Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

Strategy and ambition: In Wang Yi visit, China’s long Africa game

For a dozen years, China has been Africa’s biggest trading partner. Two-way trade in 2020 was $187 billion. The balance of trade is heavily in favour of China. Click here to read…

NEWS

Six people killed in blast in Somalia’s capital

Six people were killed on Wednesday in a car bomb explosion in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, a security official and witnesses said. The attack was claimed by the Al-Shabaab jihadist group, which said in a brief statement that it was targeting “foreign officers”.Click here to read…

US Africa envoy to visit Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Ethiopia

The US special envoy for the Horn of Africa will visit Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Ethiopia next week amid ongoing crises in the two African nationsClick here to read…

Mozambique kicks off first offshore gas project

A floating plant for liquefying natural gas arrived in Mozambican waters on January 3 after a seven-week maritime voyage from South Korea. Click here to read…

Violence erupts, police use water cannon on Tunisian protesters

Tunisian police used water cannon and sticks to disperse more than 1,000 protesters trying to reach central Tunis on Friday to demonstrate against the president in defiance of COVID-19 restrictions. Click here to read…

Ethiopia raps WHO chief for ‘supporting’ rebellion Tigray forces

Ethiopia has accused the World Health Organisation (WHO) chief of supporting the rebellious Tigrayan forces who are fighting the government.Click here to read…

Cameroonian senator and soldier killed in restive anglophone regions

A prominent opposition figure and a soldier have been killed in separate attacks in Cameroon’s restive anglophone regions, intensifying security concerns as the country hosts the Africa Cup of Nations football tournament. Click here to read…

Kenya ports authority receives Turkey-built tugboat

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPS) said Wednesday that the previous day it received a modern Turkish-built tugboat with fire-fighting (Fi-Fi) capabilities that will offer supplementary protection to port facilities and ships. Click here to read…

Nigeria lifts 7-month ban on Twitter

The human rights group Amnesty International said Wednesday night that the Twitter ban had been “illegal” and described it as an attack on Nigerians’ basic freedoms, including freedom of expression. Click here to read…

Malians rally after army calls for protests over ECOWAS sanctions

Thousands protest across Mali in support of ruling military after West Africa bloc-imposed sanctions over delayed vote.
Click here to read…

Uganda to destroy over 400k doses of expired Covid vaccines

Uganda is set to destroy more than 400,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines after they expired before being administeredClick here to read…

DRC forces launch offensive against ADF forces in eastern Congo

Armed forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo have launched a series of attacks against the positions held by Allied Democratic Forces in Virunga National Park in the east of the country.Click here to read…

Russia, China block UN support for ECOWAS sanctions on Mali

The draft council statement endorsing the sanctions failed to be approved during closed-door consultations. Click here to read…

5G buzz continues with launches in Zambia and Lithuania

There’s been no let-up in 5G activity lately, with Zambia’s MTN announcing the country’s first 5G launch and Telia highlighting a dynamic spectrum sharing-based 5G launch now underway in Lithuania. Click here to read…

MTN Uganda introduces overdraft facility as it steps up competition in digital lending space

Africa’s mobile-money sector remains the most active of any region in the world, according to GSM Association (GSMA), an umbrella body representing the interests of players in the telecommunications industry.
https://techcrunch.com/2022/01/12/mtn-uganda-introduces-overdraft-facility-as-it-step-ups-competition-in-digital-lending-space/” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

Uganda’s schools reopen, ending world’s longest lockdown

Uganda’s schools reopened to students on Monday, ending the world’s longest school disruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Click here to read…

Tanzania launches Chinese financed project to enhance civil aviation safety

Tanzanian authorities on Friday launched the enhancement of the civil aviation safety oversight systems project financed by the Chinese government for 1 million U.S. dollars grant. Click here to read…

Zimbabwe’s scrap metal rush creates a circular economy, and headaches for authorities

Small steel companies are paying scrap collectors and filling a production gap left by the country’s collapsed industry. But the rush for scrap has led to vandalism and theft. Click here to read…

Egyptian parliament to approve new law on status of Christians

Egypt’s parliament is set to approve new legislation drafted in collaboration with local Christian Churches regarding on the personal legal status of Christians in the country. Click here to read…

China helps advance technology in Africa

China has set a milestone in its technological commitments to Africa, with tech giant Huawei working with Zambia’s mobile telecom operator MTN in a pilot program to roll out the African nation’s first 5G network. Click here to read…

Sudan expresses desire to further strengthen ties with Turkey

Sudan’s Sovereign Council on Thursday hailed Turkey’s supportive stance toward the country and its keenness to strengthen ties between Ankara and Khartoum. Click here to read…

Namibia: 178 Pharmacies ‘Guilty of Price-Fixing’

NAMIBIA’S competition regulator says it will institute legal action against more than 170 pharmacies that have been found guilty of contravening the competition law by manipulating trading conditions to fix the price of medicines. Click here to read…

China applies brakes to Africa lending

Beijing has signalled a more cautious approach amid warnings that several African countries could struggle to repay debtsClick here to read…

“No Way to Censor”: How Africa’s WhatsApp-Only Newspaper Went Viral

Even though it’s published as a PDF file and distributed on WhatsApp, The Continent feels like an old-fashioned newspaper: Catchy headlines, short stories, reported pieces and interviews. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

