oman on the sidelines of Aero India 2023.

Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane held bilateral meetings on 12 February 2023 with three defence delegations on the sidelines of Aero India 2023 at Bengaluru. Defence Secretary met Mr. Engr Turki Saad, General Manager Industrial Relations, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and discussed a number of bilateral defence cooperation issues.

A US delegation led by Mr. Jedijiah P. Royal, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, and accompanied by Ambassador Elizabeth Jones, Charge D’Affairs US Embassy and Maj Gen Julian Cheator, US Air Force, met the Defence Secretary.
A wide range of ongoing and future defence cooperation issues were discussed. US is participating in Aero India with a number of officials, companies and aircrafts.

Later, Defence Secretary met a delegation from Oman led by HE Dr Mohammed Nasser Al Zaabi, Secretary General, Ministry of Defence. The ongoing defence cooperation was reviewed and possible opportunities for increasing the depth and scope of engagements was discussed.
Reference: Click here to read…

Defence Secretary meets UK Delegation.

Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane had a bilateral meeting with UK Minister of State for Defence Procurement Mr Alex Chalk. The meeting was conducted on the side-lines of the Aero India 2023 which was inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister on 13 February 2023. A number of ongoing and future defence cooperation issues were discussed including areas for potential defence industrial cooperation. The UK Minister was accompanied by British High Commissioner to India Mr Alex Ellis.
Reference: Click here to read…

Raksha Mantri hosts Defence Ministers’ Conclave.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh hosted the Defence & Deputy Defence Ministers of 27 countries at the Defence Ministers’ Conclave held on the sidelines of Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru on February 14, 2023. The broad theme of the conclave was ‘Shared Prosperity through Enhanced Engagements in Defence’ (SPEED). It sought to address aspects related to deepening cooperation for capacity building (through investments, R&D, joint ventures, co-development, co-production and provisioning of defence equipment), training, space, AI and maritime security to grow together.

Over 160 delegates from several countries, including Defence & Deputy Defence Ministers from 27 countries, 15 Defence and Service Chiefs and 12 Permanent Secretaries from 80 countries participated in the conclave attesting to India’s tremendous growth and engagement in the defence and security sectors.
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Indigenous manufacturing of aero-engines; MoD working on the details.

Ministry of Defence is working on the details of indigenous manufacturing of aero-engines to provide a new fillip to the aerospace sector and achieve complete self-reliance. This was stated by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh during his inaugural address at a seminar titled ‘Indigenous Development of ‘Futuristic Aerospace Technologies including Way Forward for Development of Indigenous Aero Engines’, organised by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) as part of 14th Aero India in Bengaluru on February 14, 2023.
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Raksha Mantri calls for joint efforts to develop India as MRO hub.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has called for joint efforts to develop India as a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hub. He emphasised the need for MRO services to safeguard our defence equipment and systems, and protect our defence forces. He was speaking at the inaugural session of the seminar on “Sustenance in MRO and Obsolescence Mitigation: Op capability Enhancers in Aerospace Domain” organised by the Indian Air Force at Aero India 2023 on February 14, 2023.

Speaking on the need to give a push to indigenisation, Shri Rajnath Singh mentioned that the requirement for minimum 50% indigenous content in ‘Buy Indian- IDDM’ category currently does not include maintenance. He suggested that the procurement cost as well as maintenance and support should have 50% indigenous content to make the acquisition truly “Buy Indian- IDDM” and give a boost to Aatmanirbharta. He further pointed out the need to consider the cost of defence products over their entire lifespan. “The Life Cycle cost of high value defence equipment, including service and maintenance, should be examined at the time of acquisition for a clear estimate of total expenditure on these products throughout their usable life, and to enable us to get better value for money”, he suggested. He said that this will also enable us to understand the overall financial implications and estimate the level of indigenisation in particular defence equipment.
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Defence Secretary holds talks with several defence delegations.

Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane met a number of defence delegations on the sidelines of Aero India 2023 at Bengaluru on 14 February 2023. A bilateral meeting was held with UAE delegation led by Mr Matar Salem Ali Marran Aldhaheri, Defence Secretary, Ministry of Defence, UAE. They discussed a number of ongoing defence cooperation issues and expressed satisfaction at the regular military engagements.

