VIF News Digest: National Security - Defence Studies & Terrorism, 01-15 February 2020
Defence:
  • DRDO at DefExpo 2020
  • Curtain Raiser - DefExpo 2020
  • Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh begins first day of DefExpo 2020 by holding meetings with his counterparts from UAE, UK, Maldives, Kyrgyzstan and Oman
  • 11th edition of DefExpo gets off with a spectacular ceremony
  • Defence Ministers of India and Madagascar reiterate maritime security cooperation in bilateral talks
  • Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh says US-India Defence Relationship transforming from traditional buyer-seller to a collaborative one that can be the biggest of the century
  • Strategy for Export of Defence Products Under 'Make In India' Programme
  • First India – Africa Defence conclave held in Lucknow coinciding with DefExpo-2020
  • Lucknow Declaration Adopted at 1st India-Africa Defence Ministers Conclave, 2020
  • 14 MoUs were exchanged between the Russian OEMs and the Indian companies at the 5th Round of India-Russia Military Industrial Conference on 6th February, 2020 at Lucknow
  • DRDO Signs Technology Development Contract with Rosoboronexport Russia
  • DefExpo witnesses signing of Over 200 MoUs, ToTs and product launches
  • DGQA’s Role in MoD Schemes for Incentivizing Defence Manufacturing
  • Bandhan, DefExpo 2020: DRDO handed over 15 licenses for ToT (LATOT) to 17 industries
  • DefExpo successful in projecting Uttar Pradesh’ potential as Defence Manufacturing hub, says Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh
  • Export of Defence Product manufactured in the Country
  • Boosting Domestic Production of Defence Equipment
  • FDI in Defence Products
  • Impact of FDI in Defence
  • Export of Defence Equipment
  • Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR-2020
  • INS Jamuna Progresses joint Hydrographical Operations off Sri Lanka
International Terrorism:
United States of America
  • Al-Qa’ida claimed the Florida Naval Base shooting of December 2019.
Africa
  • Nigeria- Boko Haram terrorists killed at least 30 people in Borno region.
Maldives
  • Three IS operatives were arrested for stabbing the foreigners in Hulhumale.
Domestic Terrorism:
Jammu and Kashmir
  • NIA raided multiple locations in South Kashmir;
  • Police arrested four JeM terrorists from Pulwama;
  • NIA probed former J&K MLA over links with HM commander;
  • Three Pakistani JeM terrorists killed in CT operation in Jammu;
  • Police arrested three JeM terrorists from Srinagar;
  • Police arrested three HM and two LeT terrorists in two operations in Srinagar.
Left-Wing Extremism
  • Maoist hideouts busted and huge cache of arms recovered in Odisha.
Khalistan-inspired Extremism
  • SFJ wanted to establish “Greater Khalistan” Headquarter in Lahore;
  • UP ATS arrested a weapon supplier to KLF, from Uttarakhand.
Cyber & Artificial Intelligence (Security Perspective)
  • “India is the most cyber-attacked country; with 600m Internet users”, revealed NCSC;
  • Over 67,000 cyber security professionals will be in demand in 2020: a corporate HR estimate.
DEFENCE
DRDO at DefExpo 2020

A wide range of strategic and tactical weapon systems, defence equipment and technologies developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was on display at the DefExpo 2020 held in Lucknow from February 05-09, 2020. DRDO highlighted products from its eight technology clusters, Aeronautical Systems, Armament & Combat Engineering (ACE), Electronics and Communication Systems (ECS), Life Sciences (LS), Micro Electronic Devices and Computational Systems (MED &CoS), Missile & Strategic Systems (MSS), Naval Systems & Materials (NS & M) and System Analysis and Modelling (SAM). Technology clusters, each headed by a Director General are entrusted with design and development of systems, products and core defence technologies. DRDO was a major participant at 11th edition of the biennial defence exhibition DefExpo 2020. It highlighted more than 500 indigenously developed products with active participation from major laboratories belonging to different technology clusters. Click here to read....

Curtain Raiser - DefExpo 2020

DefExpo-2020, a flagship biennial event of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, one of the largest events of its kind is being held for the first time in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh from 5th to 9th Feb 2020. The 11th edition of Def Expo promises to bring new technologies, technological solutions, where Defence manufacturing companies from India and abroad showcase their products and services in Defence arena, on a single platform. The tremendous response shown by Defence manufacturing companies and the partner countries will surely hold Defence Expo 2020 on a higher pedestal in terms of the offerings for Defence related industries. Click here to read....

