DEFENCE

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

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

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

Afghanistan

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

East Asia

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

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• Security forces arrested six JeM terrorists from Kulgam.

Left-Wing Extremism

• A key-Maoist surrendered in Jharkhand.

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

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

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

• Bharat condemned vandalism in Melbourne, Australia.

Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) cases

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

DEFENCE

Defence Budget 2023-24.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

These include three self-sustained teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) numbering more than 150 specially trained personnel, along with dog squads, specialized equipment, vehicles and supplies. Their equipment allows for detection, location, access and extrication of people trapped under collapsed structures. In addition, personnel and equipment have been sent to set up a 30-bed self-sustained field hospital of the Indian Army. This includes a team of 99 specially trained personnel, with essential medicines, advanced equipment, vehicles and ambulances. The hospital will provide for a fully functional Operation Theatre, and facilities such as X-ray, ventilators, etc.
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NSA Shri Ajit Doval visited Moscow from 07-09 February 2023.

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

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

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

On 09 February 2023, NSA held a bilateral dialogue with Secretary of the Russian Security Council, and discussed issues, including bilateral relations, regional and international developments. He also met with Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Minister of Trade and Industry and discussed issues pertaining to bilateral defence and economic cooperation.
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Maiden landing of LCA Navy and Mig-29K fighter aircraft onboard INS Vikrant.

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

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

11th meeting of India-Mongolia Joint Working Group.

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

India established diplomatic relations with Mongolia in 1955. The Indian Resident Mission in Ulaanbaatar was opened in 1971. This relationship was upgraded to “strategic partnership” in 2015 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Mongolia and declared it as an essential component of ‘Act East Policy’.
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Prime Minister inaugurates Aero India 2023.

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

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

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

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

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

Defence Secretary meets UK Delegation.

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

Raksha Mantri hosts Defence Ministers’ Conclave.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Africa

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

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

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

Taliban killed three IS operatives in a raid in Kabul.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jammu and Kashmir

Security forces arrested six JeM terrorists from Kulgam.

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

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

A ‘regional commander’ surrendered in Jharkhand.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bharat condemned vandalism in Melbourne, Australia.

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

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

Assam-based FICN racket busted in West Bengal.

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

On 01 February 2023, Odisha’s Special Task Force (STF) and police seized a consignment of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) worth ₹ 31 lakh during a raid in Bolangir district in Odisha. The joint team seized FICNs from a man standing near the main gate of Titlagarh bus stand.
For more information: Click here to read…

DEFENCE

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

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

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

Nigeria

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

Afghanistan

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

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

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

Left-Wing Extremism

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

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

• UP ATS arrested a terrorist from Saharanpur for radicalising youth.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

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

DEFENCE

Value of indigenous defence production.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Africa

Somalia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UP ATS arrested a terrorist from Saharanpur for radicalising youth.

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

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

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

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

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

• Value of indigenous defence production.
• Prime Minister had a telephone conversation today with President of the Russian Federation
• Import and export of defence equipment.
• Ministry of defence – year-end review 2022.
• Project – 75 Kalvari Class submarines.
• Joint Staff Talks (JST) between India and the Maldives.
• India- China Corps Commander Level Meeting.
• Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) accorded approval for Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 24 Capital Acquisition Proposals.
• Successful firing of extended range version of Brahmos air launched missile.
• Indian Coast Guard Concludes Maiden Contract for 10 Multicopter (VTOL) Drones.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

• In a week, Somali military eliminated over 210 al-Shabaab terrorists in CT operations.

Nigeria

• Boko Haram terrorists killed 17 herders in Borno State.

Afghanistan

• IS claimed responsibility of an attack that killed Taliban’s Police Chief in Badakhshan.

Pakistan

• CTD arrested 07 terrorists of different groups from Lahore.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• NIA searched multiple locations across J&K terror activities case.
• Police arrested 05 HM operatives from Kupwara.
• Security forces eliminated three LeT terrorists in Shopian.

Left-Wing Extremism

• Security forces killed two Maoists in anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh.
• Over 900 Maoists/OGWs surrendered to Odisha police.

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

• NIA made 14th arrest in PFI case, Kerala.
• NIA Special Court convicted HM terrorist in “recruitment case”.
• NIA filed charge sheet against 11 accused involved in “Nizamabad PFI case”.
• NIA searched multiple locations in Kerala in “PFI case”.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

• NIA carried out search operations at multiple locations in terror case.

DEFENCE

Value of indigenous defence production.

The value of indigenous defence production for Financial Years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 are Rs 84,643 crore and Rs 94,846 crore respectively. To achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ and realise the goal of ‘Make in India’, Government of India has established two Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs) in the country, one in Uttar Pradesh and other in Tamil Nadu.
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Prime Minister had a telephone conversation today with President of the Russian Federation.

Following up on their meeting in Samarkand on the side-line of the SCO Summit, the two leaders reviewed several aspects of the bilateral relationship, including energy cooperation, trade and investments, defence & security cooperation, and other key areas.

In the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Prime Minister reiterated his call for dialogue and diplomacy as the only way forward. Prime Minister briefed President Putin on India’s ongoing Presidency of the G-20, highlighting its key priorities. He also looked forward to both countries working together during India’s Chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

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Import and export of defence equipment.

Details of import and export of defence equipment during the last three years are as under:

• Major Export: Coastal Surveillance System, Light Weight Torpedo, DO-228 Aircraft, Aircraft Towing Tractor, Weapon Locating Radar, Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) ‘SCGS Zoroaster’, Equipment 120mm Mortar Bomb 120 mm HE, Motor Grader BG605l and Bulldozer 65-1 and Spares, Fire Control System, Armoured Protection Vehicle, Diesel 6×6 Base Vehicle, Mine protected Ambulance Vehicle, High Speed Guard Boat, Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle (6Nos.), Mine Protected Vehicle Right Hand Drive 4×4, 7.62x51mm Sniper Rifle & 0.338 Lapua Magnum Sniper Rifle, Simulator etc.
• Major Import: Jammer, Radar, Doppler Radar, THEMIS UGV, LOITERING MUNITIONS SYSTEM, UAV, NIGHT VISION IMAGING SYSTEM, Armoured Vehicle, Airport Surveillance Radars (ASR), CLOSE-IN WEAPON SYSTEM, C-Block-Jamming System, 7.62x51mm ARSENAL Machine Gun, Ground Support Missile Test Equipment etc.

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Ministry of defence – year-end review 2022.

Key highlights:
Agnipath– the AGNIPATH scheme for recruitment of youth in the Armed Forces was launched in June, to serve the country for a period of four years.
INS Vikrant- India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant was commissioned by the Prime Minister at Cochin Shipyard Limited in September. With 76% indigenous content, the 262.5 m long and 61.6 m wide ship is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment/systems, designed for a crew of around 1,600 officers and sailors.
Other major ‘Made in India’ inductions/launches- LCH ‘Prachand’, Indian Naval Air Squadron, Missile Destroyers/Frigates, Diving Support/Survey vessels.
C-295 transport aircraft manufacturing facility.
In pursuit of self-reliance- Positive Indigenisation Lists, 68% of capital procurement budget was earmarked for domestic industry, iDEX Prime, Major successful missile tests etc.

In addition various other important areas of international defence cooperation, exports, Expos, Dialogues as well as tasks and achievements of the three services and other constituents of the MoD were highlighted.
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Project – 75 Kalvari Class submarines.

The fifth submarine of the Project – 75, Kalvari Class submarines, Yard 11879 was delivered to the Indian Navy today, 20 Dec 22. Project – 75 includes indigenous construction of six submarines of Scorpene design. These submarines are being constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) Mumbai, under collaboration with M/s Naval Group, France. Launched on 12 Nov 20, Vagir commenced the sea trials from 01 Feb 22.
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Joint Staff Talks (JST) between India and the Maldives

6th Joint Staff Talks (JST) between India and the Maldives were held in New Delhi on December 20, 2022. The meeting was conducted in a friendly, warm and extremely cordial atmosphere. Discussions focussed on the ongoing and new initiatives under the ambit of existing bilateral defence cooperation mechanism of all the three services and further strengthening the engagements. The JST is a forum established to boost defence cooperation between India and the Maldives through annual talks at the strategic and operational levels between HQ IDS & MNDF.
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India- China Corps Commander Level Meeting

The 17th round of India- China Corps Commander Level Meeting was held at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Chinese side on 20th December 2022. Building on the progress made after the last meeting on 17th July 2022, the two sides exchanged views on the resolution of the relevant issues along the LAC in the Western Sector in an open and constructive manner. They had a frank and in-depth discussion, keeping in line with the guidance provided by the State Leaders to work for the resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest which would help in restoration of peace and tranquility along the LAC in the Western Sector and enable progress in bilateral relations.

In the interim, the two sides agreed to maintain the security and stability on the ground in the Western Sector. The two sides agreed to stay in close contact and maintain dialogue through military and diplomatic channels and work out a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest.
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Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) accorded approval for Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 24 Capital Acquisition Proposals.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), in its meeting held on December 22, 2022, has accorded approval for Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 24 Capital Acquisition Proposals. These proposals include six for Indian Army, six for Indian Air Force, 10 for Indian Navy and two for Indian Coast Guard for a total value of Rs 84,328 crore. It is pertinent to mention that 21 proposals, worth Rs 82,127 crore (97.4%), are approved for procurement from indigenous sources.

The AoNs accorded will equip the Indian Army with platforms and equipment such as Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicles, Light Tanks and Mounted Gun System providing a quantum jump to Indian Army’s operational preparedness. Proposals approved also includes procurement of Ballistic Helmets, with enhanced protection level, for our soldiers. Approvals for procurement of Naval Anti-Ship Missiles, Multi-Purpose Vessels and High Endurance Autonomous Vehicles will further enhance maritime strength giving boost to Indian Navy’s capabilities.

Indian Air Force will be further strengthened with enhanced lethal capabilities by induction of new range of missile system, Long Range Guided Bombs, Range Augmentation Kit for conventional bombs and advanced surveillance systems.
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Successful firing of extended range version of Brahmos air launched missile.

Indian Air Force successfully fired the Extended Range Version of Brahmos Air Launched missile against a Ship Target from a SU-30MKI aircraft. With this, IAF has achieved a significant capability boost to carry out precision strikes from SU-30MKI aircraft against land/ sea targets over very long ranges.
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Indian Coast Guard Concludes Maiden Contract for 10 Multicopter (VTOL) Drones.

The Indian Coast Guard has concluded maiden contract for 10 multicopter (VTOL) drones in consonance with Government of India’s policy of embracing Drone Technology. These drones are capable of being launched from both Ships whilst underway, as well as Shore Stations and will play a significant role in the reach if ICG unit during Surveillance & Security operations. In addition, these drones are going to assist in Search and Rescue (SAR), both by day as well as night. The ICG plans to induct 100 additional drones by 2025, to meet the ever-growing challenges in India’s Maritime Zones and Search & Rescue Region.
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INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

In a week, Somali military eliminated over 210 al-Shabaab terrorists in CT operations

On 24 December 2022, the Somali military’s army commander— Gen Mohamed Tahlil confirmed that in a week, Somali military carried out counter-terrorism (CT) operations and killed 217 al-Shabaab terrorists in the Middle Shabelle region. According to GenTahlil, on 24 December, the land forces killed 67 terrorists. On 23 December, the Defence Ministry’s spokesman— Abdullahi Ali Anod informed the Press that army killed at least 150 al-Shabaab terrorist in a CT operation on the outskirts of Runirgod. Somali army, backed by local clan militias, continues to fight against al-Shabaab— an al-Qa’ida affiliated terror group.
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Nigeria

Boko Haram terrorists killed 17 herders in Borno State

On 24 December 2022, Boko Haram terrorists attacked and killed 17 herders guarding their cattle in a pasture near Airamne village in Mafa district of Borno State. According to a militia— Ibrahim Liman, “terrorists launched the attack from camps in nearby Gajiganna forest, where they relocated after being partially forced out from their stronghold in Sambisa forest by terrorist rivals Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and the Nigerian army. Boko Haram and ISWAP have increasingly been targeting civilians, particularly loggers, farmers and herders, accusing them of spying on them for the military and the local anti-jihadist militia.
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Afghanistan

IS claimed responsibility of an attack that killed Taliban’s Police Chief in Badakhshan

The Islamic State (IS) terror organisation claimed responsibility for an attack on 26 December 2022, in which Taliban’s Police Chief was killed in the Northern Afghan province of Badakshan. According to the Taliban’s acting Interior Ministry, “Regional Security Chief— Abdul Haq Abu Omar and two others were killed in a car-bomb attack that took place near the Regional Police Headquarters in Faizabad, the capital of Badakshan. Omar is believed to be the highest-ranking Taliban security official killed since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021.
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Pakistan

CTD arrested 07 terrorists of different groups from Lahore

On 25 December 2022, Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) claimed to arrest seven terrorists belonging to various terrorist groups from different locations in Lahore. In intelligence-based operations carried out in different areas of the province, the CTD arrested— i) Shafeeullah (Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan [TTP]), ii) Khalid Mehmood (Lashkar-e-Jhangvi [LeJ]), iii) Mohsin Waqar (al-Qa’ida in Indian Subcontinent), iv) Muhammad Usman Shah aka Abdul Rashid (TTP), v) Muhammad Luqman (LeJ), vi) Muhammad Rafique (TTP), and vii) Hafiz Muhammad Farooq (Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan [SSP]).

During the searches, the CTD officials recovered 1,333 gms of explosives, five detonators, 12.5 feet safety fuse wire, two mobile phones, 39 pamphlets, 17 stickers, and PKR 22,870. According to the data available, during the same week, around 433 combing operations were carried in assistance with local police. In these operations, around 19,633 people were checked and 96 suspected terrorists were arrested, 69 FIRs registered and 54 recoveries were made.
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DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

NIA searched multiple locations across J&K terror activities case

On 23 December 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out searches at 14 locations across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in Kulgam, Pulwama, Anantnag, Sopore and Jammu districts.

The case— RC-05/2022/NIA/JMU pertains to the criminal conspiracy for carrying out terror activities by operatives and Over Ground Workers (OGWs) of various terror groups operating on behest of their handlers based in Pakistan. During the searches, NIA officials recovered digital devices, SIM cards, and other incriminating materials.
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Police arrested 05 HM operatives from Kupwara

On 22 December 2022, police arrested five Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM) oepratives from Kupwara district. Acting upon credible information received by District Police Kupwara and Army approached and arrested— i) Abu Rouf Malik, ii) Altaf Ahmed Payer, and iii) Riyaz Ahmed Lone. During interrogation the trio disclosed about two hideouts constructed for militants of HM on the instructions of a Pakistan based handler Farooq Ahmad Piraka Nadeem Usmani based in POK where some arms and ammunition has also been concealed.
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Security forces eliminated three LeT terrorists in Shopian

On 20 December 2022, security forces eliminated three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in a counter-terrorism (CT) operation at Munjh Marg in Zainapora of Shopian district of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
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Left-Wing Extremism

Security forces killed two Maoists in anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh

On 23 December 2022, security forces eliminated two Maoists, including a woman, in Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh. The woman Maoist killed in operation was identified as Kanthi Lingavva aka Anitha— a divisional committee rank cadre.
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Over 900 Maoists/OGWs surrendered to Odisha police

On 20 December 2022, over 900 active Maoists Over-Ground Workers (OGWs)/sympathisers surrendered to Odisha police and the Border Security Force (BSF) officials. According to Malkangiri Superintendent of Police (SP)—Nitesh Wadhwani, total of 907 OGWs, including 467 Maoists surrendered. The OGWs used to assist in violent activities and were involved in the killing of security forces and civilians, besides supplying all kinds of logistics to Maoists.

