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.
For more information:Click here to read…

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.
For more information: Click here to read…

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

• The 15th India-UK foreign office consultations.
• Prime Minister addresses first batch of Agniveers through video conferencing.
• 5th Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue (FPSD) with his ROK.
• 21st Edition of the Bilateral Naval Exercise between India and France.
• Indian army organises a cyber threat seminar cum workshop.
• Inaugural Edition of Indo-Egypt Joint Training Exercise Cyclone – I.
• Overseas deployment of ICGS SHAURYA and RAJVEER to Bangladesh.
• Indian Coast Guard conducts course for officers & sailors of six friendly countries.
• Fifth stealth Scorpene class Submarine INS Vagir commissioned.
• DRDO’s Fuel Cell-based Air Independent Propulsion system to soon be fitted onboard INS Kalvari.
• Maritime exercise TROPEX.
• IAF’s joint air defence exercise with Japan concludes.
• National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is on an official visit to Washington DC from 30 January to 1 February 2023.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

United States

• US Court sentenced an IS sympathiser to 50 years in prison.

West Asia

• US drone strike killed three al-Qa’ida terrorists in Yemen.

Africa

Somalia

• Wife of IS leader sentenced to 8 years in prison.

Burkina Faso

• Jihadi attacks over several days killed at least 32 people in Sahel region.

Pakistan

• Peshawar Mosque bombing: Over 100 people were killed and at least 220 injured.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• Security forces arrested four LeT terrorists and destroyed the hideout in forests of Awantipora.
• Police arrested ‘longest-surviving’ HM terrorist from Shopian.

Left-Wing Extremism

• NIA arrested a wanted Maoist in Chhattisgarh.
• NIA filed two chargesheet against two accused in ‘funding to the cadres of CPI (Maoist)’ case.
• NIA arrested a Maoist from Odisha.
• Three hardcore Maoists surrendered in Odisha.

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

• NIA filed chargesheet against an accused in ‘activities of IS module in India’ case.
• NIA filed chargesheet against two accused in ‘AQIS conspiracy’ case.
• NIA arrested a PFI’s ‘reporter’ in ‘Kerala PFI case’.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

• Pro-Khalistan slogans painted on walls in West Delhi area.
• Hindu temple in Australia vandalised with ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ graffiti.

DEFENCE

The 15th India-UK Foreign Office consultations

The 15th India-UK Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) were held on 16 January 2023 in New Delhi. The Indian delegation was led by Shri Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Foreign Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs and the British side was led by Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Last FOC was held in November 2020 in London.India and the UK share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with the adoption of Roadmap 2030 for Future Relations. The FOC provided an opportunity to review the progress made in the implementation of Roadmap 2030. Both sides discussed issues like trade & economic cooperation, defence & security, science & technology, people-to-people relationship, health and climate change.
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Prime Minister addresses first batch of Agniveers through video conferencing.

Prime Minister addressed the first batch of Agniveers of the three Services, who have commenced their basic training, via video conferencing on January 16, 2023.The Prime Minister also spoke about how the scheme will further empower women. He expressed happiness at how women Agniveers are adding pride to the Naval forces, and said that he looks forward to seeing women Agniveers in all three forces. The Prime Minister also recalled how women are leading armed forces on various fronts, citing examples of woman soldier posted in Siachen and women driving modern fighter planes.

In his welcome remarks, Raksha Mantri stated that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has taken a number of decisions to empower the nation, terming AGNIPATH scheme as one of the most important and unprecedented reforms.

The Raksha Mantri pointed out that several ministries, including MoD, are coming forward for the welfare of Agniveers. “Reservation is being ensured for Agniveers on a number of posts in various departments of Ministry of Defence, Central Armed Police Forces and Ministry of Railways. Arrangements are being made jointly by MoD & Ministry of Education to ensure proper education to the Agniveers. In collaboration with Ministry of Finance, arrangements are being made to provide loans at reasonable rates to Agniveers, who wish to start self-employment or any business after service.
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5th Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue (FPSD) with his ROK.

Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, paid an official visit to the Republic of Korea (ROK) from 16-17 January 2023 to co-chair the 5th Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue (FPSD) with his ROK counterpart, First Vice Foreign Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea, on 16 January 2023. During the FPSD, both sides agreed to enhance India–ROK Special Strategic Partnership by strengthening strategic communication through regular high-level engagements including the Foreign Minister-level Joint Commission Meeting, ‘2+2’ dialogue involving Foreign Ministry and Defence Ministry at Vice Minister/Secretary level, other ministerial and senior official dialogues, as the two countries celebrate 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations this year.
Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in areas including, trade and investment, security and defence, science and technology, as well as, cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
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21st Edition of the Bilateral Naval Exercise between India and France.

The 21st Edition of the Bilateral Naval Exercise between India and France – Exercise Varuna commenced on the Western Seaboard today, 16 Jan 23. While the bilateral exercise between the two navies was initiated in 1993, it was christened as ‘VARUNA’ in 2001. This edition will witness participation of indigenous guided missile stealth destroyer INS Chennai, guided missile frigate INS Teg, maritime patrol aircraft P-8I and Dornier, integral helicopters and MiG29K fighter aircraft. The French Navy will be represented by the aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle, frigates FS Forbin and Provence, support vessel FS Marne and maritime patrol aircraft Atlantique. The exercise will be conducted over five days from 16 to 20 January 2023.
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Indian army organises a cyber-threat seminar cum workshop

The Indian Army under the aegis of HQ Army Training Command (ARTRAC) organised the second edition of Hackathon aptly named “SAINYA RANAKSHETRAM 2.0” from October 2022 to January 2023 with an aim to seek solutions to operational cyber challenges and to jump start and telescope the development time for innovative solutions in the field of Cyber Security. The prize winners of the event were felicitated by Gen Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff during a virtual function on 17 January 2023. The event was aimed at providing a platform to identify indigenous talent in niche domains and enhance the standard of training in domains of Cyber Deterrence, Security Software Coding, Electro Magnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) and Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ ML). The participation was open to all Indian citizens and participation permitted in an individual / team manner.
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Inaugural Edition of Indo-Egypt Joint Training Exercise Cyclone – I