Defence Secretary met a Myanmar delegation led by Lt Gen Kan Myint Than, Chief of Defence Industries. The ongoing defence cooperation issues were discussed. A bilateral meeting was held with Brazil. The Brazilian delegation was led by Brig Rui Chagas Mesquita, Head of Secretariat for Defence Production. They discussed a number of defence industrial cooperation issues and the possibilities for further cooperation.

Defence Secretary met a Cambodia delegation led by Gen Yun Min, Secretary of State, Ministry of National Defence. They reviewed the current cooperation between the two countries and discussed ways to enhance the defence cooperation.
A bilateral meeting was organized with Ms Katerina Gramatikova, Deputy Minister of Defence of the Republic of Bulgaria with Defence Secretary. Issues related to defence industrial cooperation were discussed.

A Mauritius delegation led by Mr Kechan Balgobin, Permanent Secretary, Prime Minister’s Office, Government of Mauritius met Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane. They considered the ongoing and future defence cooperation matters and exchanged views on important issues.
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Record 75 per cent of defence capital procurement budget earmarked for domestic industry in FY 2023-24.

Record 75 per cent (approx. Rs one lakh crore) of the defence capital procurement budget has been earmarked for domestic industry in Financial Year (FY) 2023-24, up from 68 per cent in 2022-23. This was announced by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh during the Bandhan ceremony of 14th Aero India in Bengaluru on February 15, 2023.

The Bandhan ceremony also witnessed the forging of 266 partnerships including 201 MoUs, 53 major announcements, nine product launches and three Transfers of Technology, worth around Rs 80,000 crore.
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INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

“Lack of employment- a main driver of violent extremism in Sub-Saharan Africa”: UNDP.

According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report— Journey to Extremism in Africa: Pathways to Recruitment and Disengagement, released on 07 February 2023, lack of job opportunities is the leading factor driving people to join violent extremist groups in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Lack of income, lack of employment and livelihoods, means that desperation is essentially pushing people to take up opportunities, with whoever offers that,” said Achim Steiner, UNDP administrator.

Sub-Saharan Africa has become a new global epicenter of violent extremism with almost half of global terrorism deaths recorded there in 2021. After lack of employment, peer pressure from family members or friends is cited as second most common driver; followed by religious ideology for joining up the terror group.
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Afghanistan

Taliban killed three IS operatives in a raid in Kabul.

In an overnight operation on 14-15 February 2023, the Taliban’s intelligence wing killed three Islamic State (IS) terrorists and arrested one during a raid in the Karti Naw neighbourhood in Kabul. According to a Taliban-appointed spokesman for Afghanistan’s General Director of Intelligence— Khalil Hamraz, “the raid on a residential building targeted IS terrorists who were involved in recent attacks in Kabul.”
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“Afghanistan remains primary source of terrorist threat for Central and South Asia”: UN report.

The United Nations (UN)’s 31st report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team (ISIS/ISIL, al-Qa’ida) highlighted that due to the Taliban’s failure to implement a successful security policy, organisations like the Islamic State (IS/ISIL/ISIS), al-Qa’ida, and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) continue to pose a significant threat to Central and South Asia.

The report also mentioned that IS’s branch in Afghanistan— Islamic State-Khurasan Province (IS-KP) is the primary rival to the Taliban de-facto administration, having strategic focus on Afghanistan and beyond in the historical Khurasan region. IS-KP’s main objective is to unearthed the Taliban’s in-capabilities to provide effective security in the country. By attacking diplomatic missions, IS-KP seeks to undermine the relationship between the Taliban and neighbouring countries.
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East Asia

South Korean police arrested two foreigners funding terrorist groups using crypto currency.

On 15 February, South Korea’s National Police Agency (NPA) arrested two foreign nationals for funding al-Qa’ida-linked terrorist group— Katibat al-Tawhidwal-Jihad (KTJ), using crypto currency. Police arrested an Uzbek and a Kazakh man who were later sent to the Supreme Prosecutors Office on charges of breaking the anti-terrorism and anti-terrorist funding acts. The United Nations (UN) designated KTJ as a terrorist group in March 2022. According to the police statement, in December 2022, nine foreign nationals were arrested on charges of funding KTJ and were later deported. It was suspected, the Uzbek collected some 10 million won (USD 7,770) by instigating other foreigners based in Yeongam, South Jeolla province, and sending funds to KTJ since August 2022. The Kazak national allegedly sent 01 million won of crypto currency to KTJ.
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Singaporean law-enforcement authorities detained an 18 years-old IS supporter for planning terror attacks in the country.

