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China: Daily Scan, March 25, 2022

China ready to help Afghanistan achieve true independence, self-development: :Xinhuanet
March 25, 2022

Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Thursday that China is ready to help Afghanistan achieve true independence and self-development. During a meeting with Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting foreign minister of the Afghan Taliban’s caretaker government, Wang said China respects Afghanistan’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, respects the independent choice made by the Afghan people, and respects Afghanistan’s religious beliefs and national customs. Click here to read…

China denounces U.S.’s “prior knowledge” claim of Russian military operation in Ukraine: Xinhuanet
March 25, 2022

A Chinese military spokesperson Thursday denounced the claim that China had prior knowledge of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine as disinformation. The spread of such disinformation by the United States is intended to shirk responsibility and smear China, said Wu Qian, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense. Click here to read…

Chinese FM meets Pakistani chief of army staff on ties, int’l issues: Xinhuanet
March 24, 2022

Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday met with Pakistani Chief of Army Staff Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa and the two had friendly and in-depth discussions on the relations between China and Pakistan as well as the regional and international issues. Click here to read…

China to up financial support for rural vitalization : Xinhuanet
March 24, 2022

China will continue to guide banks and insurers to optimize financial services to advance rural vitalization, the country’s top banking and insurance regulator has said. Financial input to ensure the supply of grains and important agriculture products in 2022 should be prioritized, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission said, pledging to step up financial support for rural industries and new types of rural business entities. Click here to read…

China to boost employment of people emerging from poverty: Xinhuanet
March 24, 2022

China will step up efforts this year to stabilize employment of people who have been lifted out of poverty, as part of the work to consolidate the achievements made in poverty alleviation, according to a circular. Click here to read…

China Eastern Airlines grounds 223 Boeing 737-800 aircraft: Xinhuanet
March 24, 2022

China Eastern Airlines and its subsidiaries have temporarily grounded 223 Boeing 737-800 aircraft after one such plane with 132 people on board crashed earlier this week in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, an airline official said Thursday. Click here to read…

Former senior political advisor of Yunnan under probe: Xinhuanet
March 24, 2022

Huang Yi, a former senior political advisor of southwest China’s Yunnan Province is under investigation by the country’s top anti-graft body for suspected severe violations of disciplines and laws. Click here to read…

China orders nationwide safety inspections in all sectors: Xinhuanet
March 24, 2022

Chinese authorities have ordered comprehensive safety inspections in all fields and industries nationwide following a passenger plane crash earlier this week.

Immediate identifications of safety hazards should be carried out in the civil aviation sector, and all problems should be rectified timely, said a circular jointly released by the Office of the Work Safety Commission under the State Council and the Ministry of Emergency Management. Click here to read…

J-10CE fighter jets debut in Pakistan Day Parade :China Military
March 24, 2022

In the annual parade held in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, to celebrate the 82nd Pakistan Day on March 23, the newly inducted Chinese J-10CE fighter jets made a debut. Five J-10CE fighter jets participated in the military parade. Two of them formed a three-aircraft formation with another F-16 jet, leading the entire flight echelon. The other three J-10CE fighter jets appeared in the eighth echelon. In addition to the J-10CE, the JF-17 and J-7PG fighter jets also flew over the parade ground for review. Click here to read…

Official in Shandong removed from post over improper behavior: Global Times
March 25, 2022

A grassroots official in Pingdu, East China’s Shandong Province, has been removed from her post for improper behavior in resolving a petitioning case, authorities announced Wednesday. Wang Li, the former Party chief of Yunshan township of Pingdu, was reportedly caught threatening petitioners in a recording that went viral online. But the case reflects the complexity of China’s grassroots governance, as the petitioners were not entirely victims in the case and they appeared to be seeking economic gain from the local government. Click here to read…

China’s top anti-corruption agency to keep close watch on virtual currency mining: Global Times
March 24, 2022

China’s top anti-corruption agency has vowed to be vigilant toward virtual currency mining in order to achieve carbon neutrality. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) will watch closely for any misconduct or corrupt activity associated with virtual currency mining and punish the violations strictly according to rules and regulations, the commission announced on its official website on Thursday. Click here to read…

Shanghai registers highest daily tally of asymptomatic cases in Chinese mainland: Global Times
March 24, 2022

Shanghai reported 979 asymptomatic COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, the highest daily number in the Chinese mainland. With the gradual adoption of an updated COVID-19 playbook and targeted nucleic acid testing scheme, the city is rushing to get ahead of the virus, through screening, testing and quarantining silent carriers. Click here to read…

US Navy deploys 3 spy ships near China at once ‘in support of submarine warfare’: Global Times
March 24, 2022

The US Navy has reportedly deployed three spy ships simultaneously to sensitive waters near China over the past week in a provocative move experts said on Thursday aims to boost its submarine and anti-submarine warfare capabilities against the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), after the US “acknowledged its shortcomings” with last year’s undersea collision of the USS Connecticut nuclear-powered attack submarine in the South China Sea. Click here to read…

Young people leaving digital assets in wills: China Daily
March 25, 2022

More young people have been preparing wills, and they’re including a number of digital assets that previous generations wouldn’t have considered. According to a white paper released recently by the China Will Registration Center, more than 1,200 people born in the ’90s have registered wills with the center, with 553 doing so last year, 80 percent more than in 2020. Click here to read…

Xinjiang attracts investment projects with optimized business environment: China Daily

March 24, 2022

Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region has signed more than 460 investment projects so far this year, worth more than 190 billion yuan (about $30 billion), according to the regional department of commerce. Click here to read…

China issues roadmap for high-quality development of iron and steel industry: People’s Daily
March 25, 2022

Chinese authorities issued a guideline on promoting the high-quality development of the iron and steel industry, which specified that China’s iron and steel industry aims to basically form a high-quality development pattern featuring reasonable layout and structure, stable supply of resources, advanced technical equipment, high quality products and outstanding brands, high level of intelligentization, strong global competitiveness, as well as green, low-carbon, and sustainable development by 2025. Click here to read…

QR code helps rural residents gain clear understanding of government policies: People’s Daily
March 25, 2022

By scanning a QR code with mobile phone, Shen Jihong, a resident in Xiaoli village, Liangma township, Anze county, Linfen city, north China’s Shanxi province, can check basic information, engagement in industries, income details, contact officials in charge of poverty elimination and other kinds of important information and government policies. Click here to read…

Chinese foreign minister on first India visit since 2020 clash: Reuters
March 25, 2022

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will meet his Indian counterpart in New Delhi on Friday, India’s foreign ministry said, after he arrived in the capital on the first visit by a top Chinese official since border clashes in 2020. Click here to read…

Beijing autoshow postponed due to COVID surge in China: Reuters
March 25, 2022

Organisers of the Beijing autoshow, which was scheduled to be held in late April, have postponed the event due to a recent flare up of COVID-19 cases in China, people familiar with the matter told Reuters. Click here to read…

China unlikely to attack in fall, says NSB: Taipei Times
March 25, 2022

It is “highly unlikely” that China would invade Taiwan this autumn, National Security Bureau (NSB) Director-General Chen Ming-tong told lawmakers yesterday, amid reports of a leaked Russian intelligence document suggesting that Chinese President Xi Jinping is considering doing so. Click here to read…

Funerals held for PLA pilots and crew killed in South China Sea crash: South China Morning Post
March 25, 2022

Funerals have been held for at least seven People’s Liberation Army pilots and crew who died when a warplane crashed in the South China Sea early this month, according to official reports. The Chinese military has not confirmed the crash, which is believed to have happened southwest of Sanya in Hainan province on March 1. Click here to read…

VIF News Digest: National Security – Defence Studies & Terrorism, 01-15 March 2022

DEFENCE

  • 19th edition of India-US Military Cooperation Group.
  • Sea Phase of MILAN 2022.
  • Four projects offered to the Indian Industry for design & development under Make-I category.
  • Virtual summit of Quad leaders.
  • Postponement of DefExpo 2022.
  • Four-day Indo-Pacific Military Health Exchange (IPMHE) conference.
  • Ninth Edition of India – Sri Lanka Bilateral Maritime Exercise SLINEX.
  • Chief of Army Australia along with four member delegation is visiting India from 08 to 11 March 2022.
  • Exercise Dharma Guardian-2022 Culminates at Belgaum (Karnataka).
  • 5th NSA Level Meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave.
  • 18 platforms identified for industry led Design & Development.
  • Accidental firing of missile.
  • 15th round China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting.
  • Chair of Excellence in memory Gen Bipin Rawat at the United Service Institution of India (USI).

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa
Guinea
  • US sanctioned two Hizbu’llah financiers in Guinea.
Nigeria
  • Former Boko Haram terrorists graduated from de-radicalisation programme: Nigerian authorities.
Afghanistan
  • IS-KP terrorist of Indian origin killed in Afghanistan.
Pakistan
  • At least 56 people died in a suicide bomb attack during Friday prayers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir
  • Unidentified terrorists killed a village Sarpanch in Srinagar.
  • NIA official searched different locations in Kashmir in connection with terror-funding.
  • Two people killed in a grenade blast in Srinagar.
  • One killed in an explosion outside district court complex in Udhampur.
Left-Wing Extremism
  • Police unearthed explosive dump in Telangana.
  • Police arrested a Maoist from Bihar.
  • Police arrested two Maoists, including a key leader, from Assam.
Khalistan-inspired Extremism
  • NIA filed charge-sheet against six Khalistani terrorists in Punjab bomb blast case.
  • NIA filed charge-sheet against five Khalistani terrorists in case of smuggling of narcotics, weapons and explosives across the India-Pakistan International Border.
Islamic Extremism
  • NIA filed charge-sheet against two IS terrorists in ‘Voice of Hind’ case.
  • NIA searched a location in connection with IS-KP case.
  • NIA filed charge-sheet against two HuT terrorists in ‘Madurai Iqbal HuT’ case.
Narcotics Trafficking
  • NIA filed charge-sheet against 16 Narcotic traffickers in ‘Mundra Port, Gujarat’ case.
  • Police arrested drug trafficker from Poonch.
Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) Cases
  • NIA arrested a FICN trafficker from IGI airport, Delhi.
DEFENCE
19th edition of India-US Military Cooperation Group.

The 19th edition of India-US Military Cooperation Group (MCG) meeting was held in Agra, Uttar Pradesh on March 01-02, 2022. The meeting was co-chaired by Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) Air Marshal BR Krishna from the Indian side and Deputy Commander, US Indo-Pacific Command Lieutenant General Stephen D Sklenka from the US side. The discussions focussed on strengthening the ongoing defence engagements between the two sides and mulled on new initiatives under the ambit of existing cooperation mechanism.
The India-US MCG is a forum established to progress defence cooperation between the countries through regular talks at the strategic and operational levels between Headquarters, Integrated Defence Staff and the US Indo-Pacific Command.
For more information: Click here to read…

Sea Phase of MILAN 2022.

The sea phase of the 11th edition of MILAN which witnessed participation of 26 ships, one submarine and 21 aircraft, culminated on 04 Mar 22. A series exercises were undertaken in all three dimensions of naval operations to enhance compatibility, interoperability, mutual understanding and maritime cooperation amongst the partner Navies.
For more information: Click here to read…

Four projects offered to the Indian Industry for design & development under Make-I category.

