Tag Archives: Self-reliance

In this Issue

I. DEFENCE AND SECURITY

Value of Indigenous Defence Production Increased in FY 2021-22

The value of indigenous defence production for Financial Year 2021-2022 reached to Rs 94,846 crore. To achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ and realise the goal of ‘Make in India’, the Government has established two Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs) in the country, one in Uttar Pradesh and other in Tamil Nadu. It 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. For more information: Click here to read…

Value of Defence Exports Increased to Rs 12,815 crores in FY 2021-22

Based on the value of Export Authorization issued by Department of Defence Production (DDP) to Private companies and actual export/contract done by DPSUs/OFB, the export value during the last three years are: Rs 9,116 crores (2019-20); Rs 8,435 crores (2020-21) and Rs 12,815 crores (2021-22) respectively. To foster defence manufacturing ecosystem in the country, the Government has taken several policy initiatives in the past few years and brought in reforms to encourage indigenous design, development and manufacture of defence equipment, thereby promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing & technology in the country. It has brought in various reforms including ease of doing business to achieve the target of US $5 billion for defence exports by 2024-25 and to boost Defence exports. At present, the exports are being made to more than 75 countries all over the world. For more information: Click here to read…

iDEX-DIO Sign 150th Contract for Defence Innovation

Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the flagship initiative of DDP, has reached a milestone with the signing of its 150th contract with the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO). The contract relates to an Indian Navy project of the Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC 7) SPRINT edition. The challenge was titled ‘Expendable Mobile Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Training Target (EMATT) capable of simulating the sound and movement of a submarine’ and the winner was Altair Infrasec Pvt Ltd, Pune. The Challenge envisaged development of a training target capable of being deployed from P8I aircraft, MH60R helicopters, ships doing speed up to 10 knots and other Remotely Piloted Aircraft without undertaking any modification on the platform from which the EMATT is required to be launched. For more information: Click here to read…

Successful Firing of Extended Range Version of Brahmos Air Launched Missile

On 29 December 2022, Indian Air Force successfully fired the Extended Range Version of Brahmos Air Launched missile against a Ship Target from a SU-30MKI aircraft. The missile achieved the desired mission objectives in the Bay of Bengal region. 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. The extended range capability of the missile coupled with the high performance of the SU-30MKI aircraft gives the IAF a strategic reach and allows it to dominate the future battle fields. For more information: Click here to read…

Mormugao is Being Commissioned into the Indian Navy

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Mormugao (D67), second warship of the P15B class of stealth guided-missile destroyers, was commissioned in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai on 18 December 2022. The event marked the formal induction of the second of the four ‘Visakhapatnam’ class destroyers, indigenously designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house organisation Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai. The majestic ship measures 163m in length, 17 m in breadth with a displacement of 7400 tonnes and can rightfully be regarded as one of the most potent warships to have been constructed in India. For more information: Click here to read…

II. STI IN SPACE SECTOR

Space Sector Emerging as a Major Foreign Exchange Earner

The Minister of Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Space Sector in India is emerging as a major foreign exchange earner through the launch of a large number of foreign satellites. In an exclusive interview with SANSAD TV, Dr Singh informed that India has launched 385 foreign satellites so far, out of which 353 were launched in the last 8 years under this government, which is around 90 percent of all launches. The Minister also informed that out of total 220 million Euros earned by launch of foreign satellites, 187 million Euros generated in the last 8 years, which is around 85 percent of forex earned by launch of European Satellites. For more information: Click here to read…

India’s Maiden Human Space Flight “Gaganyaan” to be Launched in 2024

India’s maiden human space flight ‘H1’ mission is targeted to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2024, Dr Jitendra Singh said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on 21 December. In view of the paramount importance of crew safety, two Test Vehicle missions are planned before the ‘G1’ mission to demonstrate the performance of crew escape system and parachute-based deceleration system for different flight conditions. The uncrewed ‘G1’ mission is targeted to be launched in the last quarter of 2023 followed by the second uncrewed ‘G2’ mission in the second quarter of 2024, before the final human space flight ‘H1’ mission in the fourth quarter of 2024. For more information: Click here to read…

ISRO Signs Four Cooperative Documents to Collaborate in Space Exploration

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has signed four cooperative documents specifically to collaborate in space exploration in the last five years, Dr Jitendra Singh said in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha on 22 December. The agreement with the USA is for accommodating USA instruments in India’s Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3. The Minister informed that the agreement with Japan is to conduct feasibility study for a joint lunar polar exploration mission, while with UK for conducting feasibility study for collaboration in future space science missions. For more information: Click here to read…

III. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS

Start-ups in India

Start-up India Seed Fund Scheme Approved for Four Years

The Start-up India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) has been approved for the period of four years starting from 2021-22. The Scheme aims to provide ﬁnancial assistance to start-ups for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry and commercialization. It is implemented with eﬀect from 1st April 2021 with a corpus of Rs. 945 crores. In this regard, 126 incubators have been approved and these incubators have selected 656 start-ups under the Scheme as on 30th November 2022. For more information: Click here to read…

Fifteen Start-ups Selected in First Cohort of NIRMAN Accelerator Programme

Fifteen Start-ups selected in the first-of-its-kind product accelerator programme for innovators developing sustainable solutions will soon start working towards solutions in the healthcare and agriculture domains. This is the first cohort of the NIRMAN Accelerator Programme launched by Start-ups Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) IIT Kanpur. The accelerator programme supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), through its NIDHI scheme portfolio, will help solve challenges in the product development journey of indigenous innovations. For more information: Click here to read…