Singaporean law-enforcement agency detained an 18 years-old Islamic State (IS) supporter for allegedly planning to carry out terror attacks in the country. As reported, Muhammad Irfan Danyal bin Mohammad Nor, a Singaporean student, was detained under the Internal Security Act. “Muhammad Irfan became radicalised after viewing IS group propaganda online, adding that he wanted to use social media to gather terrorists to conduct attacks in Singapore”, read the statement released by the authorities.
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DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

Security forces arrested six JeM terrorists from Kulgam.

On 03 February 2023, security forces arrested six Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists— i) Shahid Ahmad Padder, ii) Ubaid Ahmad Itoo, iii) Danish Ahmad Dar, iv) Nawaz Ahmad Ganie, v) Abid Mushtaq, and vi)Kifayat Ahmad Lone, from Kulgam district and recovered huge cache of arms and ammunition from their possession. “On the basis of intelligence inputs regarding carrying out of subversive actions in Mirhama and Damhal Hanjipora area of Kulgam district, joint team of Police and 9 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) arrested six JeM terrorists in the operations,” said police.

Security forces recovered a pistol, a pistol magazine, eight pistol rounds, a hand grenade, four UBGL (Under Barrel Grenade Launcher) shell, 30 rounds of AK-47, 446 rounds of M4, eight magazines of M4, one each magazine of AK-47 and INSAS, a wireless set and four walkie-talkies.
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Left-Wing Extremism

A ‘regional commander’ surrendered in Jharkhand.

On 10 February 2022, a key Maoist— Mithilesh Singh aka Duryodhan Mahto, who carried a bounty of ₹ 15 lakh, surrendered before security forces in Ranchi district, Jharkhand. Mithilesh was a ‘regional commander of the CPI (Maoist) group. He was ‘most-wanted’ in 104 cases in various districts of the State.

“In past three years, more than 1,300 Maoists were arrested, around 50 Maoists surrendered and 31 of them were killed in gunfight with security forces. The base area of the Maoists has shrunk, and they are now restricted to few pockets in the State,” said Inspector-General (IG) of Police (Operations)—Amol V Homkar.
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Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

NIA searched multiple locations in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka in connection with ‘Coimbatore car bomb blast’ and ‘Mangaluru blast’ cases.

On 15 February 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched 32 locations in Tamil Nadu and Kerala in connection with the ‘Coimbatore car bomb blast’ case— RC-01/2022/NIA/CHE and eight locations in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka in ‘Mangaluru blast’ case— RC-47/2022/NIA/DLI.

The case— RC-01/2022/NIA/CHE pertains to a bomb blast in a car, laden with explosives in front of Kottai Eswaran temple in Coimbatore district. The accused— Jamesha Mubeen, after swearing allegiance to Islamic State (IS), planned to carry out a suicide attack on 23 October 2022. The case— RC-47/2022/NIA/DLI relates to a ‘pressure cooker bomb’/improvised explosive device (IED) blast that took place in a moving auto-rickshaw in Mangaluru, Karnataka. In two cases, during the search operations large numbers of digital devices and cash amounting to ₹ 4 lakh.
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“Popular Front of India wanted to turn Bharat into Islamic State by 2047”: Maharashtra ATS.

In its charge sheet filed in a local court on 02 February 2023, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) highlighted that the Popular Front of India (PFI), a banned organisation, aimed to establish the ‘Rule of Islam’ in Bharat by 2047, and also had plans to obtain arms and ammunition with the assistance from foreign countries or their organisations to achieve the objectives. The ATS claimed to have recovered a document called— “India 2047-towards rule of Islam in India”.

As per the charge sheet, PFI wanted to create a split among several communities by projecting Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as an organisation interested in the welfare of upper-caste Hindus.
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NIA filed charge sheet against a PFI operative in ‘Activities of IS module in India’ case.

On 11 February 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge sheet against Mohammad Sohail, a PFI operative involved in conspiracy to disturb peace and spread communal hatred and enmity. Mohammad Sohail, along with other PFI members, have conspired to radicalise Muslim youth to commit violent and unlawful activities. Mohammad Sohail was arrested on 10 February 2023 from Jaipur, Rajasthan.
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NIA arrested two operatives in the ‘Phulwarisharif Patna PFI’ case.

