DEFENCE

• Exchange of list of prisoners between India and Pakistan.
• India and Pakistan exchanged list of Nuclear Installations.
• India supplies next batch of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
• Inauguration of Kalpana Chawla Centre for Research in Space Science & Technology at Chandigarh University.
• Two new P-8I aircraft commenced operations.
• New Sainik schools to provide more opportunities for girls to join the Armed Forces.
• IAC Vikrant next set of sea trials.
• Successful flight test of the deliverable configuration of Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided
• Missile (MPATGM).
• 14th round India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting.
• Maritime Partnership Exercise between Ships of Indian Navy and JMSDF.
• Mi-17 V5 accident on 08 Dec 21 preliminary findings.
• Indian Army 74th Army Day.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

• At least nine people killed in a suicide bombing in Mogadishu.

Nigeria

• Nigerian troops eliminated ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.

Afghanistan

• IS-KP terrorists killed Head of Taliban’s local intelligence wing in Nangarhar.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• NIA arrested a TRF terrorist from Srinagar.
• Security forces eliminated eight terrorists in different CT operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

Left-Wing Extremism

• Maoist leader arrested with explosives from Andhra Pradesh.
• Police arrested eight PLFI aides from Jharkhand.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

• NIA registered case against SFJ operative arrested in Germany.
• Police arrested three KTF terrorists from Moga.

Islamic Extremism

• NIA filed Chargesheet against five al-Qa’ida terrorists in conspiracy case.
• IS Kerala module case: NIA arrested an IS terrorist from Karnataka.
• NIA chargesheet five JMB terrorists in a conspiracy case.
• IS Maharashtra module case: NIA Special Court convicted two IS terrorists.

Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) Cases

• Chikodi FICN case: NIA Special Court convicted and sentenced an accused in Chikodi FICN case.
• Gomtinagar FICN case: NIA filed chargesheet against a FICN accused.
• Ghaziabad FICN case: NIA chargesheet a FICN accused.

DEFENCE

Exchange of list of prisoners between India and Pakistan.

India and Pakistan through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad, the lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in their custody. This is in keeping with the provisions of the 2008 Agreement under which such lists are exchanged every year on 1st January and 1st July.

India handed over lists of 282 Pakistan civilian prisoners and 73 fishermen in India's custody to Pakistan. Similarly, Pakistan has shared lists of 51 civilian prisoners and 577 fishermen in its custody, who are Indians or are believed to be Indians. Pakistan was asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 02 Indian civilian prisoners and 356 Indian fishermen to India whose nationality has been confirmed and conveyed to Pakistan. In addition, Pakistan has been asked to provide immediate consular access to 182 Indian fishermen and 17 civilian prisoners who are in Pakistan's custody and are believed to be Indian.
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India and Pakistan exchanged list of Nuclear Installations.

India and Pakistan exchanged a list of nuclear installations and facilities, covered under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities between India and Pakistan. The Agreement, which was signed on 31 December 1988 and entered into force on 27 January 1991 provides, inter alia, that India and Pakistan inform each other of the nuclear installations and facilities to be covered under the Agreement on the first of January of every calendar year. This is the 31st consecutive exchange of such lists between the two countries, the first one having taken place on January 01, 1992.
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India supplies next batch of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.

India supplied humanitarian assistance consisting of 500,000 doses of COVID vaccine (COVAXIN) to Afghanistan on 01 January 2022. The same was handed over to the Indira Gandhi Hospital, Kabul. Another batch of additional 500,000 doses would be supplied in coming weeks. Earlier last month, India delivered 1.6 tons of medical assistance to Afghanistan through World Health Organization (WHO). On 07th January India supplied the third batch of medical assistance consisting of two tons of essential lifesaving medicines.
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Inauguration of Kalpana Chawla Centre for Research in Space Science & Technology at Chandigarh University.

Raksha Mantri(RM) inaugurated Kalpana Chawla Centre for Research in Space Science & Technology (KCCRSST) at Chandigarh University on January 03, 2022. Underlining the importance of the space sector in today’s times, the RM said, it is deeply connected with mapping, imaging and connectivity facilities, speedy transportation, weather forecast, disaster management as well as border security, adding that it played a crucial role in keeping the world connected during the COVID-19 pandemic, from testing to data-transfer & analyses. The Government understands the potential of the space sector, he added, recalling the four major pillars of reforms in the sector envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. These pillars are: freedom of innovation to the private sector; role of the government as an enabler; preparing the youth for the future and viewing the space sector as a resource for progress. He hoped that the actions identified in the pillars will take the space sector to newer heights and give new direction to the country’s progress.
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Two new P-8I aircraft commenced operations.