The surrendered Maoists/OGWs exhibited their opposition to the Maoist ideology by burning uniforms and effigies during the programme held on the occasion. They also shouted anti-Maoist slogans before a large group of media persons who were present at the venue. In his briefing, SP Wadhwani claimed that developmental initiatives of the Odisha government coupled with the strategic deployment of security forces inspired the villagers to join the mainstream.
For more information: Click here to read…

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

NIA made 14th arrest in PFI case, Kerala

On 29 December 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Mohammad Mubarak from Kerala in Popular Front of India (PFI) case— RC-02/2022/NIA/KOC. The NIA carried out searches at 56 locations in Kerala. Mohammad Mubarak is a PFI Martial Arts and Hit Squad operative. Also, he is a practicing Advocate in the Kerala High Court. During the searches carried out on 28 December 2022, the NIA recovered assortments of arms concealed in badminton racket bag, an axe, swords and sickles.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA Special Court convicted HM terrorist in “recruitment case”

On 23 December 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) special court, Guwahati, Assam convicted a Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM) terrorist— Mohammad Shahnowaj Alom in HM recruitment case. Mohd. Alom was convicted under Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Sections 18, 18B, 19, and 38 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A] and sentenced to Rigorous Imprisonment for five years.
The case— RC-08/2018/NIA/GUW pertains to the arrest of Mohd. Alom on 13 September 2018, because he had close ties with Mohd. Kamruz Zaman, a HM terrorist. During investigations, it was discovered that Kamruj Zaman, Shahnawaz Alom, Saidul Alam, Omar Faruk, and others conspired to raise a module of HM in the state of Assam with the goal of instilling fear in the minds of people through terrorist activities.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA filed charge sheet against 11 accused involved in “Nizamabad PFI case”

On 29 December 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed charge sheet against 11 accused in connection with the Nizamabad PFI case. The case— RC-03/2022/NIA/HYD pertains to organising terror training camps and recruitment of people for terrorist acts by the Popular Front of India (PFI).

Investigations have revealed that the accused persons were involved in radicalising Muslim youth and recruiting them into the PFI through speeches filled with hatred and venom against the government of Bharat as well as other organisations and individuals. Once recruited into the PFI, the Muslim youth were sent to training camps organised by the PFI under the cover and guise of Yoga Classes and Physical Education (PE) Beginners Course, where they were trained in the use of everyday articles (knife, sickle and iron rods) to kill a person by attacking vulnerable body parts, such as throat, stomach and head & for commission of terror acts.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA searched multiple locations in Kerala in “PFI case”

On 29 December 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched at 56 locations in Kerala in Popular Front of India (PFI) case. PFI has been found justifying the use of criminal force and encouraging vulnerable young people to join terrorist organisations. NIA searched residences of 07 State Executive Committee members, 07 Zonal Heads of PFI, 15 physical training instructors of PFI. The NIA officials seized sharp edged weapons, incriminating material and digital devices.
For more information: Click here to read…

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

NIA carried out search operations at multiple locations in terror case

On 24 December 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out searches at 14 different locations in Punjab, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), and Delhi. The searches were made in connection to terror activities of operatives of proscribed terror organisations— Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF). The activities included smuggling of arms and ammunitions, explosives across the International Border (IB). During the search operation, the NIA officials recovered incriminating materials, including digital devices, and documents.
For more information: Click here to read…

DEFENCE

• MoD organises interaction with Indian defence industry on reservation for Ex-Agniveers in corporate jobs.
• Indian Coast Guard helicopter squadron commissioned in Chennai.
• Joint Exercise Agni Warrior with Singapore Armed Forces.
• Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) has proceeded on a three day visit to Malaysia.
• Industries have been supported under the TDF (Technology Development Fund) scheme.
• Space Defence Mission.
• International Fleet Review (IFR) hosted by Bangladesh.
• Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs).
• Dare to Dream Contests.
• Visit of Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff to Sri Lanka.
• 6th Edition of Indo – Kazakhstan joint training exercise “KAZIND-22”.
• 16th Edition of Indo-Nepal joint training Exercise “SURYA KIRAN-XVI”.
• The last batch of Rafales of the IAF landed in India.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

• Security forces killed at least 15 al-Shabaab terrorists in CT operation in Mogadishu.

Afghanistan

• IS-KP claimed responsibility for an attack on the ‘Chinese’ Hotel in Kabul.
• At least 07 people killed in roadside blast in Mazar-e-Sharif.

Pakistan

• “US withdrawl from Afghanistan supported TTP’s activities in Pakistan,” Report of Pakistan’s Senate Standing Committee on Interior.
• Security forces foiled an infiltration from Afghanistan and killed four IS-KP terrorists.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• A grenade explosion occurred outside a police station in Jammu.

Left-Wing Extremism

• Security forces recovered huge cache of arms and explosives from a Maoist hideout in Maharashtra.
• 35 Maoists surrendered in Andhra Pradesh.

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

• Bharat and US agreed on concerted action against terrorist networks, including LeT and JeM.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

• TarnTaran bomb blasts accused extradited from Austria to Bharat and arrested by the NIA in Delhi.
• NIA arrested absconding terrorist involved in ‘Ludhiana Court’ bomb blast case.

Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs)

• NIA Special Court convicted two FICN traffickers.

DEFENCE

MoD organises interaction with Indian defence industry on reservation for Ex-Agniveers in corporate jobs.

An interaction session was organised by Ministry of Defence on November 30, 2022 with the Indian Defence Industry under the aegis of Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers to seek opportunities for gainful employment of Ex-Agniveers under the Corporate Recruitment Plan of the companies. The session was chaired by Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane. Senior executives from major Indian defence industry houses including L&T, Adani Defence Ltd, Tata Advanced System Ltd, Ashok Leyland and others participated in the discussion. The senior executives of the companies conveyed their unstinted support and commitment in the endeavour and expressed their eagerness to deploy the Ex-Agniveers once the first batch completes its term with the Armed Forces. They assured that suitable provisions shall be made in their recruitment policies for reservations for Agniveers based on the available skill sets. Certain suggestions were also considered regarding bridging the skills learnt by Agniveers with the requirements of the industry.
For more information: Click here to read…

Indian Coast Guard helicopter squadron commissioned in Chennai.

An Indian Coast Guard Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III squadron, was commissioned at ICG Air Station, Chennai on November 30, 2022. The commissioning of 840 Sqn (CG) will provide a major fillip to the abilities of Indian Coast Guard in the security sensitive waters off Tamil Nadu and Andhra region. A total of 16 ALH Mk-III aircraft have been inducted in the Indian Coast Guard in a phased manner and four of these aircraft are positioned in Chennai.
For more information: Click here to read…

Joint Exercise Agni Warrior with Singapore Armed Forces.

The 12th Edition of Exercise Agni Warrior, a bilateral exercise between the Singapore & Indian Army, which had commenced on 13 November 2022 concluded at Field Firing Ranges, Devlali (Maharashtra) on 30 November 2022. Exercise Agni Warrior, involved showcasing joint firepower planning, execution and use of New Generation Equipment by the Artillery arm of both armies.
For more information: Click here to read…

Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) has proceeded on a three day visit to Malaysia.

The Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) has proceeded on a three day visit to Malaysia from 08 to 10 December 2022. During the visit, the Vice Chief will take forward the excellent defence cooperation between India and Malaysia through multiple meetings with senior military and civilian leadership of the country. He will also witness various training activities of the ongoing joint ‘Exercise HARIMAU SHAKTI’ and interact with the troops.
For more information: Click here to read…

Industries have been supported under the TDF (Technology Development Fund) scheme.

A total of 54 industries have been supported under the TDF scheme so far. A total no. of 04 technologies have been successfully developed under TDF Scheme. A total of 340 applications as Expression of Interest (EoI) have been received under TDF Scheme for the awarded projects so far. Total time taken for processing the application till award of the project is 06 months on an average for a normal case. It is a continuous process where payments are linked with the milestones achieved for the specific projects. It takes approximately 45 days for disbursement into the account of the company from the date of submission of bill.
For details of companies funded refer to: Click here to read…

Space Defence Mission.

Mission DefSpace was launched by the Prime Minister during DefExpo in October, 2022 with 75 Defence Space Challenges relevant to the end users. These challenges have been categorised into existing DDP initiatives of iDEX, Make-I and Make-2. Private Industries, including Start-ups, MSMEs and Individual Innovators, are eligible to apply. The challenges, classified into five buckets viz. Launch System, Satellite System, Communication & Payload System, Ground System and Software System, provide a holistic 3600 overview of space.
For more information: Click here to read…

International Fleet Review (IFR) hosted by Bangladesh.

The Indian Navy delegation led by Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command and three warships of the Indian Navy participated in the maiden International Fleet Review (IFR) hosted by Bangladesh at Cox’s Bazar on 07 Dec 22. Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh reviewed the International Fleet comprising ships from Bangladesh Navy and eight ships from six foreign countries. With three ships, the Indian Navy contingent was the largest amongst the participating foreign navies in this IFR. The other five participating ships were from China, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and USA.
For more information: Click here to read…

Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs).

Government of India has established two Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs) in the country, one in Uttar Pradesh and other in Tamil Nadu. 06 (six) nodes viz. Agra, Aligarh, Chitrakoot, Jhansi, Kanpur and Lucknow have been identified for developing Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC). Similarly, 05 (five) nodes viz. Chennai, Coimbatore, Hosur, Salem, and Tiruchirappalli identified for developing Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor (TNDIC). Government intends to develop defence manufacturing ecosystem having conducive conditions including supply chain for giving push to production and testing & certification to create economies of scale and facilitate development of internationally competitive enterprises in the country.
As per the information received from Government of Uttar Pradesh for UPDIC, 105 Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) have been signed with industries etc. worth potential investments of Rs 12,139 crore. Already, Rs 2,422 crore have been invested in UPDIC. Total 1,608 Hectare of land has been acquired for development of UPDIC. Further, as per the information received from Government of Tamil Nadu for TNDIC, arrangements have been made through Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) etc. for potential investment of Rs 11,794 crore by 53 industries. Rs 3,847 crore have already been invested in TNDIC. Total 910 Hectare of lands has been acquired for development of TNDIC.
Reference: Click here to read…

Dare to Dream Contests.

A total of 5,637 applications have been received under three Dare to Dream Contests to promote individual and start-ups for innovation in the area of Defence and Aerospace in last three years. A total of 52 individuals and 34 start-ups have been awarded under three Dare to Dream contests out of 5,637 applications received in last three years. A total of 07 projects have been sanctioned and awarded to start-ups of Dare to Dream contest winners so far.
DRDO has been launching Dare to Dream Contest every year since 2019 to bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, individuals above 18 years and start-ups (recognised by DPIIT and with Indian founders) for innovative ideas in the field of Defence and Aerospace. The selection criteria for evaluation of the entries are completeness of proposal, scientific soundness, design completeness, merit, technological readiness level achieved and innovation. The selected individual/company are getting benefitted as DRDO supports them to realise awarded ideas into Prototype through Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme.
For more information: Click here to read…

Visit of Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff to Sri Lanka.

Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval the Staff (CNS), will be visiting Sri Lanka from 13 to 16 December 2022. The CNS has been invited as the Chief Guest and Reviewing Officer for the Commissioning Parade at the Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA), Trincomalee, scheduled on 15 December 2022. During the visit, the CNS will undertake interactions with senior political and defence leadership of Sri Lanka. He would also be visiting other defence establishments of the Sri Lanka Armed Forces and review progress of various bilateral defence cooperation activities.
For more information: Click here to read…

6th Edition of Indo – Kazakhstan joint training exercise “KAZIND-22”.

The 6th Edition of Indo – Kazakhstan joint training exercise “KAZIND-22” is scheduled to be conducted at Umroi (Meghalaya) from 15 to 28 December 2022. Joint annual training exercise with the Kazakhstan Army was instituted in 2016 as Exercise Prabal Dostyk, which was later upgraded to a company level exercise and renamed as Ex Kazind in 2018.
For more information: Click here to read…

16th Edition of Indo-Nepal joint training Exercise “SURYA KIRAN-XVI”.

The 16th Edition of Indo-Nepal joint training Exercise “SURYA KIRAN-XVI” between India and Nepal will be conducted at Nepal Army Battle School, Saljhandi (Nepal), from 16 – 29 December 2022. Exercise “SURYA KIRAN” is conducted annually between India and Nepal with the aim to enhance interoperability in jungle warfare & counter terrorism operations in mountainous terrain and HADR under UN mandate.
For more information: Click here to read…

The last batch of Rafales of the IAF landed in India.

The last of the 36 IAF Rafales landed in India after a quick en-route refuelling from a UAE Air Force tanker.
Reference: Click here to read…

Afghanistan

IS-KP claimed responsibility for an attack on the ‘Chinese’ Hotel in Kabul.

On 12 December 2022, the Islamic State-Khurasan Province (IS-KP) carried out an attack at Longan Hotel, popular with Chinese nationals, in Kabul. “The attack took around 02:30 pm local time, with residents in the area staying they heard a powerful explosion followed by gunfire,” Kabul police spokesman— Khalid Zadran. The attack came a day after China’s ambassador met the Afghan (Taliban) Deputy Foreign Minister to discuss security-related matters and sought more attention on the protection of its embassy.

Several bombings have taken place in Afghanistan in recent months, including an attack on the Pakistan embassy earlier this month and a suicide blast near the Russian embassy in September. Both attacks were claimed by the IS-KP.
For more information: Click here to read…

At least 07 people killed in roadside blast in Mazar-e-Sharif.

On 06 December 2022, at least 07 people killed in a roadside blast on a bus in Mazar-e-Sharif. “The bomb was placed in a cart by the roadside. It was detonated as the bus arrived,” said Asif Waziri from the Balkh police department in Mazar-e-Sharif. It was not immediately clear who was behind the attack, which comes amid repeated pledges from the Taliban to bring security to Afghanistan following decades of war.
For more information: Click here to read…

Pakistan

“US withdrawl from Afghanistan supported TTP’s activities in Pakistan,” Report of Pakistan’s Senate Standing Committee on Interior.

Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism (CT) authority in Islamabad informed country’s Senate Standing Committee on Interior that the United States’ withdrawl from Afghanistan stengthten Tehrik-e-Tailban Pakistan (TTP) activities. “It was also noted that strong public opposition to returning to Swat is a positive development,” read the briefing of CT authority to the interior committee. In November, TTP formally withdrew its ceasefire agreement with Pakistan, which was declared in June. The withdrawl of ceasefire was followed by series of terror attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan.
For more information: Click here to read…

Security forces foiled an infiltration from Afghanistan and killed four IS-KP terrorists.

On 10 December 2022, Pakistan’s security forces foiled an infiltration attempt from Afghanistan and killed four Islamic State-Khurasan Province (IS-KP) terrorists in a remote mountainous North Waziristan district near the Afghanistan border. In early December, IS-KP claimed responsibility for an attack on Pakistan’s embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, an attempt to assassinate the head of the embassy. According to Pakistani officials, Charge d’Affaires— Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani escapted unhurt, but his security guard was shot. In the month of September, an IS-KP suicide bomber carried out an explosion at the entrace to the Russian Embassy in Kabul, in which six people were killed, including two members of the embassy staff.
For more information: Click here to read…

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

A grenade explosion occurred outside a police station in Jammu.

On 06 December 2022, a grenade attack took place outside a police station in Sidhra area of Jammu, Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). No casualty reported in the blast. A lever of the grenade is recovered from the explosion site. Later, police recovered a letter in which Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) offshoot— Jammu Kashmir Ghaznavi Force (JKGF), claimed responsibility for the attack. JKGF was formed post-Pulwama attack in 2019 to evade international scrutiny and carry out deadly attacks. JKGF comprises of terrorist from other groups— Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM), Ansar Ghazwat ul-Hind (AGuH), and al-Badr.
For more information: Click here to read…

Left-Wing Extremism

Security forces recovered huge cache of arms and explosives from a Maoist hideout in

Maharashtra.