India’s POWERGRID to set up first Independent Power Transmission (IPT) in Kenya

India has signed an agreement with the Government of Kenya to develop a Power transmission project in Kenya on a public-private partnership basis (PPP). The project entails the development, financing, construction, and operation of the 400kV Lessos – Loosuk and 220kV Kisumu – Musaga transmission lines under a public-private partnership (PPP) framework, said a senior officer of the Power Ministry. Click here to read…

Kenya Police inducts 100 made-in-India Mahindra Scorpio Getaway pick-up trucks

The pick-up SUV supplied to the Kenya Police is a single-cab model and is based on the current-generation Mahindra Scorpio sold in India. Click here to read…

India’s development partnership with Mali: Making difference on the ground

One such example is the ongoing construction of 393 kilometres of high voltage (225 kV) double circuit transmission line from Sikasso to Bamako, Mali’s capital city, to Sikasso, the second largest city of Mali and capital of its eponymous and southern-most region. Click here to read…

Rama Steel Tubes hit record high on signing a deal with Hong Kong-based Huihai Group

RST lndustries (RSTIL) signed a new annual contract with Huihai Group, Hong Kong for procuring 15,000 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) with an exclusive arrangement for Nigeria. Click here to read…

Indian Navy hands over interceptor craft to Mozambique

The Indian Navy has handed over two Solas Marine fast interceptor craft to Mozambique and provided military training during a port visit by the tank landing ship INS Kesari. Click here to read…

Vijay Construction to rebuild Seychelles’ health studies school as donation

Vijay Construction will bear the cost for the rebuilding of the National Institute of Health and Social Studies (NIHSS) following an agreement concluded by the company’s director and the Seychelles health minister on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Vedanta puts $12-bn price tag on privatisation-bound Bharat Petroleum

Vedanta Group is willing to spend $12 billion to acquire India’s state-owned refiner Bharat Petroleum Corp., an asset sale that’s among the nation’s biggest and which has faced delays in completion. Click here to read…

Madagascar Prime Minister reviews bilateral ties with India

Indian Ambassador on Tuesday attended a review meeting over the progress on bilateral ties between New Delhi and Antananarivo. Click here to read…

India to invest in Tanzania’s energy sector

The government of Tanzania has announced the country has opened its doors to India and its investors to explore opportunities in the country’s energy sector. ‘Click here to read…

Indian Embassy in Madagascar celebrates ‘World Hindi Day 2022’

World Hindi Day was celebrated at the Embassy of India in Antananarivo on 10th January 2022. The event was graced by members of ITEC, ICCR alumni, the Indian community, and the families of the Embassy officials. Click here to read…

Keywords: Africa, Cameroon, China, Covid, Coup, Ethiopia, Horn of Africa, Indian Navy, India in Africa, Madagascar, Mahindra Scorpio, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Tigray, Uganda, Vedanta, World Hindi Day 2022

DEFENCE

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

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

West Asia

• Iraq: Islamic State terrorists killed at least 11 people in an attack in Diyala province.

Africa

Somalia

• Army killed four al-Shabaab terrorists in Bakool region.

Afghanistan

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

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• NIA arrested 12 OGWs in ‘J&K terrorism conspiracy’ case.
• Security forces killed four LeT terrorists in Shopian and Kulgam districts.
• NIA searched seven districts of J&K in ‘JeI terror funding’ case.
• NIA Special Court sentenced four HM terrorists in ‘JAKART case’.

Left-Wing Extremism

• STF killed a Maoist in Bihar.
• Police eliminated three Maoists in Telangana.
• NIA conducted searches at four locations in Bihar in ‘Arms Recovery’ case.

Islamic Extremism

• NIA filed supplementary chargesheet against an al-Qa’ida terrorist in AQIS module case.
• NIA court convicted 9 SIMI terrorists in Patna Serial Blast cases.
• NIA filed a charge sheet against IS terrorist in ‘ISIS Delhi Amroha module’ case.
• NIA officials arrested an IS terrorist from IGI Airport in Delhi.

CYBER, INFORMATION WARFARE & AI (SECURITY PERSPECTIVE)

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

DEFENCE

Exercise Yudh Abhyas 21.

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

Inaugural India – UK Maritime Dialogue

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

Indian Army at Cambrian Patrol Exercise

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

UK Joint Tri-Service exercise Konkan Shakti.

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

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

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

Ambassadors’ Round Table for Def Expo 2022

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

Chief of Naval Staff, Bangladesh Navy visit to India

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

Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD).

