Tag Archives: Islamic Extremism

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

DEFENCE

  • Shri Giridhar Aramane is the new Defence Secretary of India.
  • DRDO conducts flight-test of Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence.
  • Naval Commanders’ Conference.
  • Joint Military Training-2022 with Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).
  • Visit of Admiral R Hari Kumar, CNS to Japan.
  • Visit of External Affairs Minister to the Russian Federation (November 07-08, 2022).
  • Army Commanders’ Conference.
  • Maritime Partnership Exercise.
  • ‘Exercise Garuda-VII’ concludes.
  • Testing & evaluation facility for Sonar Systems launched by DRDO.
  • Gap between internal & external security narrowing: Raksha Mantri talk at the National Defence College.
  • Chief of Army Staff Proceeds on a visit to France.
  • Indo – US joint training exercise.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa
Somalia
  • 17 al-Shabaab terrorists killed in a US-led strike near Mogadishu.
Afghanistan
  • Taliban imposed Sharia law in Afghanistan.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir
  • Police arrested three JeM terrorists from Pulwama.
  • NIA filed chargesheet against TRF operatives in ‘activities of The Resistance Front’ case.
  • J&K Police arrested four LeT terrorists from Pulwama.
  • Security forces eliminated four terrorists of HM and LeT in two separate CT operations.
Left-Wing Extremism
  • 650 Maoist OGWs surrendered in Odisha.
Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
  • NIA filed chargesheet in ‘seizure of arms & ammunication recovery from Tamil Nadu’ case.
  • NIA filed chargesheet against 05 terrorists, including 02 wanted in ‘D-Company’ case.
  • NIA searched multiple locations in Tamil Nadu in ‘Coimbatore bomb blast’ case.

DEFENCE

Shri Giridhar Aramane is the new Defence Secretary of India.

Shri Giridhar Aramane, a 1988-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Andhra Pradesh cadre, assumed the office of Defence Secretary on November 01, 2022. In his 32 years of experience in IAS, Shri Aramane has held various important portfolios in the Central Government as well as Andhra Pradesh government. Prior to his current assignment, Shri Aramane was Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.
Shri Aramane did B Tech in Civil Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad and M Tech from IIT, Madras. He is MA (Economics) from Kakatiya University, Warangal.
For more information: Click here to read…

DRDO conducts flight-test of Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence.

Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful maiden flight-test of Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) interceptor AD-1 missile with large kill altitude bracket on November 02, 2022. The flight-test was carried out with participation of all BMD weapon system elements located at different geographical locations. The AD-1 is a long-range interceptor missile designed for both low exo-atmospheric and endo-atmospheric interception of long-range ballistic missiles as well as aircraft. It is propelled by a two-stage solid motor and equipped with indigenously-developed advanced control system, navigation and guidance algorithm to precisely guide the vehicle to the target.
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Naval Commanders’ Conference.

The bi-annual Naval Commanders’ Conference concluded on 03 Nov 22. The Raksha Mantri interacted with the Senior leadership of the Indian Navy during the Naval Commanders’ Conference on 02 Nov 22. He witnessed a Tech Demonstration along the sidelines of the Conference. He appreciated the Navy for the efforts invested towards indigenisation and innovation in the recent years, while urging the Naval Commanders to maintain focus on futuristic capability development for effectively overcoming emerging challenges in the Maritime Domain.
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Joint Military Training-2022 with Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).

On 03 November 2022, the 11th edition of the annual Joint Military Training (JMT) between the Indian Air Force (lAF) and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) commenced at Air Force Station, Kalaikunda. The two Air Forces have resumed this training after a gap of two years. The training could not be carried out in the intervening two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This edition of JMT would be conducted over a period of six weeks. The bilateral phase of the exercise will be conducted from 09 to 18 November 2022 and will see the two Air Forces engage in advanced air combat simulations. The RSAF is participating in JMT-2022 with F-16 aircraft, while the IAF would field the Su-30 MKI, Jaguar, MiG-29 and LCA Tejas aircraft. The exercise underscores the strong and longstanding relationship between India and Singapore in the domain of defence cooperation.
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Visit of Admiral R Hari Kumar, CNS to Japan.

Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) is on an official visit to Japan from 05 to 09 Nov 22, where he will witness the International Fleet Review (IFR) conducted by the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) at Yokosuka on 06 Nov 22 to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of its formation. During the visit, as one of the Observer Navies in the Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS), the CNS will attend the 18th WPNS on 07-08 November 22 at Yokohama, being hosted by Japan, as the current Chair of WPNS.

In addition to representing India and the Indian Navy during the IFR and WPNS, he will also be in attendance for the inauguration of the 2022 edition of Exercise MALABAR, being held at Yokosuka with the participation of Australia, Japan and the USA. Initiated in 1992, this year marks the 30th anniversary year of Exercise MALABAR.
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Visit of External Affairs Minister to the Russian Federation (November 07-08, 2022).

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will pay an official visit to the Russian Federation from November 7-8, 2022. During the visit, EAM will meet his counterpart, Mr. Sergey Lavrov, the Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation. Discussions are expected to cover the entire range of bilateral issues as well as exchange of views on various regional and international developments. EAM will also meet Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Minister of Trade and Industry, H.E. Mr. Denis Manturov, his counterpart for the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC). Issues pertaining to bilateral economic cooperation in various domains will be discussed.The visit will be in continuation of the regular high-level dialogue between the two sides. EAM had last visited Russia in July 2021 followed by visit of the Russian Foreign Minister to New Delhi in April 2022.
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Army Commanders’ Conference.

Army Commanders’ Conference (ACC) is an apex-level biannual event which is an institutional platform for conceptual level deliberations, culminating in making important policy decisions for the Indian Army. The second ACC for the year 2022 is scheduled from 07 to 11 November 2022 at New Delhi. Among other activities planned during the conference talks by eminent subject experts on “Contemporary India – China relations” as well as “Technological Challenges for National Security” is included.
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Maritime Partnership Exercise.

A Maritime Partnership Exercise involving Royal Australian Navy(RAN) ships HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Anzac and Indian Navy Ships Jalashwa and Kavaratti along with their embarked helicopters was held in the Bay of Bengal from 02 to 03 Nov 2022. The exercises included tactical manoeuvres, helicopter landings and amphibious operations, which signified the high degree of interoperability between IN and RAN.
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Testing & evaluation facility for Sonar Systems launched by DRDO.

DRDO launched Hull Module of Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterization & Evaluation (SPACE) facility at Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) Kochi recently. It is a state-of-the-art testing and evaluation facility for sonar systems developed for use by the Indian navy onboard various platforms, including ships, submarines and helicopters. The SPACE facility is based on the concept design and requirements projected by NPOL and has been constructed by M/s L&T Shipbuilding, Chennai. This will be mainly utilized for evaluating Sonar systems, allowing for quick deployment and easy recovery of scientific packages such as sensors and transducers.

The SPACE is one-of-a-kind facility in the world. The uniqueness of this facility lies in the specially designed submersible platform, which can be lowered up to depths of 100 meters using a series of synchronously operated winches. The design and construction of the platform meet all the statutory needs of Indian Register of Shipping and the vessel classifying authority and strictly adhere to the inspection and registration criteria as per Kerala Inland Vessel Rules.
Reference: Click here to read…

Gap between internal & external security narrowing: Raksha Mantri talk at the National Defence College.

Raksha Mantri has called for concerted efforts of the international community to counter “grave” emerging security threats such as cyber-attacks and information warfare. He was addressing the officers of the Indian Armed Forces, Civil Services as well as from friendly foreign countries during the 60th National Defence College (NDC) course convocation ceremony in New Delhi on November 10, 2022

Shri Rajnath Singh threw light on the narrowing gap between internal and external security and said that new dimensions of threats are being added with changing times, that are difficult to classify. He asserted that terrorism, which generally falls into internal security, is now classified in the category of external security, as training, funding and arms support of such organisations is being carried out from outside the country.

Describing the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber-attacks as a big concern, the Raksha Mantri said, sectors such as energy, transport, public sector services, telecommunications, critical manufacturing industries and interconnected financial systems are prone to such threats. He was of the view that information war has the potential to threaten the political stability of a country. He pointed out that the organised use of social media and other online content generation platforms is engineering the opinion and perspective of the masses.

“The deployment of information war was most evident in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Throughout the conflict, social media has served as a battleground for both sides to spread competing narratives about the war and portray the conflict on their own terms. The propaganda campaigns as a means of strategy to shape narratives are by no means new during warfare, but its reach has increased by leaps and bounds due to the shift toward social media as the primary distribution channel,” said Shri Rajnath Singh.
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‘Exercise Garuda-VII’ concludes.

The seventh edition of the bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF), ‘Exercise Garuda-VII’ concluded at Air Force Station, Jodhpur on 12 November 2022. The FASF participated in the exercise with Rafale fighter aircraft and A-330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, while the IAF contingent comprised Su-30 MKI, Rafale, LCA ‘Tejas’ and Jaguar fighter aircraft. This fighter element was complemented by the IAF’s Flight Refuelling Aircraft, AWACS and AEW&C, as well as Mi-17 helicopters and the newly inducted LCH ‘Prachanda’.

Exercise Garuda-VII provided the two Air Forces with the opportunity for professional interaction and sharing of operational knowledge and experience.
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Chief of Army Staff Proceeds on a visit to France.

General Manoj Pande, the Chief of the Army Staff has proceeded on a visit to France from 14 to 17 November 2022. During the four day visit, he will be meeting his counterparts and senior military leadership of France with an aim to enhance defence cooperation between both the nations. He is scheduled to call on the Chief of the Defence Staff, Chief of the Army Staff, and Commander Commandement des Forces Terrestres (CFT) / Command of the Land Combat Forces, where he will discuss avenues for enhancing India-France defence relations.
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Indo – US joint training exercise.

The 18th edition of Indo – US joint training exercise “YUDH ABHYAS 22” is scheduled to be conducted in Uttarakhand this month. Exercise Yudh Abhyas is conducted annually between India and USA with the aim of exchanging best practices, Tactics, Techniques and Procedures between the Armies of the two nations. The previous edition of the exercise was conducted at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska (USA) in October 2021.

US Army soldiers of 2nd Brigade of the 11th Airborne Division and Indian Army soldiers from the ASSAM Regiment will be participating in the exercise. The training schedule focuses on employment of an integrated battle group under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate. The schedule will include all operations related to peace keeping & peace enforcement. The troops from both nations will work together to achieve common objectives. The joint exercise will also focus on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. Troops from both nations will practice launching of swift & coordinated relief efforts in the wake of any natural calamity. The exercise will involve exchanges and practices on a wide spectrum of combat skills including combat engineering, employment of UAS/Counter UAS techniques and information operations
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INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa
Somalia

17 al-Shabaab terrorists killed in the US-Somalia joint strike near Mogadishu.

On 11 November 2022, Somali National Army forces, in assistance from the US military, carried out strike approximately 285 kms northeast of Mogadishu and eliminated 17 al-Shabaab terrorists. “Al-Shabaab is the largest terror affiliate of al-Qa’ida and has proven its will and capabilities to attack Somali, East African, and American civilians,” read a statement released by the US Africa Command. The US has been providing support to the Somali government since May 2022 when US President Joe Biden approved a Pentagon request to re-deploy US troops in the area to counter al-Shabaab terror group.
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Afghanistan
Taliban imposed Sharia law in Afghanistan.

On 15 November 2022, Taliban ordered judges in Afghanistan to fully impose Sharia Law, including potential public executions, amputations, and flogging. “Afghanistan’s Supreme Leader Alaiqadar Amirul Momineen made the obligatory command after meeting with judges to investigate the cases of thieves, kidnappers, and seditionists. The cases that have met all the Sharia conditions of limitation and retribution, judges are obliged to issue the limitation and retribution, because this is the order of the Sharia….and it is obligatory to act,” tweeted Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid.
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DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir
Police arrested three JeM terrorists from Jammu.

On 09 November 2022, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police arrested three Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists— i) Mohammad Yaseen, ii) Farhan Farooq, and iii) Farooq Ahmed, from Narwal area in Jammu. During the interrogation, Yaseen informed that the trio had come to Jammu to pick weapons at the behest of Shahbaaz, a Pakistan-based JeM handler. Police recovered three AK-56 rifles, a pistol, nine magazines, 191 rounds of ammunition and six grenades from their possessions.
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NIA filed chargesheet against TRF operatives in ‘activities of The Resistance Front’ case.

On 09 November 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a supplementary chargesheet against Muzamil Mushtaq Bhat, a ‘The Resistance Front’ (TRG) terrorist in the ‘activities of The Resistance Front’ case. The chargesheet was filed u/s 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Section 25 (1AA) of the Arms Act, Section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act (ESA), and Sections 17, 18, 18B, 20, 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A].

The preliminary investigation of the case— RC-32/2021/NIA/DLI, highlighted that Muzamil Bhat was associated with the handlers/operatives of TRF based in Pakistan and had radicalised vulnerable youth to join TRG in Kashmir. He, along with another Pakistan-based handler/operative of TRF, actively participated in support of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and received funds from LeT.
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J&K Police arrested four LeT terrorists from Pulwama.

On 11 November 2022, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police arrested four Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists— i) Karamat ul-lah Reshi, ii) Suhail Bashir Ganai, iii) Adil Ghani Lon, and iv) Irshad Ahmed Kumar, from Pulwama. These terrorists were conspiring to plant Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to attack security forces.

The preliminary investigations revealed that these terrorists were in contact with LeT commander— Babar aka Samama, and conspired to plant IEDs in Tral area.
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Security forces eliminated four terrorists of HM and LeT in two separate CT operations.

On 01 November 2022, security forces killed four terrorists of Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in two separate counter-terrorism (CT) operations in Awantipora, in Pulwama and Bijbehara in Anantnag districts.

In first operation, the joint team of Indian Army and police cordoned off the area for search operation in Semthan area in Bijbehara. In a gun-fight, Shakir Ahmad, a HM terrorist was killed. In second operation, security forces eliminated 03 terrorists, including a foreign terrorist in Khandipora area of Awantipora in Pulwama.
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Left-Wing Extremism
650 Maoist OGWs surrendered in Odisha.

On 05 November 2022, at least 650 Maoist Over-Ground Workers (OGWs)/supporters— residents of villages along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border— surrendered before the police. According to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIGP) of South-Western range— Rajesh Pandit, Maoist supporters [OGWs] who have surrendered come from remote villages in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. They used to help the CPI (Maoists)’s cadres carry out attacks on security forces and civilians, among other violent activities. These sympathisers/OGWs set fire to Maoist literature, effigies, and cadre uniforms while shouting slogans like “Maobadi Murdabad, Ama Sarkar Jindabad.”
For more information: Click here to read…

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
NIA filed chargesheet in ‘seizure of arms & ammunication recovery from Tamil Nadu’ case.

On 11 November 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a chargesheet against three accused— i) Naveen, ii) Sanjay Prakash J, and iii) A Kabilar, in the arms, ammunition and explosive recovery case. The case— RC-33/22/NIA/DLI pertains to the recovery of two country-made pistols, ammunition, gun powder, etcetera, from 02 accused during vehicle checking, followed by their arrest. The duo confessed to be inspired by the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) and created a group— “World Tamil Justice Court (WTJC)”— similar to LTTE with the aim to wage an armed struggle against the government.

The accused conspired to attack people who engaged in quarries, crushers, and TASMAC ouruor shops by using illegal firearms, lethal weapons, and explosive substances.
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NIA filed chargesheet against 05 terrorists, including 02 wanted in ‘D-Company’ case.

On 05 November 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed chargesheet against 03 arrested— i) Arif abu Bakar Shaikh, ii) Shabbir abu Bakar Shaikh, and iii) Mohammad Salim Qureshi and 02 wanted terrorists— i) Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar, and ii) Shakeel Shaikh, who are running a ‘global terror network’ and a trans-national Organised Crime Syndicate (OSC)— D-Company.

Investigations have revealed that the D-Company operatives conspired to further the network’s criminal activities by engaging in a variety of illegal activities. In furtherance of the aforementioned conspiracy, these operatives raised, collected, and extorted large sums of money by threatening and putting people in fear of death or serious harm, for the benefit of the D-Company / an individual terrorist in the instant case, and with the intent to threaten India’s security and instil fear in the minds of the general public.
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NIA searched multiple locations in Tamil Nadu in ‘Coimbatore bomb blast’ case.

On 10 November 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched 43 locations in 08 districts, including Chennai, Coimbatore, Thiruvallur, Thiruppur, Nilgiris, Chengalpatu, Kanchipuram, and Nagapattinam of Tamil Nadu, and 01 location in Palakkad district in Kerala. The search operation was in connection with the Coimbatore bomb blast case— RC-01/2022/NIA/CHE.

The case pertains to an explosion in a Vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) in front of Kottai Eswaran Temple of Coimbatore district on 23 October 2022. According to the preliminary investigations, an Islamic State (IS) operative— Jamesha Mubeen, after taking bayath/oath to IS, was conspiring to carryout suicide attacks against specific section of the community. So far, six accused have been arrested in the same case.
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VIF News Digest: National Security – Defence Studies & Terrorism, 16-31 October 2022

DEFENCE

  • Raksha Mantri holds bilateral meetings with his counterparts at the DefExpo-2022.
  • Defence Secretary conducts bilateral meetings ahead of DefExpo 2022.
  • DEFEXPO 22.
  • India-Africa Defence Dialogue held on the sidelines of DefExpo 2022.
  • ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in Defence: Announcement of fourth positive indigenisation list.
  • Seminar on Certification and Qualification of Airborne Stores.
  • Raksha Mantri hosts Indian Ocean Region plus Defence Ministers’ Conclave.
  • Seminar on the theme ‘New Frontiers in US-India Defence Cooperation: Next Generation Technology, Innovation & Make in India’.
  • Indian Air Force & HAL conclude contract for indigenous trainer aircraft.
  • Telephonic conversation between Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh & Defence Minister of Russia Mr Sergei Shoigu.
  • Indian Coast Guard Rescues Bangladeshi Fishermen.
  • Procurement of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft.
  • 29th edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX).
  • Indian Air Force (IAF) and French Air and Space Force (FASF) bilateral exercise ‘Garuda VII’.
  • First edition of India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

West Asia
Israel
  • A Palestinian terrorist killed an Israeli and wounded three others in Kiryat Arba area.
Iran
  • At least 15 were killed in a terror attack in Iran; Islamic State claimed responsibility.
Africa
Somalia
  • Twin car bombings killed at least 100 people in Mogadishu.
  • Government urged the US to increase drone strikes against al-Shabaab.
Mali
  • “Hundreds of people massacared by Islamic State-affiliated groups in Mali in 2022”: Human Rights Watch.
Morocco
  • Morocco’s law-enforcement arrested five Islamic State sympathisers in separate operations.
Afghanistan
  • Islamic State attacked a vehicle and killed five medical personnel in Herat province.
  • Taliban killed six Islamic State terrorists in an operation in Kabul.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir
  • NIA filed chargesheet against 12 suspects in ‘Sunjwan Terrorist Attack’ case.
  • China blocked the proposal by India and the US at UN to blacklist LeT chief’s son.
Left-Wing Extremism
  • Maoists killed a youth in Odisha.
  • Since 2020, Chhattisgarh police blocked eight key supply networks of Maoists in Bastar region.
  • Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
    • NIA arrested 13th accused in the ‘PFI’ case.
    • MHA involved the NIA to unearth AQIS’s module in different districts of Assam.
    • NIA searched multiple locations in Bihar in connection with ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’ case.
    • NIA searched two locations in Uttar Pradesh & Delhi and arrested an IS terrorist from Uttar Pradesh.
    Narco-Trafficking
    • NIA searched two locations in Punjab in ‘Narcotics trade and terror funding’ case.

    DEFENCE

    Raksha Mantri (RM) holds bilateral meetings with his counterparts at the DefExpo-2022.

    The RM on October 17, 2022, held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from AFRICA who are attending the India-Africa Defence Dialogue and the DefExpo in Gujarat. In the course of the meetings, the Raksha Mantri met with Major General Hanana Ould Sidi, Defence Minister of Mauritania; Mr Rameaux-Claude Bireau, Defence Minister of Central African Republic; Mr Sering Modou Njie Defence Minister of Gambia; Mr Dominic Aduna Bingab Nitiwul Defence Minister of Republic of Ghana; Dr. Abraham Belay Defence Minister of Republic of Ethiopia and Mrs Janine Tatiana Santos Lelis Defence Minister of Republic of Cabo Verde. The entire spectrum of defence cooperation was discussed during the meetings, with focus on identifying avenues to expand mutually beneficial collaboration.

    The RM on October 18, 2022, held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Rwanda, Armenia and the Maldives at the 12th DefExpo. In the course of the meetings, the RM met with Minister of Defence, Rwanda Major General Albert Murasira; Minister of Defence of Armenia Mr Suren Papikyan and Minister of Defence of the Maldives Ms Mariya Ahmed Didi.

    Along with the IOR+ Conclave, the RM, on October 19, 2022, held bilateral meetings with delegation leaders from Bangladesh, Angola, South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo and Paraguay, who are attending the DefExpo. In the course of the meetings, Shri Rajnath Singh met with Major General Tarique Ahmed Siddique, Security Advisor to Prime Minister of Bangladesh; Mr Joao Ernesto Dos Santos, Minister of National Defence and Homeland Veterans of Republic of Angola; Ms Thandi Modise, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Republic of South Africa; Ms Gladys Arsenia Ruiz Pecci, Vice Minister of Defence, Paraguay and Mr Gilbert Kabanda Kurhenga, Minister of National Defence and War Veterans, Democratic Republic of Congo.
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    Defence Secretary conducts bilateral meetings ahead of DefExpo 2022.

    Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar conducted a series of bilateral meetings with visiting dignitaries from friendly foreign countries prior to DefExpo 2022 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. He held a bilateral meeting with Mr Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, State Minister for Defence, Sri Lanka. They discussed a host of ongoing and future defence cooperation issues.
    The Defence Secretary also met Mr Devendre Gopaul, Permanent Secretary, Mauritius. A number of key bilateral, defence and maritime security issues were deliberated during the meeting. Another bilateral meeting with the United Arab Emirates delegation led by Mr Matar Salem Ali Marran Aldhaheri, Defence Secretary, UAE was held. They reviewed the existing defence cooperation mechanisms and explored the possibilities of furthering defence industrial cooperation between India and UAE.

    Dr Ajay Kumar later met a Brazilian delegation led by Rear Admiral Vagner Belarmino De Oliveira, Director, Department of Defence Products. They discussed areas of potential defence industrial cooperation between the two countries.

    A bilateral meeting was conducted with Lt Gen Isman Mohamed Hassan Karar, Secretary General MoD, Sudan. Lt Gen Rashad Abdelhamid Ismail Abdalla, Sudan Army Chief was also present. The ongoing defence cooperation issues and potential areas for future cooperation were discussed.

    A Zambia delegation led by Mr Norman Chipakupaku, Permanent Secretary, MoD Zambia met Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar. Issues relating to training and capacity building were discussed, in addition to the review of ongoing bilateral defence cooperation.

    Dr Ajay Kumar also met the Niger delegation led by Brigadier General Diddilli Amadou, Secretary General of the Defence Minister, Niger. Potential areas for defence cooperation between the two nations were deliberated.

    A Mali delegation led by Maj Gen Sidiki Samake, Secretary General of the Department met the Defence Secretary. They discussed potential defence cooperation including defence industrial cooperation issues.
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    DEFEXPO 22.

    DefExpo-2022, the flagship event of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, one of the largest of its kind was held in the twin cities of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, Gujarat from 18 to 22 October 2022. The 12th edition of the DefExpo aims to bring new technologies and solutions in the field of defence exclusively for Indian companies in line with Aatmanirbharta. The theme of DefExpo 2022 was ‘Path to Pride’. At DefExpo-2022, the participants got an opportunity to showcase their equipment and platforms and were able to explore the strengths and capabilities of the expanse of Indian Defence industry for forging business partnerships.

    Organised in the largest-ever total area with record registration of 1,340 companies, the event has been organised in a four-venue format. The first-ever edition exclusively for Indian companies. Indian companies, Indian subsidiaries of Foreign OEMs, Division of company registered in India, Exhibitor having Joint Venture with an Indian company were considered as Indian participants. 451 partnerships in terms of MoUs, Transfer of Technology agreements and product launches were expected during the Bandhan ceremony on 20th October 2022.

    Seventy five (75) countries will be participating in DefExpo 2022. The Raksha Mantri will host the second India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD) on October 18, while the Indian Ocean Region plus (IOR+) conclave will take place on October 19. More than 53 African countries have been invited for IADD and 44 for IOR+ conclave. Several Defence Ministers from Africa and the IOR+ region have confirmed their participation.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD) held on the sidelines of DefExpo 2022.

    The dialogue successfully brought out various aspects of the IADD’s theme ‘Adopting Strategy for Synergizing and Strengthening Defence and Security Cooperation’. Delivering the keynote address, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh defined the theme of IADD as the underlying commitment of India and African countries to explore new areas of convergence for defence engagements, including capacity building, training, cyber security, maritime security and counter terrorism. He termed India & African countries as important stakeholders in ensuring a safe and secure maritime environment, especially in the Indian Ocean Region.

    The Gandhinagar Declaration was adopted as an outcome document of IADD 2022. It proposes to enhance cooperation in the field of training in all areas of mutual interest by increasing training slots and deputation of training teams, empowerment and capability building of the defence forces of Africa, participation in exercises and humanitarian assistance during natural disasters. India offered fellowship for experts from African countries through Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis. Fifty African countries, including 20 Defence Ministers, seven CDS/Service Chiefs and eight Permanent Secretaries participated in the Dialogue attesting to the high priority accorded to India-Africa engagement in defence and security. On the sidelines of the IADD, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt met with the visiting African Ministers where issues related to defence and bilateral relations were discussed.

    The IADD was institutionalised to be held biennially during successive DefExpos. It seeks to build on the existing defence partnerships between African countries & India and to explore new areas of convergence for mutual engagements including areas such as capacity building, training, cyber security, maritime security and counter-terrorism.
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    ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in Defence: Announcement of fourth positive indigenisation list.

    The MoD had earlier promulgated ‘First, Second and Third Positive Indigenisation Lists’, comprising 310 items on August 21, 2020, May 31, 2021 and April 07, 2022 respectively. The ‘Fourth Positive Indigenisation List’ of 101 items was announced by the Prime Minister during DefExpo 2022. All the items included in the lists will be procured from indigenous sources as per provisions given in Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. This list provides continuous impetus towards self-reliance in defence. The fourth list has been prepared by MoD after several rounds of consultations with three services and all stakeholders, including the industry. It lays special focus on equipment/systems, which are being developed and likely to translate into firm orders in the next five to ten years.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Seminar on Certification and Qualification of Airborne Stores.

    The Indian Air Force (IAF) organised a seminar in partnership with the Society of Indian Defence Manufactures (SIDM) on the topic of “Certification and Qualification of Airborne Stores: Supporting the Private Sector to promote Indigenous R&D and Manufacturing”. The topic of Certification and qualification of Airborne Stores, conforming to global standards, is therefore need of the hour. As part of the IAF’s focus on ‘Make in India’, the seminar was aimed to enable a better understanding of the process of certification and qualification requirements in respect of airborne stores. The discussions was focused on the role of the certification and qualification agencies in this process.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Raksha Mantri hosts Indian Ocean Region plus Defence Ministers’ Conclave.

    The conclave was attended by 40 countries, with 22 ministers addressing the conference, some of them in hybrid mode. The broad theme was ‘Challenges Opportunities and Collaborations in the Indian Ocean’. It facilitated dialogue towards fostering a stable and peaceful Indian Ocean, with strategic and commercial partnerships within the IOR. The RM listed out shared challenges in the IOR such as spread of terrorism through sea routes, Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, piracy and regional and global food security. He asserted that terrorism, exported, supported or coordinated through maritime routes remains a major concern and India continues to guard against the spread of the menace. He appreciated the fact that piracy has been suppressed in the Western Indian Ocean with concerted international effort and sustained efforts must continue to deter the menace.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Seminar on the theme ‘New Frontiers in US-India Defence Cooperation: Next Generation Technology, Innovation & Make in India’.

    Raksha Mantri has invited US companies to set up manufacturing units in India and develop technology collaborations with Indian industries to create a global supply chain free from vulnerabilities and uncertainties. He was addressing a seminar jointly organised by US-India Business Council (UIBC) and Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) as part of the 12th DefExpo on October 20, 2022. The seminar was organised on the theme ‘New Frontiers in US-India Defence Cooperation: Next Generation Technology, Innovation & Make in India’. The RM described the project agreement to co-develop Air-Launched UAVs, under the auspices of the India-US Defence Technology and Trade Initiative, as a welcome development. He stated that industries from both sides can explore additional DTTI projects, such as a counter unmanned aerial systems and an Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance platform.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Indian Air Force & HAL conclude contract for indigenous trainer aircraft.

    Prime Minister unveiled HTT-40, an indigenous trainer aircraft designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), at the India Pavilion during 12th DefExpo on October 19, 2022. The aircraft has state-of-the-art contemporary systems and has been designed with pilot-friendly features. With over 60 per cent in-house parts and collaboration of private industry. The HTT-40 would be used for basic flight training, aerobatics, instrument flying and close formation flights whereas its secondary roles would include navigation and night flying. It is designed to meet primary training requirements of the Indian defence services.
    Built around a meticulously-tested turbo-prop engine, the aircraft is equipped with the latest avionics, an air-conditioned cabin and ejection seats. It boasts of unique features like running change-over of pilots, hot-refuelling and short-turnaround time. All the tests required for certification were completed in record six years from the first flight. Indian Air Force and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited concluded a contract for 70 HTT-40 indigenous trainer aircraft worth Rs 6,800 crore.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Telephonic conversation between Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh & Defence Minister of Russia Mr Sergei Shoigu.

    The RM held a telephonic conversation with the Defence Minister of Russian Federation Mr Sergei Shoigu on October 26, 2022 at the latter’s request. During the telecon, both Ministers discussed bilateral defence cooperation as well as the deteriorating situation in Ukraine. Defence Minister Shoigu briefed the RM on the evolving situation in Ukraine, including his concerns about possible provocations through use of ‘dirty bomb’. The RM reiterated India’s position on the need to pursue the path of dialogue and diplomacy for an early resolution of the conflict. He pointed out that the nuclear option should not be resorted to by any side as the prospect of the usage of nuclear or radiological weapons goes against the basic tenets of humanity.
    For reference: Click here to read…

    Indian Coast Guard Rescues Bangladeshi Fishermen.

    Indian Coast Guard (ICG) rescued 20 Bangladeshi fishermen from the sea off Sagar Island near Indo-Bangladesh International Maritime Border Line (IMBL) on 25 Oct 22. In a swift coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) operation, ICG saved their lives after the Coast Guard Dornier aircraft on surveillance sortie of the post landfall of cyclone “SITRANG” sighted their capsized boats and alerted the SAR team. They were rescued quickly and handed over to Bangladesh Coast Guard.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Procurement of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft.

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of a transport aircraft manufacturing project for the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Vadodara, Gujarat on October 30, 2022. The Cabinet Committee on Security had, on September 08, 2021, approved the procurement of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft from M/s Airbus Defence and Space S.A., Spain. On September 24, 2021, Ministry of Defence signed a contract with M/s Airbus Defence and Space S.A. for acquisition of the aircraft with associated equipment. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi on October 27, 2022, Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar said, as part of the contract, 16 aircraft will be delivered in flyaway condition and 40 will be manufactured in India by the Indian Aircraft Contractor, TATA Consortium of Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) led by TASL. This is the first project of its kind in which a military aircraft will be manufactured in India by a private company. The total cost of the project is Rs 21,935 crore. The aircraft can be used for civilian purposes as well.

    The first 16 fly-away aircraft are scheduled to be received between September 2023 and August 2025. The first Made in India aircraft is expected from September 2026. C-295MW is a transport aircraft of 5-10 tonne capacity with contemporary technology that will replace the ageing Avro aircraft of IAF. 96% of the total man hour work per aircraft that Airbus employs at its manufacturing facility at Spain will be undertaken in India by the TATA Consortium. Manufacturing of over 13,400 Detail Parts, 4,600 sub-assemblies and all the seven Major Component Assemblies will be undertaken in India, along with tools, jigs and testers. Various systems such as engines, landing gear, avionics, EW suite etc. will be provided by Airbus Defence & Space and integrated on the aircraft by the TATA Consortium.

    The aircraft will be tested as an integrated system by the TATA Consortium. The aircraft will be flight tested and delivered through a Delivery Centre at the TATA Consortium facility.
    All 56 aircraft will be fitted with indigenous Electronic Warfare suite of Indian DPSUs – Bharat Electronics Ltd and Bharat Dynamics Limited. After completion of delivery of 56 aircraft to IAF, M/s Airbus Defence & Space will be allowed to sell the aircraft manufactured in India to civil operators and export to countries which are cleared by the Government of India.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    29th edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX).

    The Indian Navy is hosting the 29th edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) from 26 to 30 October, 2022 at Visakhapatnam.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Indian Air Force (IAF) and French Air and Space Force (FASF) bilateral exercise ‘Garuda VII’.

    Indian Air Force (IAF) and French Air and Space Force (FASF) are participating in a bilateral exercise, named ‘Garuda VIl’, from 26 October to 12 November 2022 at Air Force Station Jodhpur. In this exercise, FASF will participate with four Rafale fighter aircraft, one A-330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft and a contingent of 220 personnel. The IAF is participating with Su-30 MKI, Rafale, LCA Tejas and Jaguar fighter aircraft, as well as the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Mi-17 helicopters. The IAF contingent will also include Combat Enabling Assets like Flight Refuelling Aircraft, AWACS and AEW&C. This joint exercise will provide a platform for both the countries to enhance operational capability and interoperability, while also sharing best practices.
    This is the seventh edition of the bilateral exercise. The first, third and fifth editions were conducted in India in 2003, 2006 and 2014 at Air Force Stations Gwalior, Kalaikunda and Jodhpur, respectively. The second, fourth and sixth editions were conducted in France in 2005, 2010 and 2019.
    For reference: Click here to read…

    First edition of India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise.

    The first edition of India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise (IMT TRILAT), a joint maritime exercise among the Indian, Mozambique and Tanzanian navies commenced at Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania on 27 Oct 22. Indian Navy is represented by the guided missile frigate, INS Tarkash, a Chetak helicopter and MARCOS (Special Forces).
    For more information: Click here to read…

    INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

    West Asia
    Israel
    A Palestinian terrorist killed an Israeli and wounded three others in Kiryat Arba area.

    On 29 October 2022, a Palestinian terrorist attacked and killed an Israeli— Ronen Hanania, outside a convenience store in Kiryat Arba area on the outskirts of Hebron in the southern West Bank. The Israel Defence Force (IDF)’s Chief of Staff Lt Gen Aviv Kohavi visited the site after Israeli troops mapped terrorist’s hideout ahead of its possible demolition.
    Muhammed Kamel al-Jaabari, a Hebron resident, was identified as the perpetrator and was killed by an off-duty IDF officer near the Ashmoret checkpoint. Several members of Jaabari’s family are said to be close to Hamas, including his brother, who was released as part of the Gilad Shalid prisoner exchange deal and exiled to Gaza. For more information: Click here to read…_

    Iran
    At least 15 were killed in a terror attack in Iran; Islamic State claimed responsibility.

    On 26 October 2022, Islamic State (IS) carried out a terrorist attack in which at least 15 people, including two children, were killed and 40 others were injured at the Shahcheragh Shrine in the city of Shiraz in Southern Iran. The IS released a statement through its media group— Amaq news agency, which reads that one of its terrorists had targted group of “sunni refusal infidels inside the shrine with his machine gun, causing the death of tens of them.” “The terrorist first targeted the servant and guard of the shrine, and intended to attack the congregational evening prayers, but one of the servants shut the door on him,” said the governor of Fars province. “After the initial burst of fire, the attacker went near the shrine and fired many rounds at those present at the scene,” recalled an eyewitness.

    Africa
    Somalia
    Twin car bombings killed at least 100 people in Mogadishu.

    According to the statement by Somalian President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, on 31 October 2022, at least 100 people were killed and nearly 300 were wounded in two car bombings at a busy junction in Mogadishu. “We ask our international partners and Muslims around the world to send their medical assistance here since we cannot send all the victims outside the country for treatment,” said Somalian President.
    Al-Qa’ida affiliated group— al-Shabaab claimed the responsibility of the attack. The terror group stated that the “education ministry was an enemy base that receives support from non-Muslim countries and is committed to removing Somali children from the Islamic faith.” The group urged civilians to avoid government buildings and declared that it is committed to fighting until Islamic law is implemented nationwide.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Government urged the US to increase drone strikes against al-Shabaab.

    Several US officials claimed that Somalian government requested the Biden administration to step up the drone strikes against al-Shabaab terrorist group in the troubled horn of Africa. Amid the redeployment of 450 US troops to Somalia, the new Somalian administration has launched a counter-terrorism operation against al-Shabaab.
    The US was trying to promote stability in Somalia and counter al-Shabaab not just through military force but by bulding the Somali government’s capacity and addressing humanitarian needs. “As part of holistic approach, the US military works to train and support Somali partners who are catalysing offensive action against al-Shabaab, while judiciously applying high-end capacity only to disrupt the most serious threats,” said a spokeswoman for the US National Security Council— Adrienne Watson.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Mali
    “Hundreds of people massacared by Islamic State-affiliated groups in Mali in 2022”: Human Rights Watch.

    On 27 October 2022, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that Islamic State (IS) and its affiliated groups have massacared hundreds of people in north-east Mali in 2022. In a report, the HRW stated that tens of thousands of people displaced from Menaka and Gao regions after losing their livestock and belongings in several attacks since March 2022. “Islamist armed groups in north-east Mali have carried out terrifying and seemingly coordinated attacks on villages, killing civilians, looting homes, and destroying properties,” said Jehanne Henry, HRW’s senior Africa adviser. The report suggests that the United Nations Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) should continue to ramp up its patrolling, deterrence flights, and interactions with the affected communities.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Morocco
    Morocco’s law-enforcement arrested five Islamic State sympathisers in separate operations.

    On 25-26 October 2022, Morocco’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) carried out counter-terrorism operation and arrested five Islamic State (IS) sympathisers for their alleged involvement in planning attacks to undermine the public order. The operation was carried out in Douar Habata Benmansour in the province of Kenitra, Sidi Yahya Zaer, Dchira in Inzegane Ait Melloul, Bouaboud in Chichaoua and Casablanca. The BCIJ officials recovered a shotgun and ammunition from the one of the arrested sympathiser’s house in Kenitra.
    For more information: Click here to read…_

    Afghanistan
    Islamic State attacked a vehicle and killed five medical personnel in Herat province.

    On 27 October 2022, Islamic State (IS) attacked a vehicle and killed five medical personnel employed by the Taliban, in Herat province in Afghanistan. According to Taliban Ministry of Defence spokesperson— Enayatullah Khowrazmi, several medical employees were injured in the attack. “This morning unknown armed men attacked a vehicle carrying medical personnel of the 207th Al-Farooq Army Corps,” said Khowrazmi. The IS claimed responsibility for the attack via group’s Telegram channel.
    For more information: Click here to read…_

    Taliban killed six Islamic State terrorists in an operation in Kabul.

    On 22 October 2022, Taliban terrorists killed six Islamic State (IS) terrorists in an operation in Kabul. The IS terrorists were killed in a raid on their hideout and duo were involved in major attacks— Wazir Akbar Khan mosque and on Kaaj institute, in recent weeks.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    DOMESTIC TERRORISM

    Jammu and Kashmir
    NIA filed chargesheet against 12 terrorists in ‘Sunjwan Terrorist Attack’ case.

    On 19 October 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a chargesheet before NIA Special Court (Jammu) against 12 terrorists in ‘Sunjawan Terrorist Attack’ case. The case— RC/03/2022/NIA/JMU relates to the terror conspiracy hatched by Kashmir-based terrorists, Pakistan-based handlers, and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), in furtherance to which, two JeM terrorists infiltrated into India via an illicit tunnel. However, the infiltration was inturrepted by security forces and both terrorists were killed in a counter-terrorism (CT) operation in the area of Sunjwan in Jammu of the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
    For more information: Click here to read…

    China blocked the proposal by India and the US at UN to blacklist LeT chief’s son.

    For the second time in less than 48 hours, China puts hold on the proposal submitted by India and the United States (US) to designate Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief— Hafiz Saeed’s son— Hafiz Talah Saeed, as a global terrorist. In April 2022, Talah was declared as a terrorist by the Government of India. Earlier, on 18 October 2022, China blocked the proposal by India and the US to blacklist LeT leader Shahid Mahmood as a global terrorists.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Left-Wing Extremism
    Maoists killed a youth in Odisha.

    On 24 October 2022, Maoists of KKBN (Kandhamal-Kalahandi-Boudh-Nayagarh) division killed a youth in Kandhamal district in Odisha, suspecting him to be a police informer. The KKBN, CPI (Maoist)’s division, claimed to have killed a youth—Nilakantha, resident of Tikarpaju village. “The Maoists have left posters at the killing spot claiming the responsibility,” said Kandhamal Superintendent of Police (SP)— Vineet Agarwal.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Since 2020, Chhattisgarh police blocked eight key supply networks of Maoists in Bastar region.

    As per the statement by a senior police official (on the basis of anonymity), since 2020, Chhattisgarh police have cracked eight key supply networks, such as aid of medicines, explosives, and logistics to a great extent, and arrested at least 38 Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) in Bastar region. The seven districts that make up the Bastar region are: Bastar, Kanker, Kondagaon, Dantewada, Narayanpur, Bijapur, and Sukma.

    According to Inspector General of Police (IGP) (Bastar Range) P. Sundarraj, “the police have significantly damaged the supply network of various formations of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) of the CPI (Maoists) over the past couple of years. At least 38 people, including businessmen, law-enforcement officers, and local politicians, are allegedly involved in delivering drugs, explosives, weapons, and basics to Maoists.”
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
    NIA arrested 13th accused in the ‘PFI’ case.

    On 28 October 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested an absconding suspect— C A Rauf, from Palakkad, Kerala, in connection with the Popular Front of India (PFI) case.
    The case related to the conspiracy hatched by the PFI, it’s office bearers, members, and other affiliated organisations in Kerala, indulge in unlawful activities. The group (PFI) was also involved in luring youth to join terrorist groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Islamic State (IS), and al-Qa’ida, to establish Islamic rule in India by committing violent acts of jihad. As per the statement released by the NIA, C A Rauf was PFI’s state secretary and was handling organisation’s Media and Public Relations wings in Kerala.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    MHA involved the NIA to unearth AQIS’s module in different districts of Assam.

    Based on various inputs about al-Qa’ida in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) modules active in Assam, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) roped in the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to unearth the terror module.
    The NIA’s First Information Report (FIR) states unequivocally that the AQIS module was active in different districts of Assam and had ties to the terrorist group Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), which is based in Bangladesh. According to reports, AQIS, is active in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Myanmar (Burma), and Bangladesh. The goal of AQIS is to promote terror on Indian soil, radicalise youth, and conduct recruitment to wage war against the Union of India, with a view to overthrow the democratically elected government by establishing the so-called “Rule of Khilafat”/Sharia Law and to implement Ghazwa-e-Hind, with the aid of recruits from India.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    NIA searched multiple locations in Bihar in connection with ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’ case.