On 13 December 2022, security forces comprising of Aurangabad police, Special Task Force (STF), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) carried out a joint anti-Maoist operation and seized huge cache of arms, high grade explosives from Laduiya Pahar hills, falling under the Madanpur police station limits of Aurangabad districts in south Bihar.

“Security forces recovered 14 firearms, including INSAS, SLR, bolt action rifles and 9mm pistols, 21 cane bombs, pressure IDs 1,763 detonators, 1,000 meters of fuse wire, 21 pressure switches, 36 batteries and other items used in explosions. Most of the weapons were looted from police and paramilitaries in various attacks,” said Superintendent of Police (SP) Kantesh Kumar Mishra.
For more information: Click here to read…

35 Maoists surrendered in Andhra Pradesh.

On 07 December 2022, at least 35 Maoists, including a woman, of Pedabayalu-Korukonda Area Committee surrendered before the district police. The woman Maoist— Killo Indu aka Bharathi (27 years-old) of Jadiguda village in Jamiguda panchayat of Pedabayalu, was involved in four major attacks. Police also recovered six wireless sets and five chargers, a country-made pistol, a 5kg of landmine, 100 meters of electrical wire, an olive green uniform cloth and other materials.
For more information: Click here to read…

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

Bharat and US agreed on concerted action against terrorist networks, including LeT and JeM.

During the 19th Counter-Terrorism Joint Working Group (CTJWG) and the 5th session of the Designations Dialogue, held on 12-13 December in New Delhi, Bharat and the United States (US) agreed on the need for concerted action against terrorist group, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). For the CT meeting, Mahaveer Singhvi (Joint Secretary for CT, Ministry of External Affairs), and Timothy Betts (Acting Coordinator for CT, US State Department led their respective inter-agency/inter-departmental delegations.

“Participants also deliberated pressing counter-terrorism challenges, including countering terrorist financing, preventing and countering radicalisation, use of the internet for terrorist purposes, narco-trafficking and its linkages to terrorism and use of new and emerging technologies such as Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Virtual Assets, and the Dark Web for terrorist purposes,” read the statement released by the MEA, Bharat.
For more information: Click here to read…

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

TarnTaran bomb blasts accused extradited from Austria to Bharat and arrested by the NIA in Delhi.

On 08 December 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Bikramjit Singh aka Bikkar Panjwar after his extradition by the counterpart of Linz, Austria in coordination with the INTERPOL. Bikramjit Singh, an accused of TarnTaran bomb blasts, was absconding in NIA case— RC-20/2019/NIA/DLI.

On 22 March 2021, on the strength of the NIA Special Court’s Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) and subsequent Red Corner Notice (RCN), Bikramjit Singh was detained in Linz, Austria. After the completion of legal proceedings, Linz Regional Court processed the extradition of Bikramjit Singh to Bharat.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA arrested absconding terrorist involved in ‘Ludhiana Court’ bomb blast case.

On 01 December 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested an absconding terrorist— Harpreet Singh aka Happy Malaysia, from Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in New Delhi, upon his arrival from Malaysia.

The case— RC-01/22/NIA/DLI pertains to the bomb blast that took place in the Ludhiana Court premises. Investigation highlighted that Harpreet coordinated the delivery of the custom-made IEDs which had been sent from Pakistan.
For more information: Click here to read…

Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs)

NIA Special Court convicted two FICN traffickers.

On 30 November 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, convicted two Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs)— i) Vinod Nishad aka Vinod Sahni, and ii) Mehfooz Shaikh aka Riyazuddin Shaikh in a FICN case— RC-17/2019/NIA//DLI. Both accused were convicted under Sections 489B, 489C and 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and sentenced to the rigorous imprisonment for seven years and fine.
For more information: Click here to read…

DEFENCE

• MALABAR 22 culminates.
• Mr Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of Navy, US on a five day official visit to India.
• Raksha Mantri (RM) Shri Rajnath Singh attends ASEAN Defence Ministers Plus meeting & India-ASEAN Defence Ministers meeting.
• Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2022 (IPRD).
• Raksha Mantri & his Cambodian counterpart co-chair maiden India-ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Siem Reap.
• RM holds bilateral meeting with US Secretary of Defence Mr Lloyd Austin in Cambodia.
• Bilateral joint training Exercise GARUDA SHAKTI with Indonesian Special Forces.
• DRDO’s Compendium on Low Intensity Conflict Products Released.
• Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise ‘Samanvay 2022’.
• 13th Edition of the Indian Navy (IN) – Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) bilateral exercise ‘Naseem Al Bahr’ (Sea Breeze).
• 4th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue.
• “AUSTRA HIND 22”.
• India – Malaysia joint military exercise.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Chad

• In a surprise attack, Boko Haram terrorists killed at least 40 Chadian soldiers.

Somalia

• At least 08 people were killed in a terror attack on a hotel by al-Shabaab in Mogadishu.

Pakistan

• Suicide bombing killed a police officer and two civilians in Balochistan province.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• NIA Special Court sentenced six terrorists in ‘JeM conspiracy’ case.
• Security forces arrested a LeT terrorist from Jammu.
• “Three districts of the UT of J&K are ‘terrorist-free’,” claimed ADGP (Kashmir).
• Police filed chargesheet against HM chief Syed Salahuddin in 10-years old threat case.

Left-Wing Extremism

• Security forces eliminated two Maoists in Odisha.

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

• NIA Special Court pronounced sentence in ‘JMB Bengaluru’ case.
• NIA filed supplementary chargesheet against a HM OGW in a criminal conspiracy case.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

• NIA arrested an absconding terrorist from Delhi IGI Airport.

Organised Crime

• NIA conducted searches at multiple locations in connection with Organised Crime network.
• NIA arrested Lawrence Bishnoi in a case related to connection between Organised Crime network and various terrorist outfits.

DEFENCE

MALABAR 22 culminates.

The 26th edition of the multinational maritime exercise MALABAR 22 culminated in the seas off Japan on 15 November 2022. This edition also marked the 30th anniversary of the exercise and was hosted by the JMSDF. The Indian Navy was represented by ships Shivalik and Kamorta. Malabar series of exercises began in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between the navies of India and US and gained further prominence with joining of the navies of Australia and Japan.

The sea phase of MALABAR 22 was conducted over a period of five days near Yokosuka and witnessed live weapon firings, surface, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare drills and tactical procedures. Another highlight of the sea phase was the conduct of War at Sea exercise which enabled all four navies to consolidate interoperability and hone their tactical skills. The high-tempo exercise saw the participation of eleven surface ships including a nuclear powered aircraft carrier with its integral air elements, alongwith four long-range maritime patrol aircraft, integral helicopters and two submarines.
For more information: Click here to read…

Mr Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of Navy, US on a five day official visit to India.

Mr Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of Navy, US was on a five day official visit to India from 17-21 Nov 22. Interactions during the visit included those with Adm R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff and high ranking GoI officials in New Delhi. Mr Carlos Del Toro made a visit to Indian Navy’s Southern Naval Command at Kochi, wherein interacted with the Commander-in-Chief SNC and visited India’s first indigenous Aircraft Carrier, INS Vikrant at Cochin Shipyard.
India and USA have traditionally maintained close and friendly relations. The Defence relationship between the two countries has been one of mutual trust and confidence, which has transformed after the accord of major ‘Defence Partner Status’ to India in Jun 16. In addition, both countries have concluded certain foundational agreements, including the Defence Framework Agreement, signed in 2015, which lays a blue print for collaboration between the defence establishments of both countries, the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) signed in 2016, which is a foundational agreement facilitating reciprocal logistics support between the Armed Forces of both countries, the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) signed on 06 Sep 18, which facilitates information-sharing between the Armed Forces of both nations and more recently, the Basic Exchange Cooperation Agreement (BECA), which enables sharing of geo – spatial information between Ministry of Defence and National Geospatial Agency (NGA), USA.
For more information: Click here to read…

Raksha Mantri (RM) Shri Rajnath Singh attends ASEAN Defence Ministers Plus meeting & India-ASEAN Defence Ministers meeting.

At the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Cambodia Samdech Pichey Sena TEA Banh, Raksha Mantri will pay an official visit to Cambodia from November 22-23, 2022. Cambodia, as the chair of ASEAN Defence Ministers Plus (ADMM Plus) meeting is hosting the 9th annual meeting at Siem Reap, Cambodia and the Raksha Mantri will address the forum on November 23, 2022. He will also call on the Prime Minister of Cambodia.

To commemorate 30 years of India-ASEAN relations, India and Cambodia will co-chair the maiden India-ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting on November 22, 2022, presided over by Shri Rajnath Singh. Various initiatives to boost India-ASEAN partnership are planned to be announced during the meeting.

India became the dialogue partner of ASEAN in 1992 and the inaugural ADMM-Plus was convened in Hanoi, Vietnam on October 12, 2010. Since 2017, ADMM-Plus Ministers have been meeting annually to further the dialogue and cooperation amongst ASEAN and the Plus countries. India and ASEAN have elevated their relationship to ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ in November 2022. Apart from the ADMM-Plus meeting and India-ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting, the Raksha Mantri will hold bilateral discussions with Defence Ministers of the participating countries. During the talks, Shri Rajnath Singh will discuss defence cooperation matters and ways to further strengthen the mutually beneficial engagements.
Reference: Click here to read…

Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2022 (IPRD).

The IPRD is an apex level international annual conference of Indian Navy, and is principal manifestation of Navy’s engagement at the strategic-level. The fourth edition of IPRD was held from 23 to 25 Nov 22. The theme of IPRD-2022 was ‘Operationalising the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)’. The six thematically-arranged sessions of the IPRD-2022 are: (1) Weaving the Fabric of Holistic Maritime Security in the Indo-Pacific: Multilateral Options: (2) Constructing Holistic-Security Bridges across the Western and Eastern Maritime Expanse of the Indo-Pacific; (3) Building maritime Connectivity: Ports, Trade, and Transport; (4) Capacity-building and Capability Enhancement Leveraging the Physical and Social Sciences; (5) Practical approaches to a Regional Blue Economy; (6) Disaster Risk-reduction and Management; Solutions for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Vulnerable Littoral States.
For more information: Click here to read…

Raksha Mantri & his Cambodian counterpart co-chair maiden India-ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Siem Reap.

The maiden India-ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting was held on 22 November 2022 at Siem Reap, Cambodia to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of India-ASEAN relations in 2022, which has also been designated as ‘ASEAN-India Friendship Year’. During this maiden India-ASEAN Defence Ministers meeting, Shri Singh proposed two major initiatives for further expanding the scope and the depth of the India-ASEAN defence relations. One of the initiatives proposed by Raksha Mantri was the ‘India-ASEAN Initiative for Women in UN Peace Keeping Operations’ which includes conduct of tailor-made courses for women peacekeepers of ASEAN Member States at the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping in India and conduct of a ‘Table Top Exercise’ in India for women officers from ASEAN incorporating facets of UN peacekeeping challenges. The Raksha Mantri underlined the importance of women officers in peacekeeping missions for ensuring lasting peace.
For more information: Click here to read…

RM holds bilateral meeting with US Secretary of Defence Mr Lloyd Austin in Cambodia.

RM held a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of Defence Mr Lloyd Austin in Siem Reap, Cambodia on22 Nov 2022. Shri Rajnath Singh and Mr Lloyd Austin are in Cambodia to attend the 9th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Plus meeting. The Raksha Mantri was accompanied by Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and other senior officials of Ministry of Defence. The two Defence Ministers discussed wide range of issues of mutual interest while expressing their commitment to a strong India-US defence cooperation. RM emphasised the need for both countries to work together for capability building in critical domains such as military aviation, artificial intelligence and cyber technology. The RMlooked forward to building a roadmap towards greater defence industrial collaboration between India and US. He highlighted India’s growing expertise in aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) and ship-building, repairs and refits and suggested specific areas where US defence companies can look for technology cooperation and manufacturing opportunities with Indian partners in India. Secretary Austin welcomed the suggestions and assured Raksha Mantri of cooperation in this regard.

The two leaders expressed their commitment towards an inclusive and rules-based Indo Pacific with freedom of navigation, overflight and unimpeded trade. They further discussed initiatives that can be taken to strengthen maritime cooperation between the two countries including in maritime domain awareness.
For more information: Click here to read…

Bilateral joint training Exercise GARUDA SHAKTI with Indonesian Special Forces.

As part of military-to-military exchange programs, a contingent of Indian Special Forces troops are currently engaged in a bilateral joint training Exercise GARUDA SHAKTI with Indonesian Special Forces at Sangga Buana Training Area, Karawang, Indonesia. Exercise GARUDA SHAKTI is the eighth edition of the series of bilateral exercises under this banner. The exercise which commenced on 21 November 2022 aims at enhancing understanding, cooperation and interoperability between the Special Forces of both armies. The joint training would also focus on a high degree of physical fitness, tactical drills, techniques and procedures for which a comprehensive 13-day training programme has been worked out.
For more information: Click here to read…

Defence Research and Development Organistion’s (DRDO) Compendium on Low Intensity Conflict Products Released.

DRDO’s Compendium on Low Intensity Conflict (LIC) Products was released on 23 Nov 2022. In line with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” campaign of the Government of India, the compendium consists of more than 100 technologies, systems and products developed by DRDO for LIC operations. It is a valuable repository of information for the central security forces.
For more information: Click here to read…

Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise ‘Samanvay 2022’.

Indian Air Force is conducting the Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise ‘Samanvay 2022’ from 28 November 2022 to 30 November 2022 at Air Force Station Agra. With an aim to assess the efficacy of institutional Disaster Management structures and contingency measures, the exercise will comprise a seminar on Disaster Management, a ‘Multi Agency Exercise’ involving static and flying displays of various HADR assets and a ‘Table Top Exercise’. This multi-agency engagement is expected to contribute in the evolution of institutional frameworks for effective communication, interoperability, cooperation and their application for successful conduct of HADR. Along with involvement of various stakeholders from the country, the exercise will see participation by representatives from the ASEAN countries as well.
For more information: Click here to read…

13th Edition of the Indian Navy (IN) – Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) bilateral exercise ‘Naseem Al Bahr’ (Sea Breeze).

The Indian Navy’s guided missile stealth frigate, INS Trikand, offshore patrol vessel, INS Sumitra, and Maritime Patrol Aircraft, (MPA) Dornier, participated in the 13th Edition of the Indian Navy (IN) – Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) bilateral exercise ‘Naseem Al Bahr’ (Sea Breeze). The exercise was conducted from 19 to 24 Nov 22 off the coast of Oman.
For more information: Click here to read…

4th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh co-chaired the 4th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue with the Minister of Armed Forces of the French Republic Mr. Sebastien Lecornu on his visit to India from 26-28 November, 2022. The visiting French Minister shall also meet External Affair Minister and the National Security Advisor. This is the first visit of Mr Sebastien Lecornu as French Minister of Armed Forces to India. The meeting was held in a very cordial atmosphere. A wide range of bilateral, regional, defence and defence industrial cooperation issues were discussed in the dialogue.

The Ministers reviewed the ongoing military-to-military cooperation which has increased substantially in the recent years. They discussed means to strengthen maritime cooperation and increase the scope and complexity of bilateral exercises. They noted with satisfaction that India and France recently held their bilateral Air Exercise ‘Garuda’ at Air Force Station, Jodhpur successfully.