Ministry of Defence (MoD), has offered four projects to the Indian Industry for design & development under Make-I category of Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. The industry will be provided financial support for prototype development of these projects. The list of projects which were accorded ‘Approval In-Principle (AIP)’ by Collegiate Committee of MoD is as follow:

  • Indian Air Force: Communication Equipment with Indian Security Protocols (Routers, Switches, Encryptors, VoIP Phones and their software)
  • Indian Air Force: Airborne Electro Optical pod with Ground Based System
  • Indian Air Force: Airborne Stand-off Jammer
  • Indian Army: Indian Light Tank
  • In addition, AIP has also been accorded to following five projects under industry-funded Make-II procedure:
  • Indian Air Force: Full Motion Simulator for Apache Helicopter
  • Indian Air Force: Full Motion Simulator for Chinook Helicopter
  • Indian Air Force: Wearable Robotic Equipment for Aircraft Maintenance
  • Indian Army: Integrated Surveillance and Targeting System for Mechanised Forces
  • Indian Army: Autonomous Combat Vehicle

For more information: Click here to read…

Virtual summit of Quad leaders.

Prime Minister participated on 03 March 2022, at a virtual summit of Quad leaders, along with US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The meeting reviewed the progress on Quad initiatives since the September 2021 Quad Summit. The leaders agreed on accelerating cooperation, with an objective to achieve concrete outcomes by the summit in Japan later this year.

Prime Minister underlined that the Quad must remain focused on its core objective of promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. He called for concrete and practical forms of cooperation within the Quad, in areas like Humanitarian and Disaster Relief, debt sustainability, supply chains, clean energy, connectivity, and capacity-building.

Developments in Ukraine were discussed in the meeting, including its humanitarian implications. The Prime Minister emphasised the need to return to a path of dialogue and diplomacy.

The leaders also discussed other topical issues, including the situation in Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean region and the Pacific Islands. Prime Minister reiterated the importance of adhering to the UN Charter, international law and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
For more information: Click here to read…

Postponement of DefExpo 2022.

Due to logistics problems being experienced by participants, the DefExpo 2022 proposed to be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from March 10th till March 14th was postponed. The new dates would be communicated in due course.
For more information: Click here to read…

Four-day Indo-Pacific Military Health Exchange (IPMHE) conference.

Raksha Mantri (RM) virtually inaugurated, on March 07, 2022, the four-day Indo-Pacific Military Health Exchange (IPMHE) conference co-hosted by Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) and US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM). The theme of the conference is ‘Military Healthcare in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) World’. The conference, which will continue till March 10, 2022, aims to enhance cooperation and jointmanship in military medicine. It will cover many important topics including operational/combat medical care, tropical medicine, field surgery, field anaesthesia, aviation & marine medicine emergencies etc.

The conference is attended by more than 600 Indian and foreign delegates from over 38 countries. A delegation of 20 members from the organising committee of the USINDOPACOM is in New Delhi to co-host the conference. The delegates and speakers will interact and share experiences over the four days on 110 topics.
For more information: Click here to read…

Ninth Edition of India – Sri Lanka Bilateral Maritime Exercise SLINEX.

SLINEX was conducted from 07 to 10 Mar 22 at Visakhapatnam. The inter-operability achieved over the years as a result of such exercises has proved to be operationally beneficial for both the navies. The present edition of the exercise has further strengthened ties between the two Maritime neighbours and helped in improving interoperability.
For more information: Click here to read…

Chief of Army Australia along with four member delegation is visiting India from 08 to 11 March 2022.

Chief of Army Australia along with four member delegation is visiting India from 08 to 11 March 2022. On 09 March 2022, the Australian Army Chief laid a wreath at the National War Memorial and received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the South Block. Lt Gen Richard Burr called on the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Air Staff and other senior military officers. Both Chiefs exchanged views on the current global situation and the situation in Indo-Pacific in addition to discussing measures for enhancing defence cooperation between both armies. The General also addressed the faculty and participants of the prestigious National Defence College and later interacted on regional security perspectives with the Vice Chief of Army Staff and the Director at Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), New Delhi. The visiting Australian Army Chief will be visiting Indian Army formations and units deployed along Western Borders on 10 and 11 March 2022.
For more information: Click here to read…

Exercise Dharma Guardian-2022 Culminates at Belgaum (Karnataka).

Ex DHARMA GUARDIAN-2022, an annual exercise between Indian Army and Japanese Ground Self Defence Force which commenced on 27 February 2022 at Foreign Training Node, Belgaum successfully culminated on 10 March 2022 after twelve days of intense joint military training, providing an unique opportunity of achieving synergy between Armed Forces of both the Nations which is focused towards strengthening the timeless bonds of India – Japan friendship.
For more information: Click here to read…

5th NSA Level Meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave.

Delegations of the founding members of Colombo Security Conclave; Maldives, India and Sri Lanka, and the newest member of the Conclave, Mauritius, successfully concluded the 5th National Security Adviser level meeting held on 09 – 10 March 2022 in Maldives. Delegations from Bangladesh and Seychelles participated as Observers. Key areas of cooperation to enhance and strengthen regional security wereidentified in the following five pillars:
• Maritime Safety and Security
• Countering Terrorism and Radicalisation
• Combating Trafficking and Transnational Organised Crime
• Cyber Security, Protection of Critical Infrastructure and Technology
• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief
For more information:
Click here to read…

18 platforms identified for industry led Design & Development.

In-sync with the announcement in the Union Budget 2022-23 that allocated 25% of Defence R & D Budget for industry led R & D, 18 major platforms have been identified by the Ministry of Defence for industry led Design & Development under various routes. Some of them on the systems on the list are:

Make-I
  • Hypersonic Glide Vehicle
  • Directed Energy Weapons (300 KW and more) [High Powered Electromagnetic Devices and High Powered Laser Devices]
  • Naval Ship Borne Unmanned Aerial System (NSUAS)
  • Light Weight Tank
  • Self-Healing Mine Fields
  • Unmanned Autonomous AI Based Land Robot
  • 127 mm Naval Gun
  • 127 mm Guided Projectile
  • Electric Propulsion (Engines) for Ships
  • Standoff Airborne Jammer
  • Li-ion Cells/ Li-Sulphur Cells [Portable High Capacity Energy Systems replacing the Conventional Hydrocarbons
  • Communication System (AFNET System Switches, routers, Encryptors& VOIP phones)
  • Electro Optical (EO) Pod (with subsequent upgrade to EO/IR) with high resolution sensing
  • ‘Plug and Play’ Housing/ Infrastructure for soldiers posted at extreme altitudes.

For more information: Click here to read…

Accidental firing of missile.

On 9 March 2022, in the course of a routine maintenance, a technical malfunction led to the accidental firing of a missile.
The Government of India has taken a serious view and ordered a high-level Court of Enquiry.
It is learnt that the missile landed in an area of Pakistan. While the incident is deeply regrettable, it is also a matter of relief that there has been no loss of life due to the accident.
Citation: Click here to read…

15th round China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting.

The 15th round China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting was held at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Indian side on 11th March 2022. The two sides carried forward their discussions from the previous round held on 12th January 2022 for the resolution of the relevant issues along the LAC in the Western Sector. They had a detailed exchange of views in this regard, in keeping with the guidance provided by the State Leaders to work for the resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest.
For more information: Click here to read…

Chair of Excellence in memory Gen Bipin Rawat at the United Service Institution of India (USI).

On the eve of the 65th birthday of late Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, the Indian Army has dedicated a Chair of Excellence in his memory at the United Service Institution of India (USI). A cheque of Rs 5 lakhs was handed over to Maj Gen BK Sharma (retd), Director, USI which will be paid as honorarium to the nominated Chair of Excellence.
For more information: Click here to read…

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa
Guinea
US sanctioned two Hizbu’llah financiers in Guinea.

On 04 March 2022, the United States (US) Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two Hizbu’llah financiers and prominent Lebanese businessmen— Ali Saade and Ibrahim Taher under Executive Order (EO) 13224. The EO-13224 targets terrorists, leaders, and officials of terrorist groups, and those providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism.

Ali Saade, connected with Hizbu’llah supporter Kassim Tajideen, initiated money transfers from Guinea to Lebanon. Taher has been identified as one of the most known financiers of Hizbu’llah and believed to employ several people affiliated with the terror group within Guinea. According to the US Department of Treasury’s statement, “the new sanctions are aimed at disrupting Hizbu’llah’s business network in West Africa and exposing businessmen who support Hizbu’llah’s destabilising activities through bribes and other corrupt methods.”
For more information:
Click here to read…

Nigeria
Former Boko Haram terrorists graduated from de-radicalisation programme: Nigerian authorities.

According to the Nigerian authorities, 559 former Boko Haram terrorists have graduated a military-run de-radicalisation programme and likely to re-integrated into society. The graduates pledged their allegiance to the Nigerian authorities. The military-run de-radicalisation programme was introduced in 2015 by the Nigerian government and became operational in 2016 as part of counter-terrorism (CT) strategies.

Boko Haram terrorists who voluntarily lay down their arms and surrender to the authorities are given special training, including vocational skills, religious re-orientation and psychological support to de-radicalise them before being reintegrated into the society. So far, total of 1,629 former Boko Haram terrorists have been graduated from the programme.
For more information: Click here to read…

Afghanistan
IS-KP terrorist of Indian origin killed in Afghanistan.

In a recent issue of a Islamic State (IS) publication— Voice of Khurasan, the terror group informed that an operative of Islamic State-Khurasan Province (IS-KP)— Najeeb al-Hindi (nom de guerre) has died fighting in Afghanistan, apparently in a suicide attack. The publication described “Najeeb” as a 23-year-old “engineering (M. Tech) student from Kerala” in an article about his death.

The article did not provide any further details about the death, including timeline when he was killed. According to the article, “Najeeb” had come to Khurasan “all the way from India” on his own when it was difficult to do hijra on those days. He met with other fighters who came from his hometown and lived as a bachelor in a guest room.
For more information: Click here to read…

Pakistan
At least 56 people died in a suicide bomb attack during Friday prayers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

On 04 March 2022, at least 56 people were killed and 194 were injured in a suicide bomb attack inside a Shia Muslim Mosque during Friday prayers in Peshawar district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility and threatened more such attacks against Pakistan’s Shia minority. “Before the explosion, the attacker opened fire on police personnel deployed outside the mosque. A police officer was martyred and other was injured during the gunfight. The attacker ran inside the mosque and detonated his explosive vest,” said Peshawar Police Chief— Muhammad Ejaz Khan.
For more information: Click here to read…

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir
Unidentified terrorists killed a village Sarpanch in Srinagar.

On 09 March 2022, unidentified terrorists killed a village chief or Sarpanch – Sameer Ahmad Bhat, Sarpanch of Khanmoh village in Srinagar district of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Bhat is the second Panchayat member killed by terrorists in a week. Bhat was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to injuries during his treatment.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA official searched different locations in Kashmir in connection with terror-funding.

On 09 March 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials carried out searches at various locations in Baramulla and Srinagar districts of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), in connection with terror-funding investigation. In a joint search operation with police and CRPF personnel, the NIA officials raided premises of several members of Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) organisation. The JeI is a banned organisation under Section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

“The JeI members have been collecting funds, domestically and internationally, through donations particularly in form of Zakat (charity), Mowda and Bait ul-Mal, to further charity and other welfare activities; however, these funds are instead being used for violent and secessionist activities. The funds raised by JeI are also being channelised to terror groups, including Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), through well organised networks of JeI cadres,” said the NIA spokesperson.
For more information: Click here to read…

Two people killed in a grenade blast in Srinagar.