S&T in Agriculture Sector

Innovation and New Technologies in Farm Sector

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)/ National Agricultural Research System (NARS) has taken initiatives for innovation/ development of new technologies in the farm sector across the country like Genetic enhancement of plants/ animals/ fish for higher productivity under increased intensity of biotic and abiotic stresses, productivity enhancement through sustainable intensification, productivity enhancement through mechanization of agriculture and food system, enhancing value, safety and income through food processing, development of energy efficient technologies, farming practices, and promoting technology transfer to the farmers and stake holders. For more information: Click here to read…

Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture

Various activities have been taken up by the government, using Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture. Some of the activities include: the DST is implementing a National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS); and, Technology and Innovation Foundation in technology vertical of “Technologies for Agriculture and Water” set up at IIT, Ropar. The applications of AI and IoT in Agriculture are in the areas of Precision Farming, Agricultural Drones and Hopping systems, Livestock Monitoring, Monitor Climate Conditions, Smart Greenhouses, AI and IoT based Computer imaging etc. For more information: Click here to read…

Use of Drones in Agriculture Sector

Scientific studies are carried out and data supporting the drone application are generated. Pilot studies with different approaches like use of remote sensing technology including satellite data and drone based images especially for crop cutting experiments planning, direct yield estimation at Gram Panchayat level, risk mapping of district and for dispute/area discrepancy resolution etc. have been conducted through Mahalanobis National Crop Forecasting Centre (MNCFC). The use of drone in agriculture is helpful to farmers as it has some distinct advantages. For more information: Click here to read…

S&T in Energy Sector

Rosatom offered a More Advanced Fuel Option to Kudankulam

Russian State-owned nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom has offered a more advanced fuel option to Kudankulam Nuclear power plant, Dr Jitendra Singh said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on 21 December. The first lot of TVS-2M fuel assemblies has been received in May-June 2022 from Russian Federation and loaded in Unit-1 and they are performing satisfactorily. Use of TVS-2M fuel assemblies in KKNPP reactors will allow 18-month operating cycles as against 12-month operating cycle with UTVS Fuel Assemblies presently in use in Unit-2. For more information: Click here to read…

Emerging Technologies in Other Sectors

Building Semiconductor Ecosystem in India

The Government of India is very focused on its important objective of building the overall semiconductor ecosystem and ensure that, it in-turn catalyses India’s rapidly expanding electronics manufacturing and innovation ecosystem. It has approved the Semicon India programme with a total outlay of INR 76,000 crore for the development of semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem in the country. The programme has further been modified in view of the aggressive incentives offered by countries already having established semiconductor ecosystem and limited number of companies owning the advanced node technologies. The modified programme aims to provide financial support to companies investing in semiconductors, display manufacturing and design ecosystem. For more information: Click here to read…

Technology Innovation Group Setup to Develop Roadmap & Action Plans for 6G

The Department of Telecommunications has constituted a Technology Innovation Group on 6G (TIG-6G) on 1st November 2021 with members from various Ministries/Departments, research and development institutions, academia, standardization bodies, Telecom Service Providers and industry to develop Vision, Mission and Goals for the 6G and also develop roadmap and action plans for 6G in India. The TIG-6G has constituted six Task Forces with industry, academia, R&D institutions and Government as members. For more information: Click here to read…

Improved, Heavy Rare Earth-Free, Low-Cost Magnets for EVs Fabricated

Scientists have fabricated improved low cost heavy rare earth-free high Nd-Fe-B magnets, which are in high demand for Electric Vehicles and can make them more affordable. More than 90 percent of EVs use brushless DC (BLDC) motors made up of rare earth Neodymium Iron Boron (Nd-Fe-B) magnets. The International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy & New Materials (ARCI) has ventured into setting up of pilot plant for manufacturing of near net shaped Nd-Fe-B magnets through a major project funded by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. The new strategy could also be used for commercial production of Nd-Fe-B magnets in India, reducing imports that meet the major requirements of the automotive sector. For more information: Click here to read…

Public Consultation on Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2022

On 23 December, the Minister of State for E&IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar met over 200 stakeholders from various walks of life to discuss and deliberate on the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill 2022, public consultations for which are open till 2 January 2023. The attendees included representatives from industry, think-tanks, law firms, consumer and citizen rights group & discussed the crucial role that the provisions of the Bill are going to play for data protection. The stakeholders came up with various suggestions related to different clauses of the Bill including the penalty regime for data fiduciaries, regarding obtaining parental consent for children, cross border data flows and about consent managers and how the government intends on regulating them and many others. For more information: Click here to read…

Total IT/BPM Exports Increased to over $ 178 billion in FY 2021-22

As per National Association of Software & Services Companies (NASSCOM), total exports from Indian Information Technology/ Business Process Management (IT/ BPM) sector in the FY 2019-20 and FY 2020-21 stood at US $ 149 and US $ 152 respectively. It is estimated that total IT/BPM exports already reached at US $ 178 billion for FY 2021-2022. The Government has been undertaking steps to promote broad based growth across a wide range of high potential services sectors including Information Technology/Information Technology Enabled Services (IT/ITES). It had also launched Software Technology Park (STP) that is a 100 percent export-oriented scheme for the development and export of computer software using communication links or physical media and including export of professional services. For more information: Click here to read…