On 04 February 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched eight locations and arrested two PFI operatives— i) TanveerRaza, and ii) Mohammad Abid, from Motihari, Bihar, in ‘Phulwarisharif Patna PFI’ case. Both accused were involved in conspiracy to carry out targeted killing in East Champaran district, Bihar. Few days ago, Yakoob, the PFI trainer, had posted derogatory and inflammatory Facebook video post which was aimed at disturbing the peace and harmony. Other users on Facebook trolled this post abusively. Yakoob, Tanveer, and Abid had identified some of the users and conspired to execute the killing of targeted users.
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Khalistan-inspired Extremism

Bharat condemned vandalism in Melbourne, Australia.

On 02 February 2023, Bharat condemned the recent anti-Bharat incidents of vandalism in various parts of Australia and asked the Australian government to ensure that country’s territory is not used for activities detrimental to “Bharat’s security, integrity, and national interest”.

“We (Bharat) strongly condemn such attacks by extremist elements. We urge the local authorities to investigate and punish the perpetrators. We have been repeatedly taking up with the Australian authorities our concerns about actions by such elements, including the proscribed terrorist organisations. Bharat has expressed a firm rejection of the Khalistan referendum and other politically-motivated activities by extremist elements,” said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)’s spokesman Arindam Bagchi.
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Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) cases

Assam-based FICN racket busted in West Bengal.

On 01 February 2023, the Kolkata Special Task Force (STF)’s anti-FICN team busted an Assam-based Fake Indian Currency Note (FICN) racket and arrested two racketeers— i) Abdul Rejjak Khan, and ii) Shahar Ali. During the arrest, STF team recovered a total of 2,000 notes of ₹ 500 from the possession of the duo. STF registered the case under Sections 120B, 489B, and 489C of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
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STF team recovered FICNs worth ₹ 31 lakh from Odisha.

On 01 February 2023, Odisha’s Special Task Force (STF) and police seized a consignment of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) worth ₹ 31 lakh during a raid in Bolangir district in Odisha. The joint team seized FICNs from a man standing near the main gate of Titlagarh bus stand.
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Defense, National Security and Terrorism

VIF News Digest: National Security – Defence Studies & Terrorism, 01-15 January 2023

January 17, 2023 vd@admin

DEFENCE

63rd National Defence College (NDC) Course commences.
India and Pakistan exchanged the list of nuclear installations and facilities.
Exchange of list of prisoners between India and Pakistan.
DRDO celebrates its 65th Foundation Day.
RM calls upon other Ministries, State Governments and private sector to provide new opportunities to Agniveer.
Raksha Mantri reviews operational preparedness of Andaman & Nicobar Command in Port Blair.
IAF & Japan Air Self Defence Force set to exercise jointly in Japan.
Roundtable conference for Aero India 2023.
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approves Acceptance of Necessity (AON) worth Rs 4,276 crore.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

The Somali government and al-Shabaab denied peace talks as the Somalian President called on terrorists to surrender.
Twin car bombings killed more than 20 people in central Somalia.

Nigeria

Nigerian security forces killed 30 Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.

Afghanistan

Taliban claimed to kill 08 IS terrorists and arrested several others in a raid in Nimroz province.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

MHA designated HM operative Asif Maqbool Dar as a “terrorist” under UA(P) Act.
Two children were killed in an explosion in the Rajouri district.
MHA designated LeT and JeM’s proxy groups as “terrorist organisations”.

Left-Wing Extremism

“Bharat will be free from Maoist menace by 2024”: Home Minister Amit Shah.
Key Maoist leader eliminated in anti-Naxal operation on Telangana-Chhattisgarh border.
Security forces arrested two Maoists OGWs from Telangana.
Eight Maoists surrendered before the police in Jharkhand.

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

UP ATS arrested a terrorist from Saharanpur for radicalising youth.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

Khalistan sympathisers’ graffiti the walls of a Hindu temple with hatred messages in Australia.
Canada-based Arshdeep Singh Gill was designated a terrorist under the UA(P) Act over Khalistan-inspired activities.

DEFENCE

Value of indigenous defence production.

The value of indigenous defence production for Financial Years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 are Rs 84,643 crore and Rs 94,846 crore respectively. To achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ and realise the goal of ‘Make in India’, Government of India has established two Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs) in the country, one in Uttar Pradesh and other in Tamil Nadu.
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63rd National Defence College (NDC) Course commences.