On 06 March 2022, two people, including a 19-year-old girl, were killed, while 33 others were injured in a grenade blast at the Hari Singh Street in Srinagar. “At about 04:20 pm, terrorists hurled a grenade upon police and security forces personnel deployed at the Hari Singh Street,” said a police official. The area had been cordoned off and a hunt operation was launched to nab the perpetrators.

“Three-four cells were busted in last few days. Those involved in the grenade attack have been identified and the case will be solved soon. In 2021, 85 such modules involved in civilian killings and grenade-throwing incidents, were busted; while six modules were neutralised in Jammu and Kishtwar area in Jammu,” said Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Director-General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh.
For more information: Click here to read…

One killed in an explosion outside district court complex in Udhampur.

On 09 March 2022, one person was killed, and 13 others were injured in an explosion outside the district court complex in Udhampur district in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) and Jammu & Kashmir police personnel reached the incident site and started the investigation. The primarily investigation revealed that it was an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast.
For more information: Click here to read…

Left-Wing Extremism
Police unearthed explosive dump in Telangana.

Acting on reliable inputs, a joint team of police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel carried out a search operation on 05 March 2022 and found explosives concealed in a drum, which belongs to Maoists, in the reserve forest area of Medaram village in Mulugu district of Telangana. The security forces personnel recovered 74 gelatine sticks, four detonators, one wire bundle, and three plastic sheets from the drum.
For more information: Click here to read…

Police arrested a Maoist from Bihar.

In a joint operation, on 07 March 2022, the Aurangabad police, CRPF, and the Composite Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), arrested a Maoist— Mithilish Mehta, from Gaya district in Bihar. “Mithilish was involved in several gun-battles between Police and Maoists in Jharkhand in 2001. He was involved in blowing up a government school building in February 2020 at Sondaha village in Gaya. Mithilish was also involved in an attack on police patrol team at Jhajhi village in Gaya district in April 2020,” said Gaya Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Harpreet Kaur.
For more information: Click here to read…

Police arrested two Maoists, including a key leader, from Assam.

On 06 March 2022, the Assam police arrested two Maoists, including a key leader— Kanchan Da (72-year-old), from Patimara tea garden area in Cachar district in Assam. “For the last two months, police have been running operations to arrest Kanchan Da. On 06 March, police officials managed to trace and arrest Kanchan Da. There are about 200 cases registered against Kanchan Da in different parts of India, with rewards of about ₹ 3 crore,” said Guwahati City Police Commissioner— Harmeet Singh. Police recovered a laptop, mobile phone, Maoist literature, and ₹ 3.60 lakh from Kanchan’s possession.
For more information: Click here to read…

Khalistan-inspired Extremism
NIA filed charge-sheet against six Khalistani terrorists in Punjab bomb blast case.

On 15 March 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed chargesheet against six Khalistani terrorists— i) Sukhwinder Singh, ii) Parveen Singh, iii) Gurpreet Singh, iv) Ranjit Singh, v) Habib Khan (Pakistani national), and vi) Lakhbir Singh Rode, under Sections 3, 4, 5, and 6 of Explosive Substances Act, Sections 21B, 27A, and 29 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, Sections 16, 17, 18, 18B, 20, 38, and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], and Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The case—RC-24/2021/NIA/DLI pertains to bomb blast in Jalalabad town in Fazilka district of Punjab on 15 September 2021. The case investigation revealed that Lakhbir Singh Rode, a self-styled chief of International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) and his associates carried out multiple explosions in various locations in Punjab. Following directives from Rode, Habib Khan had radicalised and recruited other two Khalistani terrorists—Balwinder Singh and Sukhwinder Singh, and motivated them to plant bombs using IEDs (tiffin-bombs) smuggled from Pakistan. Prior to the blast in Jalalabad town, the chargesheetKhalistani terrorists had set ablaze few shops in Ferozepur city in Punjab.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA filed charge-sheet against five Khalistani terrorists in case of smuggling of narcotics, weapons and explosives across the India-Pakistan International Border.

On 04 March 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed charge-sheet against five Khalistani terrorists— i) Harmesh Singh, ii) Darvesh Singh, iii) Gurmukh Singh, iv) Gagandeep Singh, and v) Lakhbir Singh Rode, in connection with smuggling of narcotics, arms, and explosives from Pakistan via drones.

The case—RC-31/2021/NIA/DLI, investigation revealed that charge-sheeted terrorists had smuggled illegal consignments of narcotics, arms, ammunition, and explosives from Pakistan to carry out terrorist activities in India. Till now, five terrorists in the case have been arrested while Lakhbir Singh Rode is absconding.
For more information: Click here to read…

Islamic Extremism
NIA filed charge-sheet against two IS terrorists in ‘Voice of Hind’ case.

On 11 March 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a supplementary charge-sheet against two Islamic State (IS) terrorists— i) Afshan Parvaiz Jarabi, and ii) Tawheed Latief Sofi, before the NIA Special Court, Delhi, under Sections 120B, 124A, 153A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Sections 18, 38, and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A].

On 29 June 2021, the NIA registered case—RC-14/2021/NIA/DLI regarding a conspiracy by Islamic State (IS) to radicalise Muslim youth from India to wage jihad against the State. To further the objective, an online campaign was launched which was supplemented by on-ground terror financing activities. The case was registered against cyber entity Qasim Khurasani and his associates.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA searched a location in connection with IS-KP case.

On 07 March 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials carried out a search operation at the residence of Talha Khan, a suspect in ‘Islamic State-Khurasan Province (IS-KP)’ case, in Pune, Maharashtra.

The case—RC-11/2020/NIA/DLI relates with the arrest of Jahanzaib Sami Wami and his wife—Hina Bashir Beigh, from OkhlaVihar, Jamia Nagar in Delhi. Till now, six Islamic State (IS) operatives have been charge-sheeted in the same case for conspiring to disseminate ideology of IS, establishing modules, making IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices), and execute target killings. During the search, the NIA officials recovered incriminating documents and digital devices for further examination.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA filed chargesheet against two HuT terrorists in ‘Madurai Iqbal HuT’ case.

On 14 March 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed supplementary charge-sheet against two Hizbut-Tahrir (HuT) terrorists— i) Bava Bahrudeen, and Ziyavudeen Baqavi, in ‘Madurai Iqbal HuT’ case.

The case—RC-08/2021/NIA/DLI, investigation revealed that the duo are HuT operatives which is affiliated with Islamic State (IS). Both terrorists were engaged in radicalising and recruiting youth, and to enforce a draft constitution written by radical Islamic preacher—Taqi al-Din al-Nabhani, founder of HuT. Both terrorists had also conspired to formed new modules in various districts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala through social media platforms, in order to spread the ideology of HuT.
For more information: Click here to read…

Police arrested drug trafficker from Poonch.

On 09 March 2022, the district police arrested— Kamlesh Kumar, a drug trafficker, from Mendhar area in Poonch district, and recovered 1.9 kg of marijuana from his possession. District police are taking effective measures against those involved in network of narcotic substances. The police have also requested general public of Poonch district to come forward and report the illegal business/network of drugs.
For more information: Click here to read…

Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) Cases
NIA arrested a FICN trafficker from IGI airport, Delhi.

On 04 March 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested a FICN (Fake Indian Currency Note) trafficker—Abdul Wahid aka Saddam, from Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport in Delhi.

The case— RC-05/2022/NIA/DLI pertains to the seizure of FICNs worth ₹ 10 lakhs and 175 grams gold worth ₹ 8.5 lakhs, at Terminal-3 of IGI airport, Delhi by Customs officials from another accused— Mohammad Shahjan on 12 January 2022. Initial investigation revealed that Abdul Wahid is an active operative of a network involved in smuggling of FICNs and gold into India. Earlier, two people have been arrested by the NIA in same case.
For more information: Click here to read…

China: Daily Scan, March 16, 2022

Xi’s speech on Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference to be published: Xinhuanet
March 15, 2022

A speech by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, at a central conference on the work of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) marking the 70th anniversary of the organization will be published. Click here to read…

Int’l flights to Shanghai rescheduled amid COVID-19 resurgence: Xinhuanet
March 15, 2022

China’s aviation regulator said Tuesday that to alleviate the pressure on epidemic prevention and control in Shanghai, 106 international flights of 22 air routes scheduled to arrive in the city will be diverted elsewhere from March 21 to May 1. Click here to read…

China urges U.S. to take concrete actions to ease situation in Ukraine: Xinhuanet
March 15, 2022

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Tuesday urged the United States to make tangible efforts to ease the situation in Ukraine. Spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the remarks at a daily press briefing in response to a question on recent allegations reportedly made by an unnamed U.S. official on relations between Russia and China with regard to the Ukraine crisis. Click here to read…

China-Bangladesh trade to resume growth: Xinhuanet
March 15, 2022

Bilateral trade between China and Bangladesh will resume growth with the implementation of Bangladesh’s 2021-2024 export policy and duty-free access to China for 98 percent of Bangladeshi products, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming has said. Click here to read…

China’s Jilin Province reports 1,456 new local COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet
March 16, 2022

Northeast China’s Jilin Province, hit hard by the COVID-19 resurgence, registered 1,456 confirmed locally transmitted COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, the local health authority said Wednesday. On Tuesday, the province also reported 397 local asymptomatic carriers, according to the provincial health commission. Click here to read…

Consumer protection platform in China’s Tibet recovers huge losses: Xinhuanet
March 15, 2022

Southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region retrieved total economic losses of 11.4 million yuan (about 1.8 million U.S. dollars) for the region’s consumers via its consumer protection platform in 2021, local authorities said Tuesday. Click here to read…

China to tighten regulation on e-cigarettes: Xinhuanet
March 15, 2022

China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration has issued a regulation that aims to strengthen supervision on electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). The country will implement license management for e-cigarette production, wholesale and retail entities starting from May 1, according to the regulation. Click here to read…

China fines actor Deng Lun for tax evasion: Xinhuanet
March 15, 2022

Chinese actor Deng Lun has been fined for tax evasion, the Shanghai municipal tax service said Tuesday in a statement. Shanghai’s tax authorities found that the actor evaded individual income tax between 2019 and 2020 by using fictitious business deals to convert the nature of the incomes. Click here to read…

BRI to foster faith in economic cooperation: Quishi
March 15, 2022

China’s unwavering efforts to promote joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative will convey more confidence and strength to the international community on global economic cooperation despite rising external uncertainties and challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, analysts and experts said.