The Indian Navy's Boeing P-8I aircraft commenced operations from INS Hansa, Goa with two aircraft arriving on 30 December 2021. The Indian Navy had acquired the first batch of eight P-8I aircraft in 2013 that are stationed at Arakkonam. The second batch of four additional aircraft will be based at INS Hansa.
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New Sainik schools to provide more opportunities for girls to join the Armed Forces.

Raksha Mantri while chairing a webinar on Sainik Schools on January 08, 2022 brought out that the setting up of 100 new Sainik schools will provide an opportunity to girls to join the Armed Forces and contribute to national security,”. He also said, that the Government believes in increasing the role of women in the Armed Forces and a series of steps have been taken in that direction, including clearing the way for admission of girls in Sainik Schools and providing Permanent Commission to women officers.
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IAC Vikrant next set of sea trials.

The IAC now sails to undertake complex manoeuvres to establish specific readings of how the ship performs in various conditions. In addition, various sensor suites of the ship would also be tested.
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14th round India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting.

The 14th round India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting was held at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Chinese side on 12th January 2022. Representatives from the defense and foreign affairs establishments of the two sides were present at the meeting. The two sides had a frank and in-depth exchange of views for the resolution of the relevant issues along the LAC in the Western Sector. They agreed that both sides should follow the guidance provided by the State Leaders and work for the resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest. It was noted that this would help in restoration of peace and tranquility along the LAC in the Western Sector and enable progress in bilateral relations. The two sides also agreed to consolidate on the previous outcomes and take effective efforts to maintain the security and stability on the ground in the Western Sector including during winter. The two sides agreed to stay in close contact and maintain dialogue via military and diplomatic channels and work out a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest. In this context it was also agreed that the next round of the Commanders’ talks should be held at the earliest.
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Maritime Partnership Exercise between Ships of Indian Navy and JMSDF.

Indian Naval Ships undertook Maritime Partnership Exercise with Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force(JMSDF) Ships in the Bay of Bengal on 13 Jan 22. Both JMSDF ships are part of Minesweeper Division One and are on deployment to Indian Ocean Region The exercise was aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, promoting defence cooperation, enhancing mutual understanding and inter-operability between the two navies and sharing best practices.
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Mi-17 V5 accident on 08 Dec 21 preliminary findings.

The Tri-Services Court of Inquiry into the Mi-17 V5 accident on 08 Dec 21 has submitted its preliminary findings. The inquiry team analysed the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder besides questioning all available witnesses to determine the most probable cause of the accident. The Court of Inquiry has ruled out mechanical failure, sabotage or negligence as a cause of the accident. The accident was a result of entry into clouds due to unexpected change in weather conditions in the valley. This led to spatial disorientation of the pilot resulting in Controlled Flight into Terrain. Based on its findings, the Court of Inquiry has made certain recommendations which are being reviewed.
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Indian Army 74th Army Day.

Every year, 15 January is commemorated as “Army Day” to remember the occasion when General (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa took over the command of the Indian Army from General Sir FRR Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief in 1949 and became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India.

The Indian Army’s theme for the year 2022, “In Stride with the Future”, is an acknowledgement of the increasingly critical role played by niche and disruptive technologies in modern warfare. The Indian Army confronts a plethora of security challenges, conventional and non-traditional, and is looking at Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G, Robotics and Quantum Technology to find innovative solutions to these emerging challenges. The Indian Army also unveiled the latest pattern of its combat dress during the parade to ark the day.
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INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

At least nine people killed in a suicide bombing in Mogadishu.

On 12 January 2022, at least nine people killed, and nine others were injured in a suicide bombing that took place near the airport in Mogadishu. The bombing targeted a government security convoy. The explosion occurred near a checkpoint along a road that leads to highly secured airport perimeter.
The al-Qa’ida affiliated— al-Shabaab claimed the responsibility for the attack and confirmed to target a convoy escorting Somali government and foreign officials.
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Nigeria

Nigerian troops eliminated ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.

In two separate counter-terrorism (CT) operations on 10 January 2022, the Nigerian troops have eliminated Islamic State West Asia Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram terrorists within Konduga Local Government area of Borno State in Nigeria. According to media reports, ISWAP terrorists had attempted to attack a military base at Kawuri to loot the armoury when troops ambushed and eliminated them.
Separately, the troops of 73rd Battalion stationed at Jere eliminated Boko Haram terrorists on a looting spree after invading Kayamla community in Borno State.
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Afghanistan

IS-KP terrorists killed Head of Taliban’s local intelligence wing in Nangarhar

On 11 January 2022, the Islamic State-Khurasan Province (IS-KP) terrorists, allegedly, killed— Abid Bashir, the Head of Taliban’s intelligence agency of Bati Kot district in Nangarhar. According to media reports, Bashir was killed when he was patrolling the district area. Abid Bashir was one of the key commanders of the Taliban in Nangarhar province.
Since 2015, the Nangarhar province has been witnessing clashes between the Taliban and IS-KP, when IS-KP began forming terrorist cells and recruiting terrorists, compromising the Taliban influence.
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DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

NIA arrested a TRF terrorist from Srinagar.