    On 18 October 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out search operations at three locations in Patna district in Bihar, in connection with ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’ case in which a terror operative— Margub Ahmad Danish aka Tahir was arrested. According to a report, Danish was involved in anti-national activities and radicalisation of youth over social media.
    As per the report, Danish was a self-radicalised and was in contact with several foreign entities on WhatsApp group “Ghazwa-e-Hind” created by him. The WhatsApp group meant for glorifying terrorist acts in Kashmir, in view to radicalise youth. Another WhatsApp group— “Ghazwat-e-Hind BD” was also administered by Danish.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    NIA searched two locations in Uttar Pradesh & Delhi and arrested an IS terrorist from Uttar Pradesh.

    On 19 October 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at two locations in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh (UP), and Delhi, and arrested an Islamic State (IS) terrorist— Basit Kalam Siddiqui (age 24 years), from Varanasi, UP. The case— RC-14/2021/NIA/DLI pertains to the conspiracy by IS’s Voice of Hind module to radicalise and recruit youth to wage jihad against India. Earlier, the NIA cracked the ‘Voice of Hind’ module and arrested six IS terrorists, including so-called Emir of Islamic State-Jammu and Kashmir (IS-JK)— Umar Nisar aka Qasim Khurasani.
    Basit Kalam was in contact with IS’s operational handlers and was actively involved in the content creation, publication and dissemination of IS propaganda through the magazine ‘Voice of Khurasan’. On the behest of IS handlers based in Afghanistan, Basit was trying to fabricate an explosive ‘Black Powder’ and gaining knowledge on use of other lethal chemical substances to be used for the fabrication of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Through various Telegram Channels that he operated, Basit was taking training on making of explosives, for further carrying out terrorist attacks at critical Installations and population. In his later agenda, Basit was preparing to travel to Khurasan province and join the Islamic State-Khurasan Province (IS-KP) terror group in Afghanistan.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Narco-Trafficking
    NIA searched two locations in Punjab in ‘Narcotics trade and terror funding’ case.

    On 20 October 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out searches at the office and residence of a suspect— Amritpal Singh, in Punjab, in connection with the narcotics trade and terror funding case.
    The case pertains to the seizure of over 102 kilogram heroin that had arrived in India via Intergrated Check-Posts (ICPs), Attari on 24 April and 26 April 2022. The heroin was concealed in a consignment of licorice roots aka Mulethi by suppliers based in Afghanistan. During the search operation, the NIA officials seized unaccounted cash worth ₹ 1,27,91,900 (One Crore Twenty Seven Lakhs Ninety One Thousand and Nine Hundred Indian rupees), and incriminating digital devices and documents.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    VIF NEWS DIGEST: NATIONAL SECURITY – DEFENCE STUDIES & TERRORISM (16-31 August 2022)

    DEFENCE

    • Chief of Royal Malaysian Navy is on an official visit to India.
    • Ex UDARASHAKTI between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) culminates.
    • Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise VINBAX 2022 concludes.
    • Indian Air Force contingent has reached Australia for participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2022.
    • Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh to attend Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
    • India delivers the 10th batch of medical assistance to Afghanistan.
    • Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will hold bilateral talks with Tanzanian Minister of Defence.
    • The third Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) of 780 strategically important Line Replacement Units (LRUs)/Sub-systems/Components approved.
    • 13th Edition of India – USA Joint Special Forces Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR 2022 culminates.

    NATIONAL TERRORISM

    INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

    Africa
    Nigeria
    • Security forces destroyed Boko Haram markets in Borno State.
    Somalia
    • Al-Shabaab terrorists attacked a hotel and killed 12 people in Mogadishu.
    Afghanistan
    • At the UNSC, India highlighted significant increase in IS-KP presence in Afghanistan.
    • “Taliban have not found the body of Ayman al-Zawahiri”: Taliban spokesperson.

    DOMESTIC TERRORISM

    Jammu and Kashmir
    • NIA officials searched multiple locations in UT of J&K in ‘Drone’ case.
    • SIA and CID of J&K police arrested a terror financer from IGI Airport, Delhi.
    • Security forces eliminated two LeT terrorists in Shopian.
    • Police arrested three LeT terrorists from Baramulla.
    Left-Wing Extremism
    • Two Maoists, including a section commander, surrendered in Telangana.
    • Over 500 Maoist sympathisers surrendered before Odisha police.
    Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
    • NIA filed chargesheet against four Islamic extremists in ‘Mayiladuthurai PS case’ of Tamil Nadu.
    • India security agencies on vigil over IS suicide bomber’s confession.
    • UP police arrested a JeM terrorist form Lucknow.
    Narcotics Trafficking
    • NIA filed supplementary chargesheet against nine narcotics traffickers in ‘Mundra Drugs’ case.

    DEFENCE

    Chief of Royal Malaysian Navy is on an official visit to India.

    Admiral Tan Sri Mohd Reza Bin Mohd Sany, Chief of Royal Malaysian Navy is on an official visit to India from 16 to 19 Aug 22. Adm Mohd Reza called on Adm R Hari Kumar, CNS and discussed the progress of ongoing bilateral engagements in the maritime domain. He was also briefed on the broad range of Foreign Cooperation activities pursued by the Indian Navy. The leaders identified several new avenues for further strengthening bilateral naval cooperation and also expressed commitment to their support to uphold the principle of collective responsibility for maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Ex UDARASHAKTI between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) culminates.

    The bilateral exercise, Ex UDARASHAKTI between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) culminated at the RMAF Air Base Kuantan on 16 Aug 2022. Spanning four days, the exercise saw the two Air Forces work in cohesion through a series of complex aerial combat drills in multiple domains and exercise settings. The exercise was characterised by the display of a high degree of professionalism by all participants. Ex UDARASHAKTI provided both the Air Forces, an opportunity to share each other’s’ best practices. The culmination of the exercise was marked by a traditional closing ceremony and a seven aircraft formation flypast of Su-30MKI & Su-30 MKM aircraft over the air base.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise VINBAX 2022 concludes.

    Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise VINBAX 2022 concluded at Chandimandir with an display of Multi Agency Humanitarian Assistance in Disaster Relief (HADR) demonstration and an equipment display showcasing the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. The exercise had commenced on 01 August and was focused on deployment of Army Engineer and Medical teams in UN Peacekeeping operations. It was the first time that the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) was undertaking a Field Training Exercise with any foreign Army. Over a period of three weeks, the soldiers of the two Armies worked with each other while learning and sharing best practices. The next edition of VINBAX will be hosted in Vietnam in 2023.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Indian Air Force contingent has reached Australia for participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2022.

    An Indian Air Force contingent has reached Australia for participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2022 scheduled to be held from 19 Aug 22 to 08 Sep 22 in Darwin. This is a biennial, multi-national exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). It will focus on Large Force Employment warfare. The last edition was conducted in 2018. The 2020 edition of the exercise was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s exercise will see the participation of over 100 aircraft and 2500 military personnel from various air forces. The IAF contingent, comprises over 100 air warriors, deployed with four Su-30 MKI fighter and two C-17 aircraft. They will undertake multi-domain air combat missions in a complex environment and will exchange best practices with the participating air forces.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh attends Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

    Raksha Mantri (RM) Shri Rajnath Singh, on August 23, 2022, reached Tashkent, Uzbekistan on a three-day official visit. On the first day the RM held bilateral meetings with his Uzbek counterpart Lieutenant General Bakhodir Kurbanov; Defence Minister of Kazakhstan Colonel General Zhaksylykov Ruslan Zhakslykov and Belarusian Defence Minister Lieutenant General Viktor Khrenin. The entire spectrum of defence cooperation with the three countries was reviewed during the meetings, with focus on identifying avenues to expand mutually beneficial collaboration. Issues of mutual interest were also discussed.

    Addressing the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting at Tashkent, Uzbekistan on August 24, 2022, the Raksha Mantri asserted that terrorism in any form, including cross-border terrorism, committed by anyone and for whatever purpose, is a crime against humanity. In this context, the Raksha Mantri proposed to host a workshop in India in 2023 on the theme ‘Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief – Risk mitigation and Disaster Resilient Infrastructure’ for the Defence Ministries of SCO Member States. He also suggested an annual seminar on ‘Topic of Interest’ among the defence think tanks of SCO countries. “We propose to organise the first such defence think tank seminar in India in 2023,” he added.

    The Raksha Mantri met with Defence Minister of Kyrgyzstan also and during exchange of pleasantries with Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu the RM conveyed his deep appreciation for arresting in Moscow a terrorist who was planning attacks in India.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    India delivers the 10th batch of medical assistance to Afghanistan.

    India supplied the tenth batch of medical assistance as part of India’s ongoing humanitarian assistance. The same was handed over to the Indira Gandhi Hospital, Kabul. In view of the urgent appeals made by the United Nations to assist the Afghan people, India has, so far, supplied 32 tons of medical assistance in ten batches, which includes essential life saving medicines, anti-TB medicines, 500,000 doses of COVID vaccine etc. These medical consignments have been handed over to the World Health Organization(WHO) and Indira Gandhi Children Hospital, Kabul.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Raksha Mantri (RM) will hold bilateral talks with Tanzanian Minister of Defence.

    RM held bilateral talks with Tanzanian Minister of Defence and National Service Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax in New Delhi on August 26, 2022. A wide range of issues concerning bilateral, regional and defence industrial cooperation were discussed during the meeting. The two Ministers reviewed the existing military-to-military activities and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in all domains with a focus on defence industry cooperation. Both the Ministers agreed to the formation of a Task Force to prepare a Five Year Future Road map for enhancing defence cooperation between both the countries and to hold the next Joint Defence Cooperation meeting in Tanzania at an early date. The Raksha Mantri also invited his Tanzanian counterpart to the India-Africa Defence Dialogue and DefExpo which is scheduled to be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from 18-22 October, 2022.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    The third Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) of 780 strategically important Line Replacement Units (LRUs)/Sub-systems/Components approved.

    In pursuit of self-reliance in defence manufacturing and to minimise imports by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) under ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’, RM has approved the third Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) of 780 strategically important Line Replacement Units (LRUs)/Sub-systems/Components with a timeline beyond which they will only be procured from the domestic industry. This list is in continuation to the two PILs of LRUs/Sub-systems/Assemblies/Sub-assemblies/Components that were published in December 2021 and March 2022. These lists contain 2,500 items which are already indigenised and 458 (351+107) items which will be indigenised within the given timelines. Out of 458, 167 items (1st PIL -163, 2nd PIL – 4) have been indigenised, so far.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    13th Edition of India – USA Joint Special Forces Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR 2022 culminates.

    The 13th Edition of India – USA Joint Special Forces Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR 2022 culminated at Bakloh (HP) on 28 August 2022. This annual exercise is hosted alternatively between India and the United States. The 12th edition was conducted at Joint Base Lewis Mc Chord, Washington (USA) in October 2021.

    The 21-day joint training provided an opportunity for the Special Forces from both nations to train in Air Borne Operations, Special Operations and Counter Terrorism operations in a joint environment under United Nations Charter. The exercise was conducted in two phases; the first phase involved combat conditioning and tactical level special missions training exercises and the second phase included 48 hours of validation of training received by both contingents in the first phase.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

    Africa

    Nigeria
    Security forces destroyed Boko Haram markets in Borno State.

    On 24 August 2022, the troops of Nigeria’s security forces’ 21 Armoured Brigade attacked and destroyed Boko Haram markets in Bama Local Council of Borno State, and also eliminated six Boko Haram terrorists manning the market. “Troops in collaboration with the civilian joint task force, stormed an illegal market at Bararam village where terrorists were trading food items, used clothes, petrol, and drugs,” said Zagazola Makama— counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Somalia
    Al-Shabaab terrorists attacked a hotel and killed at least 20 people in Mogadishu.

    On 19 August 2022, al-Shabaab terrorists attacked a hotel and killed at least 20 people in Mogadishu; although some local media reported that the death toll could be higher. After the initial attack, a website affiliated with al-Shabaab claimed that terrorists were carrying out random shootings at the hotel— a prime location for employees of the federal government to meet. According to police spokesperson, the initial attack on the hotel was carried out by two car bombs. Al-Shabaab control much of the southern and central parts of Somalia, but has been successful to extend its influence into areas controlled by the government based in Mogadishu.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Afghanistan
    At the UNSC, India highlighted significant increase in IS-KP presence in Afghanistan.

    At the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), India highlighted the significant presence and rise of Islamic State-Khurasan Province (IS-KP)’s capabilities to carry out attack in Afghanistan. India warned the UNSC about the linkages between proscribed terror groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), posing a direct threat to the region’s peace and stability.

    “As we have repeatedly stated at the UNSC, India has direct stakes in ensuring the return of peace and stability, given our position as a contiguous neighbour and long-standing partner of Afghanistan, as well as our strong historical and civilisational linkages to the Afghan people,” said India’s Permanent Representative the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    “Taliban have not found the body of Ayman al-Zawahiri”: Taliban spokesperson.

    Taliban spokesperson— Zabihullah Mujahid, on 25 August 2022, said that they have not found the body of Ayman al-Zawahiri, the former al-Qa’ida leader, after the United States (US) claimed to kill the leader in a drone strike in Kabul in August 2022.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    SIA and CID of J&K police arrested a terror financer from IGI Airport, Delhi.

    On 25 August 2022, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) and Counter-Intelligence Unit (CIU) of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police arrested a terror financer— Farooq Ahmad Naikoo aka Farooq Tendulkar, at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, Delhi. Farooq was deported from United Arab Emirates (UAE) and arrested at the airport for his alleged involvement in a terror funding case. “Farooq’s name appeared in various terror financing transactions during the investigation of the case and further investigation about his role was being investigated by the SIA officials,” said an official on the basis of anonymity.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Security forces eliminated two LeT terrorists in Shopian.

    On 30 August 2022, security forces killed two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in a counter-terrorism operation in Nagbal area of Shopian district in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Following the inputs about terrorists’ presence in the area, security forces initiated the Cordon And Search operation and engaged in an exchange of fire with terrorists.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Police arrested three LeT terrorists from Baramulla.

    On 26 August 2022, the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police arrested three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists— i) Shariq Ashraf, ii) Saqlain Mushtaq, and iii) Taufiq Hasan Sheikh, from Bomai Chowk area in Sopore of Baramulla district. The joint operation involved 22 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and 179 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.

    Upon arrest, police personnel recovered three hand grenades, 09 posters, and 12 Pakistani flags from terrorists. In another incident a day before i.e., on 25 August, security forces eliminated three infiltrators near the Line of Control (LoC) in Uri sector of J&K and recovered a Chinese-made M16 rifle from their possession.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Left-Wing Extremism
    Two Maoists, including a section commander, surrendered in Telangana.

    On 24 August 2022, two Chhattisgarh-based Maoists— i) Deva, a section commander, and ii) Madvi Pojja, a militia member, surrendered before Superintendent of Police (SP) G. Vineeth in Kothagudem in Telangana. Deva was active in Maddedu, Bhairamgarh, and Gangaluru in Dandakaranya forest area and was also involved in four different incidents of conflict with police personnel in West Bastar division.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Over 500 Maoist sympathisers surrendered before Odisha police.

    On 22 August 2022, more than 500 Maoists sympathisers surrendered before police in Swabhiman Anchal area of Malkangiri district in Odisha. “After surrender of 295 Maoists sympathisers before police on 11 June 2022, another 500 of Ralegada surrendered before Malkangiri police and BSF personnel. They were motivated by the welfare work of the Odisha government,” tweeted the Director-General of Police (DGP) S K Bansal.

    The Maoist supporters included both men and women from Dabal Pahad, Ralegada, Chintalduli, Korrapalli, Tekpadar, Palankrayi, Tatipahad, Eskapalli, Sarukabandha, Durgam, Banajholi, Chikatpalli, Jajpalli, Gajalmamidi, Sitapalli villages in Ralegada gram panchayat area under the jurisdiction of Papermetla police station. Before surrendering, the Maoist supporters burnt the dress materials of Maoists and demolished the Maoist ‘Martyr Pillar’ and shouted slogans— Maobadi Murdabad (death to the Maoist ideology).
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
    NIA filed chargesheet against four Islamic extremists in ‘Mayiladuthurai PS case’ of Tamil Nadu.

    On 18 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a chargesheet against four Islamic extremists— i) Sathik Batcha, ii) R. Ashiq, iii) A. Mohammad Irfan, and iv) Rahamathulla, at the NIA Special Court, Chennai. The case— RC-20/2022/NIA/DLI pertains to a conspiracy by five Islamic extremists for threatening public and also attempting to kill police personnel during vehicle checking on 21 February 2022. All four chargesheet extremists were involved in forming terror modules, including ‘Khilafah Party of India’, ‘Khilafah Front of India’, ‘Intellectual Students of India’, and associating themselves with proscribed terror organisations, such as al-Qa’ida, Islamic State (IS), and National Thowheed Jamaat (NTJ) of Sri Lanka.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Russia’s FSB arrested an IS terrorist plotting an attack on Indian politician over prophet Mohammad controversy.

    Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), on 22 August 2022, arrested a Central Asian nation citizen and an Islamic State (IS) terrorist— Azamov Mashahont, who underwent a special training to carry out a suicide attack against a member of Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) for the comments on prophet Mohammad.

    According to the confession made by Mashahont, he was radicalised online by the IS operatives through Telegram application. As per the conspiracy, he travelled from Turkey to Russia and was in process to fly for India. During the interrogation, he confirmed that he would have received explosives, detonators, and other equipment necessary for a suicide bombing from a contact in India after his arrival from Russia.
    For more information: Click here to read… ; Click here to read…

    UP police arrested a JeM terrorist form Lucknow.

    On 12 August 2022, Uttar Pradesh police’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist— Muhammad Nadeem, from Saharanpur. Preliminary interrogation revealed that since 2018, Muhammad Nadeem was in touch with his handlers based in Pakistan and on their behest, he was conspiring to carryout terrorist attacks in many places in the State. Allegedly, he was also tasked to kill suspended BJP leader— Nupur Sharma.

    “He (Nadeem) was in contact with several handlers on Afghanistan-Pakistan border, and they encouraged him to conduct anti-India activities. He was trained for lone-wolf attacks by knife and was ready to travel to Af-Pak region for further training,” said Prashant Kumar, Additional Director-General (ADG) of Police (Law and Order).
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Narcotics Trafficking
    NIA filed supplementary chargesheet against nine narcotics traffickers in ‘Mundra Drugs’ case.

    On 29 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed supplementary chargesheet against nine narcotics traffickers— i) Sarabjit Singh, ii) Jannat Gul Kaker, iii) Mujahid Shinwari, iv) Shami Ullah, v) Mohammad Lal Kaker, vi) Imtiaz Ahmed, vii) Imran Ahmed, viii) Balwinder Singh, and ix) Jasvir Singh, in the NIA Special Court, Ahmedabad, in connection with Mundra drugs seizure case.

    The case—RC-26/2021/NIA/DLI pertains to the seizure of total 2988.21 kilograms of Heroin between 17-19 September 2021 at Container Freight Station, Mundra Port, Gujarat by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). The consignment was concealed in semi-processed talc stone. The traffickers are members of the international drugs smuggling network involved in trafficking of Heroin from Afghanistan to India for further distribution in Punjab, Delhi, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and other States of India.

    Earlier on 24 August 2022, NIA officials carried out search operations at 20 locations in various States— 14 locations in Delhi, 02 locations in Gujarat, 01 location in Punjab, and 03 locations in West Bengal in connection with the same case. The investigation into the entire supply chain and network of money laundering, drug distribution, and other players involved in this international drug network is still ongoing.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    VIF News Digest: National Security – Defence Studies & Terrorism, 1-15 August 2022

    DEFENCE

    • RIMPAC – 2022.
    • DRDO successfully test fires indigenously developed laser-guided ATGMs.
    • Tejas Fighter Aircraft.
    • Army Design Bureau has signed a MoU with the Drone Federation of India.
    • 13th Edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise “Ex Vajra Prahar 2022”.
    • 12th Def Expo to be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
    • Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) flew three indigenous platforms, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40).
    • Repair of a US Navy Ship in India.
    • 4th India-Bangladesh Annual Defence Dialogue.
    • Indian Air Force to participate in bilateral exercise hosted by Malaysia.
    • Indo Oman Joint Military Exercise Al Najaf IV concluded.
    • Bengaluru-based start-up innovates communication through Quantum Key Distribution Systems.
    • India gifts Dornier aircraft to strengthen maritime security of Sri Lanka.

    INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

    Africa
    Nigeria
    • Around 1,755 Boko Haram terrorists surrendered during the Operation HADIN KAI at various locations.
    Niger
    • Several Boko Haram terrorists were killed in an airstrike in Shiroro LGA.
    Afghanistan
    • Islamic State carried out an attack in Kabul and killed a prominent Taliban cleric.
    • “Al-Qa’ida has not reconstituted its presence in Afghanistan,” claimed new US intelligence assessment.
    • Islamic State claimed responsibility for a bomb attack in Kabul.

    DOMESTIC TERRORISM

    Jammu and Kashmir
    • NIA officials searched various locations in Doda and Jammu districts in “JeI-J&K Terror Financing” case.
    • Security forces killed a key LeT terrorist in Budgam.
    • JKGF carried out a grenade attack in Ramban.
    Left-Wing Extremism
    • Maoist woman leader surrendered in Andhra Pradesh.
    Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
    • NIA officials arrested 10th accused in “Amravati killing case”.
    • Police demolished an illegal madrassa linked with al-Qa’ida in Assam.
    • NIA arrested two JMB operatives from Madhya Pradesh in connection with “JMB Bhopal case”.
    • NIA officials arrested 09th accused in “Udaipur killing case”.
    • NIA officials searched and arrested an IS operative from Delhi.
    • UP ATS arrested an IS operative from Azamgarh.
    • NIA filed a supplementary chargesheet against an al-Qa’ida operative in “al-Qa’ida Lucknow case”.
    Khalistan-inspired Extremism
    • SFJ threatened to replace Tiranga with ‘Khalistan’ flag at Attari border in Amritsar, Punjab.
    • Canada-based drug cartels are trying to revive Khalistan movement in India.
    • SFJ announced to hold ‘Canadian phase’ of Khalistan Referendum in September 2022.