During the dialogue, one of the key areas of discussion was defence industrial cooperation with a focus on ‘Make in India’. Future collaborations and potential co-production opportunities were discussed. The Ministers agreed that the technical groups from both the countries should meet early next year and take the key cooperation issues forward.
The Ministers recognised their convergences on number of strategic & defence issues and shared the commitment to work together on enhancing cooperation in bilateral, regional and multilateral fora, with a focus on the Indo-Pacific region. France is the current chair of Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) and Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) and both countries cooperate closely in these fora.
For more information: Click here to read…

“AUSTRA HIND 22”.

The bilateral training exercise “AUSTRA HIND 22” between contingents of the Indian Army and the Australian Army is scheduled to take place at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges (Rajasthan) from 28 November to 11 December 2022. This is the first exercise in the series of AUSTRA HIND with participation of all arms and services contingent from both armies. The Australian Army contingent comprising soldiers from the 13th Brigade of the 2nd Division has arrived at the exercise location. The Indian Army is represented by troops from the DOGRA Regiment. Exercise “AUSTRA HIND” will be a yearly event that will be conducted alternatively in India and Australia. Aim of the exercise is to build positive military relations, imbibe each other’s best practices and promote the ability to operate together while undertaking multi-domain operations in Semi deserts terrain under a UN peace enforcement mandate.
For more information: Click here to read…

India – Malaysia joint military exercise.

India – Malaysia joint military Exercise “Harimau Shakti -2022” commenced at Pulai, Kluang, Malaysia on 28th November and will culminate on 12th December 22. Exercise HARIMAU SHAKTI is an annual training event between the Indian and Malaysian Army which is being conducted since 2012. Combat-experienced troops of the GARHWAL RIFLES Regiment of Indian Army and the Royal Malay Regiment of the Malaysian Army are participating in the exercise this year to share experiences gained during operations in order to enhance inter-operability in planning & execution of various operations in jungle terrain. The scope of this exercise involves a Command Planning Exercise (CPX) at the Battalion level and Company level Field Training Exercise (FTX) on sub-conventional operations in jungle terrain.
For more information: Click here to read…

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Chad

In a surprise attack, Boko Haram terrorists killed at least 40 Chadian soldiers.

On 22 November 2022, Boko Haram terrorists attacked on a military unit in the Lake Chad province, near the Nigerian border, and killed at least 40 Chadian soldiers. According to the Chadian government, the unit had been dispatched to establish an army outpost on the island of Boukatoullorom, where Boko Haram has been active in recent years. Various reports confirmed that terrorists attacked the unit in successive waves, managing to enter and destroyed the outpost before stealing weapons and ammunition.
For more information: Click here to read…

Somalia

At least 08 people were killed in a terror attack on a hotel by al-Shabaab in Mogadishu.

On 27 November 2022, al-Qa’ida affiliated al-Shabaab terrorists attacked Villa Rose Hotel, a popular hotel in Mogadishu and killed at least 08 people. Next day, on 28 November 2022, the Somali security forces concluded the siege. Somali government officials frequently use the Villa Rose Hotel for meetings. “At the time of attack some government officials escaped from windows,” said a police officer on the basis of anonymity.
For more information: Click here to read…

Pakistan

Suicide bombing killed a police officer and two civilians in Balochistan province.

On 30 November 2022, a suicide bomb explosion targeted a police vehicle, in which a police official and two civilians were killed, in Buleli district of Quetta in Balochistan. Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)/Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility of the attack. “The police vehicle was carrying security personnel deployed to protect polio vaccination campaign workers in Quetta.
In the same attack, at least 24 people, including 20 policemen wounded,” said Quetta Police’s Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) Ghulam Afzar Mahesar. Later, TTP issued a statement stating that “the attack was carried out after the announcement to end ceasefire, and was planned to take revenge for the death of Omar Khalid Khorasani. Our attacks will continue.” Omar Khorasani was a senior TTP leader who was killed in a car bomb blast in Afghanistan in August 2022.
For more information: Click here to read…

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

NIA Special Court sentenced six terrorists in ‘JeM conspiracy’ case.

On 28 November 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court, New Delhi, pronounced sentence convicting six terrorists— i) Sajad Ahmad Khan, ii) Tanveer Ahmed Ganie, iii) Bilal Ahmad Mir, iv) Muzaffar Ahmad Bhat, v) Ishfaq Ahmad Bhat, and vi) Mehraj ud-din Chopan, in Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) conspiracy case. The case— RC-08/2019/NIA/DLI pertains to criminal conspiracy of JeM leaders, mainly Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar (brother of Masood Azhar) to recruit people to carry out terrorist attacks in various parts of India. All terrorists, especially Bilal Mir and Muzaffar Bhat, had carried out recee of targets, arranged shelters, and had provided logistic support to carry out attacks in India. Sajad Khan carried our recee of prime locations as potential targets in Delhi.
For more information: Click here to read…

J&K Police arrested a LeT terrorist from Jammu.

On 27 November 2022, police arrested a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist— Faisal Munir, from Talab Khatikan area of Jammu city in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Allegedly, Faisal was in contact with officials at Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, to monitor terror activities in the UT of J&K.

Faisal was the main facilitator for collecting arms dropped through Pakistani drones in various border areas of Jammu, Samba, and Kathua districts. The police also found a hideout of the terrorists inside the Talab Khatikan house of a LeT terrorist which had been erected inside an almirah from where one AK47 rifle, ammunition, and explosives were seized.
For more information: Click here to read…

“Three districts of the UT of J&K are ‘terrorist-free’,” claimed ADGP (Kashmir).

On 26 November 2022, the Additional Director-General of Police (ADGP) of Kashmir Zone— Vijay Kumar said that “the Kashmir region, which comprises 13 police districts, has 81 terrorists with 29 being local and 52 are of foreign origin (Pakistan). Three districts— Bandipora, Kupwara, and Ganderbal, are terrorist-free with ‘zero’ local terrorists while Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) have gone headless after security forces eliminated their key operatives and commanders in multiple counter-terrorism (CT) operations.”
“We are very hopeful of eradicating terrorism from Kashmir in next two years,” said ADGP Kumar.
For more information: Click here to read…

Police filed chargesheet against HM chief Syed Salahuddin in 10-years old threat case.

On 23 November 2022, the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police filed chargesheet against Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM) chief Mohammad Yusuf Shah aka Syed Salahuddin before National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court, Baramulla, in connection with a case pertaining to threatening Panchs and Sarpanchs for participating in Panchayat elections 10 years ago.
The chargesheet against Salahuddin has been filed under Section 512 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
For more information: Click here to read…

Left-Wing Extremism

Security forces eliminated two Maoists in Odisha.

In a gun-battle with security forces, on 24 November 2022, two Maoists were killed in Gandhamardan Hills area in Bolangir district, Odisha. Some arms and ammunition have also been seized from the alleged Maoist camp.
For more information: Click here to read…

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

NIA Special Court pronounced sentence in ‘JMB Bengaluru’ case.

On 28 November 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court, Bengaluru, pronounced sentence in ‘JMB Bengaluru case’ in which three Jamaat ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) operatives— i) Najir Sheikh aka Patla Anas, ii) Habibur Rahman SK, and iii) Mosaraf Hossain, are convicted under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A]. The cases— RC-19/2019/NIA/DLI and RC-15,16,17,18/2020/NIA/DLI pertains to recovery of huge quantities of electronic/electric items, chemical apparatus, containers, etecetra, used for fabrication of bombs and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from the hideout of JMB group in Bengaluru.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA filed supplementary chargesheet against a HM OGW in a criminal conspiracy case.

On 25 November 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a supplementary chargesheet against a Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM) Over-Ground Worker (OGW)— Danish Naseer, in case related to a criminal conspiracy of carrying out terror attacks in India.
Danish Naseer was an HM OGW, allegedly involved in conspiracy. He transferred an amount of ₹ 30,000 to arrested terrorist Kamruj Zaman to further terror activities of HM.
For more information: Click here to read…

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

NIA arrested an absconding terrorist from Delhi IGI Airport.

On 18 November 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Kulwinderjit Khanpuria, associated with Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and Khalistan Liberation Front (KLF), from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport upon his arrival from Bangkok. Kulwinderjit had been absconding since 2019. According to investigation report, Kulwinderjit is the chief conspirator behind terror attacks by targeting establishments related to Dera Saccha Sauda and well of Police and Security in Punjab.

Kulwinderjit Khanpuria, along with his handlers and associates in India and other South-East Asian countries, planned and conspired to carry out terrorist attacks in India. Khanpuria was eventually able to flee India. He first collaborated with Harmeet aka PhD, and now with wanted Pakistan-based International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) chief Lakhbir Singh Rode, to use his India-based terrorist associates to target identified individuals and establishments. Khanpuria was declared a Proclaimed Offender (PO) by the NIA Special Court in Punjab, and Interpol issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) and a Red Corner Notice (RCN) against him. The NIA had also announced a ₹ 5 lakh cash reward for information leading to his arrest. On 21 November 2019, he was chargesheeted as absconder.
For more information: Click here to read…

Organised Crime

NIA conducted searches at multiple locations in connection with Organised Crime network.

On 29 November 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out search operations at over 13 locations in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Union Territory of Chandigarh, and Delhi/NCR region. The search operations were to dismantle and distrupt the emerging Organised Crime nexus between terrorists, gangsters, and drug traffickers based in India and abroad in two connected cases registered in August 2022.

The searches were conducted at the premises of Kaushal Chaudhary, resident of Gurugram, Haryana, Vishal Mann from Prahalpur, Delhi, Binny Gurjar from Sangroor, Punjab, Ravi Rajgarh from Ludhiana, Punjab, and their associates. During the searches, NIA officials recovered incriminating material, including contraband and ammunition. According to preliminary investigation, these gangs were carrying out targeted killings and were raising funds to carry out criminal activities. The Organised Crime members were using cyberspace to propagate their deeds to create terror among public.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA arrested Lawrence Bishnoi in a case related to connection between Organised Crime network and various terrorist outfits.

On 24 November 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Lawrence Bishnoi, from Bathinda Jail in a case related to the conspiracy hatched by various terrorist outfits based in India and abroad, working in nexus with organised crime groups to carryout terror acts and targeted crimes.

Investigations have revealed that the terrorists have an active nexus with drug smugglers and cadres/members of the Organised Crime group led by Lawrence Bishnoi, who has been found involved in commissioning various types of terror/criminal acts, including extortions from businessmen, professionals, doctors, and others, which has caused public fear. Lawrence, along with his brothers— Sachin and Anmol Bishnoi and associates, including Goldy Brar, Kala Jathedi, Kala Rana, Bikram Brar and Sampat Nehra were raising funds to carry out terror/criminal activities through smuggling of drugs and weapons and widespread extortions.
For more information: Click here to read…

DEFENCE

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

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

West Asia

Syria

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

Africa

Somalia

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

Mali

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

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

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

Left-Wing Extremism

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

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

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

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

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

DEFENCE

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

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

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

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

India-UK Defence Consultative Group (DCG) meeting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4th DAs Conference.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

18th Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting.

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

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

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

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

West Asia

Syria

Bus bombing killed 18 Syrian soldiers in a Damascus suburb.

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

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

Africa

Somalia

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

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

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

Mali

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

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

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Left-Wing Extremism

NIA filed chargesheet against two Maoists in Naxal case.

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

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

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

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

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

Top Maoist leader surrendered in Telagana.

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

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

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

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

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

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

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

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

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

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

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

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

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

DEFENCE

• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh visit to Egypt.
• MOD signs a deal for dual role Surface-to-Surface BrahMos missile with BAPL.
• Mehar Baba Competition –II.
• Preparations for Def-Expo 2022.
• Participation in Combined Maritime Forces Exercise.
• INS Tarkash at Port Gentil, Gabon.
• 5thAnnual Session of Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM).
• Successful Flight Tests of Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) Missile by DRDO.
• Multinational Maritime Exercise Kakadu 2022.
• Government appoints Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
• Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Indian Navy visited Australia.
• Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy Cruise Training Task Group arrived in Chennai on a three-day visit.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

• At least 27 al-Shabaab terrorists were killed in a US airstrike in the Hiran region of Somalia.

Burkina Faso

• Islamist terrorists attacked an aid convoy in the northern province of Soum.

Nigeria

• Security forces killed 07 Boko Haram terrorists in a CT operation in Borno State.

Afghanistan

• The US raised terrorism concerns in Afghanistan and is ready to engage “pragmatically” with the Taliban.
• Three people were killed and many injured in an explosion in Kabul.
• At least 07 people were killed in a blast near Mosque in Kabul.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• Security forces eliminated three JeM terrorists in Kulgam.
• SIA filed a chargesheet against three accused, including a former minister, in a terror-funding case.

Left-Wing Extremism

• Security forces arrested a ‘most-wanted’ Maoist from Maharashtra.
• Around 700 Maoist supporters surrendered before Odisha police and BSF.

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

• NIA searched several locations across India and arrested PFI leaders and members concerning the registered case.
• “PFI members have connections with SIMI and Indian Mujahideen”, claimed NIA.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

• NIA filed suppl. Chargesheet in a “conspiracy of targeted killing by KTF” case.
• India raised concerns over the ‘Khalistan Referendum’ and pressed Canada for action against the same.

Narcotics Trafficking

• NIA arrested 26th accused in Heroin seizure case at Mundra Port.

DEFENCE

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh visited Egypt from September 19-20, 2022

Raksha Mantri (RM) was on an official visit to Egypt from September 19-20, 2022. RM called on President of Egypt Mr Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo. President El-Sisi expressed appreciation that military-to-military cooperation between both the countries has reached a new level and that signing of MoU on defence cooperation is a major achievement. Both leaders agreed to further develop military cooperation and focus on joint training, defence coproduction and maintenance of equipment.

RM also held bilateral talks with Egyptian Defence Minister General Mohamed Zaki in Cairo on September 19, 2022. During the meeting, both sides discussed steps to strengthen defence ties and reached a consensus to enhance conduct of joint exercises and exchange of personnel for training, especially in the field of counter-insurgency. Signing of MoU by the two Defence Ministers on cooperation in the field of defence was a milestone event during the visit, which will pave the way for enhancing defence cooperation across all sectors of mutual interest. The RM also invited his Egyptian counterpart to the India-Africa Defence Dialogue and IOR Defence Ministers’ Conclave, scheduled to be held as part of 12th DefExpo in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from October 18-22, 2022. Click here to read…

MOD signs a deal for dual role Surface-to-Surface BrahMos missile with BAPL.

Providing further impetus to Aatmanirbharta in defence production, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) signed a contract with M/s BrahMos Aerospace Pvt. Ltd. (BAPL) for acquisition of additional dual-role capable Surface to Surface BrahMos missiles at an overall approximate cost of ₹ 1700 Crore under “Buy-Indian” Category. Induction of these dual-role capable Missiles is going to significantly enhance the operational capability of Indian Navy (IN) fleet assets.

BAPL is a Joint Venture (JV) between India and Russia making crucial contribution to augment the new generation Surface-to-Surface Missiles (SSMs) with enhanced range and dual role capability for land as well as anti-ship attacks. Click here to read…

Mehar Baba Competition –II

To provide a boost to the growing indigenous drone industry, RM had launched the “MEHAR BABA COMPETITION-II”. The competition is aimed at developing technology for a “Swarm Drone Based System to Detect Foreign Objects on Aircraft Operating Surfaces”. The competition is named after the legendary Air Commodore Mehar Singh, MVC, DSO – affectionately also known as Mehar Baba. The first edition of the competition was launched in October 2018 and had culminated in October 2021.

All aircraft operators face a challenge in keeping the aircraft operating surfaces clean and clear of Foreign Object Debris (FOD). Very often, this is a labour-intensive task that needs to be repeated over a day. This manpower could be more gainfully employed if personnel could focus solely on their core tasks. Furthermore, visual spotting of FOD in low light conditions becomes rather challenging. Hence, the IAF is seeking innovative solutions towards detection of FOD without physical employment of manpower on the aircraft operating surfaces. Click here to read…

Preparations for Def-Expo 2022.

