NATIONAL

All-India Institute of Medical Science (Delhi) witnessed cyber incident.

The All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bharat’s premier medical institution and hospital, experienced a cyber-attack on November 23, 2022. Reportedly, a ransomware targeted hospital systems for both inpatients and outpatients, including the smart lab, billing, report creation, and appointment portal. “Today (23 November) the National Informatics Centre’s (NIC) ‘e-Hospital’ server used at the AIIMS (Delhi) was down. Due to this outpatient and inpatient digital hospital services, including smart lab, billing, report generation, appointment scheduling, etc., have been affected. All these services are running in a manual mode currently,” read the statement issued by the AIIMS administration on the same evening.

According to a cyber security intelligence firm— CloudSEK, “after the United States, Bharat recorded the second highest number of cyber-attacks on the healthcare industry with a total of 7.7 per cent of the attacks in 2021. The cyber incidents targeting Bharat’s healthcare sector compromised over 71 lakh data records.”^[1] During first week of December, the data was fully restored, and all affected services started working efficiently, according to an official requesting an anonymity.

MeitY invited feedback on the draft ‘Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2022’.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has formulated a draft bill— ‘Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2022’. The draft bill’s purpose is to provide for the processing of digital personal data in a way that recognises both the right of individuals to protect their personal data and the need to process personal data for lawful purposes, as well as matters related to or incidental to those purposes. The bill defines netizens’ (Digital Nagriks’) rights and duties, as well as the Data Fiduciary’s obligation to use collected data lawfully.

The Bill will lay the groundwork for Bharat’s comprehensive legal framework governing digital personal data protection. The Bill addresses the processing of digital personal data in a way that recognises individuals’ right to personal data protection, societal rights, and the need to process personal data for lawful purposes.

The MeitY requested public suggestions and feedback on the draft bill. The feedback on the draft bill in a chapter wise manner may be submitted on https://innovateindia.mygov.in/digital-data-protection/ by December 17, 2022.^[2]

Bharat to Chair the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence for 2023.

On 21 November 2022, Bharat presided as the Chair of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), an international initiative to support responsible and human-centric development and use of AI. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Minister of State (MoS) for Electronics & Information Technology and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, virtually represented Bharat at the GPAI meeting in Tokyo, Japan, for the symbolic takeover from France, which is the outgoing Council Chair.

“We will work in close cooperation with member states to put in place a framework around which the power of Artificial Intelligence can be exploited for the good of the citizens and consumers across the globe- and ensure that there are adequate guardrails to prevent misuse and user harm,” said MoS Chandrasekhar. In order to promote the creation of a trusted ecosystem of applications for citizens and the wider public, Bharat is committed to using AI effectively. AI is anticipated to contribute USD 967 billion to the Bharat’s economy by 2035 and USD 450–500 billion to the country’s GDP by 2025, or 10 per cent of the USD 05 trillion GDP objective.

The United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore are among the 25 nations that make up the GPAI. Bharat became a founder member of the organisation in the year 2020. The GPAI is an innovative effort to develop a deeper grasp of the difficulties and potential associated with AI. To guide the responsible development and use of AI that is based on human rights, inclusiveness, diversity, creativity, and economic growth, it collaborates with partners and international organisations as well as experts from business, civil society, governments, and academia.^[3]

Tata Communications extended its partnership with UAE’s Intertec Systems to offer ‘managed security services’ in the region.

On 28 November 2022, Bharat’s Tata Communications International Pte Ltd and System Integrator (SI) Intertec Systems, based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), extended their partnership where Tata Communications provides managed services in the region. As per the extended agreement, Tata Communications has established a Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC) and managed security services to strengthen the cyber defence of several enterprises in the region.

“The CSOC provides managed security services bundled with cyber-threat intelligence to secure the enterprises’ mission-critical information, offering world-class insights to help safeguard and protect their business,” read the joint statement released by both companies. The CSOC will enhance security incident detection and lessen the serious effects of cyber-attacks, including monetary losses and reputational harm. Tata Communications will offer real-time analytics with cutting-edge intelligence as part of the managed SOC services; these analytics will make use of automation and information enrichment and be continuously monitored.^[4]

INTERNATIONAL

US hosted the ‘2nd International Counter Ransomware Initiative Summit

From 31 October to 01 November 2022, the United States brought together 36 nations, and the European Union (EU), for the second International Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI) Summit. The summit’s objective was to discuss, develop concrete and cooperative actions to counter the spread and adverse impact of Ransomware worldwide. Over the recent years, the CRI placed efforts to increase the resilience of all CRI partners, disrupt cyber criminals, counter illegal finance, build private sector relationships, and cooperate globally to address the challenge of Ransomware. The CRI comprises of five Working Groups (WGs)— i) Resilience (co-led by Bharat and Lithuania), ii) Disruption (led by Australia), iii) Counter-Illicit Finance (led by the United Kingdom and Singapore), iv) Public-Private Partnership (led by Spain), and v) Diplomacy (led by Germany).^[5]

Interpol recovered USD 130 million from cyber criminals in Global “HAECHI-III” crackdown ops.

Interpol, dubbed HAECHI-III, occurred between 28 June and 23 November 2022, resulting in the arrest of 975 people and the closure of over 1600 cases. Another case involved a call centre scam based in Bharat, in which a group of criminals impersonated Interpol and Europol officers in order to dupe victims in Austria into transferring funds. The call centres were located in New Delhi and Noida.

The fraudsters informed the victims that their “identities were stolen and crime pertaining to narcotics drugs were committed in their names. To clear their names, the victims were forced to transfer their assets/money to a trust account via bank transfers, crypto wallets, gift card codes, or voucher codes,” read the statement released by the Interpol.^[6]

US Senate tightened restrictions on Chinese semiconductors.

The Democratic leader in the US Senate submitted a request to members on 28 November 2022, asking them to support his proposal to forbid the US government from doing business with firms that use semiconductors supplied by companies the Pentagon views as Chinese military contractors. “If American business wants the federal government to buy their products or services, they shouldn’t be using the kind of Chinese-made chips that, because of Chinese government involvement, put our national security at risk. We need our government and our economy to rely on chips made right here in America,” told US Senator Chuck Schumer in his remarks opening the Senate after its Thanksgiving holiday recess.