    DEFENCE

    RIMPAC – 2022.

    INS Satpura entered Pearl Harbour in Hawaii, USA on 02 Aug 22 on completion of the sea phase of RIMPAC-22, a multilateral exercise conducted over 22 days off Hawaii, USA. RIMPAC-22 is one of the largest multilateral naval exercises in which the Indian Navy participates and the exercise this year has witnessed participation from 26 countries comprising 38 surface ships, 09 land forces, 31 unmanned systems, 170 aircraft and over 2,500 personnel.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    DRDO successfully test fires indigenously developed laser-guided ATGMs.

    Indigenously developed Laser-Guided Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) were successfully test-fired from Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Army.
    Fore more information: Click here to read…

    Tejas Fighter Aircraft.

    Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a Defence PSU under the Ministry of Defence responded to a Request for Information (RFI) received from Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), Malaysia in February, 2019 for LCA class aircraft. Subsequently, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited responded in October, 2021 to Request for Proposal (RFP) issued against tender released by Royal Malaysian Air Force, Malaysia for 18 nos of Fighter Lead In Trainer – Light Combat Aircraft (FLIT – LCA) and HAL offered LCA Tejas twin seater variant. Other countries which have evinced interest in LCA aircraft are: Argentina, Australia, Egypt, USA, Indonesia, and Philippines.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Army Design Bureau has signed a MoU with the Drone Federation of India.

    The Army Design Bureau on behalf of the Indian Army has signed a MoU with the Drone Federation of India to collaboratively work towards promoting research, development, testing and manufacturing of drones, counter-drone and associated technologies that can assist the Indian Army in its operations.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    13th Edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise “Ex Vajra Prahar 2022”.

    The 13th Edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise “Ex Vajra Prahar 2022” commenced at the Special Forces Training School (SFTS), Bakloh (HP) today. The US contingent is represented by personnel from the 1st Special Forces Group (SFG) and Special Tactics Squadron (STS) of US Special Forces and the Indian Army contingent is formed by drawing Special Forces personnel under the aegis of SFTS. This annual exercise is hosted alternatively between India and the United States. The 12th edition was conducted at Joint Base Lewis Mcchord, Washington (USA) in October 2021.

    During the course of next 21 days, teams of both armies would jointly train, plan and execute a series of Special Operations, Counter Terrorist Operations, Air Borne operations in simulated conventional and unconventional scenarios in mountainous terrain.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    12th Def Expo to be held in Gandhinagar, Gujrat.

    The 12th edition of DefExpo – India’s flagship exhibition on Land, Naval and Homeland Security systems – will be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from October 18-22, 2022. The five-day event will witness three business days followed by two public days. It was postponed in March 2022 due to logistical problems being faced by the participants.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) flew three indigenous platforms, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40).

    Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) was on a two day visit to Bangalore. He flew three indigenous platforms, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40), which are being inducted into IAF as part of its drive towards Atmanirbharta.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Repair of a US Navy Ship in India.

    US Navy Ship (USNS) Charles Drew arrived at L&T’s Shipyard at Kattupalli, Chennai on August 07, 2022 for undertaking repairs and allied services. This is the first ever repair of a US Navy ship in India. The US Navy had awarded a contract to L&T’s Shipyard at Kattupalli for undertaking maintenance of the ship. The USNS Charles Drew will be at Kattupalli shipyard for a period of 11 days and undergo repairs in various areas.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    4th India-Bangladesh Annual Defence Dialogue.

    The 4th India-Bangladesh Annual Defence Dialogue, co-chaired by Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar and Principal Staff Officer of Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh Lt Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman, was held in New Delhi on August 11, 2022. During their interaction, they reviewed ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries and expressed satisfaction that collaboration is growing despite difficulties imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Both sides emphasised the need to work closely to implement the USD 500 million line of credit extended from India for defence items.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Indian Air Force to participate in bilateral exercise hosted by Malaysia

    A contingent of the Indian Air Force left for Malaysia today to participate in a bilateral exercise named ‘Udarashakti’. Indian Air Force is participating in the air exercise with Su-30 MKI and C-17 aircraft while the RMAF will be flying Su 30 MKM aircraft. The Indian contingent departed from one of its air bases directly for their destination, the RMAF base of Kuantan. The exercise will give an opportunity to IAF contingent members to share and learn best practices with some of the best professionals from RMAF, while also discussing mutual combat capabilities. The four days of exercise will witness conduct of various aerial combat drills between the two Air Forces. The aim of the exercise was to achieve inter-operability and to acquaint each other with operational procedures and combat drills in a Counter Terrorism environment under United Nations mandate.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Indo Oman Joint Military Exercise Al Najaf IV concluded.
    The Indo Oman Joint Military Exercise Al Najaf IV concluded at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges today. A solemn Closing Ceremony marked the culmination of the exercise. This platoon level 13 days exercise had commenced on 01 August 2022.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Bengaluru-based start-up innovates communication through Quantum Key Distribution Systems.

    QNu Labs, a Bengaluru-based Deep Tech Start-up, has broken distance barriers by innovating advanced secured communication through Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems. The project was curated by iDEX-DIO with Indian Army. After the successful trials, now the Indian Army has initiated the process of procurement of QKD systems developed by QNu Labs by issuing commercial Request For Proposal (RFP) and its deployment.

    Quantum technology has a huge potential for military application and a disruptive impact on modern-day warfare. A QKD system allows creation of a quantum secure secret pair of symmetric keys between two end points, separated by certain distance (in this case, over 150 Kms) in terrestrial optical fiber infrastructure.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    India gifts Dornier aircraft to strengthen maritime security of Sri Lanka.

    India gifted a Dornier Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft on 15 August 2022 towards strengthening the maritime security of Sri Lanka at a special event held in Sri Lanka Air Force Base, Katunayake. Navy and Air Force personnel of Sri Lanka who received training in India for close to four months shall operate the aircraft. They will also receive operational support from their Indian counterparts.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

    Africa
    Nigeria
    Around 1,755 Boko Haram terrorists surrendered during the Operation HADIN KAI at various locations.

    During a week of the Operation HADIN KAI at various locations in Nigeria, around 1,755 Boko Haram terrorists and their families, comprising of 280 male, 523 females, and 925 Children, surrendered before the Nigerian troops, and handed over to relevant authorities. According to the out-going Defence Media Operations spokesman— Maj Gen Bernard Onyenko, “troops ambushed the hideouts of Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists along Road Uzoro-Gadamayo in Adamawa State.”

    Likewise, airstrikes were carried out on 03 August 2022 as a part of Operation HADIN KAI at Degbawa near Mandara Mountains in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. During the airstrike, a key ISWAP commander— Alhaji Modu aka Bem Bem and his associates were eliminated. “Within a week of the same operation, Nigerian troops eliminated 29 terrorists, arrested 55 terrorists, and rescued 52 civilians. Also, troops recovered 128 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunitions, 05 bicycles, 12 AK-47 rifles, 04 motorbikes, and 05 mobile phones,” confirmed Maj Gen Onyenko.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Niger
    Several Boko Haram terrorists were killed in an airstrike in Shiroro LGA.

    On 14 August 2022, the Niger’s Federal Government posted on official Twitter handle that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) carried out an airstrike and have eliminated several Boko Haram terrorists, while attending a meeting called by a key commander— Aminu Duniya, in Kurebe in Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA), Niger. The operation was conducted by ground and air force of the Nigerian armed forces.

    “While @HQNigerianArmy troops laid siege around the location, @NigAirForce aircraft were directed to the suspected location of the terrorists. Several terrorists were confirmed killed after the strike, though it remains unclear if Aminu Duniya was also neutralized.”— Government of Nigeria (@NigeriaGov).
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Afghanistan
    Islamic State carried out an attack in Kabul and killed a prominent Taliban cleric.

    On 11 August 2022, the Islamic State (IS) carried out an attack and killed a prominent Taliban cleric— Rahimullah Haqqani, at his religious centre in Kabul, Afghanistan. According to the Taliban officials, the attack was carried out with explosives hidden in a plastic artificial leg. There have been several attacks on Taliban leaders and often target religious & ethnic minorities, since the Taliban came into power forcefully in Afghanistan.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    “Al-Qa’ida has not reconstituted its presence in Afghanistan,” claimed new US intelligence assessment.

    According to the recent US intelligence assessment, the consensus view of the intelligence community is that “while fewer than a dozen al-Qa’ida core members remain in Afghanistan, Zawahiri was the only key figure who had tried to re-establish himself in the country after US forces departed.” According to the assessment, any surviving al-Qa’ida militants are not conspiring on an external attack, and the organisation as a whole “does not have capabilities to launch strikes against the United States (US) or its interests abroad from Afghanistan.”

    “US will continue to remain vigilant, along with our partners, to defend our nation and ensure that Afghanistan never again becomes a safe haven for terrorism,” said US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Islamic State claimed responsibility for a bomb attack in Kabul.

    On 05 August 2022, Islamic State (IS) terror organisation carried out a bomb blast in which at least eight people were killed and 18 wounded, in a Shi’ite residential area in Kabul in Afghanistan. According to a senior Taliban security official, “explosives were placed in a vegetable cart. There is a possibility of rise in death toll because many of the wounded people had critical wounds.”
    For more information: Click here to read…

    DOMESTIC TERRORISM

    Jammu and Kashmir
    NIA officials searched various locations in Doda and Jammu districts in “JeI-J&K Terror Financing” case.

    On 08 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials searched premises of six suspects in Doda district and one suspect’s house in Jammu district of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), in the case related to Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI)-J&K terror funding case.

    The case— RC-03/2021/NIA/DLI related to the financing activities of the JeI-J&K, which even after its declaration as the Unlawful Association in 2019, continues to raise funds in various forms under the shadow of charitable purposes. However, these funds were diverted to terrorist organisations, such as Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and others for carrying out terrorist activities in Kashmir valley and rest of India. During the search, the NIA personnel recovered incriminating material, receipt of funds raised by the JeI-J&K, bank and property related documents, and electronic devices.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Security forces killed a key LeT terrorist in Budgam.
    Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)’s terrorist— Lateef Ahmad Rather was involved in killings of several civilians, including Rahul Bhat— a clerk and TV actor— Amreen Bhat in May 2022. On 10 August 2022, security forces killed Lateef Ahmad Rather in exchange of fire in Waterhail area of Budgam district in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

    In 2000, Rather joined terrorism and was involved in random terrorist incidents in the Valley. Since March 2022, Rather was directly involved in six terrorist attacks in the various areas of Kashmir.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    JKGF carried out a grenade attack in Ramban.
    On 02 August 2022, terrorists of Jammu-Kashmir Ghaznavi Force (JKGF), an off-shoot of terror group— Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) carried out a grenade attack on the police post in Gool area of Ramban district in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). However, the attack was thwarted by the Sentry deployed at the post as he noticed suspicious movement around the post and fired some rounds of ammunition at terrorists. Police found a letter in which JKGF claimed the responsibility of the attack.

    To evade international scrutiny and carry-on terrorist activities, post-Pulwama attack in 2019, JeM formed the JKGF terror group. The JKGF comprises of operatives from other terrorist groups, including Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM), al-Badr, Ansar Ghazwat ul-Hind (AGuH), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). “A grenade blast has occurred near the premises of police post which falls in the jurisdiction of police station gool. A letter has also been found claiming it to be done by JKGF. The Special Operations Group (SOG) and Army teams have been mobilised for cordon and search. The case has been registered and investigation in progress,” said Mukesh Singh, ADG Jammu.
    For more information: https://www.republicworld.com/india-news/general-news/grenade-attack-on-police-post-in-ramban-ghaznavi-force-claims-responsibility-articleshow.html” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

    Left-Wing Extremism
    Maoist woman leader surrendered in Andhra Pradesh.

    On 06 August 2022, a Maoist woman leader— Podiam Jogamma aka Ritika surrendered before the police in Andhra Pradesh. According to police records, Jogamma was involved in the gun-battle with Chhattisgarh police in 2021 in which 22 police personnel attained Veergati and three Maoists were killed.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
    NIA officials arrested 10th accused in “Amravati killing case”.

    On 11 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested Shaikh Shakeel, a 28 years-old, for his alleged involvement in the conspiracy of the murder of Umesh Pralhadrao Kolhe in Amravati, Maharashtra. Earlier, nine accused had already been arrested in the same case on 23 June, 24 June, 25 June, 02 July, and 02 August.
    Umesh Pralhadrao Kolhe, a chemist by profession, was killed on 21 June 2022 in Amravati (Maharashtra), a week before the murder of Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur, Rajasthan.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Police demolished an illegal madrassa linked with al-Qa’ida-affiliate group in Assam.

    On 04 August 2022, Assam police demolished an illegal madrassa managed by alleged ‘funding-handler’ of al-Qa’ida affiliate group— Ansar ul-Islam (AuI) at Moriabari in Morigaon district in Assam. On 27 July 2022, Mufti Mustafa, an operative of al-Qa’ida in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and the man behind madrassa, was arrested.

    So far, total 28 AQIS operatives have been arrested in Assam, including a Bangladeshi national. Assam has already shutdown about 600 State-run madrassas and turned them into regular schools. However, about 1,000 madrassas are still active and operational. The demolition of Moriabari madrassa was in accordance with the Disaster Management Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A].
    For more information: Click here to read…

    NIA arrested two JMB operatives from Madhya Pradesh in connection with “JMB Bhopal case”.

    On 07 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested two Jamaat ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) operatives— i) Hamidullah aka Raju Gaji, and ii) Mohammad Sahadat Hussain aka Abidullah, from the Police Station— Eint Khedi in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

    The case— RC-11/2022/NIA/DLI is related to the arrest of six JMB operatives, including three illegal Bangladeshi immigrants from Aishbagh in Bhopal. The arrested operatives were involved in propagating JMB ideology and luring the youth to carryout jihad against India. The arrested duo— Hamidullah and Sahadat were close associates of earlier arrested JMB operatives and were communicating with their associates in India and Bangladesh via encrypted application.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    NIA officials arrested 09th accused in “Udaipur killing case”.

    On 10 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested Muslim Khan aka Muslim Raza, for his alleged involvement in killing of Kanhaiya Lal Teli, a tailor by profession, in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Muslim Khan is a 09th accused in the same case.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    NIA officials searched and arrested an IS “fund raiser” from Delhi.

    On 06 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials carried out a search operation and arrested an Islamic State (IS) operative— Mohsin Ahmad, from Batla House, New Delhi, for his alleged involvement in collection of funds for IS from sympathisers in India as well as abroad.
    The case— RC-26/2022/NIA/DLI was registered suo-moto by NIA on 25 June 2022. Allegedly, Mohsin was transferring the funds to Syria and other places in form of cryptocurrency in order to further the activities of IS.
    For more information: Click here to read… `

    UP ATS arrested an IS operative from Azamgarh.

    The Uttar Pradesh (UP) Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), on 09 August 2022, foiled a conspiracy to target Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) members and arrested an Islamic State (IS) operative— Sabahudeen Azmi from Azamgarh, UP. The ATS team recovered an illegal firearm and raw materials which are useful in preparing a “pipe bomb”. The preliminary investigation revealed that Sabahudeen was in contact with two other IS recruiters— i) Abu Umar, and ii) Abu Bakar al-Shami.
    According to the ATS officials, on the basis of anonymity, Sabahudeen was radicalising more people to join IS through social media platforms and also created a Telegram channel ‘Al-Saqr Media’ to brainwash Indian Muslim youth.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    NIA filed a supplementary chargesheet against an al-Qa’ida operative in “al-Qa’ida Lucknow case”.

    On 03 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a supplementary chargesheet before the NIA Special Court, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, against an al-Qa’ida operative— Umar Halmandi, based on Afghanistan-Pakistan border was radicalising and recruiting youth for the al-Qa’ida in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). Umar was accused of raising an al-Qa’ida module and a chapter of Ansar Ghazwat ul-Hind (AGuH) in Lucknow to carryout terrorist activities.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Khalistan-inspired Extremism
    SFJ threatened to replace Tiranga with ‘Khalistan’ flag at Attari border in Amritsar, Punjab.

    Against Indian government’s campaign of Har Ghar Tiranga (Tiranga in every house), the proscribed unlawful organisation— Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) issued a statement in which its chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannu said that his organisation will start the Ghar Ghar Khalistan (Khalistan in every house) campaign and had threatened to replace India’s tallest national flag at the International Border of India-Pakistan at Attari, Amritsar, with the so-called Khalistan flag on 15 August 2022.

    In one of the videos circulated on social media, a veiled woman, who identified herself as a ‘Kashmiri Mujahid’, vows support for the Khalistan and called for the removal of Tiranga at the Attari border.
    For more information: https://newindian.in/sfj-threatens-to-replace-indias-tallest-tiranga-with-khalistan-flag/” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

    Canada-based drug cartels are trying to revive Khalistan movement in India.

    Indian security agencies are suspecting the revival of Khalistan movement in India, which is being handled from Canada and Pakistan by involving the narco-terror network run by India-Canadian gangsters who operate out of Canada. The agencies had been tracking links between the late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala with the India-Canadian criminal network, which has penetrated and entrenched deeply within the Canadian law enforcement, including its intelligence agencies.

    According to Indian intelligence officials, pro-Khalistan sentiments are now wielding influence inside Canadian government offices due to the electoral power that some members of their group have in that country.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    SFJ announced to hold ‘Canadian phase’ of Khalistan Referendum in September 2022.

    The banned unlawful organisation— Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) announced to hold ‘Canadian phase’ of Khalistan Referendum on 18 September 2022 in Toronto, Canada. In Referendum, the Canadian-Sikhs will vote on the question— “Should India governed Punjab be an independent country?”. The SFJ named the voting centre in Toronto after “Shaheed Harjinder Singh Pahra”, a young pro-Khalistan Sikh who went back to India from Canada to participate in violent movement against Indian Army’s counter-insurgency operation at the Golden Temple in Amritsar in 1984.

    “The referendum will be held in various phases during which the voting will take place across Canada, including cities of Ottawa, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Surrey,” said the SFJ in a statement.
    For more information: Click here to read…

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

    DEFENCE

    • DRDO conducts successful maiden flight of Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator.
    • Indian Army organised the “Suraksha Manthan 2022”.
    • New manufacturing facilities at Bharat Dynamics Limited.
    • Indian Navy ships visit Singapore, Republic of Seychellesand a long range overseas deployment.
    • CEO of French aircraft engine maker SAFRAN Group calls on Raksha Mantri (RM).
    • 6th Deputy National Security Adviser Level Meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave.
    • Indian Navy’s INS Satpura and P8i participate in the RIMPAC Harbour Phase.
    • Indian Air Force contingent participating in a exercise with the Egyptian Air Force (EAF) in Egypt.
    • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre of Excellence (Coe) launched by IAF.
    • First-ever ‘AI in Defence’ symposium & exhibition in New Delhi.
    • Brazilian Navy delegation on visit to India.
    • Ministry of Defence sets up an Apex Committee for Performance and Efficiency Audit.

    INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

    West Asia
    • “Hizbu’llah used Iranian drones against the Karish gas field”, claimed Israel’s Defence Minister.
    Africa
    Nigeria
    • Islamist attack freed hundreds of prisoners in Nigeria.
    Pakistan
    • Ahead of FATF’s visit, Pakistan doubled the efforts to ‘locate’ JeM chief Masood Azhar.

    DOMESTIC TERRORISM

    Jammu and Kashmir
    • NIA searched multiple locations in Kashmir in “Sunjwan terrorist attack” case.
    • Security forces eliminated two terrorists, including a JeM commander, in Pulwama.
    • “In last four years, 700 local youths were recruited by terror groups in UT of J&K”: MHA.
    Left-Wing Extremism
    • Police arrested a Maoist wanted in SP’s killing case.
    • Over 600 explosives and 495 detonators recovered in anti-Maoist operation in Bihar.
    • 50 IEDs seized from Aurangabad in Bihar.
    Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
    • NIA Special Court (Ernakulam) convicted three Islamic State members in “ISIS Valapattanam case”.
    • NIA searched multiple locations in Rajasthan in “Udaipur killing” case.
    • NIA conducted search at multiple locations in Maharashtra in “Umesh Kolhe’s killing” case.
    Khalistan-inspired Extremism
    • NIA filed chargesheet against four KTF associates accused of conspiring the killing of a Hindu priest in Jalandhar.
    • MEA raised concerns over the participation of Australian Sikh soldiers at pro-Khalistan event in New South Wales, Australia.
    • Pro-Khalistan elements vandalized Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in Canada.
    • Police arrested a pro-Khalistan supporter from Jalandhar.

    DEFENCE

    DRDO conducts successful maiden flight of Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator.

    Maiden flight of the Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator was carried out successfully by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Operating in a fully autonomous mode, the aircraft exhibited a perfect flight, including take-off, way point navigation and a smooth touchdown. It is powered by a small turbofan engine, the airframe, undercarriage and entire flight control and avionics systems used for the aircraft were developed indigenously.This flight marks a major milestone in terms of proving critical technologies towards the development of future unmanned aircraft.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Indian Army organised the “Suraksha Manthan 2022”.