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

Agni-5, successfully launched

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

West Asia

Iraq

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

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

Africa

Somalia

Army killed four al-Shabaab terrorists in Bakool region

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

Afghanistan

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

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

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

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

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

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

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

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

Security forces killed four LeT terrorists in Shopian and Kulgam districts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Left-Wing Extremism

STF killed a Maoist in Bihar

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

Police eliminated three Maoists in Telangana

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

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

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

Islamic Extremism

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

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

NIA court convicted 9 SIMI terrorists in Patna Serial Blast cases

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

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

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

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

NIA officials arrested an IS terrorist from IGI Airport in Delhi

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

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

CYBER, INFORMATION WARFARE & AI (SECURITY PERSPECTIVE)

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

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

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

GERD and Instability in Horn of Africa

The Nile is a well-known and long river, though relatively modest in terms of volume. Over the years, the downstream riparians (Egypt and Sudan) have consolidated their control over water resources. Egypt is the most powerful state in the basin; and it has achieved a substantial degree of hydraulic, legal and political control over the Nile waters. In line with a 1959 settlement, Egypt receives 55.5 billion cubic meters of water from the Nile annually, whereas Sudan can draw 18.5 billion cubic meters. Ethiopia receives no water from the Nile. In 2011, when Egypt was within the throes of the Arab Spring protests, Ethiopia decided to start building Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), previously known as Millennium Dam. Since, Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia have been involved in a bitter dispute over the GERD. Despite several attempts by African Union, none of the countries are ready to budge and they are prepared to go to war, if needed. As the tensions among the three disputants continue to rise, adding to irritants in relations such as the Ethiopia-Sudan border dispute and other sources of regional instability, such as the Tigray civil war, the issue becomes very important for India for many reasons. In Egypt Indian investment surpasses 3 billion USD with more than 450 private companies actively working. Similarly In Ethiopia, Indian investment surpasses 5 billion USD and India is probably 2nd biggest investor for Ethiopia, just after China (don’t have the data since covid started). There are lots of LOCs too, particularly for Ethiopia. The highest number of academic recruitments in Africa from India, also takes place in Ethiopia.

NEWS

US condemns Sudan coup, suspends $700 million financial aid

The US is withholding $700 million in emergency financing for Sudan in reaction to the continuing military coup attempt in the nation. Click here to read…

Mali expels ECOWAS envoy from the country

ECOWAS, West Africa’s main political and economic bloc, has been pressing Mali to respect its commitment to hold elections. Click here to read…

Libya’s Chaos Is a Warning to the World

Ten years after Qaddafi’s death, Libya is a harbinger of the enduring global disorder to come. Click here to read…

Egypt says prepared for possible collapse of GERD

Egyptian Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Mohamed Abdel-Aty said Tuesday that Egypt has preventive measures to protect it in the event that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) collapses. Click here to read…

Renewed clashes dim hopes of a credible election in Somalia

Several days of fighting between government troops and militia have heightened political uncertainty over the long-overdue national polls. In addition, there is still no agreement on the electoral procedure. Click here to read…

Algerian gas to Spain will bypass Morocco

Algeria will from now on deliver its natural gas to Spain exclusively through an undersea pipeline, after Algiers abandoned use of a line through Morocco. Click here to read…

Whither political Islam in Tunisia?

The future of Ennahda will depend not on its ideology, but its organisational transformation, political choices, and the political system’s new arrangements. Click here to read…

Nigeria becomes first African nation to roll out digital currency

Nigeria’s central bank earlier in February outlawed banks and financial institutions from transacting or operating in cryptocurrencies, saying they posed a threat to the financial system. Click here to read…

Chinese teaching in Zambia taken to higher level

The making of the Chinese language as one of the examinable subjects in Zambia was a clear indication that the teaching of the language has been taken to another levelClick here to read…

In Israel, Congolese president says seeking ‘closer security, agriculture ties’

During visit at President’s Residence, Herzog promises to ensure that Israel reopens embassy in KinshasaClick here to read…

A Rasta president for The Gambia?

The Gambia is going to the polls in December, to vote their new president. And among those who wants to be president is independent candidate, Rastaman Bankole Yao Jojo Ahadzie, aka Banky. It is the first presidential election since the departure of Yahya Jammeh, who ruled for 22 years. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

2-day ‘Haryana-Africa Conclave’ aims to boost trade

To further strengthen diplomatic connections and bilateral relations, ambassadors, senior embassy officials from 12 African nations, ministers and bureaucrats from Haryana came together for a two-day ‘Haryana-Africa Conclave, Series-1’. Click here to read…

India In UNSC: Will Continue to Support Sudan, South Sudan in Peace and Development

India will continue to support Sudan and South Sudan in countries’ progress towards peace and development, said Counsellor in India’s Permanent Mission to UN. Click here to read…

MoS Muraleedharan meets first VP of South Sudan, discusses trade, investment ties

Union Minister of State for External Affairs (MOS) V Muraleedharan has met First Vice President of South Sudan, Dr Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon and discussed trade and investment ties between the two countries. Click here to read…

India’s outreach to tiny Togo is part of a bigger plan in Africa

It was only in September last year that India opened its consulate in Lome, the capital city of Togo, one of the smallest countries in Africa that borders Ghana, Benin and Burkina Faso. Click here to read…

Indian ambassador hails Egypt’s decision to lift state of emergency

Ambassador of India to Egypt, Ajit Gupte told Daily News Egypt that President’s Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi decision to lift the nationwide state of emergency is a very positive step. Click here to read…

An Indian teacher building bridges in Ethiopia

During the imperial times in Ethiopia under His Majesty Haile Selassie, there were tens of thousands of school teachers from India, mostly from the Indian state of Kerala, who taught in schools all over Ethiopia. Click here to read…

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

Insurgency in Mozambique far from over

30th September 2021 marked a new day for Mozambique as US government, recognising the importance of Mozambique’s success for the region, inaugurated the new United States Embassy in Maputo, Mozambique. This raises hope in a country which is tormented byJihadist terrorism since 2017. In August 2021, Rwandan Military along with Mozambican troops retook the last stronghold of Islamists, Mocímboa da Praia, a key port city from Islamist militants in northern Mozambique. Further, the government of Rwanda announced that their military will remain in Mozambique as long as Mozambique wants. Earlier this month, South Africa also sent nearly 1,500 troops to Mozambique to help the country battle jihadist militants. However, despite these significant military victories, insurgency in Mozambique is far from over as the war against hunger is yet to be won.