The proposal was presented by Senator Schumer and Senator (Republican) John Cornyn as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a yearly law that establishes policies for the Department of Defense (DoD). Because it decides everything from the purchases of ships and planes to pay increases for the troops and how to manage geopolitical challenges, the NDAA is widely watched by a wide range of industry and other interests.^[7]

Irish regulators fined Facebook’s Meta with €265 million in privacy case.

On 28 November 2022, the Irish regulators fined Meta with € 265 million (approximately USD 277 million) for breaching the European Union data privacy rules. According to the Data Protection Commission, Meta breached the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which require technical and organisational measures aimed at protecting users’ data.

In 2021, the Irish regulators opened an investigation regarding a development in which data of more than 533 million users was found ‘dumped’ online. The personal data included, names, Facebook IDs, phone numbers, locations, birth dates and e-mail addresses of people from more than 100 nations. According to Meta, the data was scrapped from Facebook using tools designed to help people find their friends through phone numbers using ‘search’ and ‘import contacts’ feature. The investigation was performed on scrapping carried out between May 2018 to September 2019. In September, the Irish regulators fined Instagram (another Meta-owned social networking platform) of € 405 million. ^[8]

Medibank-incident hackers leaked health data on dark web.

In mid-October 2022, Medibank announced it had experienced a cyber-incident. On October 12, 2022, the private health insurer informed its stakeholders that Medibank had been the victim of a cyber-incident. On 19 October, Medibank released a statement stating that it has received a message from cyber attackers that “wishes to negotiate with the company regarding their alleged removal of customer data”. The hackers threatened to release private medical information of high-profile Australians if a ransom was not paid. On 07 November 2022, a statement from Medibank informed that criminal have access the personal data information of around 9.7 million people.^[9] The data included details on chronic conditions such as heart disease, as well as the patient details of people with cancer, dementia, mental health conditions and infections.^[10]

Endnotes :

^[1]Dabhade, Aishwarya. “AIIMS cyberattack exposes the vulnerability of Indian healthcare”, Moneycontrol, 25 November 2022, accessed on 09 December 2022, available from: https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/aiims-cyberattack-exposes-the-vulnerability-of-indian-healthcare-9599771.html
^[2] “MeitY invites feedback on the draft ‘Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2022”, Ministry of Electronics and IT, 18 November 2022, accessed on 09 December 2022, available from: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1877030
^[3] “India takes over as Council Chair of Global Partnership on AI (GPAI)”, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, 21 November 2022, accessed on 10 December 2022, available from: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1877739
^[4] “Tata Communications, Intertec expand partnership to offer managed security services in UAE”, Economic Times, 28 November 2022, accessed on 10 December 2022, available from: https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/tata-communications-intertec-expand-partnership-to-offer-managed-security-services-in-uae/95828665
^[5] “Fact sheet: the second international Counter Ransomware Initiative Summit”, The White House- United States, 01 November 2022, accessed on 09 December 2022, available from: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/11/01/fact-sheet-the-second-international-counter-ransomware-initiative-summit/
^[6] “Cyber-enabled financial crime: USD 130 million intercepted in global INTERPOL police operation”, Interpol, 24 November 2022, available from: https://www.interpol.int/en/News-and-Events/News/m 2022/Cyber-enabled-financial-crime-USD-130-million-intercepted-in-global-INTERPOL-police-operation
^[7]Zengerle, Patricia. “US Senate eyes tightened restrictions on Chinese semiconductors”, Economic Times, 29 November 2022, accessed on 09 December 2022, available from: https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/u-s-senate-eyes-tightened-restrictions-on-chinese-semiconductors/95842071
^[8]Associated Press, “Irish watchdog fines Meta € 265 million in latest privacy case”, Deccan Herald, 28 November 2022. Accessed on 10 December 2022, available from: https://www.deccanherald.com/business/business-news/irish-watchdog-fines-meta-265-million-euros-in-latest-privacy-case-1166531.html
^[9] “Medibank cyber-crime update”, The Guardian, 28 November 2022, available from: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/nov/29/is-it-worth-taking-out-personal-cyber-insurance-in-case-you-are-caught-up-in-a-data-hack
^[10]McGown, Michael. “Medibank hackers release 1,500 more patient records on dark web, including mental health data”, The Guardian, 20 November 2022, accessed on 12 December 2022, available from: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/nov/20/medibank-hackers-release-1500-more-patient-records-on-dark-web-including-mental-health-data

NATIONAL

Tata Power’s IT infrastructure suffered a cyber-attack; critical systems were not disrupted

On 14 October 2022, Tata Power announced that their IT infrastructure dealt with a cyber-attack and some systems were impacted. The cyber-attack targeted its IT infrastructure, but the critical systems have not been disrupted. “The Company has taken steps to retrieve and restore the systems. All critical operational systems are functioning; however, as a measure of abundant precaution, restricted access and preventive checks have been put in place for employee and customer-facing portals and touchpoints,” said Tata Power’s spokesperson.

India’s Power Minister R K Singh informed the Press in April 2022 that Chinese hackers had twice failed to target electricity distribution centres near Ladakh. A Chinese state-sponsored hacking group targeted at least seven Indian State Load Despatch Centres (SLDCs) responsible for real-time grid control and electricity dispatch near the disputed India-China border in Ladakh.^[1]

CERT-In and Power-CSIRT jointly organised a cyber security exercise— “PowerEX-2022”.

On 12 October 2022, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and Power-CSIRT (Computer Security Incident Response Teams in the Power sector) jointly organised a cyber security exercise— PowerEX-2022 and invited 193 Power sector utilities. The objective of the exercise was to “Recognise, Analyse and Respond to cyber incidents in IT and OT (Operational Technology) Systems”.

CERT-In hosted PowerEX-2022 on its exercise simulation platform with the theme “Defending Cyber-Induced Disruption in IT & OT Infrastructure.” The cyber security exercise involved over 350 officials from various Power sectors.^[2]

CBI-led ‘Operation Chakra’ dismantled cybercrime networks operating in India.