RakshaMantri Shri Rajnath Singh begins first day of DeExpo 2020 by holding meetings with his counterparts from UAE, UK, Maldives, Kyrgyzstan and Oman

Shri RajnathSingh, today began the first day of DefExpo 2020 by holding successive meetings with Defence Ministers of five Countries – UAE, UK, Maldives, Kyrgyzstan and Oman. The DefExpo, largest of its kind, is being held for the first time in Lucknow, capital of Uttar Pradesh. In the bilateral meeting with His Excellency Mohammed Al Bowardi, MoS for Defence Affairs of the UAE, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajanth Singh exchanged views on further strengthening the cooperation in Defence Affairs. They expressed satisfaction at various dimensions of the ongoing Defence cooperation between the two countries. Welcoming the UAE Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh invited him to explore varied cultural and touristic potential of Uttar Pradesh. The warmth and bonhomie shared between the top leadership of both the countries over the years has resulted in transforming bilateral cooperation to a strategic partnership. Click here to read....

11th edition of DefExpo gets off with a spectacular ceremony

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh Mantri said that the creation of two Defence corridors was a result of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of leading India to become a technological powerhouse catapulted through policy initiatives such as Make in India, Start-up India and Skill India. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of Defence Expo 2020, Raksha Mantri said that the Nation would benefit from the defence industrial eco- system being setup and developed using cluster development. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 11th Edition of Defence Expo at a spectacular ceremony in Lucknow. The biggest ever of its kind, DefExpo 2020 would showcase India's military might and technological innovations. Click here to read....

Defence Ministers of India and Madagascar reiterate maritime security cooperation in bilateral talks

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, held bilateral talks with Lt Gen Rokotonirina Richard, Defence Minister of Madagascar on the second day of DefExpo 2020 in Lucknow. During the discussions, Raksha Mantri stressed upon enhancing ties in Maritime security cooperation in the region. He said that, as maritime neighbours both countries have responsibility to ensure a secure maritime environment so that trade and commerce flourish. Underlining the President of India’s state visit to Madagascar in March 2018, Shri Rajnath Singh said that the historic visit reaffirmed the excellent bilateral relationship between the two countries. He emphasized that the MoU signed during the visit provided an enabling framework for defence cooperation between the two countries. Raksha Mantri hoped that the DefExpo 2020 would provide a platform for both the countries to further strengthen the defence ties and in exploring various areas of mutual engagement. Click here to read....

RakshaMantri Shri Rajnath Singh says US-India Defence Relationship transforming from traditional buyer-seller to a collaborative one that can be the biggest of the century

Raksha Mantri Shri RajnathSingh, sought to synchronise the export capability of US defence sector with the ever-expanding opportunities in the defence manufacturing sector available in India to take the relationship between the two countries towards a collaborative approach from traditional 'Buyer-Seller'. Speaking at a seminar organized during the DefExpo2020 in Lucknow by the US-India business Council (USIBC), Shri Rajnath Singh referred to several key agreements signed in 2 + 2 Dialogue during his recent trip to USA and said “Indo-US relationship will move towards collaboration approach from traditional 'Buyer-Seller'. I am confident that this relationship will be more dynamic and vibrant in future”. He added “the U.S. is one of the largest defence exporters for India and the world. At the same time, the defence manufacturing sector in India is growing at rapid pace. In such a situation, our collaboration can prove to be the biggest collaboration of this century”. Click here to read....

First India – Africa Defence conclave held in Lucknow coinciding with DefExpo-2020

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh today signalled India’s readiness to take the defence engagements with the friendly African countries to the next level. Addressing the India-Africa Defence Ministers Conclave in Lucknow today, on the sidelines of DefExpo 2020, Shri Rajnath Singh said “India will continue to intensify and deepen engagement. It will be a partnership guided by your priorities. More specifically on the defence cooperation, these include strengthening cooperation and mutual capabilities in combating terrorism and extremism, keeping our cyberspace safe and secure and supporting the UN in advancing and keeping peace.” 12 Defence Ministers & 38 Countries represented the India-Africa Defence Ministers' Conclave, today. Click here to read....

Lucknow Declaration Adopted at 1st India-Africa Defence Ministers Conclave, 2020

The Defence Ministers and Heads of Delegation from African countries and the Defence Minister of the Republic of India held the first ever India Africa Defence Ministers’ Conclave during the 11th edition of the biennial defence exhibition DEFEXPO INDIA 2020 at Lucknow, India on 6th February 2020. During the first India-Africa Defence Ministers’ Conclave the Conclave, adopted the Lucknow Declaration. Full text of the declaration is available below. Click here to read....