    The Desert Corps of the Indian Army organised the “Suraksha Manthan 2022”, on aspects of Border & Coastal Security at Jodhpur (Rajasthan). During the course of the discussions, aspects of interoperability, operational cohesion and logistics were ironed out in order to enhance overall security along the International Boundary (IB) and coastal sectors. A joint training calendar was also formulated to achieve a higher degree of interoperability and jointness amongst the security forces. Current security threats and challenges, along with joint mitigation response, were deliberated upon and such scenarios would now form part of the forthcoming exercises. It was further decided to create an enabling security environment and develop a tangible capability development road map to achieve the same.
    Reference: Click here to read…

    New manufacturing facilities at Bharat Dynamics Limited

    Raksha Mantri dedicated to the Nation a number of new manufacturing facilities set up by the Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU). These include a Warhead facility at the Bhanur Unit and a Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker facility at Kanchanbagh Unit. The RF Seeker Facility, which was virtually inaugurated by the Raksha Mantri, is an integrated Centre for production & testing of RF seekers. This facility has been established by BDL with an investment of Rs 50 crore.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Indian Navy ships visit Singapore, Republic of Seychelles and long range overseas deployment

    As part of their deployment to South East Asia, Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Kadmatt under the Command of Rear Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, NM, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, visited Singapore from 01 – 03 July 2022. INS Sahyadri is an indigenously built multi-role stealth Frigate and INS Kadmatt is an indigenously built ASW Corvette.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    INS Kolkata, an indigenously built Stealth Guided Missile Destroyer of the Indian Navy, was deployed to Port Victoria, Seychelles to coincide with the Independence Day of Seychelles on 29 June 22. During the port call, INS Kolkata delivered two engines of Dornier Aircraft of the SDF, which were overhauled at Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), Hyderabad. A set of engineering spares were also delivered to Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) for sustenance of SCG ships.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    As a part of the Long range overseas deployment, Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Tarkash, visited Djibouti as part of her long range overseas deployment followed by Maritime Partnership Exercise with Sudan Navy. The ship is on a deployment to Rio de Janerio, Brazil, which is intended to coincide with the Independence Day enabling her to hoist the tricolour in South America on the occasion as part of AzadikaAmritMahotsav.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    CEO of French aircraft engine maker SAFRAN Group calls on Raksha Mantri (RM)

    A high-level delegation of French company Safran Group led by its CEO Mr Olivier Andries called on Raksha Mantri in New Delhi on July 05, 2022. During the meeting, the CEO of Safran briefed the Raksha Mantri of their company’s plans to set up a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India for overhaul of LEAP-1A & LEAP-1B engines in use by Indian and foreign commercial airlines. The MRO facility through direct foreign investment of $US 150 million in Hyderabad is expected to create 500-600 highly skilled jobs. The facility will be able to overhaul over 250 engines per year in the beginning.

    The CEO also briefed Shri Rajnath Singh of their plan to inaugurate this week Safran Aircraft Engines and Safran Electrical & Power India Pvt Ltd. – both to come up in Hyderabad and Safran-HAL Aircraft Engines as a joint venture in Bengaluru. Safran aircraft engine, Hyderabad, with an investment of Euro 36 million and located on 10 acres land in the Hyderabad SEZ, will produce parts and components for advanced aircraft engines including rotating seals. Safran Electrical & Power India Pt Ltd will produce harness for civil and fighter jets. The joint venture between Safran and HAL is for production of rigid piping for aircraft engines including helicopter engines. The joint venture is expected to hire 160 new highly skilled personnel.

    The CEO of Safran outlined his company’s long-term plan in co-development and co-production of advanced jet engines and transfer of technology as per existing policy of Government of India. He briefed Shri Rajnath Singh on capabilities of Safran in areas of technology beyond aircraft engine.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    6th Deputy National Security Adviser Level Meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave

    The Member States of the Colombo Security Conclave comprising India, Maldives, Mauritius and Sri Lanka, successfully concluded the 6th Deputy National Security Adviser level meeting held on 7 July 2022 hosted by the National Security Council Secretariat of India in Kochi. Delegations from Bangladesh and Seychelles participated as Observers.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Indian Navy’s INS Satpura and P8i participate in the RIMPAC Harbour Phase

    Indian Navy’s indigenous Frigate INS Satpura and P8I LRMRASW aircraft are at Pearl Harbour in Hawaii taking part in one of the largest multilateral Naval Exercises, the Rim of the Pacific exercise, also known as RIMPAC. INS Satpura and one P8I maritime patrol aircraft are participating in the exercise which spans over six weeks of intense operations and training aimed at enhancing interoperability and building trust among Navies of friendly foreign countries. 28 countries, 38 warships, 09 land forces, 31 unmanned systems, 170 aircraft and over 25,000 personnel are participating in the multi-dimensional exercise. The sea phase commences on 12 Jul 22 and will culminate with the closing ceremony on 04 Aug 22.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Indian Air Force contingent participating in an exercise with the Egyptian Air Force (EAF) in Egypt

    Indian Air Force contingent is reaching the midway point of the Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) at Egyptian Air Force (EAF) Weapon School in Egypt (Cairo West Airbase). The programme commenced on 24 Jun and will culminate on 23 Jul 22. IAF is participating with three Su-30 MKI aircraft. Two C-17 aircraft were used for induction of the contingent. IAF Su-30 MKI aircraft undertook a non-stop ferry of six hours from Jamnagar airbase (India) to Cairo West airbase (Egypt), overflying four countries enroute. Tactical Leadership Program is a unique exercise, wherein IAF is participating with its aircrew as instructors. This exercise provides a good opportunity to showcase the reach and capability of the IAF. It will also assist in enhancing defence cooperation between the two countries and exchange of best practices.

    During the first two weeks of the exercise IAF aircraft participated in missions by day and night, involving air to ground & air to air combat scenarios and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) activity alongside Egyptian F-16, Rafale and Mig 29 aircraft.
    Reference: Click here to read…

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre of Excellence (Coe) launched by IAF

    The IAF Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence under the aegis of UDAAN (Unit for Digitisation, Automation, Artificial Intelligence and Application Networking) was inaugurated by Air Marshal Sandeep Singh, Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS).

    A Big Data Analytics and Al Platform has been commissioned in the IAF’s Al Centre, for handling all aspects of Analytics, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Neural Networks and Deep Learning algorithms. The high-end compute requirements would be undertaken by the latest Graphical Processing Unit powered servers.Addressing the gathering, VCAS said that IAF has taken proactive steps to embed Industry 4.0 and Al based technologies in its war fighting processes. He reiterated that the AI COE with high end compute and big data storage capabilities, coupled with full spectrum Al software suites, would substantially enhance operational capability of IAF.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    First-ever ‘AI in Defence’ symposium & exhibition in New Delhi

    RakshaMantri launched 75 newly-developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) products/technologies during the first-ever ‘AI in Defence’ (AIDef) symposium and exhibition, organised by Ministry of Defence in New Delhi. The products, launched as part of ‘AzadiKaAmritMahotsav’ celebrations, fall under various domains. These includeAI Platform Automation; Autonomous/Unmanned/Robotics systems; Block Chain-based Automation; Command, Control, Communication, Computer & Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance; Cyber Security; Human Behavioural Analysis; Intelligent Monitoring Systems; Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems; Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Operational Data Analytics; Manufacturing and Maintenance; Simulators/Test Equipment and speech/voice analysis using Natural Language Processing.

    The RakshaMantri added that several MoUs have been signed with the industry for faster promotion of AI applications in the Services. Many AI-related challenges under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiatives have also been given. The challenges are under various domains, including Radio Frequency Spectrum Management, Underwater Domain Awareness, Satellite Image Analysis and Friend or Foe Identification System. He urged the industry and start-ups to explore newer avenues and work hand-in-hand with the Government to ensure complete self-reliance in the field of AI technology.

    Delivering the welcome address, Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar lauded the proactive efforts of the three Services, DRDO, DPSUs & the Industry in developing these 75 products and contributing to strengthen national security. He added that over 100 more projects are in various levels of development.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Brazilian Navy delegation on visit to India

    A Brazilian Navy delegation led by Vice Admiral Liberal Enio Zanelatto, Director of Industrial Production & Engineering, visited New Delhi on 15 Jul 22 and held discussion with senior officers of the Indian Navy. The head of the Brazilian delegation also called on Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani, Chief of Materiel, Indian Navy. Earlier, Brazilian delegation also visited Headquarters Western Naval Command and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd at Mumbai on 11 and 12 Jul 22 respectively.

    Extensive discussions between Brazilian and Indian Navy leadership, on areas of mutual cooperation, with special focus on submarine maintenance, in addition as general maintenance philosophy, upgradation of weapons and sensors, and Indian Navy’s indigenisation efforts for achieving self-reliance.
    Reference: Click here to read…

    Ministry of Defence sets up an Apex Committee for Performance and Efficiency Audit

    The Ministry of Defence has set up an institutional mechanism comprising of an Apex committee with Defence Secretary as Chairman to conduct a Performance and Efficiency Audit into various aspects of its activities. This kind of audit is expected to provide valuable inputs to the top management of the Ministry of specific shortcomings, if any, in planning and execution of projects, and suggest systemic improvements in internal controls, soundness of financial procedures, identification of risk factors, etc. It is a major shift from the existing transaction-based compliance audit to carry out an outcome-based Performance/ Efficiency Audit aimed at enhancing overall efficiency.The members of the committee include Vice Chiefs of the three Services, Secretary Defence (Finance), Chief of Integrated Staff Committee (CISC), Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA), Director General (Acquisition) and other senior officials of Ministry of Defence and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

    The broad areas that have been identified for the conduct of Performance and Efficiency Audit include Defence Capital Procurements, provisioning, logistics, inventory levels, Maintenance of platforms/ assets, role and performance of Authority Holding Sealed Particulars (AHSP) etc. the Apex committee can also recommend any other specific area for Performance and Efficiency Audit.

    The committee chaired by Defence Secretary will identify specific areas for the conduct of performance and audit by CGDA and monitor performance audit reports and action taken thereon. It also shall advise Raksha Mantri on remedial measures to be adopted as well as measures for overall improvement in strengthening of internal oversight and Risk Management Framework.
    Reference: Click here to read…

    INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

    West Asia
    “Hizbu’llah used Iranian drones against the Karish gas field”, claimed Israel’s Defence Minister.

    In a briefing to military reporters, on 07 July 2022, Israel’s Defence Minister Benny Gantz confirmed the use of Iranian drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) against the Karish gas field. “It should be said that the attack was carried out by Hizbu’llah on behest of Iran, and its weapons are made in Iran, whether it is manufactured there or knowledge acquired by them.
    On 02 July 2022, the Israel Defence Force (IDF) shot three UAVs by Hezbollah toward Karish rig, which is located within Israel’s economic waters but disputed by Lebanon.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Africa
    Nigeria
    Islamist attack freed hundreds of prisoners in Nigeria

    Suspected Islamists gunmen, armed with explosives, attacked on Kuje medium security prison, on the outskirts of Abuja and freed nearly 900 of prison’s 994 inmates, including number of terrorists. “They [gunmen] came in numbers, gained entrance into the prison, and released ‘some’ of the inmates,” said Nigeria’s Defence Minister— Bashir Magashi during a press briefing on 06 July 2022.

    Prison breaks have become more common in Nigeria, where in 2021, more than 1,800 prisoners escaped from Owerri prison in South-Eastern Imo state, after heavily armed men attacked with explosives.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Pakistan
    Ahead of FATF’s visit, Pakistan doubled the efforts to ‘locate’ JeM chief Masood Azhar

    Ahead of the visit of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) officials to assess Pakistan’s commitment to carried out task list actions, Pakistan has doubled its efforts against Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief and founder— Masood Azhar, and his brother Rauf Asghar. While Rauf Asghar was taken into custody along with 44 JeM terrorists in 2019, the establishment is assessing Masood Azhar’s whereabouts, including his doubtful presence in Pakistan.

    From 28 August-02 September, a team of senior FATF officials expected to visit Islamabad and other cities for an ‘on-site visit’, to verify if Pakistan has carried out all the actions mentioned on its 34-point task list. Pakistan is expected to be taken-off of ‘grey list’, during the FATF’s next plenary session in October 2022.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    DOMESTIC TERRORISM

    Jammu and Kashmir
    NIA searched multiple locations in Kashmir in “Sunjwan terrorist attack” case

    On 13 July 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials carried out a search operation at three locations in Kashmir— 01 location in Pulwama district, and 02 locations in Anantnag district, in the case (RC-03/2022/NIA/JMU) related to indiscriminate firing upon security personnel on 22 April 2022, during a joint search operation in the area of Sunjwan, Jammu, in which an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) attained Veergati(fell in the battle), and several others were injured.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Security forces eliminated two terrorists, including a JeM commander, in Pulwama

    On 11 July 2022, security forces killed two terrorists, including a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) commander, in an operation in Wandakhpora village in Awantipora in Pulwama district. The JeM commander was identified as Kaiser Koka and was active in South Kashmir for the last four years.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    “In last four years, 700 local youths were recruited by terror groups in UT of J&K”: MHA

    According to the data available with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), as on 05 July 2022, a total of 82 foreign terrorists were operating in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), while there were 59 local terrorists. In last four years, terrorist groups managed to recruit 700 local youths into their fold, while 141 terrorists, are currently active in the Valley. Such large number highlighted the unabated infiltration from terror launch pads across the border. Mostly, terrorists belong to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its offshoot— The Resistance Front (TRF), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM).
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Left-Wing Extremism
    Police arrested a Maoist wanted in SP’s killing case, from Jharkhand

    In a joint operation, Jharkhand Police and CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) arrested a Maoist— Nandlal Soren aka Hitesh, a member of the Special Area Committee of the CPI (Maoist), from Giridih district in Jharkhand. Nandlal Soren was carrying a bounty reward of ₹ 25 lakh.

    Soren was wanted in the killing of then-Superintendent of Police (SP) Amarjeet Balihar, and other police personnel in an ambush in 2013.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Over 600 explosives and 495 detonators recovered in anti-Maoist operation in Bihar

    In an anti-Maoist operation carried out during 04-11 July 2022 in Bihar, more than 600 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and around 500 detonators have been recovered by CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), a special jungle-warfare commando unit of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The recoveries were made from the jungles of Gaya district in Bihar.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    50 IEDs seized from Aurangabad in Bihar

    On 11 July 2022, the CRPF’s CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), the Special Task Force (STF), and the district police carried out a joint operation on Ajnawa mountain range in Aurangabad district and recovered 50 IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) and other equipment. Other equipment included over two dozen gelatin rods, electric wires, batteries, pipes used in manufacturing of bombs were recovered.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
    NIA Special Court (Ernakulam) convicted three Islamic State members in “ISIS Valapattanam case”

    On 12 July 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court, Ernakulam convicted three Islamic State (IS) members— i) Midlaj, ii) Abdul Razak, and iii) Hamsa, for providing support and conspiring a plan to travel out of India to join the terrorist organisation in Syria.

    After thorough investigation, the case— RC-02/2017/NIA/KOC was taken over by the NIA for further investigation by the NIA on 16 December 2017. A chargesheet was filed by the NIA on 21 April 2018 against the IS members.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    NIA searched multiple locations in Rajasthan in “Udaipur killing” case

    On 12 July 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials searched nine locations in Udaipur district in Rajasthan in “Udaipur killing case”. The case— RC-27/2022/NIA/DLI pertains to the killing of Shri Kanahiya Lal Teli in Udaipur, Rajasthan, by two Islamic extremists armed with sharp weapons at his shop located in Maaldas street, Udaipur, Rajasthan. On 29 June 2022, the NIA re-registered the case and taken over the investigation. During the search at the premises of both Islamic extremists, digital devices, including mobile phones, laptop and SIM cards, and other indiscriminating material was seized.
    Earlier, on 09 July 2022, the NIA arrested Farhad Mohammad Sheikh aka Babla, in relation to Shri Kanahiya Lal Teli’s murder conspiracy. Farhad Mohammad was a close associate of one of the main perpetrator— RiyazAttari.
    For more information: Click here to read… ; Click here to read…

    NIA conducted search at multiple locations in Maharashtra in “Umesh Kolhe’s killing” case

    On 06 July 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials searched 13 locations in Amravati district in Maharashtra in the case of killing of Shri Umesh Kolhe in Amravati on 21 June 2022.

    The case— RC-02/2022/NIA/MUM relates to the killing of a pharmacist— Shri Umesh Kolhe allegedly on account of certain social media posts. The NIA re-registered the case on 02 July 2022 and taken over the investigation. During the search, the officials recovered digital devices, including mobile phones, SIM cards, memory cards, and DVRs), pamphlets spreading hate messages, knives, and other incriminating documents and materials.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Khalistan-inspired Extremism
    NIA filed chargesheet against four KTF associates accused of conspiring the killing of a Hindu priest in Jalandhar

    On 04 July 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a chargesheet at the NIA Special Court (Mohali) against four Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) associates— i) Kamaljeet Sharma, ii) Arshdeep Singh, iii) Hardeep Singh Nijjar, and iv) Ram Singh, for conspiring the killing of a Hindu priest in Jalandhar, Punjab.
    The case— RC-27/2021/NIA/DLI pertains to an attack on a Hindu priest— Kamaldeep Sharma, native of Bhar Singh Pura village in Phillaur, Jalandhar district. According to the investigation, the conspiracy was hatched by Arshdeep Singh and Harshdeep Singh Nijjar, both based in Canada, to disturb peace and communal harmony in Punjab by killing a Hindu priest. The arrested duo, Kamaljeet Sharma and Ram Singh, had shot the victim (Kamaldeep Sharma), on behest of Arshdeep Singh.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    MEA raised concerns over the participation of Australian Sikh soldiers at pro-Khalistan event in New South Wales, Australia

    As the reports about Australian Army Sikh delegation’s participation in pro-Khalistan event in New South Wales, Australia, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), on 07 July 2022, has taken up the concern over the matter with the Australian government.

    “We came to know that there had been an instance in Australia. We have taken up the matter with the Australian government,” said MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Pro-Khalistan elements vandalized Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in Canada

    On 13 July 2022, allegedly pro-Khalistan supporters vandalised the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Vishnu temple in Toronto, Canada. The statue had existed at the Vishnu temple in the area of Yonge Street and Garden Avenue for over three decades.
    “We are deeply anguished by this hate crime that seeks to terrorise the Indian community. It has led to increased concern and insecurity in the Indian community here. We have approached the Canadian government to investigate and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice swiftly,” observations made by the High Commission of India in Ottawa.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Police arrested a pro-Khalistan supporter from Jalandhar

    On the intervening night of 14-15 June 2022, police arrested Manjeet Singh, resident of Patiala, for reportedly writing pro-Khalistan slogans on the walls in Jalandhar. According to police, similar cases had been registered against Manjeet in Karnal, and other districts in Punjab. During the probe, Manjeet revealed that an unknown person approached him through social media and offered money for writing pro-Khalistan comments on Facebook (now Meta), YouTube and other channels.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    VIF News Digest: National Security – Defence Studies & Terrorism, 16-30 June 2022

    DEFENCE

    • Joint Military Exercise “Ex SAMPRITI-X” concludes.
    • Extension of entry age: Agnipath Scheme.
    • Agnipath – Raksha Mantri approves 10% reservation of jobs for Agniveers in Indian Coast Guard, Defence Civilian posts & 16 DPSUs.
    • Multinational Peacekeeping Exercise “Ex Khaan Quest -2022” culminates.
    • India and Australia discuss ways to enhance defence cooperation during bilateral talks.
    • Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile successfully flight-tested.
    • IAF to participate in tactical leadership programme with Egyptian Air Force.
    • Indian Air Force conducted the Capstone Seminar at Air Force Auditorium, New Delhi, marking the culmination of the first Warfare & Aerospace Strategy Program (WASP).
    • India and Malaysia decide to enhance defence cooperation.
    • INS Satpura to participate in RIMPAC-22.
    • Indigenously-developed Laser-Guided ATGM successfully tested.
    • High speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) was successfully flight-tested.
    • India and & Saudi Arabia discuss ways to enhance bilateral defence cooperation.
    • India delivers 6 tons of medical assistance to Afghanistan.
    • Fourth India-Japan Cyber Dialogue.

    INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

    Africa
    Somalia
    • Security forces killed at least 67 al-Shabaab terrorists in a foiled attack in Galgaduud region.
    Nigeria
    • Security forces killed 47 Boko Haram terrorists and rescued a Chibok girl in Borno.
    Afghanistan
    • IS-KP claimed responsibility for Karte Parwan Gurudwara attack in Kabul.
    Pakistan
    • Pakistan remained on FATF’s ‘grey list’.
    • China blocked India-US’ joint move to designate deputy chief of LeT as terrorist under the UNSC sanctions.

    DOMESTIC TERRORISM

    Jammu and Kashmir
    • NIA officials searched multiple locations in the UT of J&K in ‘J&K Terror Conspiracy’ case.
    • Security forces killed three terrorists in two separate CT operations in Pulwama and Baramulla.
    • NIA officials searched multiple locations in the UT of J&K and arrested a terrorist in ‘TRF Conspiracy’ case.
    • “Security forces have eliminated 118 terrorists, mostly of LeT, since January 2022”: claimed J&K Police.
    • NIA officials searched multiple locations in the UT of J&K and arrested four OGWs from Pulwama.
    • Security forces killed four HM terrorists in two CT operations in Anantnag and Kulgam.
    Left-Wing Extremism
    • NIA officials arrested a Maoist in connection with ‘Edakkara Maoist’ case.
    • Three CRPF personnel attained Veergati in Maoist attack in Odisha.
    • NIA officials raided multiple locations in Telangana and arrested three Maoists in ‘Peddabayalu CPI (Maoist) recruitment’ case
    Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
    • Two Islamic extremists beheaded a tailor in Rajasthan over his support to Nupur Sharma’s statement on Prophet Mohammad.
    Khalistan-inspired Extremism
    • Ahead of political roadshow, Khalistan slogan found at Sangrur temple gate.
    Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs)
    • NIA officials searched two locations in West Bengal in case of ‘Seizure of FICN at Kolkata’.
    • NIA filed chargesheet against four FICN traffickers in case of ‘Seizure of FICN and Gold at IGI Airport New Delhi’.
    Human-Trafficking
    • NIA officials searched a location in Uttar Pradesh and arrested a human-trafficker.