The BRI, the world’s largest international cooperation platform with an increasing number of members, is expected to make more contributions to global economic recovery, they said. Click here to read…

China to give more rural residents access to tap water: China Daily
March 15, 2022

China aims to increase the proportion of rural residents that have access to tap water to 85 percent by the end of this year, the Ministry of Water Resources said. The ministry will make accelerated efforts to promote the construction of water supply projects in rural China, according to a document outlining the ministry’s key tasks for this year that was unveiled on Monday. Click here to read…

China releases post-disaster reconstruction plan for flood-hit Henan: China Daily
March 15, 2022

China’s State Council has approved an overall plan for recovery and reconstruction work in flood-hit regions in Central China’s Henan province after torrential rains in July last year caused heavy casualties and property losses. Click here to read…

Shanghai adds 202 new COVID-19 infections: China Daily
March 16, 2022

Shanghai reported 202 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections on Tuesday, 197 of whom were asymptomatic. Health authorities announced on Wednesday that 139 individuals tested positive during quarantine while the rest were identified during testing of people with potential exposure. Click here to read…

China’s Jilin province reports 1,456 new local COVID-19 cases: China Daily
March 16, 2022

Northeast China’s Jilin province, hit hard by the COVID-19 resurgence, registered 1,456 confirmed locally transmitted COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, the local health authority said Wednesday. On Tuesday, the province also reported 397 local asymptomatic carriers, according to the provincial health commission. Click here to read…

Chinese FM supports Indonesia to keep Ukraine crisis off G20 agenda: Global Times
March 15, 2022

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday said that although the Group of 20 (G20) is a major forum for international economic cooperation, it is not an appropriate forum to discuss the Ukraine crisis. Click here to read…

Pharmacies, online shops to offer antigen self-test kits nationwide amid soaring COVID-19 infections: Global times
March 15, 2022

After China approved COVID-19 antigen self-test kits for public use and approved 11 such products from local companies, a number of online service platforms including Alipay, Meituan and JD.com as well as local pharmacies rolled out pre-order services nationwide on Tuesday. The recent Omicron-fueled surge has led to cases soaring to more than 15,000 in just half a month in 28 provinces around the country. Click here to read…

India’s new envoy to China assumes office amid welcoming voices, expectations to improve ties: Global Times
March 14, 2022

India’s new ambassador to China Pradeep Kumar Rawat assumed office on Monday amid welcoming voices and expectations from many Chinese following signs of positive momentum from the recently-concluded military talks to resolve border issues between the two countries. Click here to read…

China’s consumer rights gala exposes problems of internet security and food safety: Global Times
March 16, 2022

China’s consumer rights gala held on Tuesday to mark the World Consumer Rights Day exposed cases of violations of consumer rights in various sectors, including internet security, food safety, livestreaming, blind boxes and beauty clinic training among others. Click here to read…

Evergrande’s electric vehicles approved for sale: Global Times
March 15, 2022

China’s industry regulator has given China Evergrande New Energy Vehicle Group approval to begin sales of its first electric car model, according to an official document . Vehicle sales and delivery are expected to be completed within the year, though it still faces fierce competition from rival automakers, experts claimed. Click here to read…

China’s soaring COVID infections fuel concern about cost of containment: Reuters
March 15, 2022

China posted a steep jump in daily COVID-19 infections on Tuesday, with new cases more than doubling from a day earlier to hit a two-year high, raising concerns about the rising economic costs of its tough measures to contain the disease. Click here to read…

Chinese EV maker BYD raises prices citing jump in raw materials costs: Reuters
March 16, 2022

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker BYD Co Ltd (002594.SZ) late on Tuesday said it would raise prices on its cars by 3,000-6,000 yuan ($471-942), citing the rising cost of raw materialsClick here to read…

China reports another 3,000 Covid-19 cases as latest surge continues: South China Morning Post
March 16, 2022

China reported more than 3,000 new domestic Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, a drop from the previous day’s 5,100 infections, which had been the biggest rise in the country’s daily tally since the pandemic’s early stages in 2020. The National Health Commission (NHC) reported 3,054 new local cases on Wednesday – 1,860 people with symptoms and 1,194 without. Click here to read…

US-China tech war: Silicon Valley faces ‘difficult battle’ as Beijing ramps up tech spending: South China Morning Post
March 15, 2022

Growing state financial support for hi-tech industries, backed by long-term development targets and a huge pool of engineers, could give China an edge over Silicon Valley within the decade, analysts say. Beijing has its sights set on establishing a world-leading tech industry to boost economic self-reliance and make the country more resilient to external pressure amid heightened rivalry with the United States. Click here to read…

China: Daily Scan, March 14, 2022

China’s top legislator visits journalists covering annual session: Xinhuanet
March 13, 2022

China’s top legislator Li Zhanshu has visited journalists covering the annual session of the national legislature. Li, chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, commended reporters for their coverage of the fifth session of the 13th NPC and sent greetings to them at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday. Click here to read…

China releases reports on budgets, national economic and social development plans: Xinhuanet
March 13, 2022

Two reports approved Friday at the fifth session of the 13th National People’s Congress were released in full via Xinhua News Agency on Sunday. The report on the implementation of the 2021 plan for national economic and social development and on the 2022 draft plan for national economic and social development has three parts: Click here to read…

Chinese lawmakers pass decision on electoral rules for 14th NPC: Xinhuanet
March 11, 2022

Chinese national lawmakers on Friday approved a decision on the quota and election of deputies to the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) at the closing meeting of the fifth session of the 13th NPC. Click here to read…

Chinese premier vows timely support for contact-based service firms: Xinhuanet

March 11, 2022

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang pledged Friday timely support for contact-based service firms, in particular small ones that have suffered the most amid the COVID-19 epidemic, in an effort to stabilize employment and economy. Click here to read…

China’s State Council appoints, removes officials: Xinhuanet
March 11, 2022

China’s State Council on Friday announced the latest appointment and removal of officials. Guo Tingting was appointed assistant minister of commerce, according to a statement issued by the State Council. Click here to read…

China detects overseas cyberattacks: Xinhuanet
March 11, 2022

China has detected continuous cyberattacks targeting its internet since late February, the country’s cybersecurity watchdog said Friday. Click here to read…

Joint Press Release of the 15th Round of China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting: China Military
March 12, 2022

The 15th round China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting was held at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Indian side on 11th March 2022. The two sides carried forward their discussions from the previous round held on 12th January 2022 for the resolution of the relevant issues along the LAC in the Western Sector. Click here to read…

China’s BeiDou enters new phase of stable services, rapid development: China Military
March 11, 2022

China’s BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) has entered a new phase of sustained stable services and rapid development, according to the China Satellite Navigation Office on Friday. Measured by the global continuous monitoring and evaluation system, the BDS-3 system shows an advanced performance index in providing global positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) services, with more outstanding performance in the Asia-Pacific region, said the office. Click here to read…

China’s top legislature approves way to choose HK NPC deputies: Global Times
March 11, 2022

Chinese lawmakers on Friday passed a method for Hong Kong to elect deputies to the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) at the closing meeting of the fifth session of the 13th NPC, which stressed that national legislators elected from the special administrative region must be firm patriots and those who have been convicted for harming national security be disqualified. Click here to read…

China fights severest COVID-19 outbreaks with swift responses: Global Times
March 13, 2022

As China faces its severest domestic COVID-19 outbreaks in two years with a record 1,807 new cases reported on Sunday, the country has launched a swift response to contain the virus spread, including allowing rapid antigen tests for public use and sacking senior officials for their slack response to the ongoing health crisis. Click here to read…

Door between China and US should not be shut again or pushed toward decoupling, says Chinese Premier: Global Times
March 11, 2022

With door between China and the US being opened 50 years ago, it should not be shut again or pushed toward decoupling, and cooperation between the two countries carries significance for both and the wider world, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Friday morning, adding that competition between the two economies in economic and trade areas should be “benign and fair.” Click here to read…

China delivers first J-10CE fighter jets to Pakistan in a milestone move: Global Times
March 11, 2022

The Pakistan Air Force on Friday held an induction ceremony for the first batch of six J-10CE fighter jets in Kamra, with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan attending the event. The official commissioning of China’s new-generation main battle aircraft into the Pakistan Air Force marks the systematized, organic export of such aviation equipment by China, and is yet another major milestone in the export of China’s advanced aviation equipment, the Global Times learned from the aircraft’s maker, state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), on Friday. Click here to read…

7 killed in North China plant fire: China Daily
March 14, 2022

Seven people were killed in a fire at a chemical plant early Monday in North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region, local authorities said. The fire broke out at about 2:08 am Monday in the Hondlon District in the city of Baotou, and was brought under control about an hour later. Seven people were missing. Click here to read…

Mayor removed from post in Jilin city: China Daily

March 13, 2022

Wang Lu, mayor of Jilin city, was removed from his position, according to an official notice released on early Saturday. Wang’s other positions including deputy Party chief of the city in Northeast China’s Jilin province was also removed. Click here to read…

Apple suppliers Foxconn, Unimicron cut output amid China’s COVID curbs: Reuters
March 14, 2022

Apple (AAPL.O) suppliers Foxconn (2317.TW) and Unimicron Technology Corp (3037.TW) said on Monday they have suspended operations in the Chinese city of Shenzhen, after the tech hub imposed strict measures to stem a COVID-19 outbreak. Click here to read…

China’s cyberspace regulator drafts new rules to protect minors: Reuters
March 14, 2022

Companies engaged in online gaming, livestreaming, audio and video in China should set up a “youth mode” to protect minors, according to draft regulations issued on Monday by the Cyberspace Administration of China. Click here to read…

China slams firms for falsifying carbon data: Reuters
March 14, 2022

China’s environment ministry has slammed firms for falsifying carbon data, part of the country’s efforts to improve data quality as it prepares to expand its national emissions trading scheme into more industrial sectors. Click here to read…

Chinese embassy says has never heard of Russian requests for help: Reuters
March 14, 2022

The spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington responded to media reports on Sunday that Moscow had asked Beijing for military equipment since launching its invasion of Ukraine by saying, “I’ve never heard of that.” Click here to read…

China sees worst virus outbreak in two years: Taipei Times
March 14, 2022

Millions of people across China endured lockdowns yesterday as virus cases doubled to nearly 3,400 and anxiety mounted over the resilience of the country’s “zero COVID” approach in the face of the worst outbreak in two years. A nationwide surge in cases has seen authorities close schools in Shanghai and lock down central neighborhoods in the southern tech powerhouse of Shenzhen as well as whole northeastern cities, as almost 18 provinces battle clusters of the Omicron and Delta variants of SARS-CoV-2Click here to read…

China: Daily Scan, March 10, 2022

China’s top political advisory body wraps up annual session: Xinhuanet
March 9, 2022

The fifth session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China’s top political advisory body, held its closing meeting on Thursday. Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders attended the closing meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Click here to read more…

Chinese military spokesperson vows zero tolerance for “Taiwan independence” separatist acts: Xinhuanet
March 10, 2022

The Chinese military will never tolerate “Taiwan independence” separatist acts and the interference of external forces, a spokesperson has said. Relevant exercises and training activities of the People’s Liberation Army are by no means targeted at Taiwan compatriots, but “Taiwan independence” separatist activities and the interference of external forces, said Wu Qian, spokesperson for the delegation of the People’s Liberation Army and People’s Armed Police Force attending the fifth session of the 13th National People’s Congress, on Wednesday. Click here to read more…

Chinese lawmakers raise 487 proposals to annual legislative session: Xinhuanet
March 9, 2022

Deputies to the 13th National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s national legislature, had submitted 487 proposals as of noon Tuesday, the deadline for proposal submissions at the ongoing fifth session of the 13th NPC, said the secretariat of the session. Click here to read more…

NPC Constitution, Law Committee deliberates draft amendment to law on local legislatures, governments: Xinhuanet
March 9, 2022

The Constitution and Law Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) on Monday deliberated a draft amendment to the Organic Law of the Local People’s Congresses and Local People’s Governments. Click here to read more…