In a joint operation— ‘Operation Chakra’ launched in collaboration with State police, Interpol, and various agencies of other nations, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) dismantled cyber-crime networks operating in India and arrested 16 cyber-criminals. Acting upon the inputs shared by the Interpol, the US’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Canada’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and Australian Federal Police (AFP), the CBI, in coordination with State police, carried out search operations at 115 locations across India.

Out of 115 locations, the CBI carried out searches at 87 locations, including 16 States, whereas 28 locations were searched by various State police, including 02 locations by Assam police, 04 locations by Andaman & Nicobar Police, 03 locations by Chandigarh police, 05 places by Delhi police, 12 locations by Karnataka police, and 02 locations by Punjab police. “The operation intends to dismantle the infrastructure of these international cyber-crime gangs in India and bring these perpetrators to justice. India’s fight against transnational organised cyber-crime has thus achieved a major milestone,” read the statement released by the CBI.

During the searches, the CBI unearthed 02 Call Centres in Pune & Ahmedabad and recovered cash worth ₹ 1.8 crores (approx.) and 1.5 kg gold (approx.).^[3]

For a free, open, trustworthy, and accountable internet, the Government of India (GoI) announced amendments to the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021.

While addressing the media members on 28 October 2022, the Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology— Rajeev Chandrasekhar, said that protecting the Constitutional rights of Indian citizens is a must and that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a trustee of the rights of citizens and Digital Nagriks. The minister addressed the media members about the amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) notified these amendments aimed at protecting the rights of Digital Nagriks as part of a significant push toward an Open, Safe, Trusted, and Accountable Internet. It also strengthens due diligence requirements while holding accountable social media and other intermediaries. They were notified in light of complaints about the intermediaries’ actions or inactions on user complaints about objectionable content or the suspension of their accounts. Intermediaries will now be expected to ensure that no content is uploaded that intentionally communicates misinformation or information that is patently false or untrue, entrusting intermediaries with significant responsibility. The rules also make it clear that the intermediary must respect the rights guaranteed to Indian citizens under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Indian Constitution. ^[4]

The amended rules are hosted on the Ministry’s website and are available at: Click here to read…

UNCTC adopted the Delhi Declaration on Countering the Use of New and Emerging Technologies for Terrorist Purposes.

On 29 October 2022, the Delhi Declaration on the use of the Internet and other technologies for terrorist objectives was unanimously endorsed by the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee (UNCTC). According to the proclamation, one of the biggest challenges to global peace and security is terrorism, in all of its expressions and forms. As one of the essential takeaways, India now intends to carry out the recommendations based on the three Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) special meeting themes. These include:

• Threats and opportunities related to new payment technologies and fundraising methods,
• Countering terrorist exploitation of ICT and emerging technologies, and
• Threats posed by terrorist misuse of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).

As a result of terror infiltration on its soil from neighbouring Pakistan, India reaffirmed its commitment to combat terrorism in collaboration with key global players at the summit. Terrorists have stepped up their use of the internet and other IC technologies, including social media platforms. India also recognised the risks and difficulties of financial technology developments, like crowdfunding platforms, being misused to fund terrorism.^[5]

INTERNATIONAL

Cyber-attack on Chile’s astronomical observatory raised concerns about the security of space tech.

On 29 October 2022, the Atacama Large Millimetre Array (ALMA), a Chilean astronomical observatory, was the victim of a cyber-attack and had to halt operations. The attack had affected the observatory’s computer systems and targeted its public website. The attack did not affect ALMA’s scientific data or antennas, but it prevented space observations and limited access to its email servers. Around 66 Radio Telescopes (RTs) make up the ALMA observatory, which is estimated to be worth USD 1.4 billion. These RTs can record high-definition (HD) photos of the extremely faint radio waves generated by far-off celestial objects that are 13 billion light years away.

“Beating one of the world’s most powerful observatories offline demonstrates that cyber-attackers are dogged in their pursuit to disrupt, run reconnaissance efforts, or lift valuable data or IP addresses,” said Josh Lospinoso, the CEO of a cyber security firm— Shift5. Space is another frontier for cyber-attacks, with hackers targeting the space industry for geopolitical and militaristic reasons.^[6]

A cyber-attack disrupted Bulgarian government websites over ‘betrayal to Russia’.

According to Bulgaria’s Prosecutor-General Ivan Geshev, on 15 October 2022, pro-Russian hackers carried out a ‘large-scale’ DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) attack on Bulgarian government websites. The websites of the Presidential Administration, the Defense Ministry, the Interior Ministry, the Justice Ministry, and the Constitutional Court were all taken down by the DDoS attack.

Killnet, a pro-Russian hacking group, claimed responsibility for the attack and wrote on its official group on the Telegram app that “the government of Bulgaria is sentenced to network collapse and shame. It was a punishment for betrayal to Russia and the supply of weapons to Ukraine.” Since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Killnet group has been active. Numerous government networks in Europe, including those in Romania, Italy, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Finland, and Latvia, were among the dozens of targets the group previously targeted. Although the DDoS attack on the Bulgarian websites had no lasting effects and no private information was exposed, it still sparked a significant response from Bulgarian government officials. The Prosecutor-General Geshev described it as “a severe issue” and “an attack on the state of Bulgaria.”^[7]

Chinese cyber-espionage group “WIP19” targeted telecoms and IT service providers in West Asia and Asia.

According to the reports of a cyber security firm— SentinelOne, a new Chinese cyber-espionage group identified as WIP19 has been targeting telecoms and IT service providers based in West Asia and Asia by using stolen certificates to sign several malicious components. To date, the APT (Advanced Persistent Threat) group WIP19 uses malware families such as ScreenCap, SQLMaggie, and a credential dumper. “The stolen certificate was used to sign all of the threat actor’s credential harvesting tools, including a password dumper that relied on open-source code to load an SSP to LSASS and dump the process.

WIP19 was also observed loading a keylogger and a screen recorder using DLL search order hijacking. The keylogger primarily targets the victim’s browser to collect credentials and other sensitive data,” read the statement released by SentinelOne. The backdoor was masked as a legitimate DLL registered to the MSSQL Server in SQLMaggie attacks to provide the attackers with control over the server machine and to perform network reconnaissance.^[8]

Turkey’s new law against disinformation raised deep concerns over free speech.