The 12th edition of DefExpo is scheduled to be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat between October 18-22, 2022 in a first ever four-venue format which promises to engage the public and inspire them to join the Aerospace and Defence manufacturing sector; for ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in Defence. The Def-Expo 2022 was earlier scheduled from March 10-14, 2022 and was postponed due to logistical challenges being faced by participants at that stage. The new dates (October 18-22, 2022) were announced on August 08, 2022. The forthcoming edition is the first-ever edition exclusively for Indian companies.

The theme of DefExpo 2022 is ‘Path to Pride’. The expo will also mark the celebration of one year of the formation of the seven new defence companies, carved out of the erstwhile Ordnance Factories. All these companies will be participating for the first time at DefExpo.
The exhibition will also host the 2nd edition of the India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD), with invites extended to 53 African countries. A separate Indian Ocean Region plus (IOR+) conclave with participation of approximately 40 countries is also on the anvil. Click here to read…

Participation in Combined Maritime Forces Exercise.

INS Sunayna entered Port Victoria Seychelles on 24 Sep 22 to participate in the annual training exercise Operation Southern Readiness of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). This marks the maiden participation of an Indian Navy ship in CMF exercise. The ship is scheduled to participate as associate partner in the capacity building exercises being conducted by CMF. The joint training exercise is being attended by representative delegations from USA, Italy, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and ship participation from UK, Spain & India. Click here to read…
For more information: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1862198

INS Tarkash at Port Gentil, Gabon.

INS Tarkash made a port call at Port Gentil, Gabon as part of her ongoing deployment in the Gulf of Guinea for anti-piracy patrol. This marks the first visit by any Indian Naval Ship to Gabon. Click here to read…

5thAnnual Session of Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM).

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has called upon the Indian defence industry to identify and manufacture state-of-the-art cost-effective products/technologies to realise Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘New India’ that not only caters to its own needs, but also fulfils international requirements. He was addressing the 5thAnnual Session of Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) in New Delhi on September 27, 2022.The theme ‘India@75: Shaping for India@100’, with the aim to position India as one of the top countries in defence manufacturing. Click here to read…

Successful Flight Tests of Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) Missile by DRDO.

DRDO conducted two successful test flight of Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missile from a ground based portable launcher at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) designed and developed indigenously by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian Industry Partners.
VSHORADS missile incorporates many novel technologies including miniaturized Reaction Control System (RCS) and integrated avionics, which have been successfully proven during the tests. The missile, meant for neutralizing low altitude aerial threats at short ranges is propelled by a dual thrust solid motor. The design of the missile including launcher has been highly optimized to ensure easy portability. Both the flight tests have completely met the mission objectives. Click here to read…

Multinational Maritime Exercise Kakadu 2022

A P8I Patrol Aircraft of the Indian Navy participated in the Multinational Maritime Exercise Kakadu 2022 hosted by Royal Australian Navy in Darwin from 12 to 25 Sep 22, along with INS Satpura. The exercise had the participation of 34 aircraft from over 20 nations. Click here to read…

Government appoints Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)

General Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM assumed office as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on September 30, 2022. General Chauhan will also be the Principal Military Advisor to the Raksha Mantri on all Tri-Service matters as well as head Department of Military Affairs as Secretary. He will also be Permanent Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC). Click here to read…

Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Indian Navy visited Australia.

Admiral R Hari Kumar, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Indian Navy visited Australia from 26 Sep – 28 Sep 22. This was his first official visit to Australia upon assuming the office of the CNS. During the visit, he held meetings with Chief of Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Vice Chief of Australian Defence Forces, Secretary of Defence, Chief of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Deputy Chief of Joint Operations. The CNS interacted with the prominent members of Australian Think Tanks to understand and develop new maritime cooperation opportunities. The discussions also highlighted the need for raising the level of synergy and focused efforts for overcoming the challenges of the maritime environment. Click here to read…

Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy Cruise Training Task Group arrived in Chennai on a three-day visit.

Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy Cruise Training Task Group consisting of two naval ships, arrived in Chennai on a three-day visit on 28 Sep 22.Commander of Cruise Training Task Group and other officials of the consulate of Korea had discussions with the Flag Officer Commanding Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area on matters of common interest. Click here to read…

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

At least 27 al-Shabaab terrorists were killed in a US airstrike in the Hiran region of Somalia.

On 21 September 2022, at least 27 al-Shabaab terrorists were killed in a US-led airstrike in Somalia’s central Hiran region. According to the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), the airstrike was the sixth recorded strike in 2022. “The defensive strikes allowed the Somali National Army (SNA) and African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUTMIS) forces to regain the initiative and continue the operation to disrupt al-Shabab in the Hiran region of central Somalia,” said AFRICOM. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso

Islamist terrorists attacked an aid convoy in the northern province of Soum.

On 27 September 2022, Islamist terrorists attacked an aid convoy of 150 vehicles, military-escorted and killed 11 security personnel; more than 50 civilians went missing. The attack will likely aggravate shortages of basic supplies, such as food and fuel in Djibo, which has been under a de-facto siege for months by Islamist terror groups. In Burkina Faso, around two million people are displaced due to conflict and climate change. Click here to read…

Nigeria

Security forces killed 07 Boko Haram terrorists in a CT operation in Borno State.

On 21 September 2022, the Nigerian troops of “Operation Desert Sanity and Operation Hadin Kai” reportedly killed 07 Boko Haram terrorists in a counter-terrorism operation in Kayamla village near Maiduguri in Borno State. Boko Haram terrorists usually come to areas to terrorise farmers and kidnap them for ransom money. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

The US raised terrorism concerns in Afghanistan and is ready to engage “pragmatically” with the Taliban.

On 28 September 2022, speaking at the Centre for International and Strategic Studies (CISS), Thomas West— the US special representative for Afghanistan, said that al-Qa’ida’s former leader— Ayman al-Zawahiri had the freedom to operate in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan before we eliminated him. However, we have concerns about al-Qa’ida in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Ansarullah, and other terrorist groups that still have an active presence/connection in Afghanistan.

Over the matter, “we have been in contact with the Taliban leadership since the strike which eliminated al-Zawahiri, even in the wake of this event, we [US] are prepared to engage pragmatically with the Taliban regarding terrorism concerns,” said West. Click here to read…

Three people were killed and many injured in an explosion in Kabul.

On 21 September 2022, at least three people were killed, and 13 others were wounded in an explosion in Kabul city. According to the Taliban-appointed spokesperson for the Kabul police chief— Khalid Zadran, the explosion occurred in a restaurant in Kabul’s western Dehmazang neighbourhood. At the time, police were uncertain if the blast was an accident or a terror attack. However, Islamic State (IS)’s affiliated branch— Islamic State Khurasan Province (IS-KP), has increased attacks on mosques and minorities across the country since the Taliban seized political power in August 2021. Click here to read…

At least 07 people were killed in a blast near Mosque in Kabul.

On 23 September 2022, at least 07 people were killed, and 41 were injured in an explosion outside a Mosque in the Wazir Akbar Khan neighbourhood after Friday afternoon prayers in Kabul. “The bomb was planted in a vehicle parked in front of the mosque, and an investigation was underway to bring the perpetrators to justice,” said the Taliban-appointed spokesperson of Kabul Police chief— Khalid Zadran.

The bombing was the most recent in a string of deadly attacks that have targeted places of worship in Afghanistan and well-known clerics linked to the country’s ruling Islamist Taliban. The Islamic State’s affiliate group— Islamic State Khurasan Province (IS-KP), has claimed responsibility for several attacks. Click here to read…

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

Security forces eliminated three JeM terrorists in Kulgam

On 26-27 September 2022, security forces killed three Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists, including a Pakistani national, in two separate counter-terrorism (CT) operations in Kulgam district of the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

In the first incident, during the search operation in the Ahwatoo area, terrorists fired upon the security forces, which led to the exchange of fire. Two local JeM terrorists— Mohammad ShafiGanie and Mohammad Asif Wani, were eliminated. On 26 September 2022, a search operation in Batpora village of Kulgam district led to an exchange of fire and the elimination of a Pakistani JeM terrorist— Abu Hurarah. Security forces recovered incriminating materials, arms and ammunitions, including an AK-56, two AK-47s, a pistol, a grenade, four magazines, and a pistol magazine, from operation sites. Click here to read…

SIA filed a chargesheet against three accused, including a former minister, in a terror-funding case.

On 24 September 2022, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police filed a chargesheet against three accused, including a former minister— Jatinder Singh, in a terror-funding case. “SIA Kashmir continued its action against narcotics dealers by conducting searches at multiple locations across the valley. The SIA conducted extensive searches at different locations in the districts of Srinagar, Budgam and Kupwara,” said a J&K police spokesperson.

In a statement released by the SIA, it was revealed that “Jatinder Singh was in touch with Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM) terrorists and separatists of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), which is an unlawful and proscribed association. These inimical entities had sent this terror fund from Pakistan through their associates for Jatinder Singh’s political party. The vision of Jatinder’s political party was to make J&K, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit Baltistan as one independent country by making a condominium of Pakistan and India, for having joint control over currency, external affairs and finance.” Click here to read…

Left-Wing Extremism

Security forces arrested a ‘most-wanted’ Maoist from Maharashtra.

In a joint operation, on 23 September 2022, Bihar Police, Jharkhand Police and Central Security forces arrested a top Maoist leader— Vinay Yadav aka Guruji, carrying a reward of ₹ 18 lakh and wanted in more than 54 cases, including an ambush in Gaya in 2006 on a CRPF convoy. Security forces arrested Vinay from the house of another Maoist sympathiser— AmrendraPaswan, at Mayapur village under Daudnagar police station limits of Aurangabad district, Maharashtra. Upon arrest, the security forces recovered ₹ 20 lakh hidden by Vinay in a hideout in Chakarbandha forests in the same district. Click here to read…

Around 700 Maoist supporters surrendered before Odisha police and BSF.

On 17 September 2022, around 700 active Maoist supporters from various villages on the Andhra Pradesh-Odisha border surrendered before police and BSF (Border Security Force) personnel in the Malkangiri district in Odisha. These Maoist supporters were involved in assisting violent activities and killing of security forces personnel and civilians and also used to provide logistics to the Maoists.

According to the police, the surrendered militants and sympathisers from Odisha and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh demonstrated their opposition to Maoist ideology by burning Maoist effigies and clothing and shouting slogans— “Maobadi Murdabad Ama Sarkar Zindabad” in front of the media before surrendering. Click here to read…
For more information:

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

NIA searched several locations across India and arrested PFI leaders and members in connection with the registered case.

On 22 September 2022, in a joint operation with the Economic Directorate (ED) and the State police forces, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched 93 locations in 15 States across India, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh (UP), Rajasthan, Delhi, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, West Bengal, Bihar, and Manipur. The searches were conducted on premises and offices of PFI (Popular Front of India) leaders and members in connection with five cases registered by the NIA.

The case— RC-03/2022/NIA/HYD pertains to the involvement of PFI leaders and other members in funding terrorist activities, organising training camps, providing arms training and radicalising people to join terrorist groups/organisations. The joint teams recovered incriminating materials, cash, sharp-edged weapons, and several digital devices during the search. The NIA made 45 arrests in the case, whereas 19 were arrested from Kerala, 11 from Tamil Nadu, 07 from Karnataka, 04 from Andhra Pradesh, 02 from Rajasthan, and 01 each from UP and Telangana. As of 22 September 2022, the NIA is investigating 19 cases related to PFI’s illicit activities.

Earlier on 18 September 2022, the NIA searched 38 locations in Telangana and 02 locations in Andhra Pradesh in connection with the same case. During the search, the NIA seized incriminating materials, digital devices, documents, two daggers, and cash worth ₹ 8,31,500 (Eight lakh thirty one thousand and five hundred Indian rupees). Click here to read…
For more information:

“PFI members have connections with SIMI and Indian Mujahideen”, claimed NIA.

According to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), several PFI (Popular Front of India) members are associated with proscribed organisations, such as the Students’ Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and Indian Mujahideen (IM). The PFI leader— Abdul Rehman, used to be the National Secretary of SIMI and Abdul Sattar— the State Secretary at the PFI, used to be associated with SIMI in the same capacity.

According to news reports citing undisclosed sources, PFI member— Mohammed Sakib allegedly transferred money to the PFI through hawala channels from Pakistan and was in contact with Pakistan-based handlers who wanted to reach out to Pakistani prisoners lodged in different jails. Around 46 PFI members were arrested and convicted in different cases in 2010-2011. Around 355 PFI members have already been chargesheet by the NIA. Click here to read…

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

NIA filed suppl. chargesheet in a “conspiracy of targeted killing by KTF” case.

On 23 September 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a supplementary chargesheet against a Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) operative— Gagandeep Singh, aka Gaggu, in a case related to the conspiracy to kill a Hindu priest— Kamaldeep Sharma at village Bharsinghpur, Phillaur, Jalandhar, Punjab. On 04 July 2022, four other accused were chargesheet in the same case.

According to the investigations, another KTF operative Arshdeep Singh aka Arsh and Hardeep Singh Nijjar, both located in Canada, planned the entire conspiracy to sabotage peace and undermine religious harmony. The terrorist group’s members carried out the targeted attack using weapons that Gagandeep Singh had provided on directions of Arshdeep Singh. Click here to read…

India raised concerns over the ‘Khalistan Referendum’ and pressed Canada for action against the same.

On 22 September 2022, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) raised concerns about ‘Khalistan’-inspired activities in Canada and found it “deeply objectionable” as a politically-motivated exercise by extremist elements in a friendly nation. The MEA’s response resulted from “little action” taken by Ontario on three diplomatic messages from the Government of India to stop the so-called ‘Khalistan Referendum’ in Canada’s Brampton on 19 September 2022, asking whether Indian Punjab should not be an independent country. The Canadian authorities reportedly said that “its citizens had the right to assemble and express their views peacefully and lawfully.” “Nevertheless, the Government of India will continue to press the Government of Canada for action in this matter,” said MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. Click here to read…

Narcotics Trafficking

NIA arrested 26th accused in Heroin seizure case at Mundra Port.

On 27 September 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested the 26th accused— Sushanta Sarkar, in a Heroin seizure case at Mundra Port, Gujarat. Sarkar was involved in illicit international trade and trafficking of heroin into India for supporting terrorist activities. Reportedly, Sarkar had ordered heroin concealed in semi-processed talc from Afghanistan to India via Iran in November 2021. He used his “Jesus Christ Impex” firm to do such illicit operations. He further transferred the consignment to another firm belonging to KabirTalwar in New Delhi.

The case— RC-26/2021/NIA/DLI pertains to the international drug trafficking network run by two brothers— Hassan Daad and Hussain Daad (both Afghan nationals). Both brothers delivered multiple heroin-laced consignments to India in containers via the maritime route. In Afghanistan, heroin was purified and concealed in materials such as semi-processed talc and bituminous coal. These shipments were then trucked from the Indian ports of Gujarat and Kolkata to New Delhi. Click here to read…

DEFENCE

• Indian Army Contingent Participates in Exercise Vostok- 2022.
• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi commissions India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant in Kochi.
• Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Manoj Pande, to visit Nepal.
• First Ever Visit by Indian Defence Minister to Mongolia.
• Raksha Mantri participates in India-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Tokyo.
• CoE – SURVEI standardizes Drone images for land Survey.
• DRDO & Indian Army successfully conduct six flight-tests of Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile system.
• India-U.S.A 2+2 Inter-sessional Dialogue and India-U.S.A Maritime Security Dialogue.
• 16th round of India China Corps Commander Level Meeting.
• 1st Indian Army Logistics seminar held.
• Japan-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise – Jimex 2022.
• Exercise Pitch Black 2022 Concludes.
• Multinational Exercise Kakadu – 2022.
• 36th Tri-Services Commanders’ Conference – South held in Port Blair.
• Raksha Mantri’s telephonic conversation with US Secretary of Defence.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

• Somalian forces eliminated senior al-Shabaab terrorist and freed hostages in Lower Shabelle region.