The first ever joint exercise between the special forces of the Indian Army and the Egyptian Army named “Exercise Cyclone-I” is in progress at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan since 14 January 2023. The exercise aims to bolster defence co-operation between the two nations and focus on sharing professional skills and interoperability of Special Forces in desert terrain while undertaking counter terrorism, reconnaissance, raids and other special operations.
Exercise “Cyclone – I” is the first exercise of its kind bringing the special forces of both the nations on a common platform. The 14 days long exercise which is being carried out in the deserts of Rajasthan engages both the contingents to advance special forces skills such as Sniping, Combat Free Fall, Reconnaissance, Surveillance & Target Designation, sharing of information on weapons, equipment, innovations, tactics, techniques & procedures.
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Overseas deployment of ICGS SHAURYA and RAJVEER to Bangladesh

Indian Coast Guard Ships ICGS Shaurya and Rajveer were on a six-day visit to Chattogram, Bangladesh from 13 to 19 January, 2023 to enhance the cooperative engagements and interoperability under the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Indian and Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG). The visit holds significance in strengthening the bilateral relationships with BCG which has grown manifold over the years to ensure safe, secure and clean seas in the Region. The fruitful engagements with various senior officials and personnel of BCG during the visit has further enhanced the safety and security of the fishermen and mariners.
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Indian Coast Guard conducts course for officers & sailors of six friendly countries

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted a one-week Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) operations & Search and Rescue (SAR) course in Mumbai between January 16-21, 2023. The course was conducted under the aegis of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC) for officers and sailors of Maritime Security Agencies from six friendly countries – Bangladesh, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Myanmar and Maldives. A total of 22 trainees (10 officers & 12 sailors) participated in the specialised training.
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Fifth stealth Scorpene class Submarine INS Vagir commissioned.

Indian Navy’s fifth stealth Scorpene class Submarine INS Vagir was commissioned into the Indian Navy today, 23 Jan 2023 at the Naval Dockyard Mumbai in the presence of Adm R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, the Chief Guest for the ceremony. Six Scorpene Class submarines are being built in India by the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) Mumbai, under collaboration with M/s Naval Group, France. INS Vagir would form part of the Western Naval Command’s Submarine fleet and would be another potent part of the Command’s arsenal. Vagir was launched on 12 Nov 20, under Project 75 (P75) and was delivered to Indian Navy on 20 Dec 22 post completion of sea trials. Vagir has the distinction of having the lowest build time among all indigenously manufactured submarines till date.
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DRDO’s Fuel Cell-based Air Independent Propulsion system to soon be fitted onboard INS Kalvari

In a major boost to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, Fuel Cell-based Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system of DRDO’s Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) will soon be fitted onboard INS Kalvari. An agreement was signed between senior officials of NMRL and Naval Group France in Mumbai on January 23, 2023 to extend cooperation to enter into the detailed design phase for integration of indigenous AIP in the Kalvari class submarines. As part of the agreement, Naval Group France will certify the AIP design for integration in the submarines.
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Maritime exercise TROPEX

The 2023 edition of Indian Navy’s major maritime exercise TROPEX, is currently underway in the Indian Ocean Region. This operational level exercise is conducted biennially and witnesses participation not only by all Indian Navy units but also of Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Coast Guard assets.TROPEX 23 is being conducted over a duration of three months from Jan – Mar 23.
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IAF’s joint air defence exercise with Japan concludes

The inaugural edition of the bilateral air exercise ‘Veer Guardian 2023’ between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) concluded in Japan, on 26 January 2023.The JASDF participated in the exercise with its F-2 and F-15 aircraft, while the IAF contingent participated with the Su-30 MKI aircraft. The IAF fighter contingent was complemented by one IL-78 Flight Refuelling Aircraft and two C-17 Globemaster strategic airlift transport aircraft.

During the joint training spanning 16 days, the two Air Forces engaged in complex and comprehensive aerial manoeuvres in multiple simulated operational scenarios. The exercise involved precise planning and skilful execution by both the air forces. IAF and JASDF engaged in air combat manoeuvring, interception and air defence missions, both in Visual and Beyond Visual Range settings. Aircrew of the two participating Air Forces also flew in each other’s fighter aircraft to gain a deeper understanding of each other’s operating philosophies.
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National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is on an official visit to Washington DC from 30 January to 1 February 2023.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is on an official visit to Washington DC from 30 January to 1 February 2023. He is accompanied by senior Government of India officials as well as leaders of Indian industry. Apart from his meeting with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, he also met Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley, Acting Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, key Senators and industry leaders. He is scheduled to meet Secretary of State Antony Blinken later during the visit.

Together with NSA Sullivan, NSA Doval co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) at the White House on 31 January 2023, translating into action, the announcement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joseph Biden during their meeting in Tokyo in May 2022.
iCET aims to position the two countries as trusted technology partners by building technology value chains and support the co-development and co-production of items. It also aims to address regulatory restrictions, export controls and mobility barriers through a standing mechanism. The US side also assured support to ease export barriers to India in a few critical areas, including through efforts towards legislative changes. Emphasis was placed on strengthening linkages between the startup ecosystems and building innovation bridges in key sectors between the two countries, through expos, hackathons and pitching sessions.

In the field of defence manufacturing, the two sides agreed to focus on joint production of key items of mutual interest. The US committed to expeditious review of the license application submitted by M/s General Electric to produce jet engines in India for the indigenously manufactured Light Combat Aircraft. A new Innovation Bridge will be created to connect defence startups on both sides. In the field of space, there was appreciation of the opportunities offered by the opening up of India’s space sector, and the contribution of India’s space tech companies in the US. It was agreed that ISRO would work with NASA on human space flight opportunities, NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) project, and STEM talent exchanges.
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INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

United States

US Court sentenced an IS sympathiser to 50 years in prison.

The United States Federal Court convicted Ibraheem Izzy Musaibli, 32 year-old, for providing and attempting to provide material support, conspiring to provide material support and attending an Islamic State (IS) training camp. The court sentenced Musaibli to maximum of 50 years in prison.