The 63rd National Defence College (NDC) Course commenced on January 02, 2023 with Commandant NDC and the Course Participants laying wreaths at the National War Memorial, as a mark of respect to the fallen soldiers. The Course is focused on National Security & Strategy, along with strands of Governance, Technology, History, and Economics. It is represented by 41 Officers from Indian Army, 07 from Indian Navy, 13 from Indian Air Force, 19 from Civil Services, and 40 officers from 30 Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs).
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India and Pakistan exchanged the list of nuclear installations and facilities.

India and Pakistan exchanged, through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad, the list of nuclear installations and facilities, covered under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities between India and Pakistan. The Agreement, which was signed on 31 December 1988 and entered into force on 27 January 1991 provides, inter alia, that India and Pakistan inform each other of the nuclear installations and facilities to be covered under the Agreement on the first of January of every calendar year. This is the 32nd consecutive exchange of such lists between the two countries, the first one having taken place on 01 January 1992.
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Exchange of list of prisoners between India and Pakistan.

India and Pakistan exchanged, through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad, the lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in their custody. Under the provisions of the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access, such lists are exchanged every year on 01 January and 01 July. India shared lists of 339 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 95 Pakistani fishermen currently in Indian custody. Similarly, Pakistan has shared lists of 51 civilian prisoners and 654 fishermen in its custody, who are Indians or are believed to be Indians.

The Government has called for early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, missing Indian defence personnel, and fishermen along with their boats, from Pakistan’s custody. In this context, Pakistan was asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 631 Indian fishermen and 02 Indian civilian prisoners, who have completed their sentence and whose nationality has been confirmed and conveyed to Pakistan. In addition, Pakistan has been asked to provide immediate consular access to the remaining 30 fishermen and 22 civilian prisoners in Pakistan’s custody, who are believed to be Indian.
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DRDO celebrates its 65th Foundation Day.

The 65th Foundation Day of the Organisation, was celebrated on 1st January 2023. The DRDO Chairman stated that several systems developed by DRDO have been delivered, inducted or handed over to the users. Dr Kamat added that the Acceptance of Necessity (AON) has also been accorded by the Defence Procurement Boards and Defence Acquisitions Council for induction of several DRDO developed systems. Some of the notable systems include: Sarang ESM system, Light Tank, Tactical Advance Range Augmentation (TARA) kit, Long Range Guided Bomb (LRGB)-Gaurav, Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR), Air surveillance radar for NGMV, Low Level Transportable Radar (LLTR) -Ashwini, New Generation Anti-radiation Missile (NGARM), Pralay, Guided Extended Range Rocket Ammunition for Pinaka, Self-Propelled Mine Burier, Infantry Combat Vehicle-Command, Anti-Personnel Fragmentation Mine ‘Ulk’, Infantry Floating Foot Bridge, Bridge Laying Tank (BLT) T-72 and ACADA.

The DRDO Chairman said that it is expected that most of the systems under trials will be handed over to the users in the coming year. He summarised that five CCS programmes worth Rs 26,000 crore and 55 other projects worth Rs 11,000 crore were sanctioned in 2022. 32 previously sanctioned projects were successfully completed. Some other flagship programmes such as Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) are also under consideration for approval by CCS.

He brought out that in the past year, DRDO has signed 145 ToTs. Towards IP protection, 160 patents were filed and 100 have been granted during 2022. The fund limit under Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme was enhanced to Rs 50 crore from Rs 10 crore per project. This will enable DRDO to support industry for development of more complex technologies. He mentioned that MoU was also signed between Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation and TDF to work jointly on advanced naval technologies. In addition, he mentioned that the 4th version of Dare to Dream contest has been launched by the Raksha Mantri. He informed that DRDO has now established a total of 15 DRDO-Industry-Academia Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoEs). Currently, 867 projects are on-going with academia at a cost of Rs 1,183 crore.
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RM calls upon other Ministries, State Governments and private sector to provide new opportunities to Agniveer.

During the event, Ministry of Defence (MoD), Ministry of Education (MoE), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MoSDE) and all the three Services signed/exchanged MoUs/ Agreements with various stakeholders to facilitate continued education of Agniveers while serving in the Armed Forces and award of appropriate skill certificates in accordance with their expertise/experience. Under these MoUs with National Institute of Open School (NIOS) and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), suitable 12th Class certificates and Bachelor’s degree will be awarded to the Agniveers respectively.
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Raksha Mantri (RM) reviews operational preparedness of Andaman & Nicobar Command in Port Blair.