Afghanistan

• “JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar in Pakistan,” claimed Taliban.
• Islamic State-led suicide attack killed two diplomats at Russian Embassy in Kabul.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• NIA filed chargesheet against six perpetrators in the “targeted killing of Sarpanch of Village” case.
• NIA filed chargesheet against eight terrorists/OGWs in “Pulwama JeM conspiracy” case.
• Security forces eliminated two HM terrorists in gunfight in Anantnag.

Left-Wing Extremism

• NIA searched multiple locations in Bihar in the “Maoist Terror Funding” case.
  Police arrested two Maoists from Telangana.
• NIA filed chargesheet against two Maoists in “PGLA Recruitment case” of Kerala.
• Security forces unearthed a Maoist dump in Andhra Pradesh.

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

• NIA Special Court (Ernakulam) convicted IS terrorist in “IS Wandoor Case” of Kerala.
• NIA officials searched multiple locations in Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, in the “PFI conspiracy” case.
• NIA filed chargesheet against six JMB terrorists in “JMB Bhopal” case.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

• Canada-based think-tank endorsed “Khalistan Referendum”.

North-East India Insurgency

• NIA searched locations in Mizoram in connection with pilferage of explosives from India to Myanmar.
• NIA searched multiple locations in Assam in connection with ULFA recruitment case.

Narcotics Trafficking

• NIA officials arrested three people in “Mundra Heroin” case.

DEFENCE

Indian Army Contingent Participates in Exercise Vostok- 2022.

A multilateral strategic and command Exercise Vostok – 2022 was held at the training grounds of the Eastern Military District of Russia from 01 to 07 September 2022. The exercise is aimed at interaction and coordination amongst other participating military contingents and observers.

The Indian Army contingent comprising of troops from 7/8 Gorkha Rifles had arrived at the exercise location and over the next seven days will undertake joint manoeuvres to include joint field training exercises, combat discussions, and firepower exercises. The Indian Army contingent will look forward to sharing practical aspects and put into practice the validated drills, procedures and practice amalgamation of new technology through discussions and tactical exercises.
Reference: Click here to read…

Prime Minister commissions India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant in Kochi.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi commissioned the country’s first indigenous aircraft carrier Indian Naval Ship (INS) Vikrant at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) on September 02, 2022. During the event, the Prime Minister also unveiled the new Naval Ensign (Nishaan), doing away with the colonial past and befitting the rich Indian maritime heritage. He dedicated the new ensign to Chhatrapati Shivaji.

INS Vikrant is designed by Indian Navy’s in-house Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, a Public Sector Shipyard, Vikrant has been built with state of the art automation features and is the largest ship ever built in maritime history of India. The 262.5 m long and 61.6 m wide Vikrant displaces approx 43,000 T, having a maximum designed speed of 28 Knots with endurance of 7,500 Nautical Miles. The ship has around 2,200 compartments, designed for a crew of around 1,600 including women officers and sailors.

The ship is capable of operating air wing consisting of 30 aircraft comprising of MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, in addition to indigenously manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) (Navy). Using a novel aircraft-operation mode known as Short Take Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR), INS Vikrant is equipped with a ski-jump for launching aircraft, and a set of ‘arrester wires’ for their recovery onboard. With 76% indigenous content, construction of INS Vikrant has resulted in direct employment generation for over 2,000 employees of CSL. In addition, it has resulted in indirect employment generation for approx 12,500 employees for over 550 OEMs, sub-contractors, ancillary industries and over 100 MSMEs as well, thereby bolstering plough back effect on economy.

New Ensign of Navy

Resonant to the ongoing national endeavour to move away from colonial past, need was felt to transition to a new design that drew inspiration from our history. The White Ensign identified nation-wide with the Navy, now comprises of two main constituents – the National Flag in the upper left canton, and a Navy Blue – Gold octagon at the centre of the fly side (away from the staff). The Octagon is with twin golden octagonal borders encompassing the golden National Emblem (Lion Capital of Ashoka – underscribed with ‘Satyamev Jayate’ in blue Devnagri script) resting atop an anchor; and superimposed on a shield. Below the shield, within the octagon, in a golden bordered ribbon, on a Navy Blue background, is inscribed the motto of the Indian Navy ‘Sam No Varunah’ in golden Devnagriscript. The design encompassed within the octagon has been taken from the Indian Naval crest, wherein the fouled anchor, which is also associated with colonial legacy, has been replaced with a clear anchor underscoring the steadfastness of the Indian Navy.
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Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Manoj Pande, to visit Nepal.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Manoj Pande, is scheduled to visit Nepal from 05 to 08 September 2022. This is his first visit to Nepal as COAS. During his visit, the Army Chief will call on the thePresident of Nepal, the Prime Minister of Nepal and the Chief of the Army Staff of Nepali Army, apart from meeting with the Country’s senior military and civilian leadership where he will discuss avenues for enhancing India-Nepal defence relations.
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First Ever Visit by Indian Defence Minister to Mongolia.

The RM will pay an official visit to Mongolia from 05-07 September, 2022. The upcoming visit by Raksha Mantri is the first ever visit by an Indian Defence Minister to Mongolia and will further consolidate the defence cooperation and strategic partnership between the two countries. During his visit he inaugurated the Cyber Security Training Centre, built with assistance from Government of India, at National Defence University in Ulaanbaatar. Shri Rajnath Singh, along with Minister of Education and Science of Mongolia, laid the foundation stone of the India-Mongolia Friendship School, which is being established with the assistance from Government of India.
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Raksha Mantri participates in India-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Tokyo.

Upon completion of his visit to Mongolia, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh arrived in Japan on September 07, 2022 for a four-day official visit. The Raksha Mantri, along with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, participated in the 2nd India-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Tokyo on September 08, 2022.

The RM held bilateral talks with Minister of Defense of Japan Mr Yasukazu Hamada in Tokyo on September 08, 2022. The two Ministers reviewed various aspects of bilateral defence cooperation as well as regional affairs. During the delegation-level talks, Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted that the growing complexities in the India-Japan bilateral defence exercises is a testimony to the deepening of defence cooperation between the two countries. The Ministers expressed their commitment in continuing bilateral and multilateral exercises including ‘Dharma Guardian’, ‘JIMEX’ and ‘Malabar’. They welcomed the operationalisation of the Reciprocal Provision of Supply and Services Agreement during Exercise ‘MILAN’ in March this year. The two Ministers agreed that the early conduct of the inaugural fighter exercise will pave way for much greater cooperation and interoperability between the Air Forces of the two countries.

The RM emphasised on the need to expand the scope of partnership in the field of Defence Equipment and Technological Cooperation. He invited Japanese industries to invest in India’s defence corridors where a conducive environment for the growth of the defence industry has been created by the Government of India. This year marks 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Japan. As two robust democracies, the two countries are pursuing a Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
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CoE – SURVEI standardizes Drone images for land Survey.

Setting World’s first standard on land survey using drone, the Ministry of Defense’s Centre of Excellence – Satellite and Unmanned Remote Vehicle Initiative (CoE – SURVEI) has published a draft concept paper prescribing the technical parameters which may serve as a reference standard to estimate the image quality of drone survey output. The COE-SURVEI has solicited comments from the stakeholders in this regard for laying down uniform standards to evaluate quality of output of drone images for purpose of land survey. At present no uniform parameters exist for evaluation of images obtained by the use of drones for the purpose of land survey at present. This poses a challenge in carrying out post-processing analysis on the drone imagery output, restricting the ability to extract relevant information from drone data by using AI & ML tools.

CoE – SURVEI, in association with its knowledge partners has taken a lead in developing draft standards for drone survey output, and published the same for seeking views and wider consultations with drone community and other stakeholders. The draft standards prescribe 19 parameters to evaluate quality of drone output and 8 extension metrics/ techniques to estimate image quality, apart from indicating sample benchmarking from literature.
Reference: Click here to read…

India-U.S.A 2+2 Inter-sessional Dialogue and India-U.S.A Maritime Security Dialogue.

India-USA 2+2 Inter-sessional meeting was held on 07 September 2022 in New Delhi to follow-up on the India-U.S. 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in April 2022 in Washington D.C. Both sides reviewed implementation of outcomes of the 2+2 Ministerial pertaining to bilateral cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism, maritime security, education, health, climate and clean energy, critical technologies, space, and people-to-people linkages. They discussed ways to further strengthen the Major Defence Partnership, including in new and emerging areas in the defence domain such as space, AI and cyber.

The 5th India-US Maritime Security Dialogue (MSD) was held on 08 September 2022 in New Delhi. During MSD, the two sides discussed developments in the global maritime domain, bilateral maritime cooperation endeavors, regional support initiatives and collaborative efforts such as Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness. They affirmed their shared desire to enhance maritime security internationally and strengthen cooperation towards a free, open and inclusive maritime order that would support security, inclusive growth and prosperity.
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16th round of India China Corps Commander Level Meeting.

On 8th September 2022, according to the consensus reached in the 16th round of India China Corps Commander Level Meeting, the Indian and Chinese troops in the area of Gogra-Hotsprings (PP-15) have begun to disengage in a coordinated and planned way, which is conducive to the peace and tranquility in the border areas.
Reference: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1857830″ target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

1st Indian Army Logistics seminar held.

In the keynote address at the conference at the first Indian Army Logistics seminar, organised on the theme ‘Samanjasya Se Shakti’, in New Delhi on September 12, 2022, the RM termed jointness among the three services as one of the major policy changes made in Ministry of Defence in the last few years, which has benefited a number of sectors across the board, especially logistics. He said, the foundation has been laid to establish a strong logistics system, which is pivotal for operational preparedness of the Armed Forces as it ensures that right items, with right quality & quantity, are available to the military at the right time and right place. Military logistics is an extremely important aspect that determines the outcome of a war, he said.
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Japan-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise – Jimex 2022.

The sixth edition of Japan India Maritime Exercise 2022 (JIMEX 22) hosted by Indian Navy commenced in the Bay of Bengal on 11 Sep 22. This edition marks the 10th anniversary of JIMEX, which began in Japan in 2012. It also coincides with the 70th anniversary of establishing of diplomatic relations between India and Japan. JIMEX 22 seeks to consolidate the high degree of interoperability that exists between maritime forces of the two countries, through complex exercises in the surface, sub-surface and air domains.
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Exercise Pitch Black 2022 Concludes.

The Indian Air Force contingent participating in Exercise Pitch Black 22 in Australia has returned after successful participation in the multinational exercise. Exercise Pitch Black 22 was hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force at its Darwin Air Base. Spanning over a duration of three weeks, the exercise saw the participation of 17 Air Forces and over 2500 military personnel. The IAF contingent included four Su-30 MKI & two C-17 aircraft. The participating forces took part in various multi-aircraft combat drills by day & night, simulating complex aerial scenarios, involving large formations.
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Multinational Exercise Kakadu – 2022.

INS Satpura and a P8 I Maritime Patrol Aircraft of the Indian Navy reached Darwin in Australia on 12 Sep 22, for participation in the multinational Exercise Kakadu – 2022, hosted by the Royal Australian Navy. The two week-long Exercise, both in harbour and sea, involves ships and maritime aircraft from 14 navies.
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36th Tri-Services Commanders’ Conference – South held in Port Blair.

36th Tri-Services Commanders’ Conference (TSCC) – South was held at Port Blair on 12th & 13th September 2022 under the aegis of Andaman and Nicobar Command. The two-day conference was hosted by Commander-in-Chief, Andaman Nicobar Command Lt Gen Ajai Singh. GOC-in-C, Southern Command Lt Gen JS Nain; FOC-in-C, Western Naval Command V Adm Ajendra Bahadur Singh; FOC-in-C, Southern Naval Command V Adm MA Hampiholi; AOC-in-C, Southern Air Command Air Mshl J Chalapati and Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command V Adm Sanjay Vatsayan were among those who attended the conference.

The senior leadership deliberated upon aspects various pertaining to the geostrategic situation and infrastructure development in the Indian Ocean Region, coordinating the actions of Regional Command of the three services as well as avenues of augmenting tri-services training and readiness of all components. The conference was aimed at synergising collective strengths and capabilities of India’s littoral service and Integrated-Service commands. It focused on addressing contemporary security paradigms while seeking ways to enhance combat capability and make operations more effective and efficient.
Reference: Click here to read…

Raksha Mantri’s (RM) telephonic conversation with US Secretary of Defence.

The RM and his US counterpart Secretary of Defence Mr Lloyd Austin had a warm and fruitful telephonic conversation on 14th Sep. They reviewed the multi-faceted India-US defence cooperation and reiterated mutual commitment to further strengthen military-to-military ties. The RM and Secretary Austin also discussed regional issues and affirmed their shared desire for maintaining peace and stability in the region and beyond. Shri Rajnath Singh conveyed India’s concerns over the US decision to provide sustenance package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet.
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INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

Somalian forces eliminated senior al-Shabaab terrorist and freed hostages in Lower Shabelle region.

On 10 September 2022, the Somali National Army (SNA) carried out counter-terrorism (CT) operation and killed al-Qa’ida affiliated al-Shabaab’s leader Carab, and injured other senior members, in the town of Mubaarak of Lower Shabelle region in southwest to Mogadishu, according to a statement issued by Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism. During the operation, the security forces freed several civilians who were being held by al-Shabaab in the Centre.
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Afghanistan

“JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar in Pakistan,” claimed Taliban.

In response to Pakistan’s letter to Afghanistan for the arrest of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar, Taliban’s spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid denied the presence of Masood Azhar in Afghanistan, as accused by Pakistan. “The leader of JeM group is not here [Afghanistan]. This is an organisation which could be in Pakistan. We have heard about this in news. Our [Taliban] reaction is that this is not true,” said Zabiullah Mujahid. “We also call on all parties to refrain from such allegations lacking any proof and documentation. Such media allegations can adversely affect bilateral relations between Kabul and Islamabad,” said Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesman of Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
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Islamic State-led suicide attack killed two diplomats at Russian Embassy in Kabul.

On 05 September 2022, a suicide bombing outside the Russian Embassy in Kabul killed two officials of the embassy staff and at least one civilian. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry and State news agency— RIA Novosti, the explosion occurred at the entrance to the embassy’s consular section where several Afghans were waiting for the update on their visa applications. The Islamic State claimed the responsibility of the attack.

The incident is the recent in a series of attacks since the Taliban seized Kabul a year ago. The explosion appeared to be first of its kind to target a foreign diplomatic mission in Kabul.
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DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

NIA filed chargesheet against six perpetrators in the “targeted killing of Sarpanch of Village” case.

On 09 September 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed chargesheet against six perpetrators in the case related to the targeted killing of the Sarpanch Shabir Ahmad Mir, Sarpanch of village Adoora in Kulgam district. The killing was carried by Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM) terrorists.

Aside from this incident, carrying out targeted killings in Kashmir Valley was a part of a larger plot by HM and other terrorist organisations to disturb the peace, undermine the Panchayti Raj System’s established democratic process in Kashmir Valley, as well as to instil fear among the region’s political leaders.
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NIA filed chargesheet against eight terrorists/OGWs in “Pulwama JeM conspiracy” case.

On 07 September 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed chargesheet in NIA Special Court, Jammu, against eight terrorists, including Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) to execute terrorist activities against security forces in Southern Kashmir.