India Ranks 3rd in Global Scientific Publications

India has jumped from 7th to 3rd global ranking in scientific publications. Dr Jitendra Singh informed that as per the National Science Foundation (NSF)’s Science & Engineering Indicators 2022 report of the United States, India’s position globally in scientific publications, has improved from 7th position in 2010 to 3rd position in 2020. He added that India’s scholarly output increased from 60,555 papers in 2010 to 1,49,213 papers in 2020. For more information: Click here to read…

National Conclave on Techneev@75 organized in Delhi

The need to build on the strength of the community and customize the role of technology according to the systemic needs of the community for changing their life and livelihood was highlighted at the National Conclave on Techneev@75, organized in Delhi on 22 December. The National Conclave is the culmination of the yearlong Techneev@75 programme organised jointly by the DST, DBT, CSIR, and the MoES to bring together communities, societal change makers, and experts on one platform, showcased the significant outcomes and discussed key learnings and the way forward to explore how absorption of science and technology could be augmented at the _community level. It set a framework for strengthening the local innovation system in collaboration with the formal innovation System. For more information: Click here to read…

IV. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

Collaboration with International Institutions for Conducting Research in Science

The Government of India has collaborated with a number of international institutions to facilitate Indian students for their research in science. The collaboration has been established with select institutions, viz. European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva; Brookhaven National Laboratory, USA; Elettra Sincrotrone, Trieste, Italy; Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab), USA; Norwegian Polar Institute, Norway; Purdue University, USA; University of Alberta, Canada; Large Heavy Ion National Accelerator, France; Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions (FLNR), Joint Institute of Nuclear Research (JINR), Russia and Facility for Anti proton and Ion Research (FAIR), Germany. So far 363 research scholars pursued their research in science during the last three years in these institutions. For more information: Click here to read…

ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation Forum Held in Cambodia

The three-day 3rd ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation forum was held at Phnom Penh, Cambodia where Ms Shalini Kumari from India received first prize in the Grassroots Innovation Competition at the 3rd ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation forum for her innovation ‘Modified walker with adjustable legs’. The technology which was transferred to the industry, Vissco Rehabilitation Aids, a leading manufacturer of orthopaedic products in the country, is available for purchase through Brick and Mortar stores and also through marketplaces like Amazon India for purchase by common people of the country. For more information: Click here to read…

India-Russia Working Group on Modernization & Industrial Cooperation

The 9th Session of the India Russia Working Group on Modernization & Industrial Cooperation of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation was held in New Delhi on 23 December 2022. The Working Group reviewed the results of the eighth session of the working group in the focus sub-groups identified, namely modernization, mining and mineral fertilizers & chemicals. The two sides highlighted the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries and reiterated their commitment to deepen and strengthen mutual cooperation in several areas. For more information: Click here to read…

Netherlands Look to Deepen Technology Collaboration with India

As the next G20 Presidency, India has invited the Netherlands as a guest country. The Netherlands is looking towards India to deepen technology collaboration beyond the water, agriculture and health agenda. In an exclusive interaction with Financial Express Online, ambassador of the Netherlands in India Marten van den Berg said that “There is already a strong collaboration between the Netherlands and India in R&D… But now we are looking at space technologies, as we have a huge space ecosystem, and the European Space Agency is based in the Netherlands.” He added, “We are very much focusing also to connect start-ups here with our technology programmes.” For more information: Click here to read…

V. REGIONAL AND GLOBAL TRENDS

US House Bans the Chinese Video App TikTok on Official Devices

The popular Chinese video app TikTok has been banned from all U.S. House of Representatives-managed devices, according to the House’s administration arm, mimicking a law soon to go into effect banning the app from all U.S. government devices. The new rule follows a series of moves by U.S. state governments to ban TikTok, owned by Beijing-based ByteDance Ltd, from government devices. So far 19 states have at least partially blocked the app from state-managed devices over concerns that the Chinese government could use the app to track Americans and censor content. For more information: Click here to read…

Taiwan’s Government to Fine Foxconn for Unauthorized China Investment

Taiwan’s Government has said that it would fine Foxconn, the world’s largest contract electronics maker, for an unauthorized investment in a Chinese chip maker even after the Taiwanese firm said it would be selling the stake. Taiwan has turned a wary eye on China’s ambition to boost its semiconductor industry and is tightening legislation to prevent what it says is China stealing its chip technology. Foxconn, a major Apple Inc. supplier and iPhone maker, disclosed in July it was a shareholder of embattled Chinese chip conglomerate Tsinghua Unigroup. The company has been seeking to acquire chip plants globally as a worldwide chip shortage rattles producers of goods from cars to electronics. Taipei prohibits companies from building their most advanced foundries in China to ensure they do not site their best technology offshore. For more information: Click here to read…

China Seeks Self-Reliance in Agricultural Technology

President Xi Jinping wants China to accelerate efforts to achieve self-reliance in agricultural technology, identifying seed development and core equipment among areas to focus on. The central leadership had said in 2020 that the country’s seed industry was a weak link in the food chain and needed to make better use of science and technology to achieve a turnaround. “It is necessary to keep an eye on the frontiers of the world’s agricultural science and technology,” the official Xinhua news agency quoted Xi as saying at the central rural work conference held in Beijing. President Xi urged China’s agricultural sector to “vigourously improve” its science and technology, with more efficient innovation. For more information: Click here to read…

Science and Technology (S&T) Digest

Science and Technology (S&T) Digest, 01-15 December 2022, Issue 3

January 2, 2023 vd@admin

In this Issue

I. Defence and Security

Indian Navy and Coast Guard Being Equipped with Advanced Equipment
DRDO Hands Over AHSP of Akash Weapon System
Space Defence Mission
‘Dare to Dream’ Scheme for Promoting Start-Ups