    DEFENCE

    Joint Military Exercise “Ex SAMPRITI-X” concludes.

    The aim of the exercise was to strengthen the military relations between the two countries. The exercise also provided an opportunity to the contingents from both the Armies to understand each other’s tactical drills and operational techniques as well as to share their experience on Counter Insurgency/ Counter Terrorism, Peace Keeping and Disaster Relief Operation under the United Nations mandate. Senior officers of both the Armies conveyed their appreciation to the participating contingents for achieving the objectives of the Exercise.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Agnipath Scheme.

    Consequent to the commencement of the AGNIPATH scheme, the entry age for all new recruits in the Armed Forces has been fixed as 17 ½ – 21 years of age.Cognizant of the fact that it has not been possible to undertake the recruitment during the last two years, the Government has decided that a one-time waiver shall be granted for the proposed recruitment cycle for 2022. Accordingly, the upper age limit for the recruitment process for Agnipath scheme for 2022 is increased to 23 years.
    Reference: Click here to read…

    Raksha Mantri approves 10% reservation of jobs for Agniveers in Indian Coast Guard, Defence Civilian posts & 16 DPSUs.

    Raksha Mantri has approved a proposal to reserve 10% of the job vacancies in Ministry of Defence for Agniveers meeting requisite eligibility criteria. The 10% reservation will be implemented in the Indian Coast Guard, defence civilian posts and all the 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Limited, Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL), Mishra Dhatu Nigam (Midhani) Limited, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), Advanced Weapons & Equipment India Ltd. (AW&EIL), Munitions India Limited (MIL), Yantra India Limited (YIL), Gliders India Limited (GIL), India Optel Limited (IOL) and Troop Comforts Limited (TCL). This reservation would be in addition to existing reservations for ex-servicemen.Necessary amendments to relevant recruitment rules will be undertaken to implement these provisions. The DPSUs will be advised to make similar amendments to their respective recruitment rules. Necessary age relaxation provision will also be made to enable recruitment of Agniveers to the above posts.
    Reference: Click here to read…

    Multinational Peacekeeping Exercise “Ex Khaan Quest -2022” culminates.

    The Multinational Peacekeeping Exercise “Ex Khaan Quest -2022” culminated at the Peace Support Operations Training Centre in Ulaanbaatar at Mongolia.The exercise conducted from 06 June to 20 June 2022 provided a platform for mutual learning and sharing best practices amongst the armies from 16 Nations. The Indian contingent consisting of personnel from the LADAKH SCOUTS participated in the field training as well as the Command Post exercise. A number of training activities were organised during the course of the exercise, which included mock tactical operations as per United Nations (UN) mandate, combat discussions, training of staff & command appointments; as part of a combined UN brigade, in order to enhance multinational interoperability.
    Reference: Click here to read…

    India and Australia discuss ways to enhance defence cooperation during bilateral talks.

    Raksha Mantri and Australian Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Defence Mr Richard Marles held a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on June 22, 2022. The two Ministers reviewed the existing defence cooperation activities which have been increasing despite challenges of COVID-19 pandemic and discussed ways to enhance further cooperation. The Ministers reviewed the defence and security pillars of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
    They welcomed the growing diversity and frequency of defence exercises and exchanges between the two countries and undertook to build upon operational engagements through the India-Australia Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement.
    Both Ministers committed to give fillip to the India-Australia Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Research and Materiel Cooperation, which will meet in Australia later this year. This JWG is a crucial mechanism for boosting ties between defence industries.
    Both Ministers welcomed the plan to commence the landmark General Rawat Young Officer Exchange Programme in the latter half of 2022, which was announced during the virtual summit meeting between the Prime Ministers of the two countries on March 21, 2022.
    The Ministers reviewed strategic challenges and the regional security situation and reaffirmed their shared objective of an open, free, inclusive, prosperous and rules-based Indo Pacific region. They looked forward to India’s participation in Australia’s Indo Pacific Endeavour exercise in October 2022.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile successfully flight-tested.

    Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) was successfully flight-tested by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy off the coast of Odisha on June 24, 2022. The VL-SRSAM, a ship borne weapon system, is meant for neutralising various aerial threats at close ranges including sea-skimming targets.The launch of the system was conducted against a high speed aerial target mimicking aircraft, which was successfully engaged.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    IAF to participate in tactical leadership programme with Egyptian Air Force.

    Indian Air Force would be participating in Tactical Leadership Programme at Egyptian Air Force Weapon School from 24 Jun – 24 Jul 22 in Egypt (Cairo west Airbase) with three Su-30MKI aircraft, two C-17 aircraft and 57 IAF personnel (including C-17 contingent). It is a unique exercise with Air assets in a Large Force Engagement environment, simulating various conflict scenarios.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Indian Air Force conducted the Capstone Seminar at Air Force Auditorium, New Delhi, marking the culmination of the first Warfare & Aerospace Strategy Program (WASP).

    The Indian Air Force conducted the first Warfare & Aerospace Strategy Program (WASP) culminating with a Capstone Seminar at Air Force Auditorium, New Delhi on 24 Jun 2022. This Capstone Seminar showcased the learning objectives of WASP and helps the IAF leadership to validate the desired outcomes from the program. The participants presented papers on contemporary topics concerning application of air power in recent conflicts and the changing doctrinal precepts that establish the dominant role of air power in national security.

    The WASP was conceptualised by the IAF with the purpose of creating a pool of mid-career air power practitioners with strategic acumen and a deep understanding of warfare history and theory. It aims to enhance the doctrinal vision of the participants and cultivate their aptitude for effective arguments on strategy.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    India and Malaysia decide to enhance defence cooperation.

    Raksha Mantri (RM) held a Video Conference with Senior Defence Minister of Malaysia, YB Dato ‘Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein on June 27, 2022. A wide range of issues concerning bilateral, regional and defence industrial cooperation were discussed during the meeting.

    Both Ministers expressed the intent to further boost the already strong India-Malaysia Defence cooperation. The two Ministers discussed the existing defence cooperation activities and framework, and ways to further enhance them under the existing Malaysia India Defence Cooperation Meeting (MIDCOM) framework. The next MIDCOM is scheduled to be held in July 2022, and it was decided to use this platform for a deeper engagement in defence.

    Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted the areas in which Indian Defence industries could assist Malaysia. He suggested a visit of senior officers from Malaysia to India to get a first-hand experience of the facilities and products of Indian Defence industry.

    The Malaysian Senior Defence Minister expressed the need for inducting women personnel in peace keeping missions. Both sides agreed to engage each other on this issue. It was also agreed to upgrade capability for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. Raksha Mantri also invited Senior Defence Minister of Malaysia to visit India at an early convenient date to discuss closer and strategic defence ties.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    INS Satpura to participate in RIMPAC-22.

    INS Satpura entered Pearl Harbour in Hawaii Islands on 27 Jun 22 to participate in RIMPAC-22. INS Satpura and one P8I maritime patrol aircraft from the Indian Navy are participating in one of the largest multilateral Naval Exercises, the US Navy led biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise 2022. The exercise spanning over six weeks of intense operations and training is aimed at enhancing interoperability and to build trust among Navies of friendly foreign countries. 27 countries are participating in the current edition of the multi-dimensional exercise.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Indigenously-developed Laser-Guided ATGM successfully tested.

    Indigenously-developed Laser-Guided Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) was successfully test-fired from Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Army on June 28, 2022.

    The all-indigenous ATGM employs a tandem High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead to defeat Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) protected armoured vehicles. The ATGM has been developed with multi-platform launch capability and is currently undergoing technical evaluation trials from 120 mm rifled gun of MBT Arjun.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    High speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) was successfully flight-tested.

    ABHYAS – High speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) was successfully flight-tested from on June 29, 2022. The performance of the aircraft at low altitude including sustained level and high manoeuvrability was demonstrated during the test flight. The air vehicle was launched using twin under-slung boosters which provide the initial acceleration to the vehicle. It is powered by a small gas turbine engine to sustain a long endurance flight at high subsonic speed. The target aircraft is equipped with Micro-Electromechanical Systems-based Inertial Navigation System for navigation along with the Flight Control Computer for guidance and control along with Indigenous Radio Altimeter for very low altitude flight and Data Link for encrypted communication between the Ground Control Station and Target Aircraft. The vehicle is programmed for fully autonomous flight.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    India and & Saudi Arabia discuss ways to enhance bilateral defence cooperation.

    Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Defence for Strategic Affairs Mr. Ahmed A Aseeri called on Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar in New Delhi on June 30, 2022. They discussed ways to enhance defence cooperation between the two countries. The Deputy Minister briefed the Defence Secretary about the 5th meeting of India – Saudi Arabia Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation (JCDC) that was held on June 29, 2022.

    During JCDC the meeting, the two sides reviewed the progress made in military-to-military engagements, including joint exercises, expert exchanges and industry cooperation. It was decided to identify new avenues and examine areas of mutual interest for Joint Venture in order to enhance defence industry cooperation. Enhancing the scope and complexities of the existing joint naval exercises and expanding bilateral exercises in other domains were also discussed.

    It was agreed to hold the next meeting of JCDC in Saudi Arabia on mutually convenient dates in 2023. The JCDC is the apex body between the Defence Ministries of India and Saudi Arabia to comprehensively review & guide all aspects of bilateral defence cooperation.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    India delivers 6 tons of medical assistance to Afghanistan.

    India supplied the seventh batch of medical assistance on 30June 2022, consisting of 6 tons of essential medicines to Afghanistan, as part of India’s ongoing humanitarian assistance. The same was handed over to the Indira Gandhi Hospital, Kabul. In the wake of recent tragic earthquake, India, as the first responder, supplied almost 28 tons of earthquake relief assistance in two relief flights. These relief consignments were handed over to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), UN World Food Program (WFP) and the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS). Furthermore, India is in the process to ship more medical and wheat assistance to Afghanistan in coordination with the UN agencies on ground.
    For more information:
    Click here to read…

    Fourth India-Japan Cyber Dialogue.

    The Fourth India-Japan Cyber Dialogue was hosted by India virtually on 30 June 2022. The Indian Delegation was led by Smt. Muanpuii Saiawi, Joint Secretary, Cyber Diplomacy Division, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), while the Japanese delegation was led by Mr Yutaka Arima, Ambassador in-charge of Cyber Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

    Both sides discussed important areas of bilateral cyber cooperation and reviewed the progress achieved in the areas of cybersecurity and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) including 5G Technology. Both sides exchanged views on latest developments in cyber domain and mutual cooperation during cyber consultations at the United Nations and other multilateral and regional fora.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

    Africa
    Somalia
    Security forces killed at least 67 al-Shabaab terrorists in a foiled attack in Galgaduud region.

    On 17 June 2022, Somalia’s Galmudug State forces killed 67 al-Shabaab terrorists and wounded several others in a foiled attack in Bahdo area in Galgaduud region. According to the Information Minister of Galmudug— Ahmed Shire, “local residents and regional forces repulsed the attack by al-Shabaab terrorists in the region. The security forces personnel arrested a suicide bomber who was about to detonate a Vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) on security forces and villagers.”
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Nigeria
    Security forces killed 47 Boko Haram terrorists and rescued a Chibok girl in Borno.

    On 12 June 2022, security forces had gun-battle with terrorists while clearing their enclave in Gazuwa in Bama Local Government Area of Borno and eliminated at least 47 Boko Haram terrorists. The security forces also rescued Mary Dauda, one of the Chibok girls abducted in 2014. “The rescued mother and child are currently in military custody, receiving medical and rehabilitation attention. Also, on 06 June 2022, troops rescued five abducted victims who were kidnapped by terrorists,” said Defence Headquarters’ spokesman— Maj Gen Bernard Onyeuko.

    However, Boko Haram terrorists and their families continued to surrender before Nigerian troops in the North-East part. “Cumulatively, a total of 57,004 of Boko Haram terrorists and their families have surrendered comprising of 12,547 males, 17,027 females, and 27,430 children,” added Maj Gen Onyeuko.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Afghanistan
    IS-KP claimed responsibility for Karte Parwan Gurudwara attack in Kabul.

    On 18 June 2022, the Islamic State-Khurasan Province (IS-KP) terrorists carried out an attack on Gurudwara in Kabul in which two people, including a Sikh community member, were killed. In a statement released on its Amaq website, the IS-KP claimed the responsibility of the attack and called it a targeted attack on Hindus and Sikhs and the ‘apostates’ who protected them in ‘an act of support for the Messenger of Allah’.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Pakistan
    Pakistan remained on FATF’s ‘grey list’.

    On 17 June 2022, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)’s President— Marcus Pleyer had announced that Pakistan would remain on ‘grey list’ of nations that do not take full measures to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. The announcement gave a blow to Pakistan’s newly elected government, which said it has mostly complied with the FATF’s tasks set for Pakistan. “An onsite inspection by FATF team in Pakistan would be done before October 2022. However, FATF is praising Pakistan for implementing the organisation’s action plans— a clear indication that Pakistan is moving closer to getting off the ‘grey list’”, said FATF President Pleyer.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    China blocked India-US’ joint move to designate deputy chief of LeT as terrorist under the UNSC sanctions.

    At the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), China blocked a joint move by India and the United States (US) to enlist Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)’s deputy chief— Abdul Rehman Makki as a global terrorist, by placing a ‘technical hold’ on the proposal.

    China’s move was in the similar fashion which it had adopted to repeatedly block the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammad chief— Masood Azhar, under the UNSC’s al-Qa’ida and ISIL Sanctions Committee, before finally relenting in May 2019 in the face of international pressure.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    DOMESTIC TERRORISM

    Jammu and Kashmir
    NIA officials searched multiple locations in the UT of J&K in ‘J&K Terror Conspiracy’ case.

    On 24 June 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials searched 14 locations in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in districts of Srinagar, Baramulla, Pulwama, Anantnag, Budgam, and Kathua, in connection with the ‘J&K Terror Conspiracy’ case.
    The case— RC-05/2022/NIA/JMU relates to terror conspiracy hatched by Pakistan-based commanders of terrorist organisations for furthering terror activities, including targeted killings of minorities, security forces personnel, and attacking religious pilgrimages, including Holy Sri Amarnathji Yatra, Shri Maa Vaishno Devi Yatra.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Security forces killed three terrorists in two separate CT operations in Pulwama and Baramulla.

    On 21 June 2022, security forces eliminated three terrorists in two separate counter-terrorism (CT) operations in Pulwama and Baramulla districts of the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). In first operation, security forces carried out a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Tulibal village in Sopore area of Baramulla district and killed an unidentified terrorist.

    In other CT operation on the same day, security forces killed two terrorists in Tujjan area in Pulwama district. According to police reports, one of the slain terrorists was identified as Majid Nasir of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).
    For more information: Click here to read…

    NIA officials searched multiple locations in the UT of J&K and arrested a terrorist in ‘TRF Conspiracy’ case.

    On 22 June 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials searched 11 locations in the Union of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)’s Srinagar, Kulgam, Pulwama and Ganderbal districts and arrested a terrorist— Mudasir Ahmed Dar, from Kulgam.

    The case— RC-32/2021/NIA/DLI relates to the activities of The Resistance Front (TRF), which is an off-shoot terror group of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), for radicalising, motivating, and recruiting youth from
    J&K to undertake terror activities in the Valley and other parts of India. Mudasir was involved in providing logistic support and transportation of arms and ammunition.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    “Security forces have eliminated 118 terrorists, mostly of LeT, since January 2022”: claimed J&K Police.

    Compared to the previous year, security forces have eliminated 63 more terrorists in 2022. “Since January 2022, security forces killed 118 terrorists, including 32 foreign terrorists. Out of 118, 77 terrorists were belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and 26 were of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM),” said Inspector-General of Police (IGP) (Kashmir)— Vijay Kumar. Since 15 June 2022, 17 terrorists have been killed in the Valley.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    NIA officials searched multiple locations in the UT of J&K and arrested four OGWs from Pulwama.

    On 20 June 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials searched seven locations in Pulwama district of the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and arrested four Over-Ground Workers (OGWs)—i) Sahil Ahmed Khan, ii) Jahangir Ahmed Dar, iii) Shahid Ahmed Shergojri, and iv) Inayat Gulzar Bhat, for harbouring Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists in the Valley and arranged transportation and logistic support for them.

    The case— RC-02/2022/NIA/JMU relates to the activities of JeM, in which two terrorists were eliminated by security forces at Chewa Kalan in Pulwama on 11 March 2022.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Security forces killed four HM terrorists in two CT operations in Anantnag and Kulgam.

    On 14 June 2022, acting on an intelligence input, a joint team of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police, Indian Army’s 1 Rashtriya Rifles, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Mishipora-Kujjar village of Yaripora area in Kulgam district and killed two Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM) terrorists.

    In another counter-terrorism (CT) operation on the same day, security forces killed two HM terrorists in Hangalgund, Kokernag area of Anantnag district. “One of the slain terrorists was involved in the killing of Rajni Bala— a teacher from Samba who was assassinated at Gopal Pora Kulgam on 31 May 2022,” said Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Range— Vijay Kumar.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Left-Wing Extremism
    NIA officials arrested a Maoist in connection with ‘Edakkara Maoist’ case.

    On 24 June 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested Iyyappan G aka Hari, from Tamil Nadu, in connection with ‘Edakkara Maoist’ case.

    The case— RC-02/2021/NIA/KOC pertains to membership and conduct of training camp for cadres of CPI (Maoist), including arms training, flag hoisting, and celebrations of CPI (Maoist)’s formation day during the last week of September 2016 in Nilambur forest of Malappuram district in Kerala.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Three CRPF personnel attained Veergati in Maoist attack in Odisha.

    On 21 June 2022, three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel attained Veergati (fell in the battle) in a Maoist attack in Patadhara Reserve Forest in Bheden block in Nuapada district in Odisha. “It was suspected that Maoists had prior information regarding the movement of the forces; all of a sudden, they (Maoists) opened fire on the forces,” said a police officer on anonymity basis.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    NIA officials raided multiple locations in Telangana and arrested three Maoists in ‘Peddabayalu CPI (Maoist) recruitment’ case.

    On 23 June 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials carried out search operations in three locations in Telangana’s Ranga Reddy, Medak and Secunderabad districts, and arrested three Maoists— i) Dongari Devendra, ii) Dubasi Swapna, and iii) Chukka Shilpa.

    The case— RC-02/2022/NIA/HYD relates to the conspiracy and recruitment of one college student by the operatives of Chaitanya MahilaSangham (CMS)— a frontal organisation of CPI (Maoist).
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
    Two Islamic extremists beheaded a tailor in Rajasthan over his support to Nupur Sharma’s statement on Prophet Mohammad.

    On 29 June 2022, two Islamic extremists— Mohammad RiyazAkhtari and Gaus/Ghouse Mohammad posed as a customer while entering a tailor shop and beheaded the tailor— Kanhaiya Lal over his social media post supporting former BJP spokesperson— Nupur Sharma’s remarks on Prophet Mohammad.

    The duo extremists shot a video of killing of Kanhaiya Lal, and also threatened Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in another video, which went viral on social media platforms. Soon, police traced and arrested both extremists from Rajsamand district, 61 km from Udaipur in Rajasthan. Prohibited orders were imposed under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) across Rajasthan for a month and mobile internet services had been suspended for 24 hours followed by the incident.
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Khalistan-inspired Extremism
    Ahead of political roadshow, Khalistan slogan found at Sangrur temple gate.

    On 19 June 2022, ahead of the political road show of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to be taken out by Delhi Chief Minister (CM) Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, the ‘Khalistan slogan’ and ‘26 January 2023 referendum’ was found painted at the gate of a Kali Devi temple in Sangrur.

    The proscribed organisation— Sikh for Justice (SFJ)’s legal advisor— Gurpatwant Singh Pannun uploaded a video on social media and informed that “the AAP formed government in Punjab with the support, including financial, of pro-Khalistan Sikhs. The Khalistan Referendum votes will be polled on 26 January 2023 and if AAP government tried to take any step against it, they will be reminded about the assassination of former Punjab CM Beant Singh. The only solution of Punjab is Khalistan.”
    For more information: Click here to read…

    Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs)
    NIA officials searched two locations in West Bengal in case of ‘Seizure of FICN at Kolkata’.

    On 26 June 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials carried out search operation at two locations in Golabgunj and Sultangunj in Kaliachak Police Station area in Malda district of West Bengal.

    The search operation was related to the case— RC-08/2020/NIA/DLI, in which high quality Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) of worth ₹ 3,46,000 were recovered from possession of two FICN traffickers— i) Senaul SK, and ii) Akramul, near Calcutta Sports Journalists’ Club, Maidan Tent, Kolkata. During the search operations, NIA officials seized digital devices, including mobile phone, SIMs, and other incriminating materials.
    For more information:
    Click here to read…

    NIA filed chargesheet against four FICN traffickers in case of ‘Seizure of FICN and Gold at IGI Airport New Delhi’.

    On 24 June 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a chargesheet before the NIA Special Court (New Delhi) against four Fake Indian Currency Note (FICN) traffickers— i) Mohammad Shahjan (Uttar Pradesh), ii) Amir ul-Haq (Delhi), iii) Abdul Wahid (Delhi), and iv) Amandeep Singh (Punjab), in a case related to the seizure of the FICN and Gold at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi.

    In case— RC-05/2022/NIA/DLI, the custom officials seized FICNs worth ₹ 10 lakhs and 175 gms of Gold from Mohammad Shahjan who had arrived from Ras al-Khaimah airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to the investigation, Shahjan conspired with other FICN traffickers, including Amir ul-Haq and Amandeep Singh. Abdul Wahid used to provide logistic support and arrange funds for visa and air tickets of the ‘human couriers’ involved in smuggling of FICN and gold to India.
    For more information:
    Click here to read…

    Human-Trafficking
    NIA officials searched a location in Uttar Pradesh and arrested a human-trafficker.