According to the Federal officials, Musaibli travelled to Yemen in April 2015 and researched about IS, including downloading group’s propaganda and an e-book on how to get into Syria. Officials said he travelled to Syria where he attended an IS-run religious training camp before going through armed/military training. Following graduation from IS’s training camp, he remained with the group before he was arrested by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDFs) and turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 2018. Musaibli was convicted after a nine-day trial, and the jury deliberated for less than four hours. Sentencing is scheduled for 11 May 2023.
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West Asia

US drone strike killed three al-Qa’ida terrorists in Yemen

On 30 January 2023, US forces carried out a drone strike on a car in Marib province in North-Eastern Yemen and killed three al-Qa’ida terrorists. However, the US administration did not comment on the incident or strike. The US considers al-Qa’ida’s Yemen branch— al-Qa’ida in Arab Peninsula (AQAP) among the most dangerous branches of global extremism network.
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Africa

Somalia

Wife of IS leader sentenced to 8 years in prison.

On 30 January 2023, a military tribunal sentenced Fartun Abdirashid, wife of Abdiqadir Mumin, to eight years in prison for passing on information and organising financial transactions for Islamic State (IS). According to news reports, Abdiqadir Mumin is a head of IS group in East Africa. Fartun has been under custody since her arrest in March 2022 from Mogadishu. She had a working relationship with Bilal Al-Sudaani, a senior IS member who was killed on 25 January 2023 in US raid in Somalia’s northern Bari region.
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Burkina Faso

Jihadi attacks over several days killed at least 32 people in Sahel region

Multiple terror attacks by jihadists over several days have caused death to at least 32 people, including soldiers and civilians, in the Sahel region of Burkina Faso. On 30 January 2023, Burkina Faso’s State Information Agency stated on its Facebook page that dozens of soldiers and a civilian were killed in Falagountou in Sahel Region during gun-battle between military and terrorists. In two separate attacks on 28-29 January, another 20 people were killed in east-central and western regions of Burkina Faso.

Islamic extremism linked to al-Qa’ida and Islamic State (IS) has ruined the Western African nation for several years, killing thousands and displacing around two million people. According to the data prepared by Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project, almost 5,000 civilians have been killed since 2015.
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Pakistan

Peshawar Mosque bombing: Over 100 people were killed and at least 220 injured

During the Zuhr (noon) prayers on 30 January 2023, over 100 people were killed, mostly police personnel, and at least 220 were injured in a suicide bombing targeting a mosque in high-security area of Police Lines in Peshawar. “The attacker blew himself up while among the worshippers. 90 per cent of casualties included police personnel,” said Siddique Khan, a police official.

The commander of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or Pakistani Taliban— Sarbakaf Mohmand, claimed responsibility for attack on Twitter. However, few hours later, TTP spokesperson Mohammad Khurasani distanced the group from the bombing, saying “it was not its policy to target mosques, seminaries and religious places.”
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DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

Security forces arrested four LeT terrorists and destroyed the hideout in forests of Awantipora.

On 30 January 2023, security forces, including Kashmir Zone police, arrested four Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists and destroyed their hideout in Hafoo Nageenpora forests of Awanipora, Union Territory in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Security forces recovered incriminating materials from terrorists’ hideout.
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Police arrested ‘longest-surviving’ HM terrorist from Shopian

On 22 January 2023, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police arrested a ‘longest-suriving’ Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) terrorist— Nasir Ahmed Sher Gojri, from Shopian district.
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Left-Wing Extremism

NIA arrested a wanted Maoist in Chhattisgarh

On 29 January 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA)-Raipur arrested a female Maoist member— MadkamUngi aka Kamla, from Bhoplpatanam area in Bijapur district. Swiftly acting upon the information, soon the NIA team from Raipur was mobilised and deployed at the operation. Further investigation in this case. Further investigation in this case is in progress.
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NIA filed charge sheets against two accused in ‘funding to the cadres of CPI (Maoist)’ case

On 20 January 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge sheet against two accused in NIA Special Court, Jharkhand. The case— RC-05/2021/NIA/RNC pertains to the conspiracy hatched by the CPI (Maoist) operatives, for its revival of Magadh zone and to raise funds for the organisation.
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NIA arrested a Maoist from Odisha

On 23 January 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested a Maoist— Ranju Khilo, 40 years old, from Malkangiri district in Odisha. Ranju is an accused for participating in an ambush in which four BSF personnel attained Veergati.
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Three hard core Maoists surrendered in Odisha

On 26 January 2023, three hard core Maoists— i) Manoj Madhi, ii) Pandu Kabasi, and iii) AiteKarttami, carrying bounty of ₹ 1 lakh each, surrendered before the Malkangiri district police and Border Security Force (BSF) personnel.
Recent appeals made by Odisha’s Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Director-General of Police (DGP), Odisha Police to active Maoists and militias have guided them in leaving the path of violence by surrendering and becoming part of the mainstream for peaceful development of these areas. In the past three years, more than 23 active Maoists and hundreds of active militias and Maoist sympathisers have surrendered in Malkangiri District, read the statement released by police.
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Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

NIA filed charge sheet against an accused in ‘activities of IS module in India’ case

On 31 January 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge sheet against an Islamic State (IS) operative and accused— Mohammad Mohsin Ahmad, in NIA Special Court, Delhi. The case— RC-26/2022/NIA/DLI pertains to a conspiracy hatched by the IS operatives to propagate the ideology and raise funds for the organisation. The investigation had revealed that Mohsin raised funds for the IS and further sent these funds to his Syria-based IS handlers via cryptocurrency channels.
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NIA filed charge sheet against two accused in ‘AQIS conspiracy’ case

On 19 January 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed charge sheet against two accused— i) Akhtar Hussain Laskar, and ii) Abdul Aleem Mondal, before NIA Special Court, Bangalore. The case— RC-40/2022/NIA/DLI pertains to conspiracy hatched by the group’s operative and to send youth to Kashmir and Khurasan province in Afghanistan. The accused spoke with online handlers situated overseas using end-to-end encrypted networks. The accused attempted to recruit young people, conduct war against Bharat, and train terrorists in Afghanistan’s Khurasan Province based on the instructions of their online handlers.
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NIA arrested a PFI’s ‘reporter’ in ‘Kerala PFI case’

On 17 January 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Mohammed Sadik, a Popular Front of India (PFI)’s ‘reporter’ from Kollam district in Kerala. Mohammed Sadik was arrested in connection to the ‘Kerala PFI case’— RC-02/2022/NIA/KOC which pertains to illicit activities of PFI, its office bearers, members, and other affiliates in Kerala.