II. STI in Space Sector

ISRO to Develop “Spatial Data Infrastructure geoportal ‘Geo-Ladakh’
Usage of NaviC System Increased in India
Developing Technologies for Autonomous Precision Landing of Space Rockets
DoS Establishing a Robust Regulatory System for Space Activities

III. Emerging Technologies and Applications

A Total of 84,102 Entities Recognised as Start-ups by the DPIIT
Biotech Start-ups Significantly Increased in Last 8 Years
Guidelines for PLI Incentive Scheme to Support Indigenous Drone Industry Issued
FAME and PLI Schemes Launched for Promoting Use of EVs
Steps Taken to Promote Charging Infrastructure for EVs
Rolling out of 5G Network Services
Government Proposes to Set up More Nuclear Power Plants for Clean Energy
Remaining Four units of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plants to be completed by 2027
Scope for New and Renewable Energy
Space Satellites Herald Agritech Revolution and Agritech Start-Ups
Intra-Nasal Vaccine for COVID Developed by India
AICTE Focuses on Outcome Based Model Curriculum
A Centre of Excellence in AI and Robotics Inaugurated
Digitization of MSMEs

IV. International Cooperation

Setting up of Vedanta FOXCONN Semiconductor Plant in India
India-UAE Space Cooperation
India-Germany Strengthen Partnership on the Skills Agenda
India not Reliant on China for Accessing Rare Earth Minerals

V. Regional and Global Trends

Biden Administration Adds 36 More Chinese firms to its Export List
President Biden Boosts New Semiconductor Fab Facility in Arizona
Apple Plans to Move Production Outside of China to other Countries
Germany Blocks Sale of Two Semiconductor Factories to Chinese Firms
China Spending $143 Billion on Semiconductor Tech to Counter US Ban

I. DEFENCE AND SECURITY

Indian Navy and Coast Guard Being Equipped with Advanced Equipment

Indian Navy (IN) and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) are being equipped with indigenous state-of-the-art ships and weapons to protect the maritime borders of the country, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in a statement on 2 December 2022. The Minister highlighted a number of initiatives taken by the Government to encourage indigenous manufacturing of weapons/ products and minimise imports by DPSUs. The initiatives include notification of Positive Indigenisation Lists comprising Major Line Replacement Units/Sub-systems and SRIJAN portal. For more information: Click here to read…

DRDO Hands Over AHSP of Akash Weapon System

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over Authority Holding Sealed Particulars (AHSP) of Akash Weapon System (Indian Army Version) to Missile Systems Quality Assurance Agency (MSQAA) in Hyderabad on 3 December 2022. The handing over was held at Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) which, as a nodal agency, has designed and developed the Akash weapon system. Akash is the first state-of-the-art indigenous surface-to-air missile system which has been with Armed Forces for nearly a decade defending the Indian skies and providing national security. For more information: Click here to read…

Space Defence Mission

Mission DefSpace was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi 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. In this regard, several policy initiatives and reforms have been brought to encourage indigenous design, development and manufacture of defence equipment, there by promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing & technology in the country. For more information: Click here to read…

‘Dare to Dream’ Scheme for Promoting Start-Ups

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 the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and with Indian founders, for innovative ideas in the field of Defence and Aerospace. For more information: Click here to read…

II. STI IN SPACE SECTOR

ISRO to Develop “Spatial Data Infrastructure geoportal ‘Geo-Ladakh’

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on 7 December 2022, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh said that Government of UT – Ladakh has approached the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), a unit of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for developing “Spatial Data Infrastructure geoportal ‘Geo-Ladakh’ for UT-Ladakh”. The project encompasses spatial database generation (water resources, vegetation and energy potential) using remote sensing, geospatial techniques and the development of a Geo-portal for hosting this database. For more information: Click here to read…

Usage of NaviC System Increased in India

Dr Jitendra Singh, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on 7 December 2022, said that the usage of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (NaviC system) has increased in India. The NaviC system finds utilisation in national projects like public vehicle safety, power grid synchronisation, real-time train information system, fishermen safety, etc. Other upcoming initiatives viz. common alert protocol-based emergency warning, time dissemination, geodetic network, unmanned aerial vehicles, etc. are in the process of adopting NavIC system. The Minister said that many mobile phone models in the country are already having NaviC compatibility. For more information: Click here to read…

Developing Technologies for Autonomous Precision Landing of Space Rockets

The Department of Space (DoS) has initiated studies towards undertaking the development of critical technologies required to achieve Autonomous Precision Landing of Space Rockets and their demonstration through Vertical Take-off & Vertical Landing (VTVL) of Test Vehicles. In order to become an active stakeholder in the small satellite market, ISRO/DoS has initiated development of Spacecraft buses for the small satellites, which includes nano-satellite and micro-satellites. For more information: Click here to read…

DoS Establishing a Robust Regulatory System for Space Activities

The DoS is in the process of establishing a predictable, forward-looking, enabling regulatory regime for space activities in India, through a comprehensive, well-defined policy for the entire gamut of such activities, Minister Jitendra Singh said on 7 December in a Statement in the Lok Sabha in reply to a question regarding launch of Vikram-S Rocket. The New Space India Limited (NSIL) a Public Sector Enterprise under the DoS, has been empowered to bring a commerce-oriented approach to space activities. For more information: Click here to read…

III. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS

A Total of 84,102 Entities Recognised as Start-ups by the DPIIT

Under Start-up India Initiative, a total of 59,787 entities were recognised as start-ups in the last ﬁve years (years 2017-2021) by the DPIIT. As on 30th November 2022, 84,102 entities have been recognised as start-ups by the DPIIT. Recognized startups are spread across 56 sectors. Sustained Government eﬀorts in this direction have resulted in increasing the number of recognized Startups from 452 in 2016 to 84,012 in 2022 (as on 30th November 2022), Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Som Parkash said in reply to a parliament question on 7 December. For more information: Click here to read…

Biotech Start-ups Significantly Increased in Last 8 Years

Addressing an “International Conference on Emerging Trends in Biosciences and Chemical Technology- 2022”, Dr Jitendra Singh said that India’s bio-economy has grown 8 times in the last 8 years under Prime Minister Modi from $10 billion in 2014 to over $80 billion in 2022. Biotech Start-ups have grown 100 times in the last 8 years from 52 odd startups in 2014 to 5300 plus in 2022. The Minister pointed out that from a paltry investment of Rs 10 Crore in Bio-economy in 2014, the fund growth saw 400 times hike to Rs 4200 crore in 2022, creating over 25,000 high skilled jobs. For more information: Click here to read…

Guidelines for PLI Incentive Scheme to Support Indigenous Drone Industry Issued

For the effective operation and smooth implementation of the PLI scheme, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has formulated and notified the operational guidelines. The guidelines have been notified on 29th November 2022 for the information of all the stakeholders and the public. To make India a global hub for the research and development, testing, manufacturing, and operation of drones under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, the liberalised Drone Rules, 2021 were released to create a growth-oriented regulatory framework for drones. To facilitate further growth, the Government has approved Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Drones and Drone Components in India. For the implementation of this scheme during 2022-23 to 2024-25, a corpus of Rs 120 crores has been allocated. For more information: Click here to read…

Reform Measures to Promote Drone Industry

The Government of India has undertaken a series of reform measures to promote India’s upcoming drone industry which include: Drones Rules, 2021 notified on 25 August 2021 provide the necessary regulatory framework for commercial use of drones; Drone Airspace Map published on 24th September 2021; PLI scheme to promote the growth of drone manufacturing by private companies launched in 30 September 2021; and, UAS Traffic Management (UTM) Policy Framework was published on 24th October 2021. Ministry of Civil Aviation has proactively engaged with various Union Ministries and State/UT Governments across the country to promote drone applications. For more information: Click here to read…

FAME and PLI Schemes Launched for Promoting Use of EVs

For promoting the use of electric vehicles in the country and to make their manufacturing cost effective, following three schemes have been formulated by the Ministry of Heavy Industries: Phase II of Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) Scheme initially for a period of three years commencing from April 2019 with a total budgetary support of Rs. 10,000 crore; the PLI Scheme for Automotive Sector with a budgetary outlay of Rs. 25,938 crores approved in September 2021; and, PLI Scheme for manufacturing of Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) in the country with a budgetary outlay of Rs. 18,100 crore approved in May 2021. For more information: Click here to read…

Steps Taken to Promote Charging Infrastructure for EVs

Under phase-II of FAME-India Scheme, Rs. 1000 Cr. is allocated for the development of charging infrastructure. The Ministry of Heavy Industries has sanctioned 2,877 electric vehicle charging stations in 68 cities across 25 states/UTs. Further, 1576 charging stations across 9 Expressways and 16 Highways under phase-II of FAME India Scheme has also been sanctioned. For more information: Click here to read…

Rolling out of 5G Network Services

The Minister of State for Communications, Devusinh Chauhan in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 14 December said that Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have started providing 5G services in the country from 1st October 2022 onwards and as of 26 November 2022, 5G services have started in 50 towns distributed over 14 States/UTs. As per the Notice Inviting Application (NIA) dated 15 June 2022 for auction of spectrum and the license conditions, the rollout obligations are required to be met over a period of five years, in a phased manner, from the date of allocation of spectrum. For more information: Click here to read…

S&T in Energy

Government Proposes to Set up More Nuclear Power Plants for Clean Energy

The Government of India has proposed to set up more nuclear power plants for augmenting production of clean energy. In addition to the eleven (11) reactors (8700 MW) under construction, the Government of India has accorded administrative approval and financial sanction for construction of ten (10) indigenous 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) to be set up in fleet mode. The Government has also accorded in principle approval for five new sites for setting up nuclear power plants in the future. The present installed nuclear power capacity comprises of 22 reactors with a total capacity of 6780 MW. In addition, one reactor, KAPP-3 (700 MW) has also been connected to the grid. For more information: Click here to read…

Remaining Four units of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plants to be completed by 2027

At present, Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Units 1&2 of 1000 MW capacity each are already in operation and the remaining four units of 1000 MW each are under construction. On their progressive completion, the full capacity of Kudankulam site of 6000 MW is expected to be reached by the year 2027, Dr Jitendra Singh said in a statement laid on the table of the Rajya Sabha in reply to a question on 8 December. For more information: Click here to read…

Scope for New and Renewable Energy

In line with the Prime Minister’s announcement at COP26, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is working towards achieving 500 GW of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030, and achieving Net Zero by 2070. A total of 172.72 GW capacity from non-fossil fuel based energy resources has been installed in the country as on 31 October 2022. This includes 119.09 GW Renewable Energy, 46.85 GW Large Hydro and 6.78 GW Nuclear Power capacity. This constitutes a share of 42.26% of total installed generation capacity in the country i.e. 408.71 GW as on 31 October 2022. For more information: Click here to read…