On 13 October 2022, the Turkish parliament adopted a new law proposed by President Tayyip Erdogan, which would jail journalists and social media users for up to three years for spreading ‘disinformation’. In parliament, President Erdogan’s AK Party (AKP) and its allies MHP voted to approve the bill, whereas MPs in opposition and media rights activists opposed it.

Article 29 of the law state that “those who spread false information online about Turkey’s security to create fear and disturb public order will face a prison sentence of one to three years.”^[9] However, the law did not define the nature of false or misleading information.

Turkey ‘secretly’ assisted Pakistan in establishing a cyber army against India and the US.

According to Nordic Monitor’s findings, Pakistan established a cyber army with the assistance of Turkey in order to influence public opinion and the views of Muslims living in South/South-East Asia, attack India and the United States (US), and undermine criticism levelled against Pakistan establishment. Further, the findings revealed that the proposal to form such an army was raised during private talks between visiting Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu and his Pakistani counterpart— former Minister of State for Interior— Shehryar Khan Afridi, on 17 December 2018. On the same day, Minister of State for Interior— Afridi met former Pakistan Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan, who later green-lighted the project.

According to sources acquainted with the project, the covert activity was disguised under the bilateral agreement on cooperation against cyber-crime, whereas in reality, it was against perceived influence operations pursued by India, the US, and other foreign countries. Responding to Pakistan’s request to set up the cyber army, Turkey sent five police chiefs from various departments in the Security General Directorate (Emniyet). The five-member team spent months in Pakistan getting the project off the ground and eventually finishing it. The cooperation has since continued under successive governments, with Turkey training approximately 6,000 Pakistani police officers for this and other related projects.^[10]

Japan and Australia strengthen their security pact in response to China’s threat.

On 22October 2022, Japan and Australia signed a new bilateral agreement covering military, intelligence, and cyber security cooperation. The agreement also referred to cooperation in resisting economic coercion and disinformation, which China is widely accused of. The bilateral agreement is the first of its kind where Japan signed with any country other than the United States (US). The agreement covers military interoperability, intelligence, cyber security, operations in space, law-enforcement, logistics and protecting telecommunications. “This new declaration…will chart the direction of our security and defence cooperation in the next 10 years,” said Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.^[11]

Endnotes :

^[1] Greig, Jonathan. “Indian energy company Tata Power announces cyberattack affecting IT infrastructure”, The Record, 14 October 2022, accessed on 02 November 2022, available from: https://therecord.media/indian-energy-company-tata-power-announces-cyberattack-affecting-it-infrastructure/
^[2] “CERT-In and Power-CSIRTs jointly conduct Cyber Security Exercise ‘PowerEX-2022”, Press Information Bureau- Ministry of Electronics & IT, 13 October 2022, accessed on 01 November 2022, available from: https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1867348
^[3] “Press Release”, Central Bureau of Investigation, 04 October 2022, accessed on 02 November 2022, available from: https://cbi.gov.in/press-detail/NTI3Ng==
^[4] “Press Release”, Ministry of Electronics and IT, 29 October 2022, accessed on 01 November 2022, available from: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1871840
^[5] “Press Release”, Ministry of External Affairs, 29 October 2022, accessed on 01 November 2022, available from: https://mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/35840/Delhi_Declaration_on_countering_the_use_of_new_and_emerging_technologies_for_terrorist_purposes ; Majeed, Zaini. “UN Counter-Terrorism Committee Adopts Delhi Declaration; Key Takeaways Here”, Republic World, 29 October 2022, accessed on 01 November 2022, available from: https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/rest-of-the-world-news/united-nations-counter-terrorism-committee-adopts-delhi-declaration-articleshow.html
^[6] Antoniuk, Daryna. “cyberattack on observatory in Chile raises concerns about security of space tech”, The Record, 07 November 2022, accessed on 10 November 2022, available from: https://therecord.media/cyberattack-on-observatory-in-chile-raises-concerns-about-security-of-space-tech/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email ; “Chilean astronomical observatory hit by cyberattack”, SC Media, 08 November 2022, accessed on 10 November 2022, available from: https://www.scmagazine.com/brief/breach/chilean-astronomical-observatory-hit-by-cyberattack
^[7] Antoniuk, Daryna. “cyberattack disrupts Bulgarian government websites over ‘betrayel to Russia’”, The Record, 18 October 2022, accessed on 02 November 2022, available from: https://therecord.media/cyberattack-disrupts-bulgarian-government-websites-over-betrayal-to-russia/
^[8] Arghire, Ionut. “New Chinese cyberespionage group WIP19 targets telecos, IT service providers”, SecurityWeek, 13 October 2022, accessed on 09 November 2022, available from: https://www.securityweek.com/new-chinese-cyberespionage-group-wip19-targets-telcos-it-service-providers
^[9] “Turkey’s parliament adopts media law jailing those spreading ‘disinformation’”, Reuters, 14 October 2022, accessed on 08 November 2022, available from: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/law-that-would-jail-those-spreading-disinformation-progresses-turkey-2022-10-13/
^[10] Bozkurt, Abdullah. “Turkey helped Pakistan set up a secret cyber army for influence operation against US, India”, Nordic Monitor, 24 October 2022, accessed on 31 October 2022, available from: https://nordicmonitor.com/2022/10/turkey-helped-pakistan-set-up-a-secret-cyber-army-for-influence-operation-against-us-india/
^[11] “Japan, Australia upgrade security pact against China threat”, CNBC, 23 October 2022, accessed on 16 November 2022, available from: https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/23/japan-australia-upgrade-security-pact-against-china-threat.html

DEFENCE

• Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Indian Navy, visit to New Zealand.
• Indigenously Designed and Developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) inducted into Indian Air Force.
• India-UK Defence Consultative Group (DCG) meeting.
• First Training Squadron (1TS) at Port Al-Shuwaikh, Kuwait.
• Indigenisation of 72 Items by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) before their original timelines.
• Government approves creation of Weapon Systems branch in Indian Air Force.
• INS Tarkashin South Africa to participate in the seventh edition of IBSAMAR.
• ‘Invest for Defence’, the first ever marquee event of Ministry of Defence will be inaugurated by Raksha Mantri.
• 4th DAs Conference.
• DRDO to display 430 strategic & tactical weapon systems, defence equipment & technologies in DefExpo2022.
• 25th Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs.
• INS Arihant carries out successful launch of Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile.
• 18th Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

West Asia

Syria

• Bus bombing killed 18 Syrian soldiers in a Damascus suburb.