RM reviewed the operational preparedness of Andaman & Nicobar Command and infrastructure development at operational areas during his visit to the Headquarters of the only operational joint services command of the country in Port Blair on January 05, 2023. Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) Lieutenant General Ajai Singh briefed the RM about the geo-strategic potential of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the role they can play towards enhancing India’s influence and support to military operations in the area.
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IAF & Japan Air Self Defence Force set to exercise jointly in Japan.

To promote Air Defence cooperation between the countries, India and Japan are all set to hold the joint Air Exercise, ‘Veer Guardian-2023’ involving the Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) at Hyakuri Air Base, Japan from 12 January 2023 to 26 January 2023. The Indian contingent participating in the air exercise will include four Su-30 MKI, two C-17 & one IL-78 aircraft, while the JASDF will be participating with four F-2 & four F-15 aircraft.
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Roundtable conference for Aero India 2023.

Raksha Mantri chaired, in New Delhi on January 09, 2023, the Ambassadors’ Roundtable conference for the forthcoming Aero India 2023. The reach-out event, organised by Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, was attended by Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Chargé d’affaires and Defence Attachés of over 80 countries. The Raksha Mantri invited the representatives from across the world to attend Asia’s largest and 14th Aero show – Aero India-2023 – which will be held in Bengaluru, Karnataka on February 13-17, 2023. He urged them to encourage their respective defence and aerospace companies to attend the global event.

Recalling the success of Aero India 2021, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the last edition had witnessed unprecedented attendance of over 600 exhibitors physically and another 108 virtually. He added that the event saw the participation of 63 countries and around 3,000 Business-2-Business meetings were held. He also elaborated on the huge success of DefExpo 2022 which witnessed unparalleled participation of over 1,340 exhibitors, businesses, investors, start-ups, MSMEs, Armed Forces and delegates from several countries. He asserted that the conclusion of 451 Memoranda of Understanding, Transfer of Technology agreements, product launches and orders to domestic businesses, worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore, etc. attest to the success of the DefExpo.
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Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approves Acceptance of Necessity (AON) worth Rs 4,276 crore.

A meeting of Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), held on January 10, 2023 and accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for three capital acquisition proposals, amounting to Rs 4,276 crore. All the three proposals – two of the Indian Army and one of the Indian Navy – are under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category.

The DAC accorded AoN for procurement of HELINA Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, launchers and associated support equipment which will be integrated to the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). The DAC also accorded AoN for procurement of VSHORAD (IR Homing) missile system under design and development by DRDO. Further, the DAC granted approval for procurement of Brahmos Launcher and Fire Control System (FCS) for the Shivalik class of ships & Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) for Indian Navy.
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INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

The Somali government and al-Shabaab denied peace talks as the Somalian President called on terrorists to surrender.

On 07 January 2023, the Somali government and the al-Shabaab group denied having peace talks, where President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud called “brainwashed” terrorists to surrender to the government. “We are not negotiating with the al-Shabaab terror group. However, individuals who wish to give up arms and leave the group will undergo a process to defect and be eligible for government amnesty,” said National Security Adviser— Hussein Sheikh Ali. On 06 January 2023, Somali President called on the al-Shabaab terrorists to leave the terrorist ideology before it was too late.

Al-Shabaab, too, denied any talks with the Somali government. “I can confirm that there are not and can be no talks between the government and us,” said an al-Shabaab terrorist.
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Twin car bombings killed more than 20 people in central Somalia.

More than 20 people were killed, and 30 more were injured in twin car explosions by al-Shabaab on 05 January 2023 in the Mahas neighbourhood of Central Somalia. Mumin Mohamed Halane, the District Commissioner of Mahas, claimed that the first bomb went off in front of his house, and the second device was aimed at a lawmaker’s residence. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the incident and said it resulted in the deaths of 87 persons, including military officers.
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Nigeria

Nigerian security forces killed 30 Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.

On 01 January 2023, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) carried out air strikes on four Boko Haram camps in the Sambisa forest in Borno State and eliminated 30 Boko Haram terrorists, including three commanders. The targeted camps included Bula Jitoye, Halka Kojoy, Halka Alai, and Bulamaye in Bama Local Council.
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Afghanistan

Taliban claimed to kill 08 IS terrorists and arrested several others in a raid in Nimroz province.