14 MoUs were exchanged between the Russian OEMs and the Indian companies at the 5th Round of India-Russia Military Industrial Conference on 6th February, 2020 at Lucknow

The 5th round of India-Russia Military Industrial Conference (IRMIC) was conducted on 6th February 2020 on the sidelines of Defexpo-2020 at Lucknow. The conference was co-chaired by Dr. Ajay Kumar, Defence Secretary from the Indian Side and Mr. Oleg Ryazantsev, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of Russian Federation. Dr. Ajay Kumar, in his opening remarks brought out that the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) on Joint manufacturing of spares in India has been signed at Vladivostok, Russia on 4th September, 2019. The IGA provides framework for partnership of Russian OEMs with Indian industry for manufacturing of spare parts of Russian origin equipment in use by the Indian Defence Forces. Dr Ajay Kumar further elaborated that the Indian side has taken a number of steps to expedite the collaboration between the Indian and Russian Companies and looks forward for expeditious commencement of manufacturing in India. The Russian Deputy Minister, Mr. Oleg Ryazantsev highlighted that the Russian side would actively participate in the collaborations under the ambit of the IGA and would take all necessary steps to facilitate manufacturing of parts in India. Click here to read....

DRDO Signs Technology Development Contract with Rosoboronexport Russia

High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) is the DRDO laboratory working in the development of spectrum of high energy materials required for missiles, rockets and guns. During DefExpo 2020, HEMRL, Pune signed technology development contract with Rosoboronexport, Russia for development of Advanced Pyrotechnic Ignition Systems. Director HEMRL Shri KPS Murthy informed that this will enable advancement in the field of energetic materials and pyrotechnic technology leading to the development of advanced ignition systems. This will meet futuristic requirements of high-performance propulsion systems. He added that the propulsion systems are the power behind the rockets and missiles. This technology development will facilitate design and development of state of art solid rocket motors for upcoming products. These products will be based on compact and energy efficient propulsion systems.

DefExpo witnesses signing of Over 200 MoUs, ToTs and product launches

Over 200 partnerships involving Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs), Transfer of Technology (ToTs) , Product launches were concluded on the third day of DefExpo 2020, at ceremony tilted “Bandhan”, making it the most successful such events to be held in India. The pacts, aimed at forging and renewing partnerships for innovative collaboration, and transformation of the Defence manufacturing in the country were inked by representatives of various DPSUs, Indian private Defence companies and foreign companies in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow. Click here to read....

DGQA’S Role in MoD Schemes for Incentivizing Defence Manufacturing

DGQA had conducted a seminar on the Role in MoD Schemes for Incentivizing Defence Manufacturingon 07 Feb 2020 at DefExpo 2020 to discuss various Schemes of Defence Ministry to facilitate the domestic defence industry. The seminar had highlighted and showcased the following new Schemes launched / being launched by the Department of Defence Production. Click here to read....

Bandhan, DefExpo 2020: DRDO handed over 15 licenses for ToT (LATOT) to 17 industries

In DEFEXPO 2020, during the MoU signing ceremony titled ‘Bandhan’, DRDO handed over 15 licenses for ToT (LATOT) to 17 industries on DRDO developed technologies. This would enhance cooperation and synergy between industry and Government organisations. The technologies transferred are from the area of electronics, laser technology, armaments, life sciences, materials science, combat vehicles, naval systems, aeronautics, sensors, etc. These products are Mine Field Marking Equipment MK-II (MFME MK-II), e-Nasika, DMS HIDEN Fuel-I, Bi-Modular Charge System (BMCS), 500kg General Purpose Bomb, 250kg Pre Fragmented Bomb, Electronic Fuze for 81mm Mortar Bomb, Post Impact Delay Fuze for Air Delivery Bomb, Vehicle Mounted ECM System, IR Flare for CMDS, Process Monitoring of Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Moulding (VARTM), Man mounted cooling system, Optical Target Locater 600 (OTL 600), High Power Li-ion Battery Technology (HPLBT) and Combat Free Fall (CFF) Parachute System. These high technology products will boost the defence manufacturing sector with self reliance and enhance the operation capabilities of Armed Forces. Click here to read....