Africa

Somalia

• Al-Shabaab terrorists attacked a government building and killed at least 20 people in Beledweyne town.

Mali

• At least 11 people were killed in an IED explosion in Mopti area in Central Mali.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• NIA searched multiple locations and arrested a suspect from Rajouri, in connection with terror funding case.
• Security forces eliminated four terrorists in two separate operations in Shopian.
• Security forces seized three each IEDs and Sticky bombs, dropped by a drone in Kathua.
• GoI designated Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo of HM as a terrorist under UA(P)A.

Left-Wing Extremism

• NIA filed chargesheet against two Maoists in Naxal case.
• Two Maoists and three sympathisers of CPI (Maoist) arrested from Telangana.
• Top Maoist leader surrendered in Telagana.

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

• UP ATS arrested 08 terror suspects over connection with al-Qa’ida and its affiliated group.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

• India issued demarche to Canada against forthcoming ‘Khalistan Referendum-II’.
• Interpol rejected India’s request for Red Corner Notice (RCN) against SFJ chief Pannun.

DEFENCE

Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Indian Navy, visit to New Zealand.

Adm R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Indian Navy, visited New Zealand from 29 September to 01 October 22. The CNS held detailed deliberations with Rear Admiral David Proctor, Chief of Navy, RNZN. The discussions covered a wide spectrum of maritime cooperation opportunities. Both leaders exhibited enthusiasm towards expanding the scale and scope of bilateral engagements in the coming years. In a milestone development, an Agreement on White Shipping Information Exchange, was signed during this visit. Click here to read…

Indigenously Designed and Developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) inducted into Indian Air Force.

Raksha Mantri today presided over the formal induction of Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Jodhpur, naming LCH as “Prachanda”. The LCH is the first indigenous Multi-Role Combat Helicopter designed and manufactured by HAL. The helicopter possesses modern stealth characteristics, robust armour protection and night attack capability. Onboard advanced navigation system, guns tailored for close combat and air to air missiles make the LCH especially suited for the modern battlefield. Capable of operating from high altitude terrain and carrying out precision strike at high altitude targets. Click here to read…

India-UK Defence Consultative Group (DCG) meeting.

Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar co-chaired the India-UK Defence Consultative Group (DCG) meeting with his counterpart Mr David Williams, UK Permanent Under Secretary of State for Defence in London on 03 October, 2022. They reviewed the progress of various Service level bilateral groups and other defence cooperation mechanisms. Dr Ajay Kumar held discussion on wide range of issues relating to the defence and industrial cooperation between India and UK. Both sides considered new areas for defence industrial cooperation, explored emerging domains such as cyber and Artificial Intelligence, and committed to work together for strengthening the bilateral defence relationship. Later, Defence Secretary also held a bilateral meeting with UK NSA Sir Tim Barrow. Click here to read…

First Training Squadron (1TS) at Port Al-Shuwaikh, Kuwait.

The ships of First Training Squadron (1TS) comprising INS Tir, Sujata and CGS Sarathi arrived at Port Al-Shuwaikh, Kuwait on 04 Oct 22. The ships are deployed in the Persian Gulf as part of their training deployment. Click here to read…

Indigenisation of 72 Items by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) before their original timelines.

72 items out of total of 214 items mentioned in 1st and 2nd Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) have been indigenised by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) well before their original indigenisation timelines of December 2023, December 2024 and December 2025. The remaining 142 items are being indigenised within the timeline of December 2022. Some of the main Sub-systems/ Line Replacement Units (LRUs) indigenised include Magazine Fire Fighting System for Ships, Steering Gear System and Fin Stabilisers with Control for Frigates, Pressurised containers for Akash Missiles, KOE charge for Konkurs Missiles and Electric Motor, Decontamination set and Prism optical instrument for Battle Tanks. Details of all the indigenised items are available on “SRIJAN Portal”.Click here to read…

Government approves creation of Weapon Systems branch in Indian Air Force.

Government has approved the creation of a new branch, called the Weapon Systems (WS) branch. The creation of WS branch would entail unification of all weapon system operators under one entity dedicated to the operational employment of all ground-based and specialist airborne weapon systems. The branch would encompass operators in four specialised streams of Surface-to-Surface missiles, Surface-to-Air missiles, Remotely Piloted Aircraft and Weapon System Operators in twin/multi-crew aircraft. Click here to read…

INS Tarkash in South Africa to participate in the seventh edition of IBSAMAR.

INS Tarkash reached Port Gqeberha, South Africa to participate in the seventh edition of IBSAMAR, a joint multinational maritime exercise among Indian, Brazilian and South African Navies from 10 – 12 Oct 22. The previous edition of IBSAMAR (IBSAMAR VI) was conducted off Simons Town, South Africa from 2018. Click here to read…

‘Invest for Defence’, the first ever marquee event of Ministry of Defencewill be inaugurated by Raksha Mantri.

‘Invest for Defence’, the first ever marquee event of Ministry of Defence, targeted to promote investment in the defence sector in the country both by the Indian industry as well Foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers, will be inaugurated by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh on October 20, 2022 during the 12th edition of DefExpo. The event will highlight the requirements of the Armed Forces and policy reforms undertaken by the Government for ease of doing business in the defence sector. It provides the industry with the opportunities and the advantages of investing in the sector and thus contributing to maximising the indigenous production. Click here to read…

4th DAs Conference.

Raksha Mantri delivered the inaugural address at the two-day 4th DAs Conference being held in New Delhi on 13th October, 2022. Appreciating the performance of the DAs, Raksha Mantri said that defence attachés make a significant contribution in securing national interests in line with foreign policy; strengthening international cooperation and enhancing the capabilities & preparedness of the Armed Forces. After this conclave the DAs will also accompany the delegations from the Friendly Foreign Countries attending the DefExpo-22 which is starting from 17th October at Gandhinagar Gujarat. Click here to read…

DRDO to display 430 strategic & tactical weapon systems, defence equipment & technologies in DefExpo2022.

Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) will display a wide range of 430 products encompassing the strategic and tactical weapon systems, defence equipment and technologies developed in DefExpo 2022 being held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The major theme for this year’s DRDO participation is based on 3D (DRDO, Designed and Developed) ecosphere which will highlight its strong linkages with both Industry as well as Academia. Click here to read…

25th Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs.

The 25th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) was held on 14 October 2022. The two sides reviewed the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Western Sector of India-China border areas. Recalling the developments since the last meeting of WMCC in May 2022, they welcomed the disengagement in the area of Gogra-Hot Springs (PP-15) that was carried out in a phased, coordinated and verified manner between 8-12 September 2022. They noted that these steps reflected the understandings between External Affairs Minister and Chinese State Councillor & Foreign Minister, including at their recent meeting in Bali in July 2022.

The two sides agreed to continue discussions through diplomatic and military channels to resolve the remaining issues along the LAC at the earliest so as to create conditions for restoration of normalcy in bilateral relations. To achieve the objective of resolution of remaining issues along the LAC in the Western Sector in accordance with the existing bilateral agreements and protocols, they agreed to hold the next (17th) round of the Senior Commanders meeting at an early date. Click here to read…

INS Arihant carries out successful launch of Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile.

INS Arihant carried out a successful launch of a Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) on October 14, 2022. The missile was tested to a predetermined range and impacted the target area in the Bay of Bengal with very high accuracy. All operational and technological parameters of the weapon system have been validated. The successful user training launch of the SLBM by INS Arihant is significant to prove crew competency and validate the SSBN programme, a key element of India’s nuclear deterrence capability. A robust, survivable and assured retaliatory capability is in keeping with India’s policy to have “Credible Minimum Deterrence” that underpins its ‘No First Use’ commitment. Click here to read…

18th Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting.

Raksha Mantri has reaffirmed India’s resolve for open, free and rule-based maritime borders in the Indo-Pacific region. He was delivering the inaugural address at 18th Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (HACGAM) in New Delhi on October 15, 2022. “We stand for open, free, rule-based maritime borders in Indo-pacific, in which no nation, how-so-ever big, may be allowed to appropriate the global common or exclude others from its fair use. We are always ready and forthcoming to work with all the like-minded partner countries across various forums towards this endeavor,” Shri Rajnath Singh said.

The RakshaMantri stressed that India’s shared vision of ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth of All in Region), Sustainable Development Goals and ‘Rule Based Order at Sea’ complement the focused Indian approach of inclusive growth and lasting collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region. He highlighted India‘s focus towards blue economy and strongly advocated the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs and preserving the health of ocean ecosystem.

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is hosting 18th HACGAM in coordination with HACGAM secretariat from October 14-18, 2022. A total of 55 representatives from 18 countries and two International Organisations. The HACGAM is a multilateral forum of 23 countries viz. Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, China, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkiye, Vietnam and one Region i.e. Hong Kong (China). Additionally, two international organisations viz. The 1st HACGAM was hosted by Japan Coast Guard in 2004 at Tokyo. This is the only forum where all the heads of Asian CG agencies congregate. Click here to read…

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

West Asia

Syria

Bus bombing killed 18 Syrian soldiers in a Damascus suburb.

On 13 October 2022, Syria’s State media reported that 18 Syrian soldiers were martyred and at least 27 were wounded in a bus bombing in Damascus suburb. Over the past years, similar attacks have killed and wounded dozens of soldiers in government-controlled parts of Syria. In March 2021, Islamist terrorists attacked a military convoy near Palmyra in central Syria in which 13 troops were martyred and 18 others were severely injured.

Despite losing territory control since 2019, Islamic State (IS) have been involved in such attacks, mainly in Southern and Central Syria. Since 2018, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) captured a town of Afrin that had been held by Turkey-based opposition fighters. Click here to read…

Africa

Somalia

Al-Shabaab terrorists attacked a government building and killed at least 20 people in Beledweyne town.

On 03 October 2022, al-Shabaab terrorists attacked a local Somali government headquarters and killed at least 20 people in Beledweyne town in Hiran region. At least 36 people were injured in the attack. Earlier on the same day, Somalia’s government had announced that along with international partners, they had killed a top al-Shabaab leader— Abdullahi Nadir. On 01 October 2022, the United States (US) military carried out an airstrike in the South-West Somalia and killed a top al-Shabaab leader. “The Health minister of Hirshabelle State and the Deputy Governor of Hiran in-charge of finance were among those killed in the attack,” said Ali Jayte Osman, the Hiran Governor.

The initial explosion happened at the front gate. “A heavy truck rushed toward the headquarters building and exploded after a few minutes, killing numerous citizens who had come to the office to obtain services. Cowards carried out this atrocity, but their heinous crimes will never detract from the public backlash against them,” said Governor Osman. Click here to read…

Mali

At least 11 people were killed in an IED explosion in Mopti area in Central Mali.

On 13 October 2022, at least 11 people were killed and 53 were injured in a IED (Improvised Explosive Device) explosion in a bus on the road between Bandiagara and Goundaka in the Mopti area in Central Mali. Mines and IEDs area favourite weapons of choice among Islamic extremists. According to a report by MINUSMA, mines and IEDs had caused 72 deaths in a year as of 31 August 2022. In 2021, 103 people were killed and 297 were injured by IED and mines explosions. Click here to read…

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

NIA searched multiple locations and arrested a suspect from Rajouri, in connection with terror funding case.

On 11 October 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched 18 locations in Rajouri, Poonch, Jammu, Srinagar, Bandipora, Shopian, Pulwama and Budgam districts in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), and arrested a suspect— Mohammad Ameer Shamshi, involved in terror funding activities of Al-Huda Educational Trust (AHET) in Rajouri, J&K.

The AHET is one of the front organisations of Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI)-J&K, and has been involved in raising funds through several means, including donations and Hawala channels, for charity purposes, but are instead using these funds to radicalise and incite the youth of J&K for terror and other criminal activities. Mohammad Shamshi is the chairperson or Nizam-e-Ala of the AHET and acts on the directions of the chief patron of the trust. During the search, the NIA officials seized several mobile devices and documents related to funding and properties. Click here to read…

Security forces eliminated four terrorists in two separate operations in Shopian.