On 04 January 2023, the Taliban carried out raids at various locations in Nimroz province and killed eight Islamic State (IS)/IS-Khurasan Province (IS-KP) terrorists in a spate of attacks in Kabul city. “The raids in the capital city and western Nimroz province targeted IS members who organised recent terror attacks on Kabul’s Longan Hotel, Pakistan’s Embassy, and the military airport. Eight IS terrorists, including foreign nationals, were killed, whereas seven others were arrested in the raids,” said Taliban spokesman— Zabihullah Mujahid.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

MHA designated HM operative Asif Maqbool Dar as a “terrorist” under UA(P) Act.

On 07 January 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) released a notification designating Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM) operative— Asif Maqbool Dar as a “terrorist” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967, [UA(P)A]. Currently, Dar is based in Saudi Arabia.

Per the notification, Dar is involved in instigating the youth from Kashmir to use social media platforms for terrorist activities. He is also accused of conspiring terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and other major cities.
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Two children were killed in an explosion in the Rajouri district.

Two children were killed in an explosion on 02 January 2023, and four others were injured in the Dangri village of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Another IED (Improvised Explosive Device) was recovered from the same area and defused by security forces. To track down terrorists involved in the attack, security forces intensified the Cordon-And-Search Operation (CASO) by inducting security personnel, including drones and sniffer dogs were deployed.
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MHA designated LeT and JeM’s proxy groups as “terrorist organisations”.

In a notification released on 05 January 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) designated Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)’s— The Resistance Front (TRF) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM)’s— People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF) as terrorist organisations. “PAFF was involved in terror acts and is regularly issuing threats to security forces, political leaders, civilians working in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) from other states and is involved, along with other organisations, in conspiring pro-actively physically and in social media to undertake violent terrorist acts and Jammu-Kashmir and other major cities in Bharat,” read the MHA notification.

The MHA also declared Mohammed Amin and TRF commander— Shiekh Sajjad Gul terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967. Khubaib is a launching commander of LeT and plays a key role in reviving and accelerating terror activities in the Jammu region.
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Left-Wing Extremism

“Bharat will be free from Maoist menace by 2024”: Home Minister Amit Shah.

Addressing a public meeting organised by Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) in Korba, Chhattisgarh, on 07 January 2023, the Union Home Minister— Amit Shah, said, “we are now on the verge of making Naxal-affected areas free from the menace. Our (BJP) efforts are to ensure that the country is free from the Naxal problem by 2024.” As per the strategy, youths who used to take up arms will be provided employment, roads, water, telephone, and electricity in remote areas to assist them in joining the mainstream of society.
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Key Maoist leader eliminated in anti-Naxal operation on Telangana-Chhattisgarh border.

On 11 January 2023, security forces engaged in a gun battle with Maoists and killed a top leader— Madvi Hidma, on the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border. According to a communique from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) of the Chhattisgarh sector, CRPF’s COBRA battalion carried out the operation. Hidma’s killing will be a jolt to the Maoist organisation. Being a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of India (CPI)-Maoist, Hidma was an expert in guerrilla warfare. Hidma was a prime suspect in an attack carried out in April 2021 in which 22 security personnel attained Veergati (fell in the battle).
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Security forces arrested two Maoist OGWs from Telangana.

On 05 January 2023, the joint team of CRPF personnel and Charla police arrested two Maoist Over-Ground Workers (OGWs)/couriers— P Sammaiah (35 years old) and Satyaveni (33 years old) during a vehicle checking drive at Mandal headquarters town of Charla in Bhadradri Kothagudem district in Telangana.

Security forces recovered a bundle of 200-metre wire, ten pressure cookers, some explosive ingredients, and a tractor-trolley. According to police, for the last two years, the duo supplied essential commodities and explosive materials to Maoists operating in Chhattisgarh.
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Eight Maoists surrendered before the police in Jharkhand.

On 04 January 2023, eight Maoists of the Communist Party of India (CPI)-Maoist, including three women, surrendered before security forces in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The surrendered Maoists were facing charges of murder, and rioting, besides other cases registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967.

“The Jharkhand government has vowed to make the state free of Naxalites. The surrender and rehabilitation policy has a positive impact. The Naxals are surrendering due to the CPI(Maoist)’s internal oppression, environment of fear, and increased police raids. Today, eight Maoists, including three women members of CPI(Maoist), who worked directly under the Central Committee member Misir Besra, surrendered,” said Inspector-General (IG) Operations— Amol Homkar.
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Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

UP ATS arrested a terrorist from Saharanpur for radicalising youth.