    On 22 June 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials searched a location in Deoband in Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh and arrested a human-trafficker— Mazid Ullah (resident of Myanmar) in the conspiracy of illegal trafficking of Rohingya and Bangladeshi Muslims into India.
    The search operation was related to the case— RC-05/2021/NIA/GUW, in which NIA officials seized digital devices, including mobile phones, SIM cards and memory sticks, and other incriminating materials.
    For more information:
    Click here to read…

    VIF News Digest: National Security – Defence Studies & Terrorism, 16-31 October 2021

    DEFENCE

    • Exercise Yudh Abhyas 21.
    • Inaugural India – UK Maritime Dialogue.
    • Indian Army at Cambrian Patrol Exercise.
    • UK Joint Tri-Service exercise Ex KONKAN SHAKTI.
    • Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of Naval Staff, Royal Navy on a visit to India from.
    • Ambassadors’ Round Table for Def Expo 2022.
    • Chief of Naval Staff, Bangladesh Navy visit to India.
    • Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD).
    • Agni-5, successfully launched.
    • Test of indigenously developed Long-Range Bomb (LRB) successful.
    • India-Israel Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on bilateral defence cooperation.
    • Meeting of the India-Nepal Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues.

    INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

    West Asia
    • Iraq: Islamic State terrorists killed at least 11 people in an attack in Diyala province.
    Africa
    Somalia
    • Army killed four al-Shabaab terrorists in Bakool region.
    Afghanistan
    • IS-KP could be able to attack US in six months, claimed Pentagon official.

    DOMESTIC TERRORISM

    Jammu and Kashmir
    • NIA arrested 12 OGWs in ‘J&K terrorism conspiracy’ case.
    • Security forces killed four LeT terrorists in Shopian and Kulgam districts.
    • NIA searched seven districts of J&K in ‘JeI terror funding’ case.
    • NIA Special Court sentenced four HM terrorists in ‘JAKART case’.
    Left-Wing Extremism
    • STF killed a Maoist in Bihar.
    • Police eliminated three Maoists in Telangana.
    • NIA conducted searches at four locations in Bihar in ‘Arms Recovery’ case.
    Islamic Extremism
    • NIA filed supplementary chargesheet against an al-Qa’ida terrorist in AQIS module case.
    • NIA court convicted 9 SIMI terrorists in Patna Serial Blast cases.
    • NIA filed a charge sheet against IS terrorist in ‘ISIS Delhi Amroha module’ case.
    • NIA officials arrested an IS terrorist from IGI Airport in Delhi.

    CYBER, INFORMATION WARFARE & AI (SECURITY PERSPECTIVE)

    • Indian Army & Amity University to jointly set up a CoE in Engineering, Innovation, and Technology.

    DEFENCE

    Exercise Yudh Abhyas 21.

    The 17th Edition of Indo – US joint training exercise “EX YUDH ABHYAS 21” commenced at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska (USA) on 15 October 2021 with an opening ceremony that saw the unfurling of the National Flags of both countries amidst playing of the National anthems, “Jana Gana Mana” and “The Star Spangled Banner”. 300 US Army soldiers belonging to First Squadron (Airborne) of the 40th Cavalry Regiment and 350 soldiers of 7 MADRAS Infantry Battalion Group of Indian Army are participating in the exercise. The 14 days training schedule includes activities on joint training in a Counter Insurgency / Counter Terrorism environment under United Nations mandate. Click here to read…

    Inaugural India – UK Maritime Dialogue

    India and UK held their inaugural maritime dialogue in a virtual format on 18 October 2021, as agreed in the India-UK Roadmap 2030 for future relations adopted at the Virtual Summit between the two Prime Ministers in May 2021. The consultations, which were led by the two Foreign Ministries, involved exchanges on cooperation in the maritime domain, Indo-Pacific and regional/ multilateral cooperation. Click here to read…

    Indian Army at Cambrian Patrol Exercise

    A team from 4/5 Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force) which represented the Indian Army at the prestigious Cambrian Patrol Exercise at Brecon, Wales, UK from 13th to 15th October 2021 has been awarded Gold medal. Ex Cambrian Patrol organised by the UK Army is considered the ultimate test of human endurance, team spirit and is sometimes referred as the Olympics of Military Patrolling among militaries in the world. The Indian Army team participated in the event and competed against a total of 96 teams which included 17 international teams representing Special Forces and prestigious Regiments from around the world. Click here to read…

    UK Joint Tri-Service exercise Konkan Shakti.

    The maiden India – UK Joint Tri-Service exercise Ex KONKAN SHAKTI is scheduled in India from 21 – 27 Oct 21. The maritime component of the exercise, to be conducted off the west coast of India, is scheduled to be held in two phases. The harbour phase is planned at Mumbai from 21 – 23 Oct 21, while at sea, the exercises will be conducted from 24 – 27 Oct 21. The naval linkages between India and the United Kingdom is one of antiquity and, over a period, it has grown substantially in terms of interoperability and synergy. The exercise will also see participation by IAF aircraft that include Jaguars, SU-30 MKI fighters, AWACS, AEW&C and Flight Refuelling Aircraft. The land phase of the exercise is being conducted between Indian Army and UK Army at Chaubatia Click here to read…

    Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of Naval Staff, Royal Navy on a visit to India from.

    Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of Naval Staff, Royal Navy is on a three day official visit to India from 22-24 Oct 21. Adm Radakin interacted with Adm Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff on 22 Oct 21. Amongst other naval bilateral cooperation issues, the Chiefs emphasised on collaborative mechanisms towards ensuring peace and security in the region. He is also scheduled to visit Indian Navy’s Western Naval Command (at Mumbai) wherein he would interact with VAdm R Hari Kumar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. Adm Radakin would also embark HMS Queen Elizabeth, Flagship of UK CSG 21. Click here to read…

    Ambassadors’ Round Table for Def Expo 2022

    In a major outreach to the friendly foreign countries as also to the defence manufacturing industries of the world, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh chaired the Ambassadors’ Round Table for Def Expo 2022, in New Delhi on October 25, 2021. The Round Table was aimed to brief the Ambassadors of foreign missions about the planning, arrangements and other details of Def Expo 2022, which will be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat between March 10 and 13, 2022. More than 200 delegates, including Ambassadors, Heads of Missions and Defence Attaches attended the Round Table, reflecting the growing global interest in the Indian Defence space. Click here to read…

    Chief of Naval Staff, Bangladesh Navy visit to India

    Chief of Naval Staff, Bangladesh Navy, is on an official visit to India, from 23 – 29 Oct 21. At New Delhi, Admiral Shaheen Iqbal will interact with the Chief of Naval Staff, in addition to the Chief of Defence Staff and other high ranking Gol officials. During the bilateral interactions, issues relating to joint cooperative efforts like Coordinated Patrol along International Maritime Boundary Line, bilateral exercise BONGOSAGAR, conduct of naval training and reciprocal visits of delegations would be discussed. Click here to read…

    Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD).

    First conducted in 2018, the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) is the apex international annual conference of the Indian Navy. The aim of each successive edition of the IPRD is to review both opportunities and challenges that arise within the Indo-Pacific. IPRD 2021 is being held as a three-day online event from 27to 29 October 2021. This year’s IPRD will focus on eight specific sub-themes under the broad theme of “Evolution in Maritime Strategy during the 21st Century: Imperatives, Challenges, and, Way Ahead”. Click here to read…

    Agni-5, successfully launched

    A successful launch of the Surface to Surface Ballistic Missile, Agni-5, was carried out on October 27, 2021 at approximately 1950 hrs from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. The missile, which uses a three-stage solid fuelled engine, is capable of striking targets at ranges up to 5,000 kilometres with a very high degree of accuracy. The successful test of Agni-5 is in line with India’s stated policy to have ‘credible minimum deterrence’ that underpins the commitment to ‘No First Use’. Click here to read…

    Test of indigenously developed Long-Range Bomb (LRB) successful.

    Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Air Force (IAF) team jointly flight tested indigenously developed Long-Range Bomb (LRB) successfully from an aerial platform on October 29, 2021. The LR Bomb, after release from the IAF fighter aircraft, guided to a land-based target at a long range with accuracy within specified limits. Click here to read…

    India-Israel Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on bilateral defence cooperation

    India-Israel Joint Working Group (JWG) on Bilateral Defence Cooperation has agreed to form a Task Force to formulate a comprehensive Ten-Year Roadmap to identify new areas of cooperation. This was decided at the 15th JWG meeting held on October 27, 2021 in Tel Aviv, Israel. The meeting was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar and the Director General of the Israel’s Ministry of Defence, Maj Gen (Retd) Amir Eshel.

    The JWG is the apex body between the Ministry of Defence of India and Israel’s Ministry of Defence to comprehensively review and guide all aspects of Bilateral Defence Cooperation.
    The two sides reviewed the progress made in Military to Military engagements including exercises and industry cooperation. The Co-chairs were also appraised on the progress made by the Sub Working Groups (SWG) on Defence Procurement & Production and Research & Development. Click here to read…

    Meeting of the India-Nepal Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues

    The Fourteenth Meeting of the India-Nepal Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues (BCGSI) was held in Bengaluru on 28 October 2021. The delegations comprised officials from respective Ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs, Directorates of the Indian Army and the Nepal Army and from the National Disaster Management Authority.

    Discussions covered issues relating to mutual security concerns, training and capacity building requirements of defence forces of Nepal, cooperation in disaster management, requirements of Nepal Army for various defence stores, exchange of experts/instructors, exchange of high level and functional level visits, joint expeditions and adventure sports activities and information sharing. Click here to read…

    INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

    West Asia
    Iraq
    Islamic State terrorists killed at least 11 people in an attack in Diyala province

    On 26 October 2021, Islamic State (IS) terrorists attacked and killed at least 11 people in the predominantly Shiite village of al-Rashad in northeast of Baqouba in Diyala province in Iraq. According to officials, IS terrorists had kidnapped two villagers earlier and later raided the village when their demands for ransom were not met. Several other villagers were injured in the attack. Attacks on civilians have become a rare situation in Iraq since IS was largely defeated in 2017, but the group remained active through sleeper cells in many areas. Click here to read…

    Africa
    Somalia
    Army killed four al-Shabaab terrorists in Bakool region

    On 20 October 2021, Somali National Army (SNA)’s 60th Division killed four al-Shabaab terrorists and injured several others in a gun-battle near the town of Wajid in Bakool region. “SNA carried out a counter-terrorism (CT) operation based on an input that al-Shabaab terrorists are punishing the local residents,” said Wajid’s District Commissioner—Mohamed Moallim Yusuf. Click here to read…

    Afghanistan
    IS-KP could be able to attack US in six months, claimed Pentagon official

    In an assessment, the United States’ Intelligence Community and Pentagon claimed that Islamic State in Afghanistan or Islamic State-Khurasan Province (IS-KP) in six months. On 26 October 2021, Colin Kahl— Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, informed that “Afghanistan could still pose serious National Security concern for the US even after it ended its two decade-old war in defeat in August 2021.”

    In a testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Kahl said that “it was unclear if the Taliban has the ability to fight IS-KP effectively following the US withdrawal. Islamic State (IS-KP) could have the capability to attack the US in six months or has the intention to do so.” Click here to read…

    DOMESTIC TERRORISM

    Jammu and Kashmir
    NIA arrested 12 OGWs in ‘J&K terrorism conspiracy’ case.

    On 30 October 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested two Over-Ground Workers (OGWs)—Ishfaq Ahmed Wani, and Umar Bhat, in ‘Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) terrorism conspiracy’ case. The case is related to a conspiracy to carry-out terrorist activities in J&K, and other major cities in India, by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM), Al-Badr, and affiliated groups, including The Resistance Front (TRF), and People Against Fascist Forces (PAFF).

    Earlier, on 29 October 2021, NIA officials raided 08 locations in Srinagar, Sopore, and Baramulla districts, and arrested two OGWs— Amir Ahmad Gojri, and Saddat Amin. Till now, 23 OGWs/sympathisers have been arrested in this case.

    In another search operation on 22 October 2021, NIA searched 10 locations in Srinagar, Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, Anantnag, and Baramulla districts in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), and arrested eight OGWs— i) Adil Ahmad War, ii) Manan Gulzar, iii) Hilal Ahmad Dar, iv) Sobhia, v) Rouf Bhatt, vi) Shaqib Bashir, vii) Zamin Adil, and viii) Haris Nisar Langoo. All OGWs have been instrumental in providing logistical and material support to terrorists. Click here to read…

    Security forces killed four LeT terrorists in Shopian and Kulgam districts

    In two separate counter-terrorism (CT) operations on 20 October 2021, security forces eliminated four Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists, including two commanders, in Shopian and Kulgam districts of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Earlier in the day, security forces acted upon an input and carried out Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Dragad area of Shopian district.

    The CASO turned into gun-battle after terrorists opened fire on the security forces personnel. In other joint operation on the same day, security forces eliminated two terrorists, including a LeT district commander—Gulzar Ahmad Reshi, in Kulgam district. Reshi was involved in recent killings of labourers from Bihar at Wanpoh. Click here to read…

    NIA searched seven districts of J&K in ‘JeI terror funding’ case

    On 27 October 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched 17 locations in seven districts—Anantnag, Kulgam, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Budgam, Kishtwar, and Jammu, in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), in connection with Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) terror funding case.

    The case was registered in February 2021, in connection with separatist activities of JeI, where the JeI operatives have been collecting funds domestically and abroad in furtherance to be used for terrorist activities. Click here to read…

    NIA Special Court sentenced four HM terrorists in ‘JAKART case’

    In ‘JAKART’ case, on 25 October 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court (Delhi) sentenced four Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM) terrorists— i) Mohammad Shafi Shah aka Doctor aka Dawood aka Nisar (12 years Rigorous Imprisonment [RI] and fine ₹ 15,000), ii) Talib Ali aka Waseem aka Abu Umer (10 years RI and fine ₹ 10,000), iii) Muzaffar Ahmad Dar aka Gaznavi aka Mohammad Ali (12 years RI and fine ₹ 15,000), and iv) Mushtaq Ahmad Lone aka Mushtaq Aalam (10 years RI and fine ₹ 10,000).

    The case was registered in 2011 against Mohammad Yusuf Shah, and other HM terrorists for carrying out terrorist activities in India and constantly receiving funds from Pakistan. Through Jammu and Kashmir Affecters Relief Trust (JAKART)—an NGO and frontal organisation of HM, funds were provided to active terrorists and families of slain terrorists of HM in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Click here to read…

    Left-Wing Extremism
    STF killed a Maoist in Bihar

    On 23 October 2021, the Special Task Force (STF) eliminated a Maoist—Pramod Koda, in a gun-battle in Lathia Pahari in Lakhisaari district in Bihar. “Lakhisaari police launched a search and rescue operation based on an input that some Maoists were hiding in the forest area of Bhagatpur after abducting son of a Public Distribution System (PDS) dealer. The STF team encountered Maoists followed by the exchange of fire, in which a Maoist was killed, and rest of the Maoists managed to escape into the forest,” said Additional Director-General of Police (ADGP)- Operation— Sushil M Khopde. An AK-47 rifle was recovered along with the body of slain Maoist. Click here to read…

    Police eliminated three Maoists in Telangana

    In an exchange of fire with the Maoists, district police, along with ‘Greyhounds’ (elite anti-Maoist special police force) eliminated three Maoists at Venkatapur village in Mulugu district bordering Chhattisgarh. Post-operation, “police recovered multiple arms and ammunition, including a SLR (Self-Loading Rifle), an AK-47 rifle, a machine gun, gadgets, and explosive materials,” said Mulugu Superintendent of Police (SP) G Sangram Singh Patil. Click here to read…

    NIA conducted searches at four locations in Bihar in ‘Arms Recovery’ case.

    On 28 October 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched four locations in Danapur and Chainpur in Patna district, in connection with ‘Arms and Ammunition Recovery’ case in which a Maoist— Parshu Ram Singh had linkages with top Maoist leaders and was providing hand grenades, explosives, and other arms and ammunition for furtherance of terrorist activities in Bihar, Jharkhand, and other States. Click here to read…

    Islamic Extremism
    NIA filed supplementary charge-sheet against an al-Qa’ida terrorist in AQIS module case

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    On 29 October 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a supplementary charge-sheet in the NIA Special Court, Delhi against an al-Qa’ida terrorist— Abu Sufiyan, under Sections 4 & 5 of the Explosives Substance Act, 1908. Earlier, the Charge-sheet was filed against 11 al-Qa’ida terrorists, including Abu Sufiyan, under various Sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], and the Arms Act on 26 February 2021. Click here to read…

    NIA court convicted 9 SIMI terrorists in Patna Serial Blast cases

    On 27 October 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court (Patna) convicted nine terrorists of Students’ Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), in Patna Serial Bomb blast cases. The nine convicted SIMI terrorists are— i) Imtiaz Ansari, ii) Haider Ali, iii) Numan Ansari, iv) Mujibullah Ansari, v) Umer Siddique, vi) Azharuddin Qureshi, vii) Ahmad Hussain, viii) Mohammad Firoz Aslam, and ix) Mohammad Ifteqaar Alam.

    The cases ‘RC-10&11/2013/NIA-DLI and RC-12/2013/NIA-DLI’ related to a series of bomb blasts which took place at Patna Railway Junction and Gandhi Maidaan on 27 October 2013. Click here to read…

    NIA filed a charge-sheet against IS terrorist in ‘ISIS Delhi Amroha module’ case.

    On 26 October 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge-sheet in the Special NIA Court (Patiala House, Delhi) against an Islamic State (IS) terrorist— Mohammad Shahzad Kamal, under Section 121 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Sections 17, 18, 39, and 40 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A].
    The case was registered in 2018 against Mohammad Mufti Suhail and other operatives of Harkatul-Harb-e-Islam (HuHeI) — an Islamist organisation affiliated with IS. Click here to read…

    NIA officials arrested an IS terrorist from IGI Airport in Delhi

    On 23 October 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested Muhammad Tauqir Mahmood (33 years-old) upon his arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi from Dammam in Saudi Arabia. Muhammad Tauqir was involved in sending few youths from Bengaluru to Syria to join Islamic State (IS) during 2013-2014. As a dentist by profession, Tauqir was resident in Saudi Arabia in recent years.

    Further investigation has revealed that Tauqir, in association with other IS operatives, had raised funds, radicalised, and recruited Muslim youth of a ‘Quran Circle Group’ and allegedly sent them to Syria. Click here to read…

    CYBER, INFORMATION WARFARE & AI (SECURITY PERSPECTIVE)

    Indian Army & Amity University to jointly set up a CoE in Engineering, Innovation, and Technology

    The Army Training Command (ARTRAC) of Indian Army and the Amity University (Uttar Pradesh) inked the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly set up a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for studies in Engineering, Innovation, and Technology, at the premises of the Amity University in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The CoE will focus on emerging areas of science and technology, including Information Warfare (IW), Wireless Communication, Robotics and Automation, Tracking and Surveillance, Supply Chain Management, and many other research areas in the larger domain of defence technology and management. Click here to read…

    VIF News Digest: National Security – Defence Studies & Terrorism, 01-15 September 2021

    DEFENCE

    • Kazakhstan joint military exercise Kazind-21.
    • Indian army to participate in multi-lateral exercise Zapad 2021 in Russia.
    • India & US sign project agreement for air-launched unmanned aerial vehicle.
    • Pacific air chiefs’ symposium 2021.
    • 28th edition of Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX).
    • Royal Australian Navy and Indian Navy commence bilateral exercise – ‘Ausindex’.
    • Delegation of Financial powers to Armed Forces for Revenue Procurement.
    • Cabinet approves procurement of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft for Indian Air Force.
    • Inauguration of emergency landing facility.
    • DRDO hands over air defence missile (MRSAM) System to Indian Air Force.
    • First India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.
    • India–Africa Defence Dialogue to be held alongside every DefExpo.
    • 6th edition of Exercise “Peaceful Mission”.
    • Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addresses 18th India-US Economic Summit.

    INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

    • India and Russia discussed bilateral cooperation on security issues.
    Africa
    Nigeria
    • Around 6,000 Boko Haram terrorists have surrendered in last few weeks: claimed Nigerian armed forces.
    Afghanistan
    • “Al-Qa’ida will rebuild in Afghanistan,” said CIA’s former Dy. Director Morell.
    • “Al-Qa’ida may seek a comeback in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan,” said the US Defense Secretary Austin.
    • “The UN must not give recognition to Taliban-led government in Afghanistan,” said Afghan envoy to the UN.
    Pakistan
    • “Pakistan is involved in harbouring Taliban and the Haqqanis,” said the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
    • Pakistan continues to develop culture of violence, claimed India at the UN.

    DOMESTIC TERRORISM

    Jammu and Kashmir
    • NH-44 is high on target of JeM and LeT: warned intelligence agencies.
    • Security forces arrested a HM terrorist from Pulwama district.
    • Pakistan’s ISI exporting IS-KP operatives to PoK for a major attack in Kashmir, claimed intelligence reports.
    Left-Wing Extremism
    • In 2020, Maoist violence highest in Chhattisgarh: NCRB data.
    • Police arrested senior Maoist leader from Odisha.
    • 52 Maoists, including sympathisers, surrendered in Telangana.
    Islamic Extremism
    • NIA filed charge-sheet against three IS operatives in Kerala module case.
    • NIA filed charge-sheet against an IS operative in ‘al-Hind Bengaluru module’ case.
    Khalistan-inspired Extremism
    • NIA Special Court framed charges against eight KLF terrorists in connection to killing of Comrade Balwinder Singh Sandhu, SC awardee.
    North-East Region Insurgency
    • NIA filed charge-sheet against five ULFA-I operatives in 2019 Grenade Blast case.