S&T in Agriculture

Space Satellites Herald Agritech Revolution and Agritech Start-Ups

Space Satellites herald Agritech revolution and Agritech Start-Ups which is going to mark a major next breakthrough for India’s Agriculture sector after the Green revolution of yesteryears. Dr Jitendra Singh and Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar, formally released the data products and services of RISAT-1A satellite for the user community in Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi on 13 December. The Trinity of Geospatial Systems, Drone Policy and Unlocked Space Sector will be a game-changer for Indian Agriculture in both augmenting the farmer’s income and realising the vision of the $5 trillion economy. For more information: Click here to read…

S&T in Health

Intra-Nasal Vaccine for COVID Developed by India

World’s first intra-nasal vaccine for COVID developed by India has got approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for restricted use in emergency situations in the age group of 18 and above. Dr Jitendra Singh informed that the Product development and Clinical trials were funded by the Department of biotechnology, Government of India and BIRAC under the Mission COVID Suraksha Programme. India’s efforts through Mission COVID Suraksha under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Modi has not only strengthened AtmaNirbhar Bharat but also bolstered India’s status as a worldwide vaccine development and manufacturing center showcasing the strength of Science and Technology. For more information: Click here to read…

S&T in Education

AICTE Focuses on Outcome Based Model Curriculum

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 highlights the importance of focusing on student learning outcomes and making quality education accessible, affordable, equitable and inclusive. Accordingly, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has revamped the existing curriculum and launched outcome based Model curriculum for Diploma, Undergraduate and Post Graduate courses in Engineering and PGDM/MBA. AICTE has also prepared Model curriculum for courses in Emerging Areas like (i) Artificial Intelligence (AI), (ii) Internet of Things (IoT), (iii) Block Chain, (iv) Robotics, (v) Quantum Computing (vi) Data Science (vii) Cyber Security (viii) 3D Printing and Design and (ix) Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR) etc., and permitted in engineering institutes from academic year 2020-21. For more information: Click here to read…

AIM Launches Community Innovator Fellowship

On 1 December 2022, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, in collaboration with UNDP India announced the launch of applications for Community Innovator Fellowship (CIF) to facilitate knowledge building and provide infrastructure support to aspiring community innovators essential for their entrepreneurship journey. Currently there are 22 Community Innovator fellows being incubated at the Atal Community Innovation Centre (ACIC) programme of AIM. For more information: Click here to read…

A Centre of Excellence in AI and Robotics Inaugurated

On 3 December 2022, the Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Rajeev Chandrasekhar inaugurated a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics at the Jyothi Engineering College in Thrissur, Kerala and expressed hope that it will encourage young Indians to venture into innovation and applications of AI and robotics in different fields. The Minister said there is already a wave of opportunities for innovation and startups in India. For more information: Click here to read…

MoU Signed for Learning in the field of AI and ML

Chitkara University announced its collaboration with NEC Corporation India, a wholly owned subsidiary of NEC Corporation, for a comprehensive academic programme for aspiring students to facilitate them with hands-on training and research facilities in the area of Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (Al/ML) and High-Performance Computing (HPC). A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between NEC Corporation India and Chitkara University. The agreement will provide an opportunity for the University to upskill its students, faculty and academic researchers in the field of AI. For more information: Click here to read…

Other Socio-Economic Sectors

E-Shram Portal, Database on Migrant Workers, Launched

Ministry of Labour & Employment has launched e-SHRAM portal, a National Database of the Unorganised Workers on 26 August 2021. It has been made available to the States/ UTs for registration of unorganised workers on e-SHRAM portal. The main objective of the e-SHRAM portal is to create a national database of all unorganised workers including Construction Workers, Gig and Platform workers, Street Vendors, Domestic Workers, Agriculture Workers, Migrant workers and similar other workers seeded with Aadhaar. For more information: Click here to read…

Digitization of MSMEs

As on date 1.24 crore Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are registered in Udyam Registration portal and further benefitted through various programmes. Under the MSME Champions Schemes ‘Digital MSME’ component has been included for digital empowerment of MSMEs in the country. The Ministry of MSME propose to support MSMEs through “Digital MSME” a component of MSME Champions Scheme to bring in digitization and digitalization and to make MSMEs digitally empowered and motivate them to adopt digital tools, applications and technologies in their production & business processes with a view to improve their competitiveness. For more information: Click here to read…

IV. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

Setting up of Vedanta FOXCONN Semiconductor Plant in India

Vedanta Semiconductors Ltd., a Joint Venture between Vedanta and Foxconn is an applicant under the Scheme for setting up of semiconductor Fabs in India. As per their application, Telangana, Gujarat and Maharashtra, were proposed as possible locations. However, the applicants in their final submissions have informed that they had decided Dholera Industrial City, Gujarat as final location for their proposal, and have submitted definitive agreement and Government orders from the Government of Gujarat stating the details of support from the State. This information was provided by the Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 7 December. For more information: Click here to read…

India-UAE Space Cooperation

Addressing the Opening Ceremony of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) summit, “Abu Dhabi Space Debate” on 5 December 2022, Dr Jitendra Singh described India as a key Global Player in the Space sector and reiterated that under Prime Minister Modi, India is keen to take its Space cooperation with the UAE to newer heights. The Minister said that development of the Space sector is one of the priority areas for the leaders of both India and the UAE and added that India started its space journey seven decades back from a scratch and is today acknowledged to be a leading space power. He said that the indigenously developed Space sector of India and the fast-growing Space sector of the UAE have a lot of complementariness that can be harnessed. He shared that India’s active space partnership with the UAE dates back to 2017, when our PSLV launched UAE’s first nanosatellite – ‘Nayif-1’ meant for collecting environmental space data. For more information: Click here to read…