On 05 October 2022, security forces killed four terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in two separate counter-terrorism (CT) operations in Shopian district of the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

In two operations, three JeM terrorists were killed in Drach area, whereas, a LeT terrorist was eliminate in Moolu area in Shopian district. Two of the three JeM terrorists were identified as— i) Hanan Bin Yaqoob, and ii) Jamshed. The duo, on 02 October, killed Special Police Officer (SPO) Javed Dar at Pinglana in Pulwama. Click here to read…

Security forces seized three each IEDs and Sticky bombs, dropped by a drone in Kathua.

On 08 October 2022, security forces recovered three each IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) and Sticky bombs, as part of the consignment dropped by a drone from Pakistan, from Malhar village of Kathua district. The recovery was based on the confession of Zakir Hussain Bhat aka Umar Farooq, a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist who was arrested from Kathua on 02 October 2022. Farooq received a consignment of IEDs and Sticky bombs to carry out attacks in the Jammu region. Click here to read…

Government of India designated Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo of HM as a terrorist under UA(P)A.

On 04 October 2022, the Government of India (GoI) designated Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM) terrorist— Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo aka Fayaz Sopore as a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], for radicalising the youth to join terrorist group to carry out terror activities in the Kashmir. At present, Imtiyaz is based in Pakistan.

In a notification issued on 04 October, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) took action in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (a) of sub-section (1) of Section 35 of the UA (P) A, 1967. Along with Imtiyaz, the GoI designated 09 other terrorists of HM, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and other terror groups. Among 10 terrorists banned under the UA(P)A, five are associated with HM, two are with Tehreekul-Mujahideen (TuM), and one each of LeT, Jammu and Kashmir Islamic Front (JKIF), and Harkatul-Jihad-e-Islami (HuJI). Click here to read…

Left-Wing Extremism

NIA filed chargesheet against two Maoists in Naxal case.

On 08 October 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed chargesheet against two Maoists— i) Vijay Kumar Arya, and ii) Umesh Chaudhary, who were found in the possession of Naxal-related material, Levy receipts, and electronic devices containing incriminating data.

In the case— RC-19/2022/NIA/DLI, the investigation revealed that Vijay Kumar— a Central Committee Member of CPI (Maoist), was involved in propagating the CPI (Maoist) ideology and recruitment of others. Whereas, Umesh Chaudhary acted as an Over-Ground Worker (OGW) and was part of the conspiracy for furthering activities of the CPI (Maoist).
For more information: Click here to read…

Two Maoists and three sympathisers of CPI (Maoist) arrested from Telangana.

On 09 October 2022, Telangana Police arrested two Maoists, including a woman Maoist— Madakam Ungi aka Kamala (30 years-old), and three sympathisers of CPI (Maoist) during vehicle checking at Mulugu road in Warangal, Telangana. Upon arrest, 50 gelatine sticks and equal number of detonators, revolutionary literature, ₹ 74,000 in cash, mobile phones and Aadhaar cards were seized from them.

Another arrested Maoist identified as Aasam Sohen (35 years-old), and three Maoist sympathisers— native of Chhattisgarh, were accompanying Ungi in the vehicle. Click here to read…

Top Maoist leader surrendered in Telagana.

On 08 October 2022, Usha Rani, a top leader of proscribed terror organisation— CPI (Maoist) surrendered before Telangana police. Usha Rani, a Divisional Committee Member of the North Sub-Zonal Bureau of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee of CPI (Maoist) laid down arms before Telangana’s Director-General of Police (DGP)— M Mahender Reddy.

According to Police records, Usha Rani was actively involved in more than a dozen crimes during her undercover existence in both Telangana and Chhattisgarh. These include five assaults on security forces personnel, three gunfights with law-enforcement personnel, three building explosions, one kidnapping, and two assault instances. Click here to read…

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

UP ATS arrested 08 terror suspects over connection with al-Qa’ida and its affiliated group.

In a statement released on 10 October 2022, the Uttar Pradesh (UP)’s Additional Director-General of Police (ADGP)- Law and Order, Prashant Kumar said that the UP Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested 08 terror suspects for their alleged connections with al-Qa’ida’s affiliated al-Qa’ida in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and its affiliate Jamaatul-Mujahideen (JuM) from various locations in UP and Uttarakhand. The eight terror suspects identified as – i) Lukman, ii) Mohammad Alim, iii) Kamil, iv) Shahzad, v) Mudassir, vi) Nawaizsh Ansari, vii) Mukhtar and viii) Ali Noor (a Bangladeshi national).

“The ATS officials also recovered electronic evidence of alleged terror-funding and jihadi literature from the locations, confirming their links to terrorist organisations. The suspects were discovered in contact with people who were active in strengthening terrorist organisations and networks, as well as connecting an increasing number of people with radical ideologues on religious grounds in India,” read the statement. Click here to read…

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

India issued demarche to Canada against forthcoming ‘Khalistan Referendum-II’.

Over the concerns of recent infamous developments in Khalistan propaganda in Canada, the Government of India (GoI) served the Canada High Commission in India a demarche to be conveyed to the Canadian Prime Minister— Justin Trudeau, highlighting discontent and urging the Canadian government to stop Khalistan Referendum-II scheduled to be organised in Ontario on 06 November 2022. The first Referendum held in Brampton, Ontario on 18 September 2022. The GoI have also flagged concerns over allowing Sikh For Justice (SFJ), a pro-Khalistan organisation, to flourish and further allowing Indian students in Canada to vote for the SFJ’s Khalistan Referendum.

Earlier, on September 18, 2022, over 100,000 Canadian Sikhs voted in the Khalistan Referendum in Brampton, Ontario, which was organised by the pro-Khalistani group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). Social media images showed a large number of men and women queuing to vote in the Khalistan Referendum. Click here to read…

Interpol rejected India’s request for Red Corner Notice (RCN) against SFJ chief Pannun.

The Interpol rejected India’s second request to issue Red Corner Notice (RCN) on terror charges against the pro-Khalistan organisation— Sikh For Justice (SFJ)’s chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, stating that Indian authorities failed to provide sufficient evidences/information to support the case against Pannun.