NEWS

Cape Verde Chooses the Opposition as New Leader

Opposition candidate and former Prime Minister Jose Maria Neves won Cape Verde’s presidential election on Sunday, as his main rival, the ruling party’s flagbearer Carlos Veiga, conceded defeat. Click here to read…

Libyan PM, foreign powers back landmark election in December

Libya’s prime minister and several foreign powers have endorsed the holding of a national election on December 24, as envisaged in a United Nations-backed peace plan aimed at resolving years of turmoil and division. Click here to read…

Ethiopia preps for third filling as Nile dam diplomacy stalls

Hope for negotiations on the crisis with Egypt and Sudan is fading as Ethiopia works toward the third-stage filling of its mega dam on the Blue Nile. Click here to read…

Somalia leaders strike deal on long-delayed election process

Somalia’s president and prime minister say they have struck a deal to speed up the process for long-delayed elections, ending their simmering feud which threatened to plunge the country into a fresh crisis. Click here to read…

Erdogan pledges to double bilateral trade at Turkey-Africa summit

The Turkey-Africa Economic and Business Forum held in Istanbul from 21-22 October, aims to provide a platform for Turkish businesses to gain a foothold on the continent. Click here to read…

Huge crowds march in Sudan in support of civilian rule

Throngs of Sudanese protesters took to the streets on Thursday to voice their support for civilian rule within the country’s power-sharing government. >Click here to read…

Nigeria to Launch Digital Currency on October 25

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari will launch a digital currency on Monday aimed at improving the payments system in the West African nation, according to the central bank. Click here to read…

575 Prisoners Escape After Gunmen Attack Prison

In another blow to the Nigerian authority, gunmen have attacked a prison and freed around 575 prisoners on Friday. This was the third such incident in 2021Click here to read…

Is Algeria Weaponizing Airspace and Natural Gas?

In a series of shocking and unintelligible decisions, the Algerian Government closed its airspace to Moroccan military and civilian aircraft. Click here to read…

Drone sale to Ethiopia could jeopardize Turkey-Egypt dialogue

Turkey risks derailing normalization talks with Egypt by selling armed drones to Ethiopia, in addition to coming under international fire should Ethiopia use the drones in the conflict in Tigray. Click here to read…

Namibia to suspend use of Russian COVID-19 vaccine

Namibia will suspend its rollout of Russia’s Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, its health ministry said on Saturday, days after the drugs regulator in neighbouring South Africa flagged concerns about its safety for people at risk of HIV. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

India, Africa Can Empower Youth Through Quality Edu & Skill Development

Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Shri V. Muraleedharan said India has developed a program called “Study in India” to increase the number of foreign students coming to the country. Click here to read…

Indian Minister of State V Muraleedharan to complete Sudan and South Sudan trip

India’s Minister of State V Muraleedharan concludes his visit to Sudan and South Sudan today, his first visit to both countries. Click here to read…

Mauritius’ exit from FATF grey list may boost India’s FDI inflow

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog, has removed Mauritius from its ‘grey list’ of countries which may indirectly lead to higher investment to India from the Island nation.’ Click here to read…

Over 800 Indian Army troops in Sudan get United Nations medal

A total of 836 troops from the Indian Army serving with the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan have been awarded the United Nations medal. India is the second largest troop contributor to the 18,300-strong peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, having provided nearly 2,400 soldiers. Click here to read…

DEFENCE

• External Affairs Minister’s meeting with State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China on the side lines of SCO Council of Heads of State Meeting.
• Prime Minister virtually participates in 21st Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
• Exercise Surya Kiran between Indian Army and Nepali Army.
• 6th Edition of SCO Exercise Peaceful Mission.
• Call between Raksha Mantri (RM) and US Secretary of Defence.
• 3rd edition of Bilateral Exercise ‘Samudra Shakti’.
• Next Chief of the Air Staff.
• MoD places supply order for 118 Main Battle Tanks (MBT).
• Prime Minister’s participation in the Quad Leaders’ Summit.
• Acquisition of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft.
• Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) three-day visit to Oman.
• Successful maiden flight test of Akash prime missile.
• Centre dissolves Ordnance Factory Board.
• Defence Acquisition Council approves proposals of value Rs.13,165 cr.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Canada

• Canadian men arrested with bomb-making manuals and al-Qa’ida literature.

Africa

Somalia

• At least eight people were killed in a suicide bomb attack in Mogadishu.