Chinese PLA cooperates with militaries of over 50 countries in COVID-19 fight: spokesperson: Xinhuanet
March 10, 2022

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has played an active role in the global fight against COVID-19 while fully supporting domestic epidemic containment, a military spokesperson said Wednesday. Click here to read more…

Saudi, Chinese firms sign deal on space technologies, satellites, AI cooperation: Xinhuanet
March 10, 2022

Three tech firms from Saudi Arabia and China on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of innovative space technologies, satellites, artificial intelligence (AI) and geospatial products. Click here to read more…

Chinese manufacturer unveils new generation of commercial maglev train: Xinhuanet
March 10, 2022

Chinese manufacturer CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd. said Thursday that tests have been completed for its next generation of commercial maglev train. The train, with a designed speed of 200 km per hour, has achieved multiple tech breakthroughs such as unmanned driving and non-contact power supply, said Zhang Wenyue, deputy head of CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive’s maglev research institute. Click here to read more…

China, India to hold 15th Round of China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting: China Military
March 10, 2022

As agreed by both sides, the Chinese and Indian militaries will hold the 15th round of China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting on March 11, said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian at a daily press briefing on March 9. Click here to read more…

Blacklist’ targeting bribers to be unveiled: China Daily
March 10, 2022

Chinese courts will more strictly punish bribe-givers together with those who accept bribes, and set up a “blacklist” for those who offer bribes, a senior official of China’s top court said. Click here to read more…

Stable job market a priority: China Daily
March 9, 2022

The central government will do its utmost to stabilize the job market this year by continuing the employment-first policy, strengthening assistance to market entities and eliminating improper restrictions in the operation of the job market. Click here to read more…

Research seeks new techniques for aviation: China Daily
March 10, 2022

Researchers and engineers in China’s aviation industry are striving to develop new materials and manufacturing techniques to build the country’s next-generation aircraft, according to a senior researcher at Aviation Industry Corp of China, a State-owned aircraft giant. Click here to read more…

Advisors mustn’t be ambiguous in political stance, deviate from right direction, says CPPCC chief: Global Times
March 10, 2022

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, urged all political advisors to deepen understanding of the achievements of the times, enhance political understanding of the theories of the Communist Party of China, and shoulder the responsibility of uniting wisdom and strength of all Chinese, including those residing overseas, at the closing meeting of the fifth session of the 13th National Committee of the CPPCC on Thursday. Click here to read more…

Some 50 foreign students evacuated with the Chinese convoy from Sumy, says Chinese Embassy in Ukraine: Global Times
March 9, 2022

About 50 foreign students from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and other countries were evacuated with China’s convoy from northeastern Ukraine’s Sumy on Tuesday, as the last group of 115 Chinese students who had been stranded in the region were moved to safe areas by bus, the Chinese Embassy in Ukraine told the Global Times on Wednesday. Click here to read more…

China welcomes UN human rights chief’s visit to Xinjiang but rejects political tactics says FM: Global Times
March 9, 2022

China welcomes UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet’s visit to China and her planned trip to the country’s northwestern Xinjiang region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday, reiterating China’s consistent stance on opposing certain countries’ use of this event for political manipulation. Click here to read more…

China sends first batch of humanitarian aid to Ukraine: Global Times
March 9, 2022

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that the Red Cross Society of China had sent a batch of emergency humanitarian aid, including food and daily necessities, to Ukraine at its request. Click here to read more…

VIF News Digest: National Security – Defence Studies & Terrorism, 15-28 February 2022

DEFENCE

  • Preparations of Def Expo 2022.
  • President’s Fleet Review.
  • Indian Air Force’s Eastern Bridge-VI exercise.
  • Humanitarian Assistance to Afghanistan.
  • Indian Air Force will participate in a multi nation air exercise named ‘Ex Cobra Warrior 22’ at Waddington, UK from 06 to 27 March 2022.
  • Multilateral exercise MILAN 2022.
  • Phone call between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin of the Russian Federation.
  • Scientists demonstrate Quantum Key Distribution between two cities 100 kilometres apart.
  • Contract with M/s Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the retro-modification of Commander Sight of Battle Tanks-T-90.
  • Joint military exercise, “EX DHARMA GUARDIAN-2022”, between India and Japan.
    Prime Minister speaks to President Zelenskyy of Ukraine.
  • Discussions on the modalities and structural framework for the creation of Integrated Theatre Commands.
  • Chief of Navy, Royal Australian Navy visit to India from 25 – 28 Feb 22.
  • Cdr PACFLT, US Navy visit to India from 25 – 28 Feb 22.
  • Prime Minister chairs high level meeting to review Operation Ganga

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

West Asia
  • IAF flies over Beirut after drone entered Israel; Hizbu’llah claimed responsibility.
Africa
Somalia
  • “Al-Shabaab spend USD 24 million on weapons in 2021”: claimed Somalia-based research group.
  • At least 13 people killed in a suicide bomb attack in Hirshabelle State.
Afghanistan
  • US General McKenzie expressed concerns over presence of IS in Afghanistan.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir
  • Security forces arrested two terrorists from Pulwama and Srinagar.
  • NIA searched multiple locations in J&K and Rajasthan in connection with ‘J&K terrorism conspiracy’ case.
  • NIA arrested an accused in LeT OGW case.
  • Security forces arrested a JeM terrorist from Kupwara.
  • SIA arrested 10 JeM terrorists from different locations in Jammu and Kashmir.
Left-Wing Extremism
  • NIA conducted searches at multiple locations in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh in connection with PLGA recruitment case.
  • Security forces arrested nine Maoists from Jharkhand.
  • NIA arrested an explosive supplier in case related to an attack on Police party in Jharkhand.
  • Security forces found arms and Maoist literature in Odisha.
  • Khalistan-inspired Extremism
    • Police arrested three men for ties with pro-Khalistan groups, from Haryana.
    • Ministry of Information & Broadcasting blocks “Punjab Politics TV” for its ties to pro-Khalistan group.
    Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) Cases
    • NIA Special Court (Kolkata) convicted and sentenced a FICN trafficker.
    DEFENCE
    Ministry of Defence allocation in Union Budget 2022-23.

    In the budget announcement for the financial year 2022-2023, Ministry of Defence has been allocated a total budget of Rs 5.25 lakh crore, which is 13.31% of the total budget. The total Defence Budget represents an enhancement of Rs 46,970 crore (9.82%) over Budget Estimates 2021-22.

    In the Union Budget, the Capital Allocations pertaining to modernisation and infrastructure development of Armed Forces has been increased to Rs 1.52 lakh crore. In order to give push to indigenous Domestic Enterprises under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, the share of domestic capital procurement, which was earmarked at 64% in 2021-22, has been enhanced to 68% of the Capital Acquisition Budget of the Defence Services. Defence R&D will be opened up for industry, start-ups and academia with 25 per cent of defence R&D budget earmarked. Private industry will be encouraged to take up design and development of military platforms and equipment in collaboration with DRDO and other organizations through SPV model.

    The Capital segment of the MoD (Civil) budget catering to organisations such as Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and Directorate General Defence Estates (DGDE) etc has also seen a notable jump of 55.60%. The Capital Budget of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has been increased by 40% to Rs 3,500 crore in FY 2022-23 vis-à-vis Rs 2,500 crore in FY 2021-22. This will expedite the progress of creation of border infrastructure including important tunnels (Sela and Naechiphu tunnel) and bridges on major river gaps.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Preparations of Def Expo 2022.

    Raksha Mantri (RM) reviewed, in New Delhi on February 18, 2022, the preparations of DefExpo-2022, Asia’s largest exhibition on land, naval and homeland security systems, to be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat in March. The event is being organised as one of the largest defence international exhibitions of the world. There has been greater domestic and international interest in this 12th edition of DefExpo, so far 78 participating nations, 39 Minister Level delegations with other confirmations to be received in the days ahead and 1000+ registered exhibitors for the mega event. Foreign Defence Ministers confirmations are also being received and are comparable with the previous edition of the event which was held in February 2020 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    President’s Fleet Review.

    The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind reviewed the Indian Navy Fleet at Visakhapatnam on 21 Feb 22. With the theme ‘75 years in Service of the Nation,’ Indian Navy showcased its latest state-of-art indigenously built combat platforms during the 12th edition of the Fleet Review which was also conducted as part of the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence being celebrated as ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.
    After a 21-Gun Salute and Ceremonial Guard of Honour, the President embarked on the Presidential yacht, INS Sumitra, an indigenously built Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel designated as the Presidential yacht. The President sailed past 44 ships from the Navy, Coast Guard, SCI and MoES lined up in four columns at anchorage off Visakhapatnam.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Indian Air Force’s Eastern Bridge-VI exercise.

    The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) are scheduled to participate in a bilateral exercise named Eastern Bridge-VI from 21 to 25 February 2022 at Air Force Station Jodhpur. This would be the sixth edition of the exercise. It will provide an opportunity to enhance operational capability and interoperability between the two Air Forces.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Humanitarian Assistance to Afghanistan.

    In response to appeals made by the United Nations for humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, the Government of India has decided to gift 50,000 MT of wheat to the people of Afghanistan. The supply will be effected by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and transported from ICP Attari (India) to Jalalabad (Afghanistan) by Afghan transporters. In a ceremony held at Amritsar on 22 February, 2022, Foreign Secretary Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla along with Afghan Ambassador Mr. Farid Mamundzay and World Food Program Country Director Mr. Bishaw Parajuli, flagged off the first convoy of 50 trucks carrying 2500 MT of wheat assistance from India to Afghanistan via Pakistan. The shipment is part of the commitment made by the Government of India to supply 50,000 MT of wheat for the people of Afghanistan.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Indian Air Force will participate in a multi nation air exercise named ‘Ex Cobra Warrior 22’ at Waddington, UK from 06 to 27 March 2022.

    Indian Air Force will participate in a multi nation air exercise named ‘Ex Cobra Warrior 22’ at Waddington, UK from 06 to 27 March 2022. Five Tejas aircraft will fly to the United Kingdom. IAF C-17 aircraft will provide the necessary transport support for induction and de-induction.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Multilateral exercise MILAN 2022.

    The latest edition of Indian Navy’s multilateral exercise MILAN 2022 is scheduled to commence from 25 Feb 22 in Visakhapatnam. MILAN 22 is being conducted over a duration of 9 days in two phases with the harbour phase scheduled from 25 to 28 February and Sea Phase from 01 to 04 March. The theme of the MILAN 2022 exercise is ‘Camaraderie – Cohesion – Collaboration’ which aims to project India as a responsible maritime power to the world at large. The aim of the exercise is to hone operational skills, imbibe best practices and procedures, and enable doctrinal learning in the maritime domain, through professional interaction between friendly navies. MILAN 22 will witness its largest ever participation, with more than 40 countries sending their warships/ high level delegations. This edition of MILAN would be larger in ‘scope and complexity’ with focus on exercises at sea including exercises in surface, sub-surface and air domains and weapon firings.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Phone call between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin of the Russian Federation.

    In a telephonic conversation President Putin briefed Prime Minister about the recent developments regarding Ukraine. Prime Minister reiterated his long-standing conviction that the differences between Russia and the NATO group can only be resolved through honest and sincere dialogue. Prime Minister appealed for an immediate cessation of violence, and called for concerted efforts from all sides to return to the path of diplomatic negotiations and dialogue. Prime Minister also sensitised the Russian President about India’s concerns regarding the safety of the Indian citizens in Ukraine, especially students, and conveyed that India attaches the highest priority to their safe exit and return to India.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Scientists demonstrate Quantum Key Distribution between two cities 100 kilometres apart.