India-Germany Strengthen Partnership on the Skills Agenda

To propel economic growth by empowering the youth with the right skills and providing them the access to right opportunities, 12th meeting of the Indo-German joint working group was held in New Delhi on 7 December to encourage Vocational Education and Training (VET). The deliberations at the meeting were aimed at institutionalizing a standard mechanism for VET to meet the skill requirements in priority sectors as per the German standards. A skill mapping exercise will be undertaken to assess the skill gaps and based on the same, bridge courses and upskilling programmes will be designed for skill training of Indian workers. For more information: Click here to read…

India not Reliant on China for Accessing Rare Earth Minerals

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on 14 December, Dr Jitendra Singh said that India is not reliant on China for accessing rare earth minerals. In India, capacity and capabilities in terms of mining, processing, extraction, refining and production of high pure RE oxides is adequately available. The Minister said that the production of Monazite the primary source of rare earth mineral in India is around 4000 MT per annum. For more information: Click here to read…

V. REGIONAL AND GLOBAL TRENDS

Biden Administration Adds 36 More Chinese firms to its Export List

On 15 December 2022, the Biden administration added 36 Chinese firms to its export blacklist on efforts to block Beijing’s access to advanced military and surveillance technology from the U.S. Yangtze Memory Technologies, one of China’s largest chip makers, was added to the U.S.’s “Entity List” alongside 34 other Chinese companies and one Chinese subsidiary located in Japan, essentially blocking the firms from receiving U.S. technology. US Undersecretary of Commerce for Industry and Security, Alan Estevez in a statement said that the additions to the Entity List will severely restrict China’s ability to “leverage artificial intelligence, advanced computing, and other powerful, commercially available technologies for military modernization and human rights abuses.” For more information: Click here to read…

President Biden Boosts New Semiconductor Fab Facility in Arizona

On 6 December 2022, US President Joe Biden’s visit to a massive construction project in north Phoenix highlighted Arizona’s role in a major U.S. policy shift on semiconductor manufacturing.
The Biden administration is pushing to boost domestic chips manufacturing with more than $50 billion in subsidies in the new CHIPs and Science Act. President Biden’s visit to the new fabrication facility being built by Taiwanese chips giant TSMC came as the firm announced it would build a second fabrication facility and triple its investment in Phoenix to $40 billion. For more information: Click here to read…

Apple Plans to Move Production Outside of China to other Countries

The Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. smartphone giant Apple Inc. is accelerating plans to move some China-based production lines to other southeastern Asian countries such as India and Vietnam. That would represent a significant shift in the so-called de-Sinification of global supply chains after manufacturers become aware of risks of concentrating production in China. Stephen Ezell, director of global innovation policy at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) in Washington told Voice of America (VOA) that more multinationals might follow suit if Apple succeeds in shipping products from India, as it had produced a small percentage of iPhone 14s there. For more information: Click here to read…

Germany Blocks Sale of Two Semiconductor Factories to Chinese Firms

Geopolitica.Info reported that Germany by blocking the sale of two semiconductor factories to Chinese companies showcased that it “will not allow China to swallow up its companies of strategic and critical importance”. Berlin’s decision comes despite German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to China in November amid criticism by lawmakers from his country and the European Union. For more information: Click here to read…

China Spending $143 Billion on Semiconductor Tech to Counter US Ban

China is spending $143 billion to combat U.S. moves to cut off its supply of semiconductor technology. The funds will be used to provide financial subsidies and incentives to help China’s chipmakers develop and acquire semiconductor technology to withstand the U.S. move. Meanwhile, China has initiated the process of challenging the U.S. order at the World Trade Organization. Its Commerce Ministry has accused the United States of “generalizing the concept of national security and abusing export control measures, which hinders the normal international trade in chips and other products.” For more information: Click here to read…

Defense, National Security and Terrorism

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

August 22, 2022 vd@admin

DEFENCE

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

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Nigeria

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

Niger

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

Afghanistan

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

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

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

Left-Wing Extremism

Maoist woman leader surrendered in Andhra Pradesh.

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

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

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

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

DEFENCE

RIMPAC – 2022.

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

DRDO successfully test fires indigenously developed laser-guided ATGMs.

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

Tejas Fighter Aircraft.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repair of a US Navy Ship in India.

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

4th India-Bangladesh Annual Defence Dialogue.

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

Indian Air Force to participate in bilateral exercise hosted by Malaysia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Nigeria

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

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

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

Niger

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

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

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

Afghanistan

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

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

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

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

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

Islamic State claimed responsibility for a bomb attack in Kabul.

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

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Left-Wing Extremism

Maoist woman leader surrendered in Andhra Pradesh.

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

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UP ATS arrested an IS operative from Azamgarh.

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

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

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

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Defense, National Security and Terrorism

VIF News Digest: National Security – Defence Studies & Terrorism, 16-31 July 2022

August 10, 2022 vd@admin

DEFENCE

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

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

West Asia

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

Africa

Ethiopia

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

Somalia

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

Nigeria

Five Boko Haram terrorists surrendered in Borno State.