Investigation have revealed that Mohammed Sadik was recruited and assigned the job of a ‘reporter’ by the PFI. A ‘reporter’ in the PFI system collects details about leaders of other community for possible targeting by ‘Hit Squads’ of the PFI. Further investigations in the case are in progress.
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Khalistan-inspired Extremism

Pro-Khalistan slogans painted on walls in West Delhi area

On 19 January 2023, pro-Khalistan slogan, including ‘anti-national’ and ‘Khalistan Referendum 2020’, in form of graffiti found on walls in West Delhi area. The Special Cell unit of Delhi Police removed the graffiti and registered the case under Sections 154B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

“In early morning hours of 19 January, multiple graffiti raising objectionable slogans appeared in the area of Vikaspuri, Janakpuri, PaschimVihar, Peeragarhi and other parts of west Delhi. Some people had painted anti-national, Khalistan-related graffiti,” said Delhi Police PRO Suman Nalwa.
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Hindu temple in Australia vandalised with ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ graffiti

On 20 January 2023, Iskcon temple was defaced with anti-Bharat and pro-Khalistan graffiti in Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia. Earlier, Shri Shiva Vishnu temple in Victoria was also vandalised with similar slogans. In January 2023, this was the third such attack on Hindu temples in Australia.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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

• 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

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

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Nigeria

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

Niger

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

Afghanistan

• Islamic State carried out an attack in Kabul and killed a prominent Taliban cleric.
• “Al-Qa’ida has not reconstituted its presence in Afghanistan,” claimed new US intelligence assessment.
• Islamic State claimed responsibility for a bomb attack in Kabul.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• NIA officials searched various locations in Doda and Jammu districts in “JeI-J&K Terror Financing” case.
• Security forces killed a key LeT terrorist in Budgam.
• JKGF carried out a grenade attack in Ramban.

Left-Wing Extremism

• Maoist woman leader surrendered in Andhra Pradesh.

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

• NIA officials arrested 10th accused in “Amravati killing case”.
• Police demolished an illegal madrassa linked with al-Qa’ida in Assam.
• NIA arrested two JMB operatives from Madhya Pradesh in connection with “JMB Bhopal case”.
• NIA officials arrested 09th accused in “Udaipur killing case”.
• NIA officials searched and arrested an IS operative from Delhi.
• UP ATS arrested an IS operative from Azamgarh.
• NIA filed a supplementary chargesheet against an al-Qa’ida operative in “al-Qa’ida Lucknow case”.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

• SFJ threatened to replace Tiranga with ‘Khalistan’ flag at Attari border in Amritsar, Punjab.
• Canada-based drug cartels are trying to revive Khalistan movement in India.
• SFJ announced to hold ‘Canadian phase’ of Khalistan Referendum in September 2022.

DEFENCE

RIMPAC – 2022.

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

DRDO successfully test fires indigenously developed laser-guided ATGMs.

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

Tejas Fighter Aircraft.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repair of a US Navy Ship in India.

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

4th India-Bangladesh Annual Defence Dialogue.

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

Indian Air Force to participate in bilateral exercise hosted by Malaysia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Nigeria

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

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

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

Niger

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

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

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

Afghanistan

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

On 11 August 2022, the Islamic State (IS) carried out an attack and killed a prominent Taliban cleric— Rahimullah Haqqani, at his religious centre in Kabul, Afghanistan. According to the Taliban officials, the attack was carried out with explosives hidden in a plastic artificial leg. There have been several attacks on Taliban leaders and often target religious & ethnic minorities, since the Taliban came into power forcefully in Afghanistan.
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“Al-Qa’ida has not reconstituted its presence in Afghanistan,” claimed new US intelligence assessment.

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

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

Islamic State claimed responsibility for a bomb attack in Kabul.

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

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Left-Wing Extremism

Maoist woman leader surrendered in Andhra Pradesh.

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

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

NIA officials arrested 10th accused in “Amravati killing case”.

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

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

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

So far, total 28 AQIS operatives have been arrested in Assam, including a Bangladeshi national. Assam has already shutdown about 600 State-run madrassas and turned them into regular schools. However, about 1,000 madrassas are still active and operational. The demolition of Moriabari madrassa was in accordance with the Disaster Management Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A].
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NIA arrested two JMB operatives from Madhya Pradesh in connection with “JMB Bhopal case”.

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

The case— RC-11/2022/NIA/DLI is related to the arrest of six JMB operatives, including three illegal Bangladeshi immigrants from Aishbagh in Bhopal. The arrested operatives were involved in propagating JMB ideology and luring the youth to carryout jihad against India. The arrested duo— Hamidullah and Sahadat were close associates of earlier arrested JMB operatives and were communicating with their associates in India and Bangladesh via encrypted application.
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NIA officials arrested 09th accused in “Udaipur killing case”.

On 10 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested Muslim Khan aka Muslim Raza, for his alleged involvement in killing of Kanhaiya Lal Teli, a tailor by profession, in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Muslim Khan is a 09th accused in the same case.
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NIA officials searched and arrested an IS “fund raiser” from Delhi.

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

UP ATS arrested an IS operative from Azamgarh.