    A joint team of scientists from Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, for the first time in the country successfully demonstrated Quantum Key Distribution link between Prayagraj and Vindhyachal in Uttar Pradesh, a distance of more than 100 kilometres. This technological breakthrough was achieved over a commercial grade optical fibre already available in field. With this success, the country has demonstrated indigenous technology of secure key transfer for bootstrapping military grade communication security key hierarchy. The performance parameters have been measured and have been found to be repetitively within the reported international standards at sifted key rates of up to 10 KHz. This technology will enable security agencies to plan a suitable quantum communication network with indigenous technology backbone.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Contract with M/s Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the retro-modification of Commander Sight of Battle Tanks-T-90.

    Providing a further boost to the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government of India in the Defence Sector, the Acquisition Wing of the Ministry of Defence has today signed a contract for Rs. 1075 crore with M/s Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the retro-modification of Commander Sight of Battle Tanks-T-90. The retro-modification will be carried out in 957 T-90 tanks of the Indian Army. The new retro-modified Commander sight employs a thermal imager capable of detecting the targets at 8 Kms during day and night and a Laser Ranger Finder (LRF) to find the ranges accurately up to 5 Kms, thereby enhancing its capability to engage target at longer ranges.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Joint military exercise, “EX DHARMA GUARDIAN-2022”, between India and Japan.

    A joint military exercise, “EX DHARMA GUARDIAN-2022”, between India and Japan will be conducted at Foreign Training Node, Belagavi (Belgaum, Karnataka) from 27 February 2022 to 10 March 2022. Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN-2022 is an annual training event which is being conducted in India since 2018. Notably, in the series of military training exercises undertaken by India with various countries, Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN with Japan is crucial and significant in terms of security challenges faced by both nations in the backdrop of current global situation. The scope of this exercise covers platoon level joint training on operations in jungle and semi urban/urban terrain.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Prime Minister speaks to President Zelenskyy of Ukraine.

    President Zelenskyy briefed the Prime Minister in detail about the ongoing conflict situation in Ukraine. Prime Minister expressed his deep anguish about the loss of life and property due to the ongoing conflict. He reiterated his call for an immediate cessation of violence and a return to dialogue, and expressed India’s willingness to contribute in any way towards peace efforts. Prime Minister also conveyed India’s deep concern for the safety and security of Indian citizens, including students, present in Ukraine. He sought facilitation by Ukrainian authorities to expeditiously and safely evacuate Indian citizens.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Discussions on the modalities and structural framework for the creation of Integrated Theatre Commands.

    Tri-services discussions on the modalities and structural framework for the creation of Integrated Theatre Commands for the Indian Armed Forces were held under the aegis of Western Naval Command at Mumbai. This is yet another milestone towards building jointness and enhancing organisational synergy among the three Services. A total of nine Commanders-in-Chief from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force and ANC, came together for a high-level meeting to discuss and deliberate on various aspects related to setting up of the Integrated Maritime Theatre Command.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Chief of Navy, Royal Australian Navy visit to India from 25 – 28 Feb 22.

    VAdm Michael Noonan, Chief of Navy, Royal Australian Navy called on Adm R Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval Staff on 28 Feb 22 at New Delhi. CoN RAN had earlier visited Headquarters, Eastern Naval Command (HQENC) at Visakhapatnam from 25 – 28 Feb 22 to participate in Indian Navy’s biennial multilateral naval exercise MILAN 22. The Admiral was also a Guest Speaker during the International Maritime Seminar of MILAN 22. Among issues discussed during the interaction were avenues to strengthen the growing cooperation between the two nations and navies, deal with challenges emerging on the maritime front, and enhance collaboration and interoperability to ensure maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Cdr PACFLT, US Navy visit to India from 25 – 28 Feb 22.

    During the visit of Adm Samuel J Paparo, Cdr PACFLT, US Navy, the Admiral interacted with Adm R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, in addition to other high ranking GoI officials. Among issues discussed during the interaction were avenues to strengthen the growing cooperation between the two navies, deal with challenges emerging on the maritime front, and enhance collaboration and interoperability to ensure maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Earlierhe visited Headquarters, Eastern Naval Command (HQENC) at Visakhapatnam to participate in Indian Navy’s biennial multilateral naval exercise MILAN 22. The Admiral was also a Guest Speaker during the International Maritime Seminar of MILAN 22.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Prime Minister chairs high level meeting to review Operation Ganga

    The Prime Minister chaired and pointed that the visit of four senior ministers as his Special Envoys to various nations will energize the evacuation efforts. It is reflective of the priority the Government attaches to this matter. The Prime Minister noted that the first consignment of relief supplies to Ukraine to deal with the humanitarian situation on Ukraine’s borders would be despatched tomorrow.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

    West Asia
    IAF flies over Beirut after drone entered Israel; Hizbu’llah claimed responsibility.

    On 18 February 2022, Hizbu’llah claimed a responsibility for launching a drone into Israel that evaded Israel’s Air Defence before returning to Lebanon. In a statement released, the terror group—Hizbu’llah mentioned that “Hassan” model drone was on a reconnaissance mission and had reached 70 kilometres (43 miles) inside Israel’s territory. “The Islamic resistance launched the Hassan drone into ‘occupied’ Palestinian territory, and it surveyed the area for 40 minutes,” read the statement.

    The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said that it fired an Iron Dome interceptor missile at the small, unmanned aircraft but missed and also scrambled fighter jets and attack the aircraft, setting of warning sirens across wide swarths of the North.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Africa
    Somalia
    “Al-Shabaab spend USD 24 million on weapons in 2021”: claimed Somalia-based research group.

    According to a report by a Somali-based research group—the Hiraal Institute, al-Qa’ida affiliated al-Shabaab spend USD 24 million on purchasing weapons. The report alleged that al-Shabaab has an annual revenue collection of about USD 180 million. “Out of annual planned expenditure of approximately USD 100 million, al-Shabaab’s annual planned expenditure on arms procurement is assessed to be USD 24 million, budgeted monthly at USD 2 million,” read the report. Allegedly, al-Shabaab purchases weapons from local black markets, and arms supplier contracted to buy and deliver weapons from abroad, with Yemen being the country of choice.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    At least 13 people killed in a suicide bomb attack in Hirshabelle State.

    On 19 February 2022, at least 13 people were killed, and 20 others were wounded after a suicide bomber detonated explosives in a restaurant hosting local officials, in the town of Beledweyne in Hirshabelle State in central Somalia. According to witnesses, a large explosion tore through an open area of the Hassan Dhiff restaurant.
    Despite tight security in Beledweyne, the attack took place amid eve of a first round of voting for parliamentary seats in constituency. “Two deputy district commissioners were among the dead. This was the deadliest attack that I can recall in this town,” said Police officer Mohamud Hassan.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Afghanistan
    US General McKenzie expressed concerns over presence of IS in Afghanistan.

    In an interview shared on social media platform—Facebook, on 17 February 2022, the United States (US) Central Command (CentCom) Chief General Kenneth McKenzie expressed concerns over presence of Islamic State (IS) terrorist organisation in Afghanistan. “ISIS…. concerns us in Afghanistan. We know that the Taliban are no friends, particularly ISIS and in fact over the past couple of years, they have occasionally under-taken operations against ISIS,” said Gen McKenzie.

    As reported in Tolo News, the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO)’s Secretary-General Stanislav Zas warned that the re-emergence of foreign terrorist groups, including al-Qa’ida and IS are not only a threat to Afghanistan but to the whole region.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    DOMESTIC TERRORISM

    Jammu and Kashmir
    Security forces arrested two terrorists from Pulwama and Srinagar.

    On 19 February 2022, Security forces arrested two terrorists in two separate operations in Pulwama and Srinagar districts of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). In first incident, security forces launched Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Rahmoo area in Pulwama district. During the search, a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist—Irfan Yousuf Dar was arrested. Incriminating materials, and arms & ammunition, including an AK rifle, a magazine, and 30 rounds, were recovered from Dar’s possession.

    In second incident, in a similar operation in Eidgah area in Srinagar, a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)/The Resistance Front (TRF) terrorist—Janaid Mushtaq Bhat, was arrested. The preliminary investigation revealed that Bhat had come to Srinagar to carryout terrorist attacks and targeted killings.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    NIA searched multiple locations in J&K and Rajasthan in connection with ‘J&K terrorism conspiracy’ case.

    On 19 February 2022, National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials searched eight locations in Sopore, Kupwara, Shopian, Rajouri, Budgam, Ganderbal of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), and Jodhpur district of Rajasthan, in connection with ‘Jammu and Kashmir terrorism conspiracy’ case.
    The case— RC-29/2021/NIA/DLI relates to conspiracy of carrying out terrorist acts in J&K and other major cities, including Delhi, by Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), al-Badr, and their affiliate groups—The Resistance Front (TRF) and People Against Fascist Forces (PAFF). As of now, NIA has arrested 28 accused people in the same case.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    NIA arrested an accused in LeT OGW case.
    On 18 February 2022, National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested an accused—Arvind Digvijay Negi in connection with ‘LeT OGW network’ case.

    The case—RC-30/2021/NIA/DLI relates to the spread of the network of Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), for providing support in conspiring terrorist activities in India. Earlier, six accused persons were arrested in the same case. In the investigation, the role of Arvind Digvijay Negi, IPS, SP posted at Shimla (since repatriated from NIA) was verified and his house was searched. During the search, it was found that the official secret documents of NIA were leaked by Negi to another accused person who is an OGW of LeT.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Security forces arrested a JeM terrorist from Kupwara.

    On 21 February 2022, security forces established a checkpoint near Sultanpora Bridge at Zachaldara in Kupwara district. Noticing the presence of security personnel, a person tried to flee but was arrested on the basis of suspicion. Later, the arrested man was identified as Ubaid Bashir Wani, a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist. Incriminating materials, arms and ammunition have been seized from Wani’s possession.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    SIA arrested 10 JeM terrorists from different locations in Jammu and Kashmir.

    On 16 February 2022, State Investigation Agency (SIA) arrested 10 Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists during the raid at different locations in various districts of central and south Kashmir. “Recently, the SIA constituted a mandate to investigate crimes connected with terrorism and secessionism, conducted overnight raids with focus on JeM network at different locations in various districts in Kashmir,” read the statement released by SIA.

    During searches, cellular phones, SIM cards, records to show the use of banking channels, and even a dummy pistol were seized.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Left-Wing Extremism
    NIA conducted searches at multiple locations in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh in connection with PLGA recruitment case.

    On 25 February 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials carried out searches at three locations—Wayanad district in Kerala, and Guntur & Chittor districts in Andhra Pradesh in connection with People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) recruitment case—RC-01/2022/NIA/KOC.

    The case relates to the recruitment of vulnerable youth into the PLGA, an armed wing of CPI (Maoist), and further training them, organising terrorist camps to carry out the activities of CPI (Maoist) and threatening the unity and sovereignty of India.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Security forces arrested nine Maoists from Jharkhand.