On 30 December 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials carried out search and arrested ‘The Resistance Force (TRF)’ terrorist— Arsalan Feroz aka Arsalan Soub, from Srinagar in connection with registered case#RC-32/2021/NIA/DLI.
The case is related with the conspiracy for radicalising and recruiting youth from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) to engage in terror acts, by Sajjad Gul, Salim Rehmani aka Abu Saad, and Saifullah Sajid Jutt—commanders of TRF/Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Till now, four terrorists have been arrested in the case. The NIA officials recovered several incriminating documents and seized digital devices during the search.
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Security forces eliminated eight terrorists in different CT operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

During 02-05 January 2022, security forces killed eight terrorists in four counter-terrorism (CT) operations in different locations in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). On 05 January, a joint team of police and security forces launched an operation and killed three Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists, including a Pakistani national, in Chandgam in Pulwama district. Post-operation, security forces recovered large cache of ammunition, including two US-made M4 Assault Rifles.
Earlier, on 04 January, two unidentified terrorists were killed in a gun-battle in Kulgam district. According to police, the slain terrorists were linked to The Resistance Front (TRF). On 03 January, two terrorists, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)’s ‘wanted’ commander—Salim Parray, were neutralised in Shalimar Garden in Srinagar. However, on 02 January, the Army killed a Pakistani infiltrator— Mohammad Shabir Malik, who was likely to be the member of Pakistan Army’s Border Action Team (BAT). “An attempt by the BAT was made on yesterday (02 January) in Keran Sector. Swift action by troops on the Line of Control (LoC) foiled the bid and eliminated the terrorist—a Pakistani national,” said Maj Gen A S Pendharkar, GoC 28 Infantry Division, Indian Army.
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Left-Wing Extremism

Maoist leader arrested with explosives from Andhra Pradesh.

On 08 January 2022, district police team arrested an Area Committee Member (ACM)— Korra Singru aka Sundar Rao, near Sapparla Junction in G K Veedhi Mandal in Sileru in Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh. Allegedly, along with other members of the banned group—CPI (Maoist), Singru was conspiring an attack on the security forces and special police parties by detonating landmines. Upon Singru’s arrest, police recovered a country-made pistol, five 7.65 mm or .32 cartridges, a metal tiffin box filled with two kilogram of explosive material, two detonators, 60 meters of electrical wires, and four torch batteries.
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Police arrested eight PLFI aides from Jharkhand.

During an operation carried out for six days (from 07 to 12 January 2022), the Jharkhand police arrested eight aides of Peoples’ Liberation Front of India (PLFI)— a splinter group of the CPI (Maoist)— i) Nivesh Kumar, ii) Subham Poddar, iii) Dhruv Kumar Singh, iv) Amir Chand, v) Aarya Kumar Singh, vi) Ujjuwal Kumar, vii) Pravin Kumar, and viii) Subhash Poddar, and recovered arms and ammunition, along with over ₹ 64 lakh in cash.
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Khalistan-inspired Extremism

NIA registered case against SFJ operative arrested in Germany.

On 30 December 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had registered a case# RC-35/2021/NIA/DLI, under Sections 120-B and 121-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Sections 10, 13, 17, 18 and 18-B of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A] against Jaswinder Singh Multani— a Germany-based Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) operative, and his other associates.
The case related to criminal conspiracy hatched by Jaswinder Singh Multani with several other pro-Khalistan elements located abroad for radicalising, motivating, and recruiting youths in Punjab through social media platforms the pro-Khalistan ideology. Allegedly, Jaswinder Singh Multani has also been in contact with the Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) Directorate to conspire terror attacks in Mumbai and other parts of India.
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Police arrested three KTF terrorists from Moga.

On 07 January 2022, Punjab Police team arrested three Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) terrorists— i) Gurpreet Singh aka Gopi, ii) Varinder Singh aka Vinda, and iii) Baljeet Singh, from Chogawan village in Moga district in Punjab. Trio had conspiracy to attack a church in Moga to disturb the Law and Order (L&O) situation in the city. “At first, trio tried to run over the police team when their vehicle was intercepted and later, they threw grenades at the police team. However, police team managed to arrest them,” said Moga Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)—Charanjeet Singh Sohal.
Police recovered a .9mm pistol, a magazine, and six cartridges, from Gurpreet Singh, while a .9mm pistol, two magazines, and 12 cartridges were seized from Varinder Singh; and two hand-grenades were recovered from Baljeet Singh.
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Islamic Extremism

NIA filed Chargesheet against five al-Qa’ida terrorists in conspiracy case.