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

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

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

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DEFENCE

• Launch of two indigenous frontline warships.
• Successful maiden flight-test of indigenously-developed Naval Anti-Ship Missile.
• Indigenisation of defence items with the Industry in full swing.
• Indian Navy-Bangladesh Navy Coordinated Patrol.
• Prime Minister’s participation in the Quad Leaders’ Summit.
• Prime Minister’s meeting with President of the United States of America.
• Prime Minister’s meeting with Australian Prime Minister on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders’ Summit.
• Prime Minister’s meeting with Prime Minister of Japan.
• 11th meeting of India-UAE Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC).
• Raksha Mantri inaugurated the three-day 39th Commanders’ Conference of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
• MoD signs over Rs 2,900 crore contract with BDL for procurement of ASTRA Mk I Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile System.
• 24th Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

West Asia

• US sanctioned Iran’s IRGC and Hizbu’llah’s oil smuggling network.
• “Al-Aqsa violation ‘will blow apart region’”: Hizbu’llah’s chief Nasrallah
• US Department of State removed five organisations from terrorist blacklist.

Africa

Nigeria

• Boko Haram terrorists killed at least 50 people in an attack in Borno State.

Afghanistan

• “Afghan govt acting as mediator between Pakistan and TTP”: Taliban spokesman Mujahid.

“India should not retain ties with former Afghanistan rulers”: Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• NIA Special Court (New Delhi) pronounced sentence in ‘Hurriyat Terror Funding’ case.
• Security forces eliminated three JeM terrorists in Baramulla.
• Security forces cracked a module and arrested eight JeM OGWs from Pulwama.

Left-Wing Extremism

• Maoist couple surrendered in Chhattisgarh.

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

• NIA filed chargesheet against an accused in ‘Ansarullah’ case.
• Sufi Islamic Board claimed ‘PFI part of al-Qa’ida’ and reiterated demand to ban the PFI.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

• “Pro-Khalistan group member involved in the ‘bomb near Chandigarh Model jail’ incident”: Police
• “Pakistan’s ISI instructed Khalistani OGWs to target railway tracks in Punjab and other States”: Indian intelligence agencies.

Fake Indian Currency Note (FICN) cases

• NIA Special Court (Kolkata) convicted and sentenced three FICN traffickers in ‘FICN seizure in Farakka’ case.

DEFENCE

Launch of two indigenous frontline warships.

Raksha Mantri (RM) launched two frontline warships of the Indian Navy – ‘Surat’ and ‘Udaygiri’ – at Mazagon Docks Limited (MDL), Mumbai on May 17, 2022. ‘Surat’ is the fourth Guided Missile Destroyer of P15B class, while ‘Udaygiri’ is the second Stealth Frigate of P17A class. Both warships have been designed in-house by the Directorate of Naval Design (DND) and built at MDL, Mumbai.
For more information: Click here to read…

Successful maiden flight-test of indigenously-developed Naval Anti-Ship Missile.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy successfully conducted maiden flight-test of indigenously-developed Naval Anti-Ship Missile launched from a Naval Helicopter.
For more information: Click here to read…

Indigenisation of defence items with the Industry in full swing.

Ministry of Defence has intensified the drive for indigenisation of defence items by its DPSUs andthe progress is being reviewed on weekly basis by Defence Secretary.A comprehensive user-friendly ‘Dashboard’ on its SRIJAN Portal has been developed to monitor the status of progress of indigenisation. This dashboard enables real-time end-to-end updates of various activities being taken up by the respective DPSUs during the process of indigenisation. It may be mentioned that DDP had notified two Positive Indigenisation Lists in December 2021 and March 2022 in respect of DPSUs. The first list contains 2,851 items, out of which 2,500 items are already indigenised and 351 items are being indigenized.The second report notified 107 major Line Replacement Units/Sub-systems for indigenisation. Out of 107 items, DPSUs have already issued Expression of Interest (EoIs) for 98 items and the action is on for issuing EoIs for remaining nine items. Out of the 98 EoIs, 28 cases have already progressed in next stages and 70 EoIs are in active stage.
Reference: Click here to read…

Indian Navy-Bangladesh Navy Coordinated Patrol.

The fourth edition of the Indian Navy-Bangladesh Navy Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) commenced in the Northern Bay of Bengal on 22 May 22. Indian Navy and Bangladesh Navy units will undertake joint patrolling along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) till 23 May 22.

In addition the third edition of Indian Navy (IN) – Bangladesh Navy (BN) Bilateral Exercise ‘Bongosagar’ commenced at Port Mongla, Bangladesh on 24 May 22. The Harbour Phase of exercise is scheduled from 24-25 May which will be followed by a Sea Phase in the Northern Bay of Bengal from 26-27 May.
For more information:
Click here to read… and
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Prime Minister’s participation in the Quad Leaders’ Summit.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the second in-person Quad Leaders’ Summit in Tokyo, Japan on 24 May 2022. This was the fourth interaction of the Leaders since their first virtual meeting in March 2021, the Summit in Washington D.C in September 2021 and their virtual interaction in March 2022. The Leaders reiterated their shared commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and the importance of upholding theprinciples of sovereignty, territorial integrity and peaceful resolution of disputes. They exchanged perspectives on developments in the Indo-Pacific and the conflict in Europe. Prime Minister highlighted India’s consistent and principled position on the need for cessation of hostilities, resumption of dialogue and diplomacy. The Leaders also took stock of ongoing Quad collaboration and their vision for the future.

Key aspects of terrorism, Covid management, environment, Maritime domain awareness, ASEAN centrality, HADR, critical technology supply chains, and critical cyber security infrastructure of the region were also discussed. The Leaders agreed to continue their dialogue and consultations and look forward to the next Summit hosted by Australia in 2023.
For more information: Click here to read…

Prime Minister’s meeting with President of the United States of America.

The Indian Prime Minister had a warm and productive meeting with the President of the United States of America, on 24 May 2022, in Tokyo. The meeting resulted in substantive outcomes which will add depth and momentum to the bilateral partnership.

The two Leaders welcomed the signing of the Investment Incentive Agreement which enables the US Development Finance Corporation to continue providing investment support in India in sectors of shared priority such as healthcare, renewable energy, SMEs, infrastructure etc. Both sides launched an India-U.S. Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) to facilitate outcome-oriented cooperation. Co-led by the National Security Council Secretariat in India and the U.S. National Security Council, iCET would forge closer linkages between government, academia and industry of the two countries in areas such as AI, quantum computing, 5G/6G, biotech, space and semiconductors.Noting that defence and security cooperation is a crucial pillar of the India-US bilateral agenda, both sides discussed how they can further strengthen collaboration. In this context Prime Minister invited the US industry to partner with India to manufacture in India under the Make in India and Aatma Nirbhar Bharat or self-reliant India programmes which can be of mutual benefit to both countries.
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Prime Minister’s meeting with Australian Prime Minister on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders’ Summit.