Afghanistan

• al-Qa’ida will regroup in Afghanistan, and may strike US in next two years, claimed DIA Director Lt Gen Berrier.
• Taliban will be responsible if al-Qa’ida threatens the US from Afghanistan, warned US Secretary of State Blinken.
• Islamic State claimed series of attacks on Taliban in Nangarhar province.

Pakistan

• Pakistan is home to 12 foreign terrorist organisations, claimed US’ CRS report.
• TTP and al-Qa’ida terrorists have Pakistan ID cards, claimed Pakistan’s Senate report.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• Multiple locations in J&K were searched in Bathindi IED recovery case.
• Police arrested four LeT terrorists from Bandipora.
• NIA officials probed 10 people linked to JeI, J&K terror-funding case.

Left-Wing Extremism

• Anti-Maoist posters emerged in Cherla Mandal in Telangana.

Islamic Extremism

• Delhi Terror Module case: Surat, Mumbai, Patna were likely targets.

Khalistan-inspired Extremismv

• Punjab police cracked a pro-Khalistan module in Ludhiana.

CYBER, INFORMATION WARFARE & AI (SECURITY PERSPECTIVE)

• Android malware—GriftHorse stole millions after infecting 10 million phones.

Defence

External Affairs Minister’s meeting with State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China on the side lines of SCO Council of Heads of State Meeting.

The two Ministers exchanged views on the current situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh as well as on global developments. EAM noted that since their last meeting on 14th July the two sides had made some progress in the resolution of the remaining issues along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh and had completed the disengagement in Gogra area. However there were still some outstanding issues that needed to be resolved.

In this context EAM recalled that Foreign Minister Wang Yi had in their last meeting noted that the bilateral relations were at low ebb. Both sides had agreed that a prolongation of the existing situation was not in the interest of the either side as it was impacting the relationship in a negative manner. EAM therefore emphasized that the two sides should work towards early resolution of the remaining issues along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh while fully abiding by bilateral agreements and protocols. EAM underlined that it was necessary to ensure progress in resolution of remaining issues so as to restore peace and tranquility along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh noting that peace and tranquility in the border areas has been an essential basis for progress in the bilateral relations. In this regard, the Ministers agreed that military and diplomatic officials of the two sides should meet again and continue their discussions to resolve the remaining issues at the earliest.
For more information: Click here to read…_

Prime Minister virtually participates in 21st Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

In his address, Prime Minister highlighted the problems caused by growing radicalisation and extremism in the broader SCO region, which runs counter to the history of the region as a bastion of moderate and progressive cultures and values.
He noted that recent developments in Afghanistan could further exacerbate this trend towards extremism. He suggested that SCO could work on an agenda to promote moderation and scientific and rational thought, which would be especially relevant for the youth of the region.

He also spoke about India’s experience of using digital technologies in its development programmes, and offered to share these open-source solutions with other SCO members. While speaking about the importance of building connectivity in the region, Prime Minister stressed that connectivity projects should be transparent, participatory and consultative, in order to promote mutual trust. The SCO Summit was followed by an Outreach session on Afghanistan between SCO and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO). Prime Minister participated in the outreach session through a video-message.
For more information: Click here to read…

Exercise Surya Kiran between Indian Army and Nepali Army.

The 15th Edition of Indo – Nepal Joint Military Training, Exercise Surya Kiran between Indian Army and Nepali Army commenced on 20 September 2021 at Pithoragarh (UK) till 03 October 2021. During this exercise, an Infantry Battalion from Indian Army and an equivalent strength from Nepali Army shared their experiences gained during the conduct of various counter-insurgency operations over a prolonged period in their respective countries.
As part of the exercise, both the Armies familiarise themselves with each other’s weapons, equipment, tactics, techniques and procedures of operating in a counter-insurgency environment in mountainous terrain. Also, there were a series of Expert Academic Discussions on various subjects such as Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, High Altitude Warfare, Jungle Warfare etc. The joint military training culminated with a gruelling 48 hours exercise to validate the performance of both the armies in counter-insurgency in mountainous terrain. Last edition of Exercise Surya Kiran was conducted in Nepal in 2019.
For more information: Click here to read…

6th Edition of SCO Exercise Peaceful Mission.

The 6th Edition of Exercise PEACEFUL MISSION: 2021 of SCO Member States hosted by Russia at the Orenburg Region of South West Russia culminated on 24 September 2021. An Indian military contingent comprising of an all arms combined force of 200 personnel from Indian Army and Indian Air force is participating in the exercise. The twelve days long joint training involving Armed Forces of all Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states was organised with an aim to foster close relations between SCO member states and to enhance abilities of the military leaders to command multinational military contingents. In this joint multinational exercise which began on 14 September 2021, SCO member nations conducted joint training focusing on combating terrorism. All military contingents took part in the final joint exercise where-in multinational forces exhibited their tactical prowess, combat power and overwhelming dominance over terrorist groups. The validation phase of the Exercise was witnessed by all Chiefs’ of the General Staff of the SCO member states.
For more information: Click here to read…

Call between Raksha Mantri (RM) and US Secretary of Defence.