    In another phase of a joint operation since 08 February 2022, the Jharkhand Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel arrested nine Maoists— i) Balram Oraon (zonal commander), ii) Dashrath Singh Kherwar (sub-zonal commander), iii) Markush Nagesia (area commander), iv) Shaileshwar Oraon, v) Mukesh Korba, vi) Viren Korba, vii) Shailendra Nagesia, viii) Sanjay Nagesia, and ix) Sheela Kherwar, from Bulbul Forest area in Lohardaga district of Jharkhand.

    During the “Operation Double Bull”, the security forces exchanged fire with Maoists on 10 different occasions, busted their hideouts, and also killed a Maoist. From operation site, security forces recovered four weapons, including an American automatic rifle and a carbine, around 1,700 cartridges, 16 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), codex wire, wireless sets, safety fuse, and several electronic items, and cash worth ₹ 3.27.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Security forces found arms and Maoist literature in Odisha.

    On 20 February 2022, security forces discovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition, along with Maoist literature, in a forest in Malkangiri district in Odisha. “Based on intelligence inputs, security forces launched an operation in Swabhiman anchal, and found arms and ammunition in a forest near Nadmenjeri village along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border under the Jodamba police limits,” said Superintendent of Police (SP) Malkangiri—Nitesh Wadhwani.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Khalistan-inspired Extremism
    Police arrested three men for ties with pro-Khalistan groups, from Haryana.

    On 19 February 2022, Haryana Police arrested three men— i) Sagar, ii) Sunil, and iii) Jatin, from Juan village in Sonipat district of Haryana, for their alleged ties with pro-Khalistan groups. All three were booked under Sections 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], along with Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and other relevant Sections of the Arms Act.

    In preliminary investigation, it was found that all three men were receiving funds and arms from overseas to aid terror activities in Punjab and other parts of the country.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Ministry of Information & Broadcasting blocks “Punjab Politics TV” for its ties to pro-Khalistan group.

    On 18 February 2022, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) ordered blocking of applications, websites, and social media accounts of an overseas-based ‘Punjab Politics TV’ for its alleged close links with the proscribed pro-Khalistan organisation—Sikhs For Justice (SFJ).

    According to intelligence inputs, the channel— ‘Punjab Politics TV’ was attempting to use online media platforms to disturb Law & Order situation during the assembly elections in Punjab. Therefore, I&B used emergency powers under the Information Technology (IT) Rules to block the digital media resources of Punjab Politics TV.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) Cases
    NIA Special Court (Kolkata) convicted and sentenced a FICN trafficker.

    On 28 February 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court, Kolkata, convicted and sentenced a Fake Indian Currency Note (FICN) trafficker— Ketabul S.K., to five years of Rigorous Imprisonment (RI) and ₹ 40,000 fine for commission of offences under Sections 120B, 489B, and 489C of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

    The case—RC-25/2018/NIA/DLI related to the seizure of FICNs with face value of ₹ 1,92,000 on 31 July 2018, from Murshidabad in West Bengal. Other two FICN traffickers have already been convicted by NIA Special Court on 23 December 2021 in the same case.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    China Daily Digest February 18, 2022

    Chinese vice premier stresses food safety: Xinhuanet
    February 17, 2022

    Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng Thursday called for the application of new technologies including big data to ensure food safety. Han, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and head of the food safety commission of the State Council, made the remarks while presiding over a meeting of the commission. Click here to read…

    U.S. labeling China “non-market” entirely false: Xinhuanet
    February 17, 2022

    The United States labeling China’s economic system as “non-market” has no grounds in terms of international economic and trade rules, and is entirely against the facts, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Thursday. Click here to read…

    China approves mega project for greater computing power, digital future: Xinhuanet
    February 18, 2022

    China has approved a project involving the construction of eight national computing hubs and plans to build 10 national-data center clusters, indicating that its strategy to channel more computing resources from the country’s eastern regions to its less developed yet resource-rich western regions is in full swing. Click here to read…

    China releases new quantum computing software: Xinhuanet
    February 17, 2022

    China has released a new quantum computing programming software named “isQ-Core” and deployed it to the country’s superconducting quantum hardware platform. It represents a significant step forward in the combination of home-grown quantum computing hardware and software, said its primary developer, the Institute of Software under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Click here to read…

    Former Inner Mongolia senior political advisor gets life sentence for bribery: Xinhuanet
    February 17, 2022

    A Chinese court on Thursday sentenced Ma Ming, a former senior political advisor in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, to life in prison for bribery. Ma Ming, former vice chairman of the Inner Mongolia regional committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, was deprived of political rights for life, according to the intermediate people’s court of the city of Zibo in east China’s Shandong Province. Click here to read…

    Chinese schools to appoint vice principals to tackle delinquency, bullying: Xinhuanet
    February 17, 2022

    Primary and secondary schools in China will appoint vice principals who will be in charge of law-related affairs to ensure better protection for students and tackle juvenile delinquency and school bullying. The relevant measures that will come into effect on May 1 require that at least one vice principal responsible for such work is appointed in each primary or secondary school, the Ministry of Education said Thursday. Click here to read…

    Media workers urged to tell China’s stories better: Xinhuanet

    February 17, 2022

    A senior publicity official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has called on Chinese journalists to tell China’s stories better. Huang Kunming, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks at the Museum of the Communist Party of China on Thursday. Click here to read…

    China’s revised Patent Law introduces open licensing system to promote use of idle patents: Quishi
    February 18, 2022

    Thanks to a new amendment to China’s Patent Law that entered into force on June 1, 2021, patents in the country that have lain idle can be put into actual use easier. Wu Zhenyu, a professor with the School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, is one of the patent owners who have benefited from the new amendment, which introduces an open licensing system to facilitate the utilization of patents. Click here to read…

    Authorities offering rewards for smuggling and stowaway tips: China Daily
    February 17, 2022

    The rewards for the capture of smugglers and stowaways from outside the mainland are being offered after four of 15 people who illegally entered into Guangdong from the Hong Kong special administrative region have been detected to be positive for novel coronavirus, according to a local media on Thursday. Click here to read…

    Robot shark making a big splash in Shanghai: China Daily
    February 18, 2022

    Researchers at China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp, a State-owned defense contractor, have developed and made the world’s first robot whale shark. The robotic shark has been on display in an aquarium at Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park in the city’s Pudong New Area since January. The whale shark is a slow-moving carpet shark and the largest known living fish. Click here to read…

    Large amphibious plane forges ahead: China Daily
    February 17, 2022

    China is stepping up development of the homegrown AG600 large amphibious aircraft, the company developing the plane said on Wednesday. Three AG600s are expected to enter the final phase of assembly this year and maiden flights are planned for three aircraft, Aviation Industry Corporation of China, the country’s leading plane-maker, said. Click here to read…

    China establishes office to promote exports of the FC-31 stealth fighter: Global Times
    February 18, 2022

    China has established an office dedicated to promoting the country’s independently developed FC-31 stealth fighter jet on the international market in an effort by the aircraft’s manufacturer to actively find customers. Click here to read…

    China’s flourishing display industry mirrors country’s passion for innovation: People’s Daily
    February 18, 2022

    At the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, the interaction between a huge ground LED display covering 11,000 square meters and a gigantic LED screen standing in the middle of the venue caught the eyes of the world. This innovative combination of digital technology and aesthetics has built an ice world that only exists in dreams. Click here to read…

    China expresses serious concerns on India banning Chinese apps: Reuters
    February 17, 2022

    China on Thursday expressed serious concerns regarding India’s ban of Chinese apps over security reasons, adding that it hopes India would treat all foreign investors, including Chinese firms, in a transparent, fair and non-discriminatory manner. Click here to read…

    Taiwan, with eye on China, to boost protection for its semiconductor secrets: Reuters
    February 17, 2022

    Taiwan’s government proposed on Thursday a new law to prevent China from stealing its chip technology, amid rising concern in Taipei that Beijing is stepping up its economic espionage. Click here to read…

    In China, buying trafficked women and children gets less jail time than buying illegal plants or animals: South China Morning Post
    February 18, 2022

    If you buy illegal plants or their by-products in China, you could be jailed for up to seven years. Buying endangered animals could result in life imprisonment or death. But for someone found guilty of buying a trafficked woman or child, the maximum jail term is three years. And if the court rules that the buyer did not abuse the trafficked person or hinder rescue efforts, they may serve less time. Click here to read…

    Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 51, 2021)

    COMMENTARY

    The Re-election of Gambian President Raises Hope for Justice

    On 4th December 2021, The Gambia, the smallest country in mainland Africa, held its presidential election. The present election can be viewed as a strong statement in support of successful transition towards a democratic society.Click here to read…

    NEWS

    South Africa develops own COVID-19 vaccine

    From the outside, the building in an industrial district of Cape Town looks like any other nondescript warehouse. In fact, it is a beacon of hope for the biotech industry and vaccine production of the entire African continent. Click here to read…

    France is one step closer to withdrawal from Mali

    In Mali, French troops handed control of an army base on Tuesday to Malian officers near the city of Timbuktu. The handover follows President Macron’s June announcement of a major withdrawal of French troops from the region. Click here to read…

    Democratic Republic of the Congo declares Ebola outbreak over

    The Ebola outbreak that erupted in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s North Kivu Province in October – the second in 2021 – was today declared over, the national health authorities announced after no new cases were reported at the end of a 42-day countdown, or two incubation periods after the last confirmed case was discharged. Click here to read…

    Egypt builds industrial city in Tanzania

    Egypt and Tanzania close ties are strengthened further by the inauguration of an Egyptian industrial city adjacent to the Tanzanian capital. Click here to read…

    Gadhafi’s son shakes up Libyan elections

    Elections scheduled for Dec. 24 are now uncertain because of haggling among Libya’s political factions. Click here to read…

    Hundreds protest in Tunisia on anniversary of revolution

    Protesters rally for and against President Saied who has extended suspension of parliament until next year, sparking tensions. Click here to read…

    Hundreds killed in Sudan’s Darfur clashes

    At least 199 people have been killed in Sudan’s restive Darfur in tribal clashes over the past two months. Medics on Friday urged the government to stop the bloodshed in the country. Click here to read…

    Guinea-Bissau affirms commitment to EU fisheries agreement

    Guinea-Bissau has reiterated its commitment to the latest five-year fisheries partnership agreement with the European Union. Click here to read…

    World Bank Supports the Modernization of Morocco Public Sector

    The World Bank Board of Executive directors today approved a US$450 million loan to support key governance reforms in Morocco as part of the government’s ambitious strategy to modernize the public sector. Click here to read…

    Hundreds protest treatment of Senegal’s opposition

    Several hundred demonstrators protested Friday in Senegal’s capital, accusing the government of subjecting opposition figures to lengthy detentions. Click here to read…

    Clashes in Cameroon’s north displace over 100,000 – UN agency

    Clashes between herders, fishermen and farmers in the far north of Cameroon have driven at least 100,000 people from their homes in the past two weeks, creating a humanitarian emergencyClick here to read…

    Officials Say Insurgency in Northern Mozambique Is Spreading

    With violence by armed groups spreading beyond Mozambique’s northernmost province of Cabo Delgado into neighboring Niassa province, President Filipe Nyusi on Thursday cautioned against panic. Click here to read…

    The Nobel Peace Prize that paved the way for war

    Secret meetings with a dictator. Clandestine troop movements. Months of quiet preparation for a war that was supposed to be swift and bloodless. Click here to read…