The Indian Prime Minister held a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister on 24 May 2022 on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Tokyo, Japan.
Prime Minister congratulated Prime Minister Albanese for his election victory. Both leaders reviewed the multi-faceted cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including in trade & investment, defence manufacturing, renewable energy including green hydrogen, education, science and technology, agricultural research, sports and people-to-people ties.
Reference: Click here to read…

Prime Minister’s meeting with Prime Minister of Japan.

The Indian Prime Minister had a warm and productive meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister, on 24 May 2022. The two leaders agreed to further enhance bilateral security and defence cooperation, including in the area of defence manufacturing. They concurred that the next 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting may be held in Japan at the earliest.
For more information: Click here to read…

11th meeting of India-UAE Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC).

Chief of the Force Development Authority at Ministry of Defence, United Arab Emirates Major General Staff Hassan Mohamed Sultan Bani Hammad called on Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar in New Delhi on May 25, 2022. They discussed ways to enhance defence cooperation between the two countries. The General also briefed the Defence Secretary about the 11th meeting of India-UAE Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) held on May 24, 2022.
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Raksha Mantri inaugurated the three-day 39th Commanders’ Conference of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

RM inaugurated the three-day 39th Commanders’ Conference of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). In his address to the gathering he said “Terrorism, drug trafficking and piracy are some non-traditional challenges in front of us today. The entire region is being affected by these challenges. Being a responsible maritime power, we have a clear interest to create a rule-based, peaceful and stable environment. Such a rule based environment is essential for both regional and global prosperity. In such a situation, the ICG has a big role to play.” He praised the ICG for playing an incomparable role in assisting the civil administration during natural calamities as well as towards achieving the goal of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
For more information: Click here to read…

MoD signs over Rs 2,900 crore contract with BDL for procurement of ASTRA Mk I Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile System.

Ministry of Defence, on May 31, 2022, signed a contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for supply of ASTRA MK-I Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air to Air Missile (AAM) and associated equipment for the Indian Air Force & Indian Navy at a cost of Rs 2,971 crore under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category.The missile, for which successful trials have already been undertaken by the IAF, is fully integrated on the Su 30 MK-I fighter aircraft & will be integrated with other fighter aircraft in a phased manner, including the Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas). The Indian Navy will integrate the missile on the MiG 29K fighter aircraft.
For more information: Click here to read…

24th Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs.

The 24th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) was held on 31 May 2022. The two sides exchanged views on the current situation along the LAC in the Western Sector in Eastern Ladakh. They agreed that as instructed by the two Foreign Ministers, both sides should continue the 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. In this context, they agreed to hold the next (16th) round of the Senior Commanders meeting at an early date to achieve the objective of complete disengagement from all friction points along the LAC in the Western Sector in accordance with the existing bilateral agreements and protocols.
For more information: Click here to read…

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

West Asia

US sanctioned Iran’s IRGC and Hizbu’llah’s oil smuggling network

On 25 May 2022, the United States’ Department of Treasury imposed new sanctions against a list of Iranian, Turkish, Russian, Chinese, Emirati, and Lebanese citizens and business entities for their alleged linkages with an oil smuggling network which further provide funding for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGCs) and Hizbu’llah.
“The network was led by current and former Quds force members, along with senior officials from Russian government. The group also included backing of Chinese companies and a former Afghan diplomat’s involvement and had raised hundreds of millions of dollars for Iran’s Quds force and its Lebanese allies Hizbu’llah,” read the statement released by the US Department of Treasury.
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“Al-Aqsa violation ‘will blow apart region’”: Hizbu’llah’s chief Nasrallah

On 25May 2022, ahead of ‘Jerusalem Day Flag March’, Hizbu’llah chief Hassan Nasrallah issued a warning that if Israel ‘violates’ al-Aqsa mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, it will result in an ‘explosion’ in the region.
The Flag March consist of thousands of ‘hard-line’ Israeli nationalists who march through Old City’s Muslim quarter to reach the Western Wall to mark the anniversary of the city’s unification in 1967. “I want to tell the enemy’s [Israel] government… and those concerned with the regional situation. Any violation of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock will blow apart the region. It will provoke all the Arab and Islamic people and every free person,” said Hizbu’llah’s Nasrallah.
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US Department of State removed five organisations from terrorist blacklist

On 20 May 2022, the United States (US) Department of State removed five extremist/terrorist organisations— i) Basque Separatist Group ETA (Spain), ii) AumShinrikyo (Japanese terror group), iii) Kahane Kach (Israeli radical group), and two Islamic terror groups that have been active in Israel, the Palestinian territory and Egypt, from its list of Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs). All these groups are believed to be defunct.
In a notice published in the Federal Register, the US Department of State removed these groups after a mandatory five-year review of their designations. “These revocations do not seek to overlook or excuse the terrorist acts each of these groups previously engaged in or the harm the organisations caused its victims, but rather recognize the success Egypt, Israel, Japan, and Spain have had in defusing the threat of terrorism by these groups,” read the statement released by the Department of State.
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Africa

Nigeria

Boko Haram terrorists killed at least 50 people in an attack in Borno State

On 22 May 2022, Boko Haram terrorists carried out an attack in the town of Rann in Borno State in Nigeria, and killed at least 50 people. “We are all in pain over the killing of our innocent people who were working on their farmland. … We buried 50 people today in Rann. They were clearing their farmlands ahead of the rainy season, while others went for firewood,” said a local farmer— Harun Tom.
Since 2009, Boko Haram carrying out terror attacks in Nigeria’s North-East and Borno State. Millions have been displaced and around 350,000 people have died from attacks, according to the data from the United Nations (UN).
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Afghanistan