    CYBER, INFORMATION WARFARE & AI (SECURITY PERSPECTIVE)

    • “Cyber-attacks increasingly targeting Australia’s Critical National Infrastructure”, claimed ACSC.
    • Indian start-up firm comes up with a device to prevent cyber-attacks.
    • US keen to collaborate with Telangana State government in cyber security.
    Defence
    Indian army to participate in multi-lateral exercise Zapad 2021 in Russia

    A 200 personnel contingent of Indian Army is participating in Exercise ZAPAD 2021, a Multi Nation exercise being held at Nizhniy, Russia from 03 to 16 September 2021. ZAPAD 2021 is one of the theatre level exercises of Russian Armed Forces and will focus primarily on operations against terrorists. Over a dozen countries from Eurasian and South Asian Region will participate in this signature event. The NAGA Battalion group participating in the exercise will feature an all Arms combined task force. The exercise aims to enhance military and strategic ties amongst the participating nations while they plan & execute this exercise.

    Kazakhstan joint military exercise Kazind-21

    The India – Kazakhstan joint military exercise “KAZIND-21” commenced on 01 Sep 2021 at training node Aisha Bibi, Kazakhstan. This is the 5th Edition of Annual bilateral joint exercise of both Armies and will continue till 10th September 2021. The fourth edition of the exercise was held at Pithoragarh, India in Sep 2019. The contingent comprises 120 troops from Kazakhstan and 90 soldiers from the Indian Army. Both the contingents will share their expertise and skills in the field of counter terror operations. The exercise will culminate in a 48 hours joint validation exercise scheduled on 08 & 09 September 2021. Click here to read…

    India & US sign project agreement for air-launched unmanned aerial vehicle

    Ministry of Defence and US Department of Defence signed a Project Agreement (PA) for Air-Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (ALUAV) under the Joint Working Group Air Systems in the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) on July 30, 2021. The PA for ALUAV falls under the Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation (RDT&E) Memorandum of Agreement between Ministry of Defence and US Department of Defence, which was first signed in January 2006 and renewed in January 2015. The agreement is a significant step towards deepening defence technology collaboration between the two nations through co-development of defence equipment. Click here to read…

    Pacific Air Chiefs’ symposium 2021

    Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) attended the Pacific Air Chiefs Symposium 2021 (PACS-21) at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii from 30 Aug to 02 Sep 21. The event themed “Enduring Cooperation towards Regional Stability” was attended by Air Chiefs from countries in the Indo-Pacific region. CAS was nominated as the Dean for the Symposium.

    The Symposium saw deliberations through panel discussions, table top exercises and keynote addresses on topics ranging from aspects of Regional Security and the significance of Air Domain Awareness, to cooperation amongst Air Forces for Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Operations.In addition to participation in the symposium, CAS met General Charles Q. Brown, Jr. Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force and General Kenneth S. Wilsbach, Commander, Pacific Air Forces. He also held bilateral and multilateral meetings on defence cooperation and security with Air Chiefs from eleven other countries. Click here to read…

    28th edition of Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX)

    The 28th edition of Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) was conducted from 02 to 04 Sep 21.The Indian Navy, Singapore Navy participated with their ships and four F-16 fighter aircraft of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) also participated in the exercise during the Air Defence Drills. Click here to read…

    Royal Australian Navy and Indian Navy commence bilateral exercise – ‘Ausindex’

    The Indian Navy Task Group participated in the 4th edition of AUSINDEX from 06 to 10 Sep 21. Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Anzac Class Frigate, HMAS Warramunga which participated in Exercise MALABAR along with the IN units is also part of the exercise. This edition of AUSINDEX includes complex surface, sub-surface and air operations between ships, submarines, helicopters and Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft of the participating Navies.

    The participating Indian Naval Ships Shivalik and Kadmatt are the latest indigenously designed and built Guided Missile Stealth Frigate and Anti-Submarine Corvette respectively.

    The exercise is a true representation of Joint Guidance signed by the Chief of the Naval Staff, IN and Chief of Navy, RAN on 18 Aug 21. This important document is aligned to the ‘2020 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ between the two nations and aims to further consolidate shared commitment to regional and global security challenges promoting peace, security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Click here to read…

    Delegation of Financial powers to Armed Forces for Revenue Procurement

    Raksha Mantri released in New Delhi on September 07, 2021 order on Delegation of Financial Powers to Defence Services (DFPDS) 2021, providing enhanced delegation of Revenue Procurement powers to the Armed Forces. The DFPDS 2021 aims to empower field formations; focus on operational preparedness; promote ease of doing business and enhance jointness among the Services.

    The enhanced delegation of Financial Powers to functionaries in Service Headquarters and lower formations would result in quicker decision making at all levels leading to better planning and operational preparedness of the Services in a quicker time frame and optimum utilisation of resources. Some of the highlights are:-

    • Financial powers devolved to field formations; focus on operational preparedness; promote ease of doing business & jointness among Services
    • Two times general enhancement for Competent Financial Authorities; Up to 5-10 times at field formations in certain Schedules
    • 10% increase in Delegated Financial Powers of Vice Chiefs of Services
    • Up to three times increase in Schedules related to Indigenisation/R&D to achieve ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’
    • Enabling provision of Emergency Financial Powers to Field formations below Command level for Defence Services incorporated in Emergency Powers Schedule for ops immediate military necessities

    Click here to read….

    Cabinet approves procurement of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft for Indian Air Force

    Today, Cabinet Committee on Security approved the procurement of fifty six C-295MW transport aircraft from M/s Airbus Defence and Space S.A., Spain for the Indian Air Force. C-295MW aircraft is a transport aircraft of 5-10 Tonne capacity with contemporary technology that will replace the ageing Avro aircraft of IAF. Sixteen aircraft will be delivered in flyaway condition from Spain within 48 months of signing of the contract and forty aircraft will be manufactured in India by TATA Consortium within ten years of signing of the contract. Click here to read…

    Inauguration of emergency landing facility

    The Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) was inaugurated for the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Satta-Gandhav stretch on NH-925A near Barmer, Rajasthan on September 09, 2021. Two Union Ministers travelled to Barmer on C-130J aircraft to inaugurate the facility. They also witnessed aircraft operations on the ELF, which has been constructed in just 19 months by M/S GHV India Pvt. Ltd. under the supervision of IAF and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). This is the first time that a National Highway has been used for emergency landing of aircraft of Indian Air Force. This landing strip will be able to facilitate landing of all types of IAF aircraft. Click here to read…

    DRDO hands over air defence missile (MRSAM) System to Indian Air Force

    First deliverable Firing Unit (FU) of Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) System was handed over to Indian Air Force (IAF) in the presence of Raksha Mantri at Air Force Station, Jaisalmer in Rajasthan on September 09, 2021. The MRSAM (IAF) is an advanced network centric combat Air Defence System developed jointly by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in collaboration with the Indian industry comprising of private and public sectors including MSMEs.
    Key Highlights:

    • MRSAM provides air defence against aerial threats like fighter aircraft, UAVs, guided and unguided munitions & cruise missiles
    • Capable of engaging multiple targets at ranges up to 70 kilometres
    • Indigenously developed rocket motor & control system for achieving high manoeuvrability
    • State-of-the-art missile system
    First India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue

    India hosted the inaugural India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue on 11 September 2021 in New Delhi. H.E. Ms. Marise Payne, Foreign Minister, and H.E. Mr. Peter Dutton, Defence Minister, of Australia were visiting India on 10-12 September 2021 to take part in the Dialogue. From the Indian side, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar lead the delegation which comprised of officials from the Ministries of Defence and External Affairs. The inaugural 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue is being held pursuant to the elevation of India-Australia bilateral relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the India-Australia Leaders’ Virtual Summit on 04 June 2020. The agenda for the Dialogue covered a range of bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. The RM in his interaction with the Australian Defence Minister highlighted the following issues in his address.

    • Wide-ranging discussions on bilateral defence cooperation as well as regional issues
    • Both sides agree to work jointly to realise full potential of India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
    • Partnership based on shared vision of free, open, inclusive and rule-based Indo-Pacific region
    • Military engagements to be expanded
    • Australian industry invited to take advantage of India’s liberalised FDI policies

    Click here to read…

    India–Africa Defence Dialogue to be held alongside every Def Expo

    India proposes to institutionalise the India Africa Defence Dialogue during successive Def Expos to be held once every two years. Institutionalisation of the India Africa Defence Dialogue will help building on the existing partnerships between African countries & India and to explore new areas of convergence for mutual engagements including areas like capacity building, training, cyber security, maritime security and counter terrorism.

    It has been decided that Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses shall be the knowledge partner of India Africa Defence Dialogue and will assist in providing necessary support for enhanced defence cooperation between India and Africa. It has also been decided that Raksha Mantri will host the Defence Ministers of African Nations in the next India – Africa Defence Dialogue on the sidelines of the Def Expo that is scheduled to be held at Gandhinagar, Gujarat in March 2022. The broad theme of this India Africa Defence Dialogue will be ‘India – Africa: Adopting Strategy for Synergizing and Strengthening Defence and Security Cooperation’.

    6th edition of Exercise “Peaceful Mission”

    Joint Counter Terrorism Exercise PEACEFUL MISSION is a Multilateral Exercise, which is conducted biennially as part of military diplomacy between Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states. The 6th edition of Exercise PEACEFUL MISSION is being hosted by Russia in the Orenburg Region of South West Russia from 13 to 25 September 2021. The aim of the exercise is to foster close relations between SCO member states and to enhance abilities of the military leaders to command multi-national military contingents.

    The Indian military contingent comprising of an all arms combined force of 200 personnel to include 38 personnel from the Indian Air Force is participating in the Exercise PEACEFUL MISSION -2021. The Indian contingent was inducted to the exercise area by two IL-76 aircrafts. Click here to read…

    Raksha Mantri (RM) addresses the 18th India-US Economic Summit

    Delivering the inaugural address at the 18th India-US Economic Summit, on the theme ‘Bouncing Back – Resilient Recovery Path Post COVID-19’ organised by Indo-American Chamber of Commerce through video conferencing on September 15, 2021. The RM highlighted the defence sector as an integral part of not just the security but overall growth of the country, RM stated the initiatives taken by the Government have transformed India into a strong and reliable investment destination. He said, India is now home to stable and secure government which focuses on economic growth through series of reforms. He added that robust domestic demand and availability of talented young work force & innovation make India a major investment destination.

    The RM called upon the industry leaders to focus on transfer of technology through joint ventures to realise the country’s true potential in defence sector. The foreign OEMs can set up manufacturing facilities individually or partner with Indian companies through a JV or technology agreement to capitalise on the ‘Make in India’ initiative, he added. The RM exhorted them to begin the process of Research and Development with the young minds of the country which will increase the linkages among the industries and create an ecosystem through equal contribution from academia and research.

    The RM emphasised that there is a lot of scope for the American and Indian defence Industries for co-production and co-development, adding that Indian industry can supply components to American Industries. Click here to read…

    INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

    India and Russia discussed bilateral cooperation on security issues

    On 08 September 2021, India’s National Security Adviser (NSA)— Ajit Doval and Russia’s Secretary of the Security Council— Nikolai Patrushev met in New Delhi and discussed deepening the bilateral cooperation on security issues and intensifying the joint efforts on special services and military establishments, with emphasis on anti-terror track, combating illegal migration and narcotics trafficking.

    The humanitarian and migration crisis in Afghanistan, including the prospects for the India-Russia joint efforts for creating the launch of peaceful settlement process on the basis of an intra-Afghan dialogue was also discussed. Click here to read…

    Africa
    Nigeria
    Around 6,000 Boko Haram terrorists have surrendered in last few weeks: claimed Nigerian armed forces

    In a statement released on 02 September 2021, the Nigerian armed forces informed that in last few weeks, more than 5,860 Boko Haram terrorists, including commanders, have surrendered with their families in the North-East zone. “Out of surrendered terrorists, 565 had been handed over to the government of North-Eastern Borno State for further management after thorough profiling”, said Spokesperson for the Nigerian armed forces— Brigadier General Bernard Onyeuko. Click here to read…

    Afghanistan
    “Al-Qa’ida will rebuild in Afghanistan,” said CIA’s former Dy. Director Morell

    Addressing an online forum hosted by the United States (US) Attorney’s office for the Eastern District of Virginia on 08 September, the former Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)—Michael Morell emphasised that the Taliban will provide safe-haven to al-Qa’ida and the latter intent to build its capability to attack the US at home. “Counter-terrorism efforts fall into a pattern in which their (al-Qa’ida’s) capabilities can be easily degraded by a focused effort, but easily rebuilds when the focus fades,” said Morell. Click here to read…

    “Al-Qa’ida may seek a comeback in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan,” said the US Defense Secretary Austin

    On 09 September 2021, the United States (US) Secretary of Defense— Llyod Austin said that the al-Qa’ida group that used Afghanistan as a staging base to attack the US 20 years ago, may attempt to regenerate there following the US withdrawal that has left the Taliban in power. “We have put the Taliban on notice that we expect them to not allow that happen”, Secretary of State Austin said, referring to the possibility of al-Qa’ida using Afghanistan as a staging base in the future. Click here to read…

    “The UN must not give recognition to Taliban-led government in Afghanistan,” said Afghan envoy to the UN

    On 09 September 2021, the Afghanistan Ambassador to the United Nations (UN)— Ghulam Isaczai urged that the UN should not recognise “caretaker” government formed by the Taliban which overthrew the democratically elected government in mid-August this year. “I….ask you [the UN] to withhold any recognition of any government in Afghanistan, unless it is truly inclusive and formed on the basis of the free will of the people,” said Ambassador Isaczai. Click here to read…

    Pakistan
    “Pakistan is involved in harbouring Taliban and the Haqqanis,” said the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken

    Speaking at the House Foreign Affairs Committee on 13 September 2021, the United States (US) Secretary of State—Antony Blinken said that Pakistan has harboured the members of the Taliban, including terrorists of Haqqani Network (HQN), and needs to “line-up” with a broad majority of the international community regarding Afghanistan.

    Pakistan has denied its deep ties with the Taliban and has been accused of supporting the group overtly and covertly. It (Pakistan) is also a nation where many senior Taliban leaders, including slain al-Qa’ida leader— Osama bin Laden, have escaped to after the US-led War on Terror in Afghanistan in 2001. Click here to read…

    Pakistan continues to develop culture of violence, claimed India at the UN

    In the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), on 07 September 2021, the First Secretary in India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations (UN)— Vidisha Maitra said that Pakistan continues to foment a “culture of violence” at home and across the border; along with using the UN platform for hate speech against India. We dismiss and condemn all such efforts. Click here to read…

    DOMESTIC TERRORISM

    Jammu and Kashmir
    NH-44 is high on target of JeM and LeT: warned intelligence agencies

    The Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) send intelligence inputs to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) indicating that Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) are planning to carry out a major attack along the National Highway-44 (NH-44) in Srinagar—from Qazigund to Khanabal.

    Also, there have been reports of Masood Azhar (JeM’s leader) meeting Taliban’s top leaders in Kandahar in mid-August seeking support for anti-India operations. In 2021, around 272 youths from Kashmir went missing, and it is estimated that at least 82 of them have joined terrorist groups in the Valley, with 42 being recruited by LeT. Click here to read…

    Security forces arrested a HM terrorist from Pulwama district

    In a joint operation on 09 September 2021, the 50 Rashtriya Rifle (RR), Awantipora police, and the 185th Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), arrested a Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM) terrorist— Shahid Ahmed Khanday, from Androosa Khrew area of Awantipora area in Pulwama district.

    During the search operation, security forces observed some suspicious movement in the area and noticed that a person was trying to flee; however, he was apprehended by the security forces personnel. Click here to read…

    Pakistan’s ISI exporting IS-KP operatives to PoK for a major attack in Kashmir, claimed intelligence reports

    The intelligence reports claimed that Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has been exporting the Islamic State-Khurasan Province (IS-KP) terrorists into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) with aim to carry out major terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

    These IS-KP terrorists were released from Afghan jails and returned to Pakistan after the Taliban overthrew the Ghani government in Afghanistan, amidst the United States (US) withdrawal from the country. Click here to read…

    Left-Wing Extremism
    In 2020, Maoist violence highest in Chhattisgarh: NCRB data

    According to the annual report released by the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB), on 14 September 2021, Chhattisgarh recorded the highest number of Maoist-related crimes in 2020. Followed by Jharkhand (133 cases registered) and Maharashtra (32 cases registered), Chhattisgarh topped in murders, loot, attempted murders, and arson by Maoists. Click here to read…

    Police arrested senior Maoist leader from Odisha

    On 14 September 2021, Odisha police arrested senior Maoist leader and Special Zonal Committee member of Andhra-Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC)—Dubbasi Shankar aka Mahender, from Koraput district in Odisha.

    Reportedly, Dubbasi had moved out of the jungle terrain to undergo some medical treatment in Koraput district, where he was arrested by police’s special team. Click here to read…

    52 Maoists, including sympathisers, surrendered in Telangana

    On 09 September 2021, 52 Maoists, including village committee members and sympathisers, from four border villages of Charlamandal of Bhadradri-Kothagudem district in Telangana, surrendered before Superintendent of Police (SP).

    Among those who surrendered were five women and seven minors from Pusuguppa, Battigudem, Bathinapalli, and Chennapuram villages. In November 2020, 33 Maoists, including village committee members, had surrendered before police. Click here to read…

    Islamic Extremism
    NIA filed charge-sheet against three IS operatives in Kerala module case

    On 08 September 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge-sheet against three Islamic State (IS) operatives—Mohammed Ameen aka Abu Yahya, Mushab Anwar, and Rahees Rasheed. The case was registered on 05 March 2021, pertaining to terrorist activities of Mohammed Ameen and his associates. Mohammed Ameen have been running various IS propaganda on different social media platforms, including Telegram, Hoop, and Instagram. Click here to read…

    NIA filed charge-sheet against an IS operative in ‘al-Hind Bengaluru module’ case

    On 03 September 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a supplementary charge-sheet against Shihabudeenaka Sirajudeenaka Khalid aka Rajesh—an Islamic State (IS) operative, in connection with ‘al-Hind Bengaluru module’ case.

    On 10 January 2020, the case was registered against Mehboob Pasha aka Abdullah, and 16 others, in several cases related to terrorism, and murder of Hindu leaders. Investigation has revealed that Shihabudeen was part of larger conspiracy and had collected & hand-over the arms & ammunition in Mumbai to other operatives to be used in the murder of the Special Sub-Inspector (SSI) Y Wilson in Tamil Nadu police. Click here to read…

    Islamic Extremism inspired Extremism
    NIA Special Court framed charges against eight KLF terrorists in connection to killing of Comrade Balwinder Singh Sandhu, SC awardee

    On 31 August 2021, the Special Judge for NIA (National Investigation Agency) cases, Mohali, framed charges against eight Khalistan Liberation Front (KLF) terrorists— i) Sukhraj Singh aka Sukhaaka Lakhanpal, ii) Ravinder Singh aka Ravi Dhillon, iii) Akashdeep Arora aka Dhaliwal, iv) Jagroop Singh, v) Sukhdeep Singh aka Buraaka Bhura, vi) Gurjit Singh aka Bha, vii) Inderjit Singh, and viii) Sukhmeet Pal Singh aka Sukhaka SukhBhikariwal, in connection with murder of Comrade Balwinder Singh, Shaurya Chakra awardee. On 16 October 2020, two unidentified persons killed Comrade Balwinder Singh at his residence in Bhikhiwind, Taran Tarn district in Punjab. Click here to read…

    North-East Region Insurgency
    NIA filed charge-sheet against five ULFA-I operatives in 2019 Grenade Blast case

    On 14 September 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a supplementary charge-sheet against five operatives of the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) in connection with 2019 Grenade Blast case. In 2019, two ULFA-I operatives threw grenade at a police party near Central Mall, RGB road, Guwahati, in which 12 people were injured. The self-styled commander-in-chief of ULFA-I—Paresh Baruah, took responsibility of the attack.

    The charge-sheeted accused are identified as—Pappu Koch Bokoliyal aka BijoyAsom, Amrit Ballav Goswami, Paresh Baruah aka Paresh Asom, Arunodoy Dahotiya aka Bijit Gogoi, and Munna Baruah aka Munna Asom. Click here to read…

    CYBER, INFORMATION WARFARE & AI (SECURITY PERSPECTIVE)

    “Cyber-attacks increasingly targeting Australia’s Critical National Infrastructure”, claimed the ACSC

    In a report published on 15 September 2021, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) informed that a quarter of cyber attacks reported to the Australian security officials over the past year have targeted the Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) and essential services, including healthcare, food distribution, and energy. The ransomware attacks increased by 15 per cent in the 2020-2021 financial year, as compared to the previous financial year. The ACSC received more than 67,500 reports of cyber-crime of all types in 2020-2021. Click here to read…

    Indian start-up firm comes up with a device to prevent cyber-attacks

    A Pune-based cyber security start-up firm—Elementik Technologies has launched “Byteseal”— a device to prevent identity-related cyber-attacks, such as phishing and credential thefts. The start-up incubated with Science and Technology Park in Pune and has raised ₹ 1 crore through the Park’s seed-funding scheme, supported by the Department of Science and Technology.

    “Byteseal is a secure authentication device which helps subscribers manage their passwords in a more secure and simple way. The device carries the world’s most secure capacitive fingerprint sensor, wireless connectivity to phone and computer via Bluetooth technology and has a long-lasting rechargeable battery up to three months,” said Nikhilesh Wani—founder of the Elementik Technologies. Click here to read…

    US keen to collaborate with Telangana State government in cyber security

    The United States (US) government expressed its interest to explore ties with Telangana State government in cyber security areas, mainly crypto currency forensics, capacity building, and technology transfer. During her visit to India in August 2021, the US Deputy National Security Adviser (NSA) for Cyber & Emerging Technologies— Anne Neuberger exchanged thoughts on potential cooperation with the State government of Telangana, represented by Industries & Commerce and IT Principal Secretary— Jayesh Ranjan.

    Telangana State has been a forerunner in cyber security with dedicated efforts such as State policy, Hyderabad Security Cluster (HSC) and Cyber Security Centre of Excellence (CSCE). Click here to read…