US Secretary of Defence Mr Lloyd Austin made a telephone call to Raksha Mantri on 20 September 2021. Both the leaders discussed bilateral and regional matters, including developments in Afghanistan. They discussed defence cooperation and looked forward to working closely.
The Raksha Mantri and Secretary Austin also exchanged views about combating terrorism in the region. Both sides appreciated the mutual cooperation in the recent evacuation operations in Afghanistan and agreed to remain in regular contact in view of the evolving situation. Click here to read…

3rd edition of Bilateral Exercise ‘Samudra Shakti’.

Indian Naval Ships arrived at Jakarta, Indonesia on 18 Sep 21 to participate in the 3rd edition of Bilateral Exercise ‘Samudra Shakti’ with the Indonesian Navy scheduled off the approaches to Sunda Strait from 20 Sep to 22 Sep 21.
For more information: Click here to read…

Next Chief of the Air Staff.

Government has decided to appoint Air Marshal V R Chaudhari, PVSM, AVSM, VM, presently Vice Chief of Air Staff, as the next Chief of the Air Staff after the retirement of Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC on 30th September, 2021.
For more information: Click here to read…

MoD places supply order for 118 Main Battle Tanks (MBT).

Ministry of Defence (MoD) placed an order with Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF), Avadi, Chennai for supply of 118 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) Arjun Mk-1A for the Indian Army on September 23, 2021. The order, worth Rs 7,523 crore, will provide further boost to the ‘Make in India’ initiative in defence sector.
For more information: Click here to read…

Prime Minister’s participation in the Quad Leaders’ Summit.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the first in-person Quad Leaders’ Summit in Washington D.C., USA on 24 September 2021, along with Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga of Japan, and President Joseph Biden of the United States of America. The Leaders had a very useful exchange of views which reinforced the shared interests, values and underlying principles in which the Quad framework was anchored.

The Leaders shared their respective perspectives on Afghanistan and the regional situation in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific. On Afghanistan, they agreed to deepen their cooperation in counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance and called on the Taliban to abide by UN Security Council Resolution 2593. The Leaders denounced the use of terrorist proxies and emphasized the importance of denying any logistical, financial or military support to terrorist groups which could be used to launch or plan terror attacks, including cross-border attacks.

The Quad Leaders took stock of progress made since their March 2021 Summit, especially the Covid-19 vaccine partnership. They welcomed Prime Minister’s announcement that India will start supply of India-made Covid 19 vaccines to the Indo-Pacific region with eight million doses, from October 2021. With the objective of normalising international travel and ensuring predictability, Prime Minster proposed common travel norms among countries and mutual recognition of vaccination certificates.

The Leaders discussed affirmative actions towards climate change, decarbonization efforts in shipping and port operations, deployment of clean hydrogen technology, the need for responsible and resilient clean energy supply chains. In this context, Prime Minister proposed a Global Green Hydrogen coalition, given our respective strengths and capabilities. The Leaders also launched a Shipping Taskforce that will coordinate greening and decarbonizing the shipping value chain. Mumbai Port Trust will participate in this initiative along with ports from the other three Quad countries.

The Leaders issued the Quad Principles on Technology Design, Development, Governance, and Use that will guide not only the region but the world toward responsible, open, high-standards innovation. To facilitate and strengthen people to people linkages, the Leaders announced a Fellowship program for 100 students per year to pursue Masters and Doctoral degrees in STEM fields in USA.

A Quad Infrastructure Coordination Group was launched to share assessments of regional infrastructure needs and coordinate approaches, technical assistance and capacity-building efforts. The Leaders also setup a space cooperation working group to exchange satellite data for monitoring and adapting to climate change, disaster preparedness, and responding to challenges in shared domains.
For more information: Click here to read…

Acquisition of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft.

Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with M/s Airbus Defence and Space, Spain for acquisition of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force, on September 24, 2021. It is a transport aircraft of 5-10 tonne capacity that will replace the ageing Avro transport aircraft of IAF. The aircraft will give a major boost to tactical airlift capability of IAF, especially in the Northern and North-Eastern sector and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Out of 56, forty aircraft will be manufactured in India by TATA Consortium. All the deliveries will be completed within ten years of signing of the contract.
For more information: Click here to read…

Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) three-day visit to Oman.

The CNS is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with his counterpart Rear Admiral Saif bin Nasser bin Mohsen Al-Rahbi, Commander of Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) in Muscat. During the visit, the CNS would also be interacting with senior hierarchy of Oman including Chief of Staff Sutan’s Armed Forces, Commander of Royal Army of Oman, Commander of Royal Air Force of Oman and Secretary General, MoD. He would also be visiting key defence installations. Both Navies have been participating in the biennial maritime exercise Naseem Al Bahr since 1993. This exercise was last conducted in 2020, off Goa and the next edition is scheduled in 2022.
The CNS also signed an MoU for exchange of White Shipping Information which would facilitate information exchange on merchant shipping traffic, through IFC-IOR, India and MSC, Oman and contribute to enhanced maritime safety and security in the region.
For more information: Click here to read…

Successful maiden flight test of Akash prime missile.

A new version of the Akash Missile – ‘Akash Prime’ was successfully flight tested from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha on 27 September 2021. In comparison to the existing Akash System, Akash Prime is equipped with an indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for improved accuracy. Other improvements also ensure more reliable performance under low temperature environments at higher altitudes. Modified ground system of the existing Akash weapon system has been used for the current flight test.
For more information: Click here to read…

Government of India dissolves Ordnance Factory Board.