The investigations in the case— RC-02/2022/NIA/JMU have revealed that the chargesheet terrorists/OGWs had provided shelter, transportation, and other logistics support to JeM terrorists— Aquaib Mushtaq Bhat (local) and Kamaal Bhai (Pakistani), who were conspiring to carry out terrorist acts against security forces.
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Security forces eliminated two HM terrorists in gunfight in Anantnag.

On 06 September 2022, security forces killed two Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM) terrorists— Danish Bhat and Basharat Nabi, in a gunfight in Pooshkreeri area of Srigufwara in Bijbehara area in Anantnag district of the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Both terrorists were involved in the killing of a Territorial Army (TA) officer— Saleem Pandit in Bijbehara and two civilians in Jablipora area in Anantnag district in 2021.

More than 130 terrorists have been killed this year, including 32 Pakistani national. Terrorists have been targeting Kashmiri Pandits, non-locals, policemen on leave, and politically-affiliated locals.
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Left-Wing Extremism

NIA searched multiple locations in Bihar in the “Maoist Terror Funding” case.

On 07 September 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials carried out search operations at five locations in Jehanabad, Gaya, and Aurangabad districts of Bihar in Maoist terror-funding case in the Magadh region of Bihar for the revival of Magadh Zone of the CPI (Maoist).
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Police arrested two Maoists from Telangana.

In a joint operation with CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) personnel, Charla Police, on 13 September 2022, arrested two Maoists— i) Vando Joga, and ii) Ravva Ungal, from Korakatpadu forest area in Charla Mandal of Bhadradri-Kothagudem district in Telangana. Both arrested Maoists were members of a Maoist dalam led by Charla Local Organising Squad (LOS) commander Rajitha that planned to install landmines in the Kurnapalli-Bodanelli forest area in early September 2022 to kill police officers.
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NIA filed chargesheet against two Maoists in “PGLA Recruitment case” of Kerala.

On 03 September 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a chargesheet against two Maoists in connection with the case— RC-01/2022/NIA/KOC which pertains to recruitment and training of youth by the CPI (Maoist) and their front organisations besides organising camps to further carry out their activities and spread of Maoist ideologies.
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Security forces unearthed a Maoist dump in Andhra Pradesh.

On 08 September 2022, security forces comprising of Alluri Sitarama Raju district special police and CRPF force of 198 and 234 Battalions, in a joint combing operation, discovered a huge Maoist dump in a forest area near Jakkam village in Pedabayalu mandal in Visakhapatanam district in Andhra Pradesh.

“Articles such as communication manpack trans-receivers and a large quantity of Cordtex (detonating cord is a thin, flexible plastic tube filled with pentaerythritol) were found in the dump and police analysed its intensity of explosion by material,” said Alluri Sitarama Raju district Superintendent of Police (SP) Sateesh Kumar.
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Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

NIA Special Court (Ernakulam) convicted IS terrorist in “IS Wandoor Case” of Kerala.

On 14 September 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court, Ernakulam, convicted an Islamic State (IS) terrorist— Shaibu Nihar V.K., under Sections 120B r/w 125 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), r/w Sec 38, 39 and 40 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], and also separately u/s 125 IPC, 38, 39 and 40 of the UA(P)A.

As per investigation, Shaibu Nihar had raised funds with intention of furthering the activities of IS and provided the same to co-accused of their intended travel to Syria. The quantum of punishment will be pronounced on 19 September 2022.
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NIA officials searched multiple locations in Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, in the “PFI conspiracy” case.

On 08 September 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched 20 locations in nine districts of Bihar, including Nalanda, Katihar, Arariya, Madhubani, Patna, Vaishali, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, and Saran. Along with, as a separate incident, NIA officials searched locations at Shiv Ganga district in Tamil Nadu and South Kannada district in Karnataka in connection with the case— RC-31/2022/NIA/DLI pertaining to the involvement of Popular Front of India (PFI) in anti-national activities.
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NIA filed chargesheet against six JMB terrorists in “JMB Bhopal” case.

On 07 September 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed chargesheet against six Jamaat ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) terrorists— i) Fazar Ali, ii) Waliullah Milon, iii) Jainul Abidin, iv) Aqeel Ahmad Shaikh, v) Abdul Karim, and vi) Sheban Khan, in the case related to the arrest of six JMB terrorists, including three illegal Bangladeshi nationals, from Bhopal. The terrorists were involved in propagating JMB ideology and motivating youth to carryout jihad against India.
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Khalistan-inspired Extremism

Canada-based think-tank endorsed “Khalistan Referendum”.

In a press conference in Toronto and a virtual discussion, the chairman and members of the “Punjab Referendum Commission (PRC)”, released a report titled From Golden Temple to Punjab Independence, advocating the so-called Khalistan Referendum. The report was jointly published by Canada-based Research Institute on Self-Determination of Peoples and National (IRAI). The report reviewed the validity of ongoing Sikh secessionist referendum under international laws and established democratic norms.
“The referendum voting in the UK and European capitals had been a huge success and registered as a new model of campaigning. The model followed by Sikh for Justice (SFJ) can serve as a beacon for all those nations, ethnicities and groups who want to obtain their right to self-determination through peaceful ways,” said Matt Qvortrup, Chair of the PRC and academician at the Coventry University, UK.
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North-East India Insurgency

NIA searched locations in Mizoram in connection with pilferage of explosives from India to Myanmar.

On 13 September 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials searched two locations in Aizwal district in Mizoram in connection with the case of recovery of 2,400 kilograms of explosives, including 1,000 detonators, and 4,500 metres of detonating wire, cash of worth ₹ 73,500 and 9,35,500 Kyat (Myanmar currency unit).

Investigation revealed that the consignment of explosives was meant for the Myanmar based outfit— Chin National Front (CNF) which has been accumulating arms, ammunition and explosives for armed struggle against the Government of Myanmar. In the case— RC-09/2022/NIA/DLI, NIA had arrested and filed chargesheet against three accused on 19 April 2022.
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NIA searched multiple locations in Assam in connection with ULFA recruitment case.

On 02 September 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials searched 16 locations in seven districts of Assam, including Kamrup, Nalbari, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Sadiya, Charaideo, and Sibasagar in the case— RC-23/2022/NIA/DLI pertaining to the recruitment and other activities of ULFA (United Liberation Front of Asom), and their training camps based across the India-Myanmar border in Myanmar.
For more information: Click here to read…

Narcotics Trafficking

NIA officials arrested three people in “Mundra Heroin” case.

On 14 September 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested three people— i) Rah Matullah (permanent resident of Kabul, Afghanistan), ii) Ishwinder Singh, and iii) Jasbir Singh, for their active involvement in smuggling of heroin in large consignments camouflaged in containers of talc stones, bituminous coal, through maritime road.

The case involves one of the greatest international drug smuggling syndicates, which is run by the “Daad brothers”—Hassan Daad and Hussain Daad (both Afghan nationals), who are already wanted by the NIA in the Mundra case. The duo has smuggled many consignments of heroin into India, camouflaged in seemingly benign consignments of products such as semi-processed Talc stones and Bituminous coal. These consignments were imported through various Indian ports, including Mundra, Gujarat, and Kolkata, and then trucked to New Delhi. The investigation uncovered a vast and widespread network of drug traffickers, international facilitators/conduits, importers using fake/shell companies, distributors, and local wholesalers and retailers operating a massive international drug smuggling racket from a variety of countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

DEFENCE

• Chief of Army Staff Proceeds on a Three Day Visit to Bangladesh.
• Prime Minister unveils ‘SPRINT’.
• Joint Press Release of the 16th Round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting.
• Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) conducted between Japan Maritime Self Defense Force and Indian Navy.
• Self-Reliance in Defence Manufacturing.
• Development Work by Defence Industries.
• MoD accords high priority to indigenisation of Software Defined Radios for the Armed Forces.
• iDEX-DIO signs 100th contract for defence innovation.
• Defence Acquisition Council, approves arms procurement proposals worth Rs 28,732 crore.
• Second conference on Military Ammunition (Ammo India) inaugurated by RM.
• Delivery of the prestigious Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) ‘Vikrant’.
• Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on a visit to the Kingdom of Bhutan.
• Royal Army of Oman contingent for joint exercise Al NAJAH-IV arrive in India.
• Vietnam India bilateral army exercise “Ex VINBAX 2022”.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

West Asia

• “Hizbu’llah has all of Israel in its missile range,” Hizbu’llah leader Nasrallah.

Africa

Ethiopia

• Al-Shabaab terrorists carried out cross-border attack into Ethiopia’s Somali region.

Somalia

• US airstrike killed two al-Shabaab terrorists in Lower Juba region.

Nigeria

• Five Boko Haram terrorists surrendered in Borno State.

Mali

• Islamist terrorists attacked Mali’s main military base outside Bamako.

Afghanistan

• “Al-Qa’ida and Islamic State are gaining strength in Afghanistan”, claimed the UNSC report.
• US killed al-Qa’ida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in a counter-terrorism operation in Kabul.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• NIA searched multiple locations in Srinagar in “Chanapora Arms Recovery in Srinagar” case.
• SIA unearthed the nexus between JeM and Punjab-based gangsters.

Left-Wing Extremism

• NIA arrested a Maoist associate in connection with “Terror Financing by CPI (Maoist) in Bihar” case.
• Police killed a Maoist in an anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh.
• NIA searched multiple locations in Jharkhand in connection with “killing of police personnel and looting of arms and ammunition by CPI (Maoists)” case.
• “Maoist-affected Districts reduced to 46 in 2021”, informed MoS for Home Affairs.
• NIA arrested a Maoist associate in revival of Magadh zone of CPI (Maoist) case.

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

NIA searched multiple locations in six States in connection with “ISIS module” case.

NIA arrested 08th accused in “Udaipur killing” case.

NIA searched multiple locations in connection with “PFI Phulwari Sharif” case in Bihar.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

• India raised concerns at the growth of pro-Khalistan movement in Canada.

Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) Cases

• NIA Special Court (Bihar) convicted and sentenced a FICN trafficker in “FICN case of East Champaran, Bihar”.

Narcotics-Trafficking

• NIA searched multiple locations in Tamil Nadu in the case of “Narcotics and Arms trafficking to India and Sri Lanka”.

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.
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Chief of Army Staff Proceeds on a Three Day Visit to Bangladesh.

Continuing with the excellent bilateral defence ties between India and Bangladesh, General Manoj Pande, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) proceeded on a visit to the Bangladesh from 18 to 20 July 2022. This is the first foreign visit by General Manoj Pande since assumption as Army Chief.
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Prime Minister unveils ‘SPRINT.

Prime Minister (PM) Shri Narendra Modi unveiled ‘SPRINT Challenges’, aimed at giving a boost to the usage of indigenous technology in Indian Navy, during Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) seminar ‘Swavlamban’ in New Delhi on July 18, 2022. NIIO, in conjunction with the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), aims to induct at least 75 new indigenous technologies/products into the Indian Navy. This collaborative project is named SPRINT {Supporting Pole-Vaulting in R&D through Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), NIIO and Technology Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC)}. In the last 4-5 years, PM said the defence imports have come down by about 21 per cent. Today we are moving fast from the biggest defence importer to a big exporter. Last year, Rs 13,000 crore worth of defence export was done with more than 70 percent of which being from the private sector, he pointed out.

In the conference Shri Rajnath Singh informed the Prime Minister that in line with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ campaign, the Indian Navy spent over 64% of its capital budget in domestic procurement in the last financial year and it is expected to increase to 70% in the current financial year.
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Joint Press Release of the 16th Round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting.

The 16th round India- China Corps Commander Level Meeting was held at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Indian side on 17th July 2022.

Building on the progress made at the last meeting on 11th March 2022, the two sides continued discussions for the resolution of the relevant issues along the LAC in the Western Sector in a constructive and forward looking manner. They had a frank and in-depth exchange of views in this regard, in keeping with the guidance provided by the State Leaders to work for the resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest. The two sides reaffirmed that the resolution of remaining issues would help in restoration of peace and tranquility along the LAC in the Western Sector and enable progress in bilateral relations. In the interim, the two sides agreed to maintain the security and stability on the ground in the Western Sector. The two sides agreed to stay in close contact and maintain dialogue through military and diplomatic channels and work out a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest.
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Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) conducted between Japan Maritime Self Defense Force and Indian Navy.

A Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) was conducted between Japan Maritime Self Defense Force and Indian Navy on 23 Jul 22 in Andaman Sea. This exercise is part of the ongoing efforts between the two navies towards ensuring safe and secure international shipping and trade in Indian Ocean Region.
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Self-Reliance in Defence Manufacturing.

The Government has taken several policy initiatives in the past few years and brought in reforms to encourage indigenous design, development and manufacture of defence equipment in the country, thereby expanding the production of indigenous defence equipment. With these actions of the Government, the expenditure on defence procurement from foreign sources which used to be 46% of the overall expenditure has reduced to 36% in the last four years i.e. 2018-19 to 2021-22.
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Development Work by Defence Industries.

In continuous pursuit of achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing under ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ and in sync with the announcement made in the Union Budget 2022-23 that allocated 25% of Defence R&D Budget for industry led R&D, 18 (eighteen) major platforms have been identified and announced by the Ministry of Defence for industry led Design & Development under various routes prescribed in Defence Acquisition Procedure-2020, namely, Make-I, Make-II, Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX).
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MoD accords high priority to indigenisation of Software Defined Radios for the Armed Forces.

Ministry of Defence (MoD) has fast-tracked the indigenisation of Software Defined Radios (SDRs) with country’s premier R&D institutions viz. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur to fulfill the increasing demand by the Armed Forces across a broad spectrum of operations. Two key elements of indigenous SDR technology are the standardised operating software environment (OE) and applications (also known as waveforms) with associated waveforms repository and test/certification facility. Standard OE enables waveform portability and interoperability among SDRs of multiple vendors. Towards this, the Ministry of Defence has taken a decision to define and develop reference implementation of India specific operating environment called India Software Communication Architecture (SCA) profile or Indian Radio Software Architecture (IRSA).
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iDEX-DIO signs 100th contract for defence innovation.

iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence), signed its 100th contract on 26 July 2022. Till date, iDEX has launched iDEX Prime, seven rounds of DISC (including DISC SPRINT) and five rounds of OC, receiving more than 4,000 applications from individual innovators, MSMEs and start-ups. More than Rs 250 crore worth of projects have been allocated and procurement of 14 items worth over Rs 400 crore have been cleared. In the last four years, 17 start-ups in 14 projects have already been accorded the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) by Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for trial and procurement in March 2022. Projects from balance of DISC 1 & 2 and some from DISC 3 are nearing completion and may be accorded AoN by DAC by end of current Financial Year.
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Defence Acquisition Council, approves arms procurement proposals worth Rs 28,732 crore.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting under the chairmanship of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, was held on July 26, 2022. Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for Capital Acquisition Proposals of the Armed Forces amounting to Rs 28,732 crore were accorded by the DAC in this meeting under Buy (Indian IDDM) and Buy (Indian) categories giving a further boost to ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in Defence.

Among the proposals approved by DAC in the meeting are three proposals of the Indian Army, viz. Guided Extended Range Rocket Ammunition, Area Denial Munition Type I and Infantry Combat Vehicle – Command have been designed and developed by DRDO. The total value of these three proposals is Rs 8,599 crore. DAC aslo accorded AoN for Bullet Proof Jackets with Indian Standard BIS VI level of protection. To combat the current complex paradigm of conventional and hybrid warfare and counter terrorism at the borders, AoN for induction of approx. four lakh of Close Quarter Battle Carbines for the Services has also been accorded by the DAC.