“Afghan govt acting as mediator between Pakistan and TTP”: Taliban spokesman Mujahid.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that Taliban-led Afghan government is playing the role of a mediator in the ongoing talks between the Pakistan government and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terror group, which demanded the release of 30 key TTP commanders detained by Pakistan authorities.
The TTP delegates handed-over a list of 30 key TTP commanders to Pakistani authorities, to which they received positive response.
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“India should not retain ties with former Afghanistan rulers”: Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen

In an interview with The Print, the Head of Taliban’s Political Office in Doha and spokesperson— Suhail Shaheen said that “India should establish ties— based on national and mutual interest with the Taliban government in Kabul and sever all links with the former Ashraf Ghani government.” Suhail added that India must think of having deeper ties with the ‘people of Afghanistan’ and must re-open its embassy in Kabul. Taliban was committed to provide complete security assurance to the Indian diplomats in Afghanistan.
“We [Taliban] have announced time and again that it is our commitment to provide security to all diplomats working in Kabul. It is our responsibility and we have proved that. There are many embassies working in Kabul and we have provided full security to them. That also includes India if they want to open their embassy,” said Suhail Shaheen.
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DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

NIA Special Court (New Delhi) pronounced sentence in ‘Hurriyat Terror Funding’ case

On 25 May 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court, New Delhi, marked sentence convicting terrorists under various Sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA (P)A] and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) terrorist— Yasin Malik was sentenced to life imprisonment and fine under Sections 120-B, 121, 121-A of the IPC, Sections 13 r/w 120-B of IPC, 15 r/w 120-B of the IPC, 17, 18, 20, 38, and 39 of the UA(P)A.

The case— RC-10/2017/NIA/DLI pertains to the conspiracy of Hafiz Saeed and members of Hurriyat Conference, who acted with terrorists of banned organisations, including Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM), Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and other groups, to raise, receive funds domestically and internationally through illegal channels, including Hawala, for funding terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
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Security forces eliminated three JeM terrorists in Baramulla

On 25 May 2022, security forces killed three Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists at Najibhat crossing in Kreeri area of Baramulla district in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). During the gun-battle with terrorists, a constable of J&K police— Mudasir Khan attained Veergati. Security forces recovered incriminating material, including arms and ammunition, from the operation site.
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Security forces cracked a module and arrested eight JeM OGWs from Pulwama

Security forces, including Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police, cracked a module and arrested eight Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) Over-Ground Workers (OGWs)— i) Mushtaq Ahmad Dar, ii) Ishfaq Ahmad Dar, iii) Manzoor Ahmad Dar, iv) Fayaz Ahmad Rather, v) Shabir Ahmed Rather, vi) Mohammad Latief Rather, vii) Sheeraz Ahmad Mir, and viii) Waseem Ahmad Bhat, from Awantipora in Pulwama district.
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Left-Wing Extremism

Maoist couple surrendered in Chhattisgarh

On 17 May 2022, a Maoist couple— Hurra Kunjam and his wife Budhari Madvi, surrendered before security forces in Dantewada district in Chhattisgarh. The couple was involved in several attacks and together carrying a reward of ₹ 7 lakh. “The couple expressed their disappointment with the hollow Maoist ideology and exploitation of lower-rung cadres by senior Maoist members,” said Superintendent of Police (SP) [Dantewada] — Siddharth Tiwari.
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Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

NIA filed chargesheet against an accused in ‘Ansarullah’ case.

On 25 May 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a supplementary chargesheet against Divan Mujipeer aka Divan, under Section 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A].

The case— RC-16/2019/NIA/DLI relates to the conspiracy hatched by Divan and his associates who had pledged to al-Qa’ida and Islamic State (IS) and had formed a module— Ansarullah, while being resident in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The investigation revealed that Divan and other accused— Mohammad Ibrahim, Mohammad Sheikh Maitheen, Meeran Ghani, and Gulam Nabi Asath, formed Ansarullah cell in the UAE with intentions to establish Islamic caliphate in India, mainly in Tamil Nadu, through jihad.
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Sufi Islamic Board claimed ‘PFI part of al-Qa’ida’ and reiterated demand to ban the PFI.

The Sufi Islamic Board in India claimed that the radical outfit— Popular Front of India (PFI) is operating on direction of al-Qa’ida. “The PFI has been involved in several anti-India activities. After al-Qa’ida’s death threat to the Sufi Islamic Board, it is evident that the PFI is a part of al-Qa’ida. We (the Board) appeal to the Central government to ban PFI and take stringent action against the extremist organisation (PFI),” said the Sufi Islamic Board spokesperson Kashish Warsi.
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Khalistan-inspired Extremism

“Pro-Khalistan group member involved in the ‘bomb near Chandigarh Model jail’ incident”: Police.

The police investigation into the case of recovery of a bomb near Chandigarh Model jail in Sector 51, in April 2022, has revealed the involvement of Jaswinder Singh Multani— a Sikh For Justice (SFJ) member. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is likely to take over the case. Multani (45 years-old) was also the mastermind of the 2021 Ludhiana court blast case and was arrested in Germany in December 2021.

Along with his associates in Pakistan, Multani was involved in radicalising Sikh youth and conspiring attacks in Delhi and Mumbai as well.
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“Pakistan’s ISI instructed Khalistani OGWs to target railway tracks in Punjab and other States”: Indian intelligence agencies.

According to the Indian intelligence officials, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Directorate has instructed Khalistani Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) to target railway tracks in Punjab. For the purpose, the ISI has been offering huge funding to OGWs with coordination from Khalistani terrorist— Harvinder Singh Rinda, who is hiding in Lahore, Pakistan.
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Fake Indian Currency Note (FICN) cases

NIA Special Court (Kolkata) convicted and sentenced three FICN traffickers in ‘FICN seizure in Farakka’ case.

On 21 May 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court, Kolkata, convicted and sentenced three Fake Indian Currency Note (FICN) traffickers— i) Jakir S K, ii) Bapi Ghosh, and iii) Mohammad Jamiul S K, under Sections 120-B, 489-B, 489-C of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and awarded 05 years rigorous imprisonment and fine of ₹ 10,000 to each trafficker.