Government of India has decided to transfer, with effect from October 1, 2021, the management, control, operations and maintenance of these 41 production units and identified non-production units to seven government companies (wholly owned by the government of India). According to the newa, the name of the seven defence PSUs (also called DPSUs) are Munition India Limited, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited, Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited, Troop Comforts Limited, Yantra India Limited, India Optel Limited and Gliders India Limited.
For more information: Click here to read…

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approves proposals of value Rs.13,165 cr.

The (DAC) in its meeting of
accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for Capital Acquisitions proposals for modernization and operational needs of the Indian Armed Forces amounting to approx. Rs.13,165cr. Of the total amount approved, procurement worth Rs. 11,486cr. (87%) is from the domestic sources. Key approvals include helicopters, guided munition and rocket ammunition. Looking into the need of the Indian Army for an Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Squadron, to improve its integral lift capability ensuring its operational preparedness, the DAC accorded approval of procurement of 25 ALH Mark III helicopters from M/s HAL under Buy Indian-IDDM at an approx. cost of
Rs.3,850 cr. Giving boost to Indigenous Design and Development of ammunitions, DAC accorded approval for procurement of Terminally Guided Munition (TGM) and HEPF/RHE Rocket Ammunition under Buy(Indian-IDDM) category at an approx cost ofRs.4,962 cr. from domestic sources. Other proposals worth Rs. 4,353 cr. were also accorded AoN by the DAC.
For more information: Click here to read…

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Canada

Canadian men arrested with bomb-making manuals and al-Qa’ida literature.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)’s Toronto O-INSET (Ontario Integrated National Security Enforcement Team), on 23 September 2021, arrested Kevin Omar Mohamed, who was on probation for a terrorism case. On his smartphone, Kevin Omar had downloaded al-Qa’ida literature, manuals on bombs and poisons, and an article justifying the killing of women and children, according to the allegations filed in the Court of law.
“Mohamed’s phone contained a large amount of information that could be used to carry out a terrorist attack, including multiple bomb-making guides and extremist ideological material,” the O-INSET reports claimed.
For more information: Click here to read…

Africa

Somalia

At least eight people were killed in a suicide bomb attack in Mogadishu.

On 25 September 2021, at least eight people were killed in a suicide car bomb explosion at a street junction near the President’s Palace. Al-Qa’ida affiliated al-Shabaab claimed the responsibility of the attack. “At the crime scene, the number of casualties can be higher, since some of the injured and dead had been taken away by their relatives,” said police spokesperson— Abdifatah Aden Hassan.
“A mujahid driving a suicide car bomb targeted the convoy of cars going into the (Presidential) Palace,” claimed al-Shabaab military operation spokesperson— Abdiasis Abu Musab.
For more information: Click here to read…

Afghanistan

al-Qa’ida will regroup in Afghanistan, and may strike US in next two years, claimed DIA Director Lt Gen Berrier.

Speaking at an intelligence conference on 14 September 2021, the Director of the United States’ (US) Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)— Lt Gen Scott Berrier said that “the current assessment probably, conservatively, is one to two years for al-Qa’ida to build some capability to at least threaten the homeland [US].”
Agreeing to the claims made by Lt Gen Berrier, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)’s Deputy Director— David Cohen said that the intelligence agencies are already monitoring activities by al-Qa’ida regrouping in Afghanistan.
For more information: Click here to read…

Taliban will be responsible if al-Qa’ida threatens the US from Afghanistan, warned US Secretary of State Blinken.

Referring to the reports of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) on al-Qa’ida’s regrouping in Afghanistan, the United States (US) Secretary of State— Anthony Blinken warned that if al-Qa’ida threatens the US from Afghanistan, the Taliban will be responsible for it.
Despite Taliban’s commitment on not to allow anyone to threaten any country from Afghanistan soil, the US will not rely on such commitment.
For more information: Click here to read…

Islamic State claimed series of attacks on Taliban in Nangarhar province.

On 19 September 2021, the Islamic State’s (IS) media arm— Amaq Agency claimed that more than 35 Taliban terrorists, were killed or injured in series of bombings on 18 and 19 September in Jalalabad city of Nangarhar province in Afghanistan.
Both terror groups, IS and Taliban, subscribe to the violent interpretation of the Islam religion, but Taliban have goal to take control of Afghanistan; whereas IS and its affiliates in Afghanistan & elsewhere call for global jihad.
For more information: Click here to read…

Pakistan

Pakistan is home to 12 foreign terrorist organisations, claimed US’ CRS report.

In a report released by an independent Congressional Research Service (CRS), the United States (US) officials identified Pakistan as a “home” or base of operations to at least 12 terrorist groups designated by the US as ‘Foreign Terrorist Organisations’ (FTOs), including five of them being India-centric such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).

According to the report, these groups based and operating from Pakistan can be broadly categorised into five types— i) globally-oriented, ii) Afghanistan-oriented, iii) India, including Kashmir-oriented, iv) domestically-oriented, and v) Sectarian (anti-Shia). Pakistan has “continued to serve as a safe-haven for certain regionally focused terrorist groups,” and has “allowed groups targeting Afghanistan, as well as groups targeting India to operate from its territory,” CRS’s report quoted the US State Department’s Country Reports on Terrorism 2019.
For more information: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-home-to-12-foreign-terrorist-organisations-crs-report/articleshow/86574100.cms” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

TTP and al-Qa’ida terrorists have Pakistan ID cards, claimed Pakistan’s Senate report.