    Big decline in China’s BRI investments, cash grants to Africa: Report

    Investments in China’s much-touted Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have fallen by 54 per cent since 2019 and Beijing is no longer doling out hard cash for projects in Africa, amid criticism over infrastructure debt and loan defaults. Click here to read…

    Benin squeezes dissent with jailing of opposition leader over terrorism

    Benin rarely makes international headlines. But this week, the French-speaking sliver of land with a population of 11.5 million jailed a leading opposition leader for terrorism. Click here to read…

    Court in Madagascar convicts five people for plotting a coup

    A court in Madagascar convicted five people for plotting a coup in the Indian Ocean nation. The defendants, including two French nationals, were part of a group of 20 people accused of trying to assassinate President Andry Rajoelina in July. Click here to read…

    Russia-Africa Relations: ‘Geopolitical Arena with Many Players Operating’

    As preparations are underway for the second Russia-Africa summit planned for 2022, African leaders, politicians, academic researchers and experts have been discussing several aspects of the current state of Russia-Africa relations. They, most often, compare it with a number of foreign countries notably China, the United States, European Union, India, France, Turkey, Japan, and South Korea that have held such gatherings in that format with Africa. Click here to read…

    3rd Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit to take ties to new stage

    The third Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit that started on Thursday will take relations between Ankara and the continent to a new level as new projects and areas of cooperation are within sight. Click here to read…

    Rwanda turns to electric motorbikes to drive down emissions

    When Rwanda motorcycle taxi driver Evode Niyorurema onverted his fuel guzzler to an electric motorbike, he had no idea he was on the frontlines of the East African nation’s fight against climate change. Click here to read…

    Accor signs first Mantis in Masai Mara, Kenya

    The Mantis Masai Mara Eco-Lodge is set to become a highlight property for the brand and the group, offering direct access to the Mara-Seregenti game reserve: the ideal location for unique safari experiences. Click here to read…

    INDIA IN AFRICA

    President commends Indian community on contribution to economic development

    President Yoweri Museveni has commended the Indian community in Uganda for its contribution to the economic development of the country and appealed to them to encourage more people to exploit the vast investment opportunities here. Click here to read…

    Ram Charan Company bags USD 2.2 billion order from Ghana firm to supply waste to energy units

    Ram Charan Company, the Chennai-based chemicals-trader-turned-renewable energy specialist with focus on sustainable R&D, has bagged a USD 2.2 billion order from the Ghana-based Masri Company to supply waste to energy units that is expected to generate 300 MW of power in the African nation. Click here to read…

    Somaliland signs MoU with Chennai hospital

    Addressing a press conference after signing the MoU with Chennai-based Deepam Hospitals here on Saturday, Somaliland Vice President Abdirahman Abdillahi Ismail said there was a need to assist the citizens of the country who travel to India for medical treatment. Click here to read…

    Airtel Africa secures $50m in investment as it withdraws from Nigerian auction

    Airtel Africa confirms that Chimera Investment has investment $50 million in Airtel Mobile Commerce (AMC BV), through shares from one of its subsidiaries. Click here to read…

    The India Embassy in Madagascar organised the 13th edition of monthly literary programme ‘LaLitTana’.

    Indian Embassy in Madagascar organises 13th edition of monthly literary programme ‘LaLitTana’Click here to read…

    China: Daily Scan, December 16, 2021

    China to beef up financial support for MSMEs with market-based measures: Xinhunaet
    December 15, 2021

    China will adopt market-based measures to double down on financial support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to support market players and cushion the new downward economic pressure, the State Council’s Executive Meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang decided on Wednesday. Click here to read…

    China to grant zero-tariff treatment for least-developed countries: Xinhunaet
    December 15, 2021

    China will grant zero-tariff treatment on 98 percent of taxable items originating in the least-developed countries, according to a statement released by the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council on Wednesday. Agricultural products such as peanut oil and chemicals such as polythene will be incorporated into the scope of zero-tariff treatment. Click here to read…

    China boosts battery recycling amid decommissioning surge: Xinhuanet
    December 16, 2021

    China is seeking to boost the battery recycling sector to cope with the rise in decommissioning of aging batteries from new-energy vehicles (NEV), which have grown in popularity in recent years. China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) said it will issue a new regulation to clarify the supervisory responsibilities of national and local departments, along with the requirements for battery recycling, according to Science and Technology Daily. Click here to read…

    Xi, Putin hail “model” bilateral ties, vow to uphold int’l fairness: China Military
    December 16, 2021

    Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a video meeting on Wednesday, as they praised “model” China-Russia relations and pledged to cooperate more on safeguarding the two countries’ core interests and upholding international fairness and justice. The two leaders also agreed to have an in-person meeting in February in Beijing. Click here to read…

    LinkedIn makes China comeback: China Daily
    December 15, 2021

    LinkedIn announced on Tuesday that it has launched InCareer, a new jobs app designed to help professionals in the Chinese mainland find jobs and companies discover talent in China. The United States-based company said that the launch of the app marks the first step in its new strategy for China. LinkedIn had since mid-October started to phase out the China version of its platform, explaining that it would instead strengthen the company’s focus on jobs with a new app. Click here to read…

    Five provinces criticized for high emissions: China Daily
    December 16, 2021

    Central government lists smokestack projects as key targets for inspection Environmental inspections from the central government have criticized five provinces for violations in projects with high energy consumption and emissions, according to reports made public on Sunday and Monday by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, where the inspection office is based. Click here to read…

    Hong Kong court orders winding up of Jimmy Lai’s Next Digital: People’s Daily
    December 15, 2021

    The High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Wednesday ordered the winding up of Next Digital Ltd., a company controlled by Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, an instigator of Hong Kong riots. The court’s move came after Paul Chan, financial secretary of the HKSAR government, presented a petition to the Court of First Instance to wind up the company earlier this year. Click here to read…

    COVID-19: Sinovac does not shield against Omicron, says study: Taipei Times
    December 16, 2021

    The vaccine made by Sinovac Biotech, one of the most widely used in the world, does not provide sufficient antibodies to neutralize the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, Hong Kong researchers said in initial lab findings that could have sweeping consequences for the millions of people relying on the Chinese shot to protect them against COVID-19. Click here to read…

    China urges ‘hardest-hit’ solar firms to fight against US, India trade restrictions: South China Morning Post
    December 15, 2021

    China is urging solar companies to fight against trade policies from countries such as the United States and India that are creating challenges for the industry. Companies should use legal weapons to fight trade restrictions against solar products, while the industry should enhance its autonomy, resilience and credibility, Wang Xin, deputy chief of the Trade Remedy and Investigation Bureau at the Commerce Department, said in a virtual presentation at a solar industry conference on Wednesday. “Trade frictions are still at a high prevalence globally, and photovoltaic products are among the hardest-hit areas,” Wang said. Click here to read…

    China: Daily Scan, November 30, 2021

    Yin Li elected Party chief of China’s Fujian: Xinhuanet
    November 30, 2021

    Yin Li has been elected secretary of the Fujian Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Yin was elected to the post at the first plenary session of the 11th CPC Fujian Provincial Committee on Monday. Click here to read…

    Senior Jiangxi provincial legislator under probe: Xinhuanet
    November 29, 2021

    Gong Jianhua, a vice chairman of the Standing Committee of Jiangxi Provincial People’s Congress, is being investigated for suspected severe violations of discipline and law. Gong has turned himself in and is under investigation by the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission, according to a statement released on Monday.Click here to read…

    China unveils regulation on securities, futures violations: Xinhuanet
    November 29, 2021

    Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has signed a State Council decree unveiling a regulation on new law-enforcement methods for individuals and corporations violating laws in the country’s capital market. The new regulation, which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2022 details fresh measures for government enforcement departments in handling individuals and corporations that break securities or futures laws but promise to rectify illegal behaviors, compensate investors for losses and eliminate negative effects. Click here to read…

    Tibet sends out nearly 9 bln kWh of electricity: Xinhuanet
    November 29, 2021

    The Tibet Electric Power Co., Ltd. of the State Grid said it transmitted 8.98 billion kWh of electricity out of the region from 2015 to this summer. All the electricity sent out was generated by clean energy, the company said. In 2015, Tibet sent electricity to neighboring Qinghai Province for the first time, with 1.81 million kWh per day, marking that Tibet’s clean energy began to participate in the regional balance of power supply in northwest China and the optimization and adjustment of the country’s energy structure, said the company. Click here to read…

    Policies aim to help ease burden of child raising: China Daily
    November 30, 2021

    More favorable parental leave policies have been rolled out in Chinese cities and provinces recently in an effort to reduce the burden of childbirth and child care. More than 10 cities and provinces, including Beijing and Shanghai and Jiangxi and Qinghai provinces, have launched detailed measures, such as longer parental leave, to support couples having more children. Click here to read…

    Drones adapted to marine observation: China Daily
    November 29, 2021

    China has begun to deploy unmanned aircraft to carry out marine meteorological observation, according to Aviation Industry Corp of China, the nation’s leading aircraft maker and the program’s contractor. The State-owned defense conglomerate said on Saturday that under a contract from China Meteorological Administration, it has started using a Wing Loong 10 unmanned aircraft to observe cloud cover, temperature, humidity and wind above the ocean’s surface to provide data support to researchers at the administration. Click here to read…

    Draft amendment to China’s Teachers Law to regulate rights, obligations and competency undergoes public consultation: Global Times
    November 30, 2021

    China’s Ministry of Education on Monday issued a notice for public consultation on the draft amendment of the Teachers Law, which will establish an award mechanism for teachers who have made significant contributions to education. The draft amendment is open to public consultation until December 20. The draft revision also regulates the basic rights and obligations of teachers, including the right to assess students’ behavior and academic performance as well as the rights to praise, reward, criticize and discipline students, according to the draft revision. Click here to read…

    College teacher punished for insulting comments on Chinese history: Global Times
    November 29, 2021

    A teacher of Nanjing University of Finance & Economics was punished for releasing insulting comments on Chinese history. He has been removed from his teaching post and demanded to make a public apology. Some netizens said that Feng Jihai, a teacher from the School of Journalism in Nanjing University of Finance & Economics, had released improper and insulting words on Sina Weibo, China’s Twitter-like social media. Click here to read…

    China-India border: building boom in the Himalayas as Beijing shores up troops and weapons for winter: South China Morning Post
    November 30, 2021

    China has built underground shelters along its borders with India in the Himalayas to protect its troops and weapons as tensions between the two countries persist into the harsh winter.The People’s Liberation Army Western Theatre Command, which oversees the border areas with India, has sped up construction of below-ground facilities to preserve most of its strategic bases and barracks, according to Chinese state media and a military observer. Posts appeared on Chinese social media showing the subterranean structures and quoted experts at a recent impact dynamics seminar organised by State Key Laboratory of Explosion Science and Technology in Beijing as saying they were designed for military assets of strategic value, such as an underground command centre, hangars or missile storage. Click here to read…

    Chinese province targets journalists, foreign students with planned new surveillance system: Reuters
    November 30, 2021

    Security officials in one of China’s largest provinces have commissioned a surveillance system they say they want to use to track journalists and international students among other “suspicious people”, documents reviewed by Reuters showed. A July 29 tender document published on the Henan provincial government’s procurement website – reported in the media for the first time – details plans for a system that can compile individual files on such persons of interest coming to Henan using 3,000 facial recognition cameras that connect to various national and regional databases. Click here to read…