Interpol also flagged the concern that the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], under which the RCN was asked for, has been a subject of criticism for being ‘misused’ to target minority groups and right activists without respecting their Rights to due process and a fair trial. However, according to the Interpol’s understanding, Pannun is a high-profile Sikh separatist and the SFJ is a group that advocates for an independent Khalistan. Nonetheless, it concluded that Pannun’s activities have a “clear political dimension”, which, according to Interpol’s Constitution, cannot be the subject of a RCN. Click here to read…

Political, legal workers urged to follow guiding principles of key CPC plenum: Xinhuanet

November 26, 2021

A senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Thursday urged political and legal workers nationwide to study and implement the guiding principles of the sixth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee. Guo Shengkun, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks at a commission meeting. Click here to read…

China to improve management and utilization of special local government bonds: Xinhuanet

November 25, 2021

China will refine the management of special local government bonds, optimize utilization of the funds and strengthen their supervision, the State Council’s executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang decided on Wednesday. Since the beginning of this year, in accordance with the newly-added quota approved by the National People’s Congress, local authorities have issued and utilized special local government bonds as appropriate, providing a strong underpinning for the development of key projects and major livelihood programs. Click here to read…

China issues white paper on China-Africa cooperation in new era: Xinhuanet

November 26, 2021

China’s State Council Information Office on Friday issued a white paper detailing the country’s cooperation with Africa in the new era. The white paper, titled “China and Africa in the New Era: A Partnership of Equals,” said shared past experiences and similar aims and goals have brought China and Africa close together. Click here to read…

5G, AI combine to empower wide array of socio-economic fields in China: People’s Daily

November 25, 2021

In recent years, China has witnessed nonstop expansion in the integration of its 5G industry with other high-tech technologies, such as the Internet of Things and big data, which have been applied in various socio-economic fields that range from public service delivery and the construction of an Industrial Internet to the roll out of smart cities and intelligent communities. Click here to read…

Chinese women’s federation issues evidence guide on domestic violence: People’s Daily

November 26, 2021

The All-China Women’s Federation has released a guide on collecting evidence of domestic violence amid efforts to help victims safeguard their legitimate rights and interests. The guide lists validate evidence of domestic violence, including proof of police involvement, police caution for domestic violence, and proof of support from women’s federations, social organizations, and employers. The lists also validate medical records and bills, recordings of the abusive process, written undertakings to stop abusive behavior, and testimony of witnesses. Click here to read…

China announces ambitious plans for commercial space sector: Global Times

November 25, 2021

China has announced a number of ambitious plans for the country’s commercial space sector at the seventh China Commercial Aerospace Forum that opened in Wuhan, Central China’s Hubei Province, on Thursday. Some of the highlights include the rollout of a new remote sensing constellation scheme, the next-stage layout for China’s space-borne Internet-of-Things (IoT) project, and arrangements for the Kuaizhou 1A launch vehicle for commercial spaceflights. Click here to read…

China upgrades cold-resistant clothing for border troops: Global Times

November 25, 2021

China recently developed new cold-resistant clothing and equipment for plateau operations, in a move analysts said on Thursday will support border defense troops stationed in high-altitude regions to overcome the harsh winter. Upgrading clothing and equipment for a second consecutive year shows the focus of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on its border defense troops’ quality of life and combat capability amid a border standoff with India, they said. Click here to read…

Chinese cities suspend rooftop PV power projects for exceeding grid capacity: Global Times

November 25, 2021

A number of areas in China have held off on the projects for rooftop photovoltaic (PV) power generation, as the application projects have exceeded grid capacity creating potential safety hazards, after the National Energy Administration (NEA) in June released a statement aiming to promote the rooftop PV power projects to achieve the country’s double targets of carbon peak and carbon neutrality. Click here to read…

China urges Japan against diplomatic boycott of Beijing Olympics: Kyodo

November 25, 2021

China on Thursday urged Japan to support the Beijing Olympics, as the United States and other democratic countries are weighing up whether to implement a “diplomatic boycott” of the Winter Games. “China fully supported Japan in hosting the Tokyo Olympics” this summer, so “Japan should have basic faith,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters. Click here to read…

China’s nominee wins Interpol seat despite concerns of human rights groups: South China Morning Post

November 25, 2021

A Chinese government official has been elected to an oversight role at global crime-fighting body Interpol despite opposition from rights groups and lawmakers from 20 countries.
Hu Binchen, deputy director general of the Chinese public security ministry’s international coordination department, on Thursday won one of two seats representing Asia on the body’s executive committee, Interpol said. Click here to read…

China to roll out trade support amid ‘increasing pressure’ behind the scenes: South China Morning Post

November 25, 2021

China has no reason to be “blindly optimistic” about trade amid increasing headwinds, the country’s vice commerce minister has said, in the latest warning from Beijing about challenges facing the world’s No 2 economy. “Behind the scenes of China’s rapid growth in trade, we must be clear that many trade companies, especially small firms, are facing increasing pressure and difficulties,” Ren Hongbin told a press conference on Wednesday.
“It is common for them not to take orders and they are seeing profits rise less.” Click here to read…

China calls for ‘strict accountability’ at local government levels where funds are misused: South China Morning Post

November 25, 2021

China’s State Council says local governments should be held accountable for wasteful spending, as Beijing seeks to strike a balance between controlling growing debt risks and maintaining steady economic growth. While China’s overall debt level has stabilised and is steadily declining, the economy is facing “new” downward pressure, according to a report by the official Xinhua News Agency on Wednesday after the State Council executive meeting, which was chaired by Premier Li Keqiang. Click here to read…

Baidu, Pony.ai approved for robotaxi services in Beijing: Reuters

November 25, 2021

Chinese tech group Baidu Inc and self-driving startup Pony.ai have won approval to launch paid driverless robotaxi services that will see the firms deploy not more than 100 vehicles in an area in China’s capital Beijing. The state-backed Beijing Daily newspaper reported on the approvals on Thursday, citing a ceremony held by the Beijing Economic and Technological Development Zone, where the 60 square kilometre-large area (23 square miles) is located. Click here to read…