On 30 December 2022, Uttar Pradesh’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested Azharuddin from Saharanpur for his alleged involvement in radicalising youth through videos and terrorist literature. Azharuddin was detained for interrogation on the inputs from Lukmaan, a terrorist affiliated with al-Qa’ida in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), and later was arrested. Lukman was arrested on 26 September 2022.
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Khalistan-inspired Extremism

Khalistan sympathisers’ graffiti the walls of a Hindu temple with hatred messages in Australia.

On 12 January 2023, Khalistan sympathisers graffiti the walls of a Hindu temple— BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, with pro-Khalistan and anti-Bharat slogans in Melbourne’s northern suburb of Mill Park. The BAPS Swaminarayan temple released a statement condemning the act. “We are deeply saddened by these acts of vandalism and hate. We offer our prayers for peace and harmony,” read the statement.

On the incident, the Liberal MP for the Northern Metropolitan Region— Evan Mulholland, said that this vandalism is deeply distressing for victoria’s peaceful Hindu community.
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Canada-based Arshdeep Singh Gill was designated as a terrorist under the UA(P) Act over Khalistan-inspired activities.

On 09 January 2023, the Government of India (GoI) designated Canada-based Arshdeep Singh Gill as a terrorist for his association with the Khalistan-inspired movement. Gill has been declared a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A]. According to the notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Gill is closely associated with Harshdeep Singh Nijjar, chief of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF).
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In this Issue

I. Defence and Security

II. STI in Space Sector

III. Emerging Technologies and Applications

IV. International Cooperation

V. Regional and Global Trends

II. STI IN SPACE SECTOR

III. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS

IV. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

V. REGIONAL AND GLOBAL TRENDS

DEFENCE

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Afghanistan

East Asia

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

Left-Wing Extremism

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) cases

DEFENCE

Defence Budget 2023-24.

Mission Mode (MM) projects of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and Commander of Royal Cambodian Army visiting India.

HAL’s Helicopter Factory at Tumakuru inaugurated by PM.

Operation Dost

NSA Shri Ajit Doval visited Moscow from 07-09 February 2023.

Maiden landing of LCA Navy and Mig-29K fighter aircraft onboard INS Vikrant.

MoD signs contract worth over Rs 2,585 crore, for Corps of Engineers of Indian Army.

11th meeting of India-Mongolia Joint Working Group.

Prime Minister inaugurates Aero India 2023.

Defence Secretary meets delegations from Saudi Arabia, USA and Oman on the sidelines of Aero India 2023.

Defence Secretary meets UK Delegation.

Raksha Mantri hosts Defence Ministers’ Conclave.

Indigenous manufacturing of aero-engines; MoD working on the details.

Raksha Mantri calls for joint efforts to develop India as MRO hub.

Defence Secretary holds talks with several defence delegations.

Record 75 per cent of defence capital procurement budget earmarked for domestic industry in FY 2023-24.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

“Lack of employment- a main driver of violent extremism in Sub-Saharan Africa”: UNDP.

Afghanistan

Taliban killed three IS operatives in a raid in Kabul.

“Afghanistan remains primary source of terrorist threat for Central and South Asia”: UN report.

East Asia

South Korean police arrested two foreigners funding terrorist groups using crypto currency.

Singaporean law-enforcement authorities detained an 18 years-old IS supporter for planning terror attacks in the country.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

Security forces arrested six JeM terrorists from Kulgam.

Left-Wing Extremism

A ‘regional commander’ surrendered in Jharkhand.

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

NIA searched multiple locations in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka in connection with ‘Coimbatore car bomb blast’ and ‘Mangaluru blast’ cases.

“Popular Front of India wanted to turn Bharat into Islamic State by 2047”: Maharashtra ATS.

NIA filed charge sheet against a PFI operative in ‘Activities of IS module in India’ case.

NIA arrested two operatives in the ‘Phulwarisharif Patna PFI’ case.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

Bharat condemned vandalism in Melbourne, Australia.

Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) cases

Assam-based FICN racket busted in West Bengal.

STF team recovered FICNs worth ₹ 31 lakh from Odisha.

DEFENCE

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

Nigeria

Afghanistan

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

Left-Wing Extremism

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

DEFENCE

Value of indigenous defence production.

63rd National Defence College (NDC) Course commences.

India and Pakistan exchanged the list of nuclear installations and facilities.

Exchange of list of prisoners between India and Pakistan.

DRDO celebrates its 65th Foundation Day.