AoN were also accorded for procurement of Autonomous Surveillance and Armed Drone Swarms has been accorded by the DAC under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. The DAC also approved Navy’s proposal to procure upgraded 1250KW capacity Marine Gas Turbine Generator for power generation application onboard Kolkata class of ships through Indian Industry. This will give a major boost to indigenous manufacturing of gas turbine generators. In order to enhance the security in the coastal region of the country, the DAC also approved the proposal of procurement of 14 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) for Indian Coast Guard under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) with 60% IC.
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Second conference on Military Ammunition (Ammo India) inaugurated by RM.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has called for innovations in the field of ammunition for the creation of a strong and self-reliant base that keeps the Armed Forces fully prepared to deal with future challenges. He was addressing the inaugural session of the second conference on Military Ammunition (Ammo India) on the theme ‘Make in India Opportunities and Challenges’ in New Delhi on July 27, 2022. The Raksha Mantri described advanced ammunition as the reality of the new age warfare, which is a must for India, given its regional & global imperatives and security challenges.
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Delivery of the prestigious Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) ‘Vikrant.

Indian Navy took delivery of the prestigious Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) ‘Vikrant on 28 July 2022, from her builder Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi. Designed by Indian Navy’s inhouse Directorate of Naval Design (DND) and built by CSL, a Public Sector Shipyard under Ministry of Shipping (MoS), the carrier is christened after her illustrious predecessor, India’s first Aircraft Carrier. The 262 mtr long carrier has a full displacement of close to 45,000 tonnes which is much larger and advanced than her predecessor. The ship is powered by four Gas Turbines totaling 88 MW power and has a maximum speed of 28 Knots. Built at an overall cost of close to Rs. 20,000 Crs. The ship’s keel was laid in Feb 2009, followed by launching in Aug 2013, with an overall indigenous content of 76%.

The ship would be capable of operating air wing consisting of 30 aircraft comprising of MIG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, in addition to indigenously manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) (Navy). Using a novel aircraft-operation mode known as STOBAR (Short Take- Off but Arrested Landing).
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Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on a visit to the Kingdom of Bhutan.

General Manoj Pande, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) has proceeded on a visit to the Kingdom of Bhutan from 29 July. This visit will further enhance the unique and time-tested bilateral relationship, characterised by utmost trust, goodwill and mutual understanding.
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Royal Army of Oman contingent for joint exercise Al NAJAH-IV arrive in India.

The 4th Edition of India Oman Joint Military Exercise ‘AL NAJAH-IV’ between contingents of Indian Army and the Royal Army of Oman is scheduled to take place at the Foreign Training Node of Mahajan Field Firing Ranges (Rajasthan) from 01 to 13 August 2022. The Royal Army of Oman contingent comprising 60 personnel from the Sultan of Oman Parachute Regiment have arrived at the exercise location. The Indian Army is represented by troops from the 18 MECHANISED INFANTRY Battalion. The previous edition of Ex AL NAJAH IV was organised at Muscat from 12 to 25 March 2019.
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Vietnam India bilateral army exercise “Ex VINBAX 2022”.

The 3rd Edition of Vietnam India Bilateral Army Exercise “Ex VINBAX 2022” is scheduled to be conducted at Chandimandir from 01 to 20 Aug 2022. The exercise is a sequel to previously conducted bilateral exercise in Vietnam in 2019 and a major milestone in strengthening the bilateral relations between India and Vietnam. India and Vietnam share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and defence cooperation is a key pillar of this partnership. The theme of Ex VINBAX – 2022 is employment and deployment of an Engineer Company and a Medical Team as part of United Nations Contingent for Peace Keeping Operations.
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INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

West Asia

“Hizbu’llah has all of Israel in its missile range,” Hizbu’llah leader Nasrallah.

In an interview on 25 July 2022, Lebanese Hizbu’llah leader Hassan Nasrallah said that “all of Israel is within the range of Hizbu’llah’s missiles. Boasting about drones, Nasrallah said that the recent drone operation, targeting Israel’s Karish gas field, was carried out by the group. Though Israel shot down the drone, but Nasrallah informed Al-Mayadeen media that over the period in the past, Hizbu’llah used drones over Israel many times.

Nasrallah suggested that Hizbu’llah could gain from the trip of the US President Biden to the region by bringing Iranian oil and gas to Lebanon, and that Hizbu’llah can exploit Lebanon’s crisis and the US’ desire for stability in the region.
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Africa

Ethiopia

Al-Shabaab terrorists carried out cross-border attack into Ethiopia’s Somali region.

On 21 July 2022, al-Shabaab terrorists from Somalia launched a cross-border attack into Ethiopia’s Somali region. This is the first time that al-Shabaab carried out a terrorist attack in Ethiopia. According to Somali military and Ethiopia’s paramilitary Liyu police, several al-Shabaab terrorists crossed into the Afdher zone and took control of several of their positions. However, with heavy police casualties, all positions were recaptured. According to Somali military officials posted in Bakool— the region that borders Ethiopia, around 87 al-Shabaab terrorists were killed in the gun-battle.
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Somalia

US airstrike killed two al-Shabaab terrorists in Lower Juba region.

On 17 July 2022, the United States (US) Africa Command, in coordination with the government of Somalia, carried out airstrike and killed two al-Shabaab terrorists in a remote location near Libikus in Lower Juba region, Somalia. The strike was carried out after al-Shabaab attacked partner forces in the region. According to the statement released, “violent extremist organisations like al-Shabaab present long-term threats to Somali, regional and US interests.”
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Nigeria

Five Boko Haram terrorists surrendered in Borno State.

On 22 July 2022, five Boko Haram terrorists, including Mallam Isa, a commander, surrendered before the 73 Battalion of the Nigerian Army during “Operation Hadin Kai” in Borno State. “Preliminary investigation discovered that terrorists were said to have come out from Gazuwa, a new HQ of Boko Haram, located about 08 kilometres to Bama Local Government area,” said Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert. According to the Theatre Commander of North-East Joint Task Force of ‘Operation Hadin Kai’— Christopher Musa, “more than 67,000 terrorists have surrendered to troops so far.”
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Mali

Islamist terrorists attacked Mali’s main military base outside Bamako.

On 22 July 2022, Islamist terrorists of al-Qa’ida and Islamic State affiliated groups attacked Mali’s main military base in Kati, outside the Capital Bamako, however, the armed forces had repelled the attack and brought situation under control. In a statement released by military, “the attack involved two car bombs and was carried out by a local al-Qa’ida affiliated group— Katiba Macina.” Katiba Macina is more active terror group in Central Mali.

In attack, a soldier was martyred and six people were wounded, while seven terrorists were killed and eight got arrested, read the statement. The military blamed Katiba Macina for several attacks on 21 July 2022 against military bases in Central Mali in which a soldier was martyred and 15 others were wounded.
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Afghanistan

“Al-Qa’ida and Islamic State are gaining strength in Afghanistan”, claimed the UNSC report.

The 30th report of the United Nations Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team revealed the activities of al-Qa’ida (AQ), Islamic State (IS), and other terrorist groups in Afghanistan, and concluded that al-Qa’ida and IS related threats are high in the conflict zones and the neighbouring countries though both terror groups are likely to attempt an attack in non-conflicted areas.

An Afghan national— Sanaullah Ghafari aka Shahab al-Muhajir, has been leading the Islamic State-Khurasan Province (IS-KP/IS-K) since June 2000. However, the IS core has established a separate structure called Al-Siddiq office under Sheikh Tamim al-Kurdi aka Abu Ahmed al-Madani for group’s regional agenda. The report also pointed about the IS-KP’s increased presence in northern and eastern Afghanistan. The group has terrorists from the Central Asia, who have increased activities in the north, bordering Central Asian states of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
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US killed al-Qa’ida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in a counter-terrorism operation in Kabul.

On 01 August 2022, United States (US) President— Joe Biden, announced that in a counter-terrorism operation carried out on 30 July 2022 in Kabul, Afghanistan, the US government killed the al-Qa’ida leader— Ayman al-Zawahiri. “Al-Zawahiri coordinated al-Qa’ida’s branches all around the world since Bin Laden’s death in 2011, including setting priorities for providing operational guidance that call for and inspire attacks against US targets,” explained the US President during the announcement.

“The United States continues to demonstrate our resolve and our capacity to defend the American people against those who seek to do us harm,” Biden continued. “We make it clear again tonight that, no matter how long it takes, no matter where you hide, if you are a threat to our people, the United States will find you and take you out,” added the US President.
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DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

NIA searched multiple locations in Srinagar in “Chanapora Arms Recovery in Srinagar” case.

On 20 July 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials searched nine locations in Kashmir, including four in Srinagar district and five in Pulwama district, in the case— RC-04/2022/NIA/JMU related to the conspiracy of conducting terror attacks in and around Srinagar, in which four operatives were arrested and 15 pistols, 30 magazines, 300 rounds, and one Mahindra-built Scorpio vehicle were seized.

The case was re-registered by the NIA on 18 June 2022. The NIA officials seized digital devices and other incriminating materials.
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SIA unearthed the nexus between JeM and Punjab-based gangsters.

The State Investigation Agency (SIA) in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) unearthed the nexus between Pakistan-based terrorist group— Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Punjab-based gangsters, as the SIA filed a chargesheet against five operatives in a terror-funding related case registered in 2021.

The case was related to the recovery of ₹ 43 lakh by Jammu police at the Sidhra bridge, from Kashmir-bound vehicle, on 16 November 2021. The SIA filed a chargesheet before the Special NIA court in Jammu on 26 July 2022, against five operatives, including JeM commander— Ashiq Nengroo (presently operating from Pakistan), Muzammil Ahmad Malik (JeM operative) from Pulwama, and other three Punjab-based gangsters— i) Ravi Kumar, ii) Jaideep Dhawan, and iii) Amarbir Singh (all residents of Punjab), under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], the Arms Act, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
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Left-Wing Extremism

NIA arrested a Maoist associate in connection with “Terror Financing by CPI (Maoist) in Bihar” case.

On 28 July 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested— Rajesh Gupta, a Maoist associate, in connection to a conspiracy by CPI (Maoist) cadres and others for attempting to revive the banned organisation’s module in the Son-Ganga Bindh region of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh (UP).

The case— RC-19/2022/NIA/DLI was re-registered on 26 April 2022 and NIA taken over the investigation. Earlier, NIA had arrested 03 associates in this case on 12 April 2022 and 25 May 2022. Rajesh Gupta is a close associate of earlier arrested Vijay Kumar Arya— a Central Committee Member (CCM) and was actively involved in reviving the module in Son-Ganga Bindh region.
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Police killed a Maoist in an anti-naxal operation in Chhattisgarh.

On 26 July 2022, Chhattisgarh police eliminated a Maoist— Budh Ram Madkam aka Mahangu Deva, a member of Katekalyan Area Committee of CPI (Maoist), in forest near Jabrameta village of Dantewada district in Chhattisgarh.
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NIA searched multiple locations in Jharkhand in connection with “killing of police personnel and looting of arms and ammunition by CPI (Maoists)” case.

On 27 July 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials searched 03 locations of suspects in connection with suspects’ involvement in an attack on police party on 14 June 2019 at Kukru Haat in Saraikela-Kherswan district in Jharkhand. In the attack, five police personnel attained Veergati, and their arms and ammunitions were looted by perpetrators.

The case— RC-39/2020/NIA/DLI was re-registered by the NIA on 09 December 2020. The NIA officials recovered digital devices, illicit weapons and ammunitions, and various incriminating materials.
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“Maoist-affected Districts reduced to 46 in 2021”, informed MoS for Home Affairs.

The Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs— Nityanand Rai, on 26 July 2022, informed the Lok Sabha (the Lower House of the Indian Parliament) that number of Maoist-affected districts has reduced from 70 in the year 2014 to 46 in 2021. Along with, the incidents inspired from Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) have recorded significant reduction from 1,091 in 2014 to 509 incidents in 2021.

The Minister also informed the Lok Sabha about Central government-led schemes for Maoist-affected areas, including Security Related Expenditure Scheme (SRES), Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS), Road Requirement Plan-1, mobile connectivity projects in Maoist affected districts.
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NIA arrested a Maoist associate in revival of Magadh zone of CPI (Maoist) case.

On 25 July 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested— Tarun Kumar, in connection with a case— RC-05/2021/NIA/RNC, where CPI (Maoist) cadre prominent— Pradyuman Sharma and others, were conspiring to revive a module of banned organisation in Magadh zone. Tarun Kumar, along with other accused conspired to raise funds for procurement of arms and ammunition and training the fellow cadres in fabrication of IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices).

The group was also planning to create nexus with incarcerated naxals and Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) in various jails for commission of violent crimes.
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Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

NIA searched multiple locations in six States in connection with “ISIS module” case.

On 31 July 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched 13 premises of Islamic State (IS) suspects in six Indian States— i) Gujarat, ii) Bihar, iii) Karnataka, iv) Maharashtra, v) Uttar Pradesh, and vi) Madhya Pradesh, in a case related to Islamic State (ISIS) module and its activities.

On 25 June 2022, the case— RC-26/2022/NIA/DLI was registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A].
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NIA arrested 08th accused in “Udaipur killing” case.

On 21 July 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested the 08th accused— Mohammed Javed (age 19 years), in the case— RC-27/2022/NIA/DLI pertaining to the killing of Shri Kanhaiya Lal Teli in Udaipur, Rajasthan, by two Islamic extremists armed with sharp weapons at his tailor shop on 28 June 2022.

The NIA re-registered the case on 29 June 2022 and taken over the investigation. Earlier, 07 accused were arrested in the case on 29 June, 01 July, 04 July, and 09 July 2022. Mohammed Javed had played an important role in the killing by conducting recce and conveying the information about the victim to one of the main perpetrators— Riyaz, prior to the brutal murder.
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NIA searched multiple locations in connection with “PFI Phulwari Sharif” case in Bihar.

On 28 July 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials carried out searches at 10 locations of the PFI operatives in Bihar, for their alleged involvement with the Popular Front of India (PFI) in anti-national activities.

The case— RC-31/2022/NIA/DLI was re-registered by the NIA on 22 July 2022 under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The NIA officials seized digital devices and several incriminating materials from the sites.
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Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) Cases

NIA Special Court (Bihar) convicted and sentenced a FICN trafficker in “FICN case of East Champaran, Bihar”.

On 22 July 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court, Bihar, convicted and sentenced— Mohammad Ali Akhtar Ansari for his involvement in the Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) proliferation in India. The case— RC-08/2016/NIA/DLI pertains to the seizure of a parcel containing high quality FICNs worth around ₹ 25 lakhs. Mohammad Akhtar came to Raxaul, to take delivery of the FICNs consignment on 30 September 2015, and was subsequently arrested.

According to the investigation, the seized FICNs had been smuggled from a foreign country into India and supposed to be delivered to another accused— Abi Mohammad of Nepal. Investigation also revealed that a Pakistani national— Syed Muhammad Shaffi, now residing in the UAE (United Arab Emirates), had couriered the parcel from the UAE via ICS (International Courier Service). Mohammad Akhtar Ansari rewarded 20 years of Rigorous Imprisonment (RI) with ₹ 50,000 as fine under Section 16 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], 10 years of RI with ₹ 25,000 as fine under Section 489B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and 07 years of RI under Section 489C of the IPC by the NIA Special Court (Patna), Bihar.
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Narcotics-Trafficking

NIA searched multiple locations in Tamil Nadu in the case of “Narcotics and Arms trafficking to India and Sri Lanka”.

On 20 July 2022, the National Investigation Agency officials searched 22 premises of suspects at various locations in Tamil Nadu in connection with the case— RC-29/2022/NIA/DLI, pertaining to illicit activities of Sri Lankan drug mafia being operated by C Gunashekharan in association with Haji Salim— drug and arms supplier based in Pakistan.

The drugs and arms traffickers have been operating in India and Sri Lanka, and have been conspiring for the revival of the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) terror group and to further its violent activities. The case was registered suo moto by the NIA on 08 July 2022 under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], read with sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
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