Mali

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

Afghanistan

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

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

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

Left-Wing Extremism

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

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

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

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

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

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

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

Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) Cases

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

Narcotics-Trafficking

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

DEFENCE

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

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

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

Continuing with the excellent bilateral defence ties between India and Bangladesh, General Manoj Pande, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) proceeded on a visit to the Bangladesh from 18 to 20 July 2022. This is the first foreign visit by General Manoj Pande since assumption as Army Chief.
For more information: Click here to read…

Prime Minister unveils ‘SPRINT.

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

In the conference Shri Rajnath Singh informed the Prime Minister that in line with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ campaign, the Indian Navy spent over 64% of its capital budget in domestic procurement in the last financial year and it is expected to increase to 70% in the current financial year.
For more information: Click here to read…

Joint Press Release of the 16th Round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting.

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

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

Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) conducted between Japan Maritime Self Defense Force and Indian Navy.

A Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) was conducted between Japan Maritime Self Defense Force and Indian Navy on 23 Jul 22 in Andaman Sea. This exercise is part of the ongoing efforts between the two navies towards ensuring safe and secure international shipping and trade in Indian Ocean Region.
For more information: Click here to read…

Self-Reliance in Defence Manufacturing.

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

Development Work by Defence Industries.

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

MoD accords high priority to indigenisation of Software Defined Radios for the Armed Forces.

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

iDEX-DIO signs 100th contract for defence innovation.

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

Defence Acquisition Council, approves arms procurement proposals worth Rs 28,732 crore.

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

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

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

Second conference on Military Ammunition (Ammo India) inaugurated by RM.

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

Delivery of the prestigious Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) ‘Vikrant.

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

The ship would be capable of operating air wing consisting of 30 aircraft comprising of MIG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, in addition to indigenously manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) (Navy). Using a novel aircraft-operation mode known as STOBAR (Short Take- Off but Arrested Landing).
For more information: Click here to read…

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on a visit to the Kingdom of Bhutan.

General Manoj Pande, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) has proceeded on a visit to the Kingdom of Bhutan from 29 July. This visit will further enhance the unique and time-tested bilateral relationship, characterised by utmost trust, goodwill and mutual understanding.
For more information: Click here to read…

Royal Army of Oman contingent for joint exercise Al NAJAH-IV arrive in India.

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

Vietnam India bilateral army exercise “Ex VINBAX 2022”.

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

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

West Asia

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

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

Nasrallah suggested that Hizbu’llah could gain from the trip of the US President Biden to the region by bringing Iranian oil and gas to Lebanon, and that Hizbu’llah can exploit Lebanon’s crisis and the US’ desire for stability in the region.
For more information: Click here to read…

Africa

Ethiopia

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

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

Somalia

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

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

Nigeria

Five Boko Haram terrorists surrendered in Borno State.

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

Mali

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

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

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

Afghanistan

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

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

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

US killed al-Qa’ida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in a counter-terrorism operation in Kabul.

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

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

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

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

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

The case was re-registered by the NIA on 18 June 2022. The NIA officials seized digital devices and other incriminating materials.
For more information: Click here to read…

SIA unearthed the nexus between JeM and Punjab-based gangsters.

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

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

Left-Wing Extremism

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

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

The case— RC-19/2022/NIA/DLI was re-registered on 26 April 2022 and NIA taken over the investigation. Earlier, NIA had arrested 03 associates in this case on 12 April 2022 and 25 May 2022. Rajesh Gupta is a close associate of earlier arrested Vijay Kumar Arya— a Central Committee Member (CCM) and was actively involved in reviving the module in Son-Ganga Bindh region.
For more information: Click here to read…

Police killed a Maoist in an anti-naxal operation in Chhattisgarh.

On 26 July 2022, Chhattisgarh police eliminated a Maoist— Budh Ram Madkam aka Mahangu Deva, a member of Katekalyan Area Committee of CPI (Maoist), in forest near Jabrameta village of Dantewada district in Chhattisgarh.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA searched multiple locations in Jharkhand in connection with “killing of police personnel and looting of arms and ammunition by CPI (Maoists)” case.

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

The case— RC-39/2020/NIA/DLI was re-registered by the NIA on 09 December 2020. The NIA officials recovered digital devices, illicit weapons and ammunitions, and various incriminating materials.
For more information: Click here to read…

“Maoist-affected Districts reduced to 46 in 2021”, informed MoS for Home Affairs.

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

The Minister also informed the Lok Sabha about Central government-led schemes for Maoist-affected areas, including Security Related Expenditure Scheme (SRES), Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS), Road Requirement Plan-1, mobile connectivity projects in Maoist affected districts.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA arrested a Maoist associate in revival of Magadh zone of CPI (Maoist) case.

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

The group was also planning to create nexus with incarcerated naxals and Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) in various jails for commission of violent crimes.
For more information: Click here to read…

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

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

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

On 25 June 2022, the case— RC-26/2022/NIA/DLI was registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A].
For more information: Click here to read…

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

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

The NIA re-registered the case on 29 June 2022 and taken over the investigation. Earlier, 07 accused were arrested in the case on 29 June, 01 July, 04 July, and 09 July 2022. Mohammed Javed had played an important role in the killing by conducting recce and conveying the information about the victim to one of the main perpetrators— Riyaz, prior to the brutal murder.
For more information: Click here to read…

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

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

The case— RC-31/2022/NIA/DLI was re-registered by the NIA on 22 July 2022 under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The NIA officials seized digital devices and several incriminating materials from the sites.
For more information: Click here to read…

Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) Cases

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

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

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

Narcotics-Trafficking

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

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

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