On 05 January 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed chargesheet against five al-Qa’ida terrorists— i) Museeruddin, ii) Minhaj Ahmad, iii) Shakeel, iv) Mustaqeem, and v) Mohammad Moid, in connection with a conspiracy case# RC-02/2021/NIA/LKW.
The chargesheet filed under Sections 121, 121-A, 122, and 123 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Sections 16, 17, 18, 18-B, 20, 38, 39, and 40 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], Section 25(1)-B (a) of Arms Act, and Sections 4, 5, and 6 of Explosive Substances Act. Investigation revealed that Minhaj was radicalised online by two al-Qa’ida terrorists based in Kashmir. Furthermore, he became part of conspiracy of recruiting potential terrorists for al-Qa’ida’s affiliate group— Ansar Ghazwat ul-Hind (AGuH).
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IS Kerala module case: NIA arrested an IS terrorist from Karnataka.

In a joint operation carried out on 03 January 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Karnataka Police officials arrested an Islamic State (IS) terrorist— Mundadiguttu Sadananda Marla Deepthi Marlah aka Maryam, wife of Anas Abdul Rahiman, in connection with IS Kerala module case# RC-05/2021/NIA/DLI.
Earlier in connection with the same case, NIA had arrested 11 individuals for raising funds, radicalising others to join the IS. The investigation revealed that in January and March 2020, Deepthi Marla and Mohammad Ameen had visited Kashmir for Hijrah (religious migration) and for engaging and supporting terrorist activities of the IS. Along with Mohammad Ameen, Deepthi Marla was the kingpin of the IS conspiracy.
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NIA chargesheet five JMB terrorists in a conspiracy case.

On 07 January 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed chargesheet against five Jamaat ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) terrorists— i) Najiur Rahman Pavel aka Joyram Byapari (Bangladeshi national), ii) Mikail Khan aka Sekh Sabir (Bangladeshi national), iii) Rabiul Islam (Bangladeshi national), iv) Lalu Sen aka Rahul Sen (Indian national), and v) Mohammad Abdul Mannan Bachu aka Mohammad Abdul Mannan Sheikh (Bangladeshi national).
The case# RC-19/2021/NIA/DLI, was in connection with the conspiracy of three Bangladeshi nationals who had illegally entered India, along with other terrorists of JMB and al-Qa’ida in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), to recruit youth and further establishment of so-called ‘caliphate’, with furtherance of terrorist activities in India and Bangladesh.
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IS Maharashtra module case: NIA Special Court convicted two IS terrorists

On 05 January 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court in Mumbai, convicted two Islamic State (IS) terrorists— Rizwan Ahmed and Mohsin Ibrahim Sayyed, in connection with IS Maharashtra module case# RC-02/2016/NIA/MUM.
The accused had radicalised youth from Malwani area in Malad (West), Mumbai, to join IS and instigated them to travel to different parts of the world to wage war against allied nations of India. The quantum of sentence would be pronounced on 07 January 2022.
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Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) Cases

Chikodi FICN case: NIA Special Court convicted and sentenced an accused in Chikodi FICN case.

On 06 January 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court in Bangalore, convicted an accused— Shahnoyaj Kasuri aka Shahnawaz aka Shanu aka Ishak Shaikh, in Chikodi FICN (Fake Indian Currency Note) case#RC-12/2018/NIA/DLI, and sentenced him to five years of Rigorous Imprisonment (RI) and fine of ₹ 5,000.
On 12 March 2018, the case was registered pertaining to recovery of 41 FICNs with face value of ₹ 82,000. The NIA had registered the case on 14 April 2018.
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Gomtinagar FICN case: NIA filed chargesheet against a FICN accused.

On 10 January 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed chargesheet against Sohrab Hussain, a FICN (Fake Indian Currency Note) accused in connection with case# RC-01/2020/NIA/LKW.
The case is related to the recovery of FICNs on 25 November 2019, with face value of ₹ 1,79,000. The preliminary investigation had revealed that the accused had conspired to smuggle, and keep high quality of FICNs, and further circulated and supplied to various people in the State of Uttar Pradesh. The investigation had also revealed that the FICNs were sourced from Malda in West Bengal.
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Ghaziabad FICN case: NIA chargesheet a FICN accused.

On 13 January 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a Chargesheet against Sariful Islam, an accused in Fake Indian Currency Note (FICN) case# RC-02/2020/NIA/LKW. The case is related to recovery of high quality FICNs with face value of ₹ 2,49,500, from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh on 11 December 2019.
The preliminary investigation had revealed that Sariful Islam was in contact with Bangladesh-based smugglers and conspirators involved in FICN trafficking.
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