The case— RC-10/2019/NIA/DLI is related to the recovery of FICNs worth of ₹ 7,00,000 (7 lacs) in denomination of ₹ 2,000 (300 counts), and ₹ 500 (200 counts) from the possession of Jakir S K and Bapi Ghosh by West Bengal police at Ballalpur Belly bridge, Murshidabad district, West Bengal.
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DEFENCE

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

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Guinea

• US sanctioned two Hizbu’llah financiers in Guinea.

Nigeria

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

Afghanistan

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

Pakistan

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

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• Unidentified terrorists killed a village Sarpanch in Srinagar.
• NIA official searched different locations in Kashmir in connection with terror-funding.
• Two people killed in a grenade blast in Srinagar.
• One killed in an explosion outside district court complex in Udhampur.

Left-Wing Extremism

• Police unearthed explosive dump in Telangana.
• Police arrested a Maoist from Bihar.
• Police arrested two Maoists, including a key leader, from Assam.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

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

Islamic Extremism

• NIA filed charge-sheet against two IS terrorists in ‘Voice of Hind’ case.
• NIA searched a location in connection with IS-KP case.
• NIA filed charge-sheet against two HuT terrorists in ‘Madurai Iqbal HuT’ case.

Narcotics Trafficking

• NIA filed charge-sheet against 16 Narcotic traffickers in ‘Mundra Port, Gujarat’ case.
• Police arrested drug trafficker from Poonch.

Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) Cases

• NIA arrested a FICN trafficker from IGI airport, Delhi.

DEFENCE

19th edition of India-US Military Cooperation Group.

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

The sea phase of the 11th edition of MILAN which witnessed participation of 26 ships, one submarine and 21 aircraft, culminated on 04 Mar 22. A series exercises were undertaken in all three dimensions of naval operations to enhance compatibility, interoperability, mutual understanding and maritime cooperation amongst the partner Navies.
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Four projects offered to the Indian Industry for design & development under Make-I category.

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

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

For more information: Click here to read…

Virtual summit of Quad leaders.

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

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

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

The leaders also discussed other topical issues, including the situation in Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean region and the Pacific Islands. Prime Minister reiterated the importance of adhering to the UN Charter, international law and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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Postponement of DefExpo 2022.

Due to logistics problems being experienced by participants, the DefExpo 2022 proposed to be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from March 10th till March 14th was postponed. The new dates would be communicated in due course.
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Four-day Indo-Pacific Military Health Exchange (IPMHE) conference.

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

The conference is attended by more than 600 Indian and foreign delegates from over 38 countries. A delegation of 20 members from the organising committee of the USINDOPACOM is in New Delhi to co-host the conference. The delegates and speakers will interact and share experiences over the four days on 110 topics.
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Ninth Edition of India – Sri Lanka Bilateral Maritime Exercise SLINEX.

SLINEX was conducted from 07 to 10 Mar 22 at Visakhapatnam. The inter-operability achieved over the years as a result of such exercises has proved to be operationally beneficial for both the navies. The present edition of the exercise has further strengthened ties between the two Maritime neighbours and helped in improving interoperability.
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Chief of Army Australia along with four member delegation is visiting India from 08 to 11 March 2022.

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

Ex DHARMA GUARDIAN-2022, an annual exercise between Indian Army and Japanese Ground Self Defence Force which commenced on 27 February 2022 at Foreign Training Node, Belgaum successfully culminated on 10 March 2022 after twelve days of intense joint military training, providing an unique opportunity of achieving synergy between Armed Forces of both the Nations which is focused towards strengthening the timeless bonds of India – Japan friendship.
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5th NSA Level Meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave.

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

18 platforms identified for industry led Design & Development.

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

Make-I

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

For more information: Click here to read…

Accidental firing of missile.

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

15th round China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting.

The 15th round China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting was held at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Indian side on 11th March 2022. The two sides carried forward their discussions from the previous round held on 12th January 2022 for the resolution of the relevant issues along the LAC in the Western Sector. They had a detailed exchange of views in this regard, in keeping with the guidance provided by the State Leaders to work for the resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest.
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Chair of Excellence in memory Gen Bipin Rawat at the United Service Institution of India (USI).

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

Africa

Guinea

US sanctioned two Hizbu’llah financiers in Guinea.

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

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

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

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

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

IS-KP terrorist of Indian origin killed in Afghanistan.

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

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

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

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

Jammu and Kashmir

Unidentified terrorists killed a village Sarpanch in Srinagar.

On 09 March 2022, unidentified terrorists killed a village chief or Sarpanch – Sameer Ahmad Bhat, Sarpanch of Khanmoh village in Srinagar district of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Bhat is the second Panchayat member killed by terrorists in a week. Bhat was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to injuries during his treatment.
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NIA official searched different locations in Kashmir in connection with terror-funding.

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

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

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

“Three-four cells were busted in last few days. Those involved in the grenade attack have been identified and the case will be solved soon. In 2021, 85 such modules involved in civilian killings and grenade-throwing incidents, were busted; while six modules were neutralised in Jammu and Kishtwar area in Jammu,” said Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Director-General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh.
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One killed in an explosion outside district court complex in Udhampur.

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

Police unearthed explosive dump in Telangana.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The case—RC-11/2020/NIA/DLI relates with the arrest of Jahanzaib Sami Wami and his wife—Hina Bashir Beigh, from OkhlaVihar, Jamia Nagar in Delhi. Till now, six Islamic State (IS) operatives have been charge-sheeted in the same case for conspiring to disseminate ideology of IS, establishing modules, making IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices), and execute target killings. During the search, the NIA officials recovered incriminating documents and digital devices for further examination.
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NIA filed chargesheet against two HuT terrorists in ‘Madurai Iqbal HuT’ case.

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

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

On 09 March 2022, the district police arrested— Kamlesh Kumar, a drug trafficker, from Mendhar area in Poonch district, and recovered 1.9 kg of marijuana from his possession. District police are taking effective measures against those involved in network of narcotic substances. The police have also requested general public of Poonch district to come forward and report the illegal business/network of drugs.
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Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) Cases

NIA arrested a FICN trafficker from IGI airport, Delhi.

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

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