According to a Senate report submitted by Senator Faisal Sabzwari of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM)-Pakistan on 25 September 2021, several terrorists/operatives of the banned groups—Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), al-Qa’ida, and Afghan nationals have been found to be in possession of Pakistan’s National Identity cards.
Around 50 to 60 per cent employees of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) in Karachi are involved in corruption. Al-Qa’ida operative Abdullah Baloch obtained ID cards from NADRA, more than once.
For more information: Click here to read…

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

Multiple locations in J&K were searched in Bathindi IED recovery case.

On 21 September 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials, with assistance of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) police and CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) personnel, carried out searches at eight locations in Anantnag, Baramulla, Kulgam, Srinagar, Doda and Kishtwar districts of J&K in connection with Bathindi IED (Improvised Explosive Device) recovery case.

The case is related to recovery of 5 kilograms of IED from a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist in Bathindi in Jammu district, J&K. Investigation revealed LeT’s conspiracy to use the IED in blasts in Jammu. During the searches, many digital devices, and other incriminating material was recovered from the premises of the suspects.
For more information: Click here to read…

Police arrested four LeT terrorists from Bandipora.

On 23 September 2021, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police cracked a terrorist module and arrested four Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists from Hajin area of Bandipora district. On Twitter, Bandipora police tweeted- “Terror-cum-recruitment model of Lashkar-e Taiba busted in Hajin, Bandipora. Four arrested. Case FIR registered; further investigation underway. More arrests expected.”
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA officials probed 10 people linked to JeI, J&K terror-funding case.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials, on 20 September 2021, probed 10 people closely associated with proscribed groups/organisation Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), and Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) terror-funding case. The senior office-bearers of the JeI were questioned over source and utilisation of funds, key players behind the group based in India and Pakistan. “JeI’s Kashmir chapter raised donations in India and abroad, ostensibly for charity, but diverted the funds raised to finance violence and secessionist activities,” according to the NIA.
For more information: Click here to read…

Left-Wing Extremism

Anti-Maoist posters emerged in Cherla Mandal in Telangana.

On 17 September 2021, several pamphlets against the Maoist leadership appeared in villages in Cherla Mandal of the Bhadradri-Kothagudem in Telangana. The pamphlets were published in the name of Adivasi Sanghams accusing the Maoists of claiming innocent tribals’ lives by planting landmines and other explosives in the forests and near tribal habitations.
The Adivasi Sanghams also printed images of cattle and people that died because of the hidden explosives set up by Maoists. Recently, an Adivasi youth died in a landmine explosion after he accidentally stepped on it.
For more information: Click here to read…

Islamic Extremism

Delhi Terror Module case: Surat, Mumbai, Patna were likely targets.

The investigation in the “Delhi terror module case” revealed that Surat, Mumbai, and Patna were likely terror targets in coming months. The main accused—Zeeshan Qama, confirmed that Gujarat and Maharashtra were on their target and recce was done in two cities, Surat and Mumbai. The accused also informed that in Bihar, Mahatma Gandhi Setu (Bridge)—which connects Patna with neighbouring Hajipur was another possible target.
“Zeeshan confirmed that he and other co-accused had visited Surat and also carried out recce of Mumbai. The conspiracy was to carry out blasts in the months of September and October,” said a senior police officer on the basis of anonymity. Zeeshan is a management degree holder (MBA) from Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh and had travelled to Pakistan via Muscat for terror training in April 2021.
For more information: Click here to read…

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

Punjab police cracked a pro-Khalistan module in Ludhiana.

On 17 September 2021, Punjab police personnel cracked a module of the Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) and arrested three of its operatives— Gurwinder Singh, Jagwinder Singh, and Sukhdev Singh, after recovering 2.84 lakh pro-Khalistan pamphlets promoting ‘Referendum 2020’, from their possession during a raid in Rampur village in Khanna, Ludhiana district.
The SFJ was banned by the Government of India in July 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A] for their involvement in promoting secession, including Sikh Referendum 2020, and terrorist activities in Punjab.
For more information: Click here to read…

CYBER, INFORMATION WARFARE & AI (SECURITY PERSPECTIVE)

Android malware—GriftHorse stole millions after infecting 10 million phones.

A new Android-based malware—GriftHorse has infected more than 10 million Android devices from over 70 countries, and likely to stole hundreds of millions from its victims by tricking them into subscribing to paid services with their consent. Once installed on a victim’s phone, these malicious apps gained access to the mobile phone number and used it to present their victims with prize and gift alerts that trick the unsuspecting victims to subscribe to premium SMS (Short Message Service) that charged more than €30/ ₹2500 per month to their phone bills.
The Grift Horse malware campaign, active for approx. five months (November 2020-April 2021), was discovered by Zimperium Lab’s researchers. The malware was delivered through over 200 Trojan Android applications delivered through Google’s Play Store, and other third-party app stores.
For more information: Click here to read…