DefExpo successful in projecting Uttar Pradesh’ potential as Defence Manufacturing hub, says RakshaMantri Shri Rajnath Singh

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh described DefExpo 2020 as an unprecedented success which not only witnessed participation of a large number of exhibitors but also forged new partnerships and attracted more than 12 lakh visitors.Speaking at the valedictory ceremony on the fourth day of DefExpo 2020 at Lucknow today, Shri Rajnath Singh said UP stands for Unlimited Potential and DefExpo has succeeded in projecting a new identity of the state in defence sector and the Defence corridor received a huge boost for attracting new investments with the signing of 23 MoUs. He said DefExpo would also establish India as a Defence manufacturing hub of the world and exporter. He thanked Prime Minister Shri NarendraModi for inaugurating the DefExpo and adopting policies that improved image of India on world stage. Click here to read....

Export of Defence Product manufactured in the Country

Various reforms/steps have been taken to enhance Defence exports. These reforms have provided a big boost to defence exports in the recent times. The authorization for defence exports in the country have grown seven folds in the last two years from Rs.1521.91 crore in 2016-17 to Rs.10745.77 crore in 2018-19. Click here to read....

Boosting Domestic Production of Defence Equipment

Government has taken following policy initiatives to boost production and promote indigenous design, development & manufacture of defence equipment in collaboration with Indian private sector:-

  1. Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) has been revised in 2016 wherein specific provisions have been introduced for stimulating growth of the domestic defence industry including private sector.
  2. A new category of procurement “Buy {Indian-IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)}” has been introduced in Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP)-2016 to promote indigenous design and development of defence equipment. It has been accorded top most priority for procurement of capital equipment. Besides this, preference has been accorded to ‘Buy (Indian)’, ‘Buy and Make (Indian)’ & ‘Make’ categories of capital acquisition over ‘Buy (Global)’ & ‘Buy & Make (Global)’ categories.
  3. FDI Policy has been revised and under the revised policy, FDI is allowed under automatic route upto 49% and beyond 49% through Government route wherever it is likely to result in access to modern technology or for other reasons to be recorded.
  4. An innovation ecosystem for Defence titled Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) has been launched in April, 2018. iDEX is aimed at creation of an ecosystem to foster innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace by engaging Industries including MSMEs, Start-ups, Individual Innovators, R&D institutes and Academia and provide them grants/funding and other support to carry out R&D which has potential for future adoption for Indian defence and aerospace needs.
  5. The “Make” Procedure has been simplified with provisions for funding of 90% of development cost by the Government to Indian industry and reserving Government funded Make-I projects not exceeding development cost of Rs.10 Crore& procurement cost Rs. 50 Crore per year for MSMEs. The industry funded Make-II Projects not exceeding development cost of Rs.3 Crore& procurement cost Rs. 50 Crore per year have also been reserved for MSMEs.
  6. Separate procedure for “Make-II” category has been notified under DPP to encourage indigenous development and manufacture of defence equipment. Numbers of industry friendly provisions such as relaxation of eligibility criterion, minimal documentation, provision for considering proposals suggested by industry/individual etc. have been introduced in this procedure.
  7. Government has notified the “Strategic Partnership (SP)” Model which envisages establishment of long-term strategic partnerships with Indian entities through a transparent and competitive process, wherein they would tie up with global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to seek technology transfers to set up domestic manufacturing infrastructure and supply chains.
  8. Government has notified a Policy for indigenisation of components and spares used in Defence Platforms in March, 2019 with the objective to create an industry ecosystem which is able to indigenize the imported components (including alloys & special materials) and sub-assemblies for defence equipment and platform manufactured in India.
  9. Offset guidelines have been made flexible by allowing change of Indian Offset Partners (IOPs) and offset components, even in signed contracts. Foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are now allowed to provide the details of IOPs and products after signing of contracts. In order to bring more transparency and efficiency into the Offset discharge process, “Offset portal” has been created in May, 2019.
  10. Defence Products list requiring Industrial Licences has been rationalised and manufacture of most of parts or components does not require Industrial License. The initial validity of the Industrial Licence granted under the IDR Act has been increased from 03 years to 15 years with a provision to further extend it by 03 years on a case-to-case basis.

Click here to read....

FDI in Defence Products

In May, 2001, the Defence Industry sector, which was hitherto reserved for the public sector, was opened up to 100% for Indian private sector participation, with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to 26% both subject to licensing. Further, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry vide Press Note No. 5 (2016 Series), has allowed FDI under automatic route upto 49% and above 49% through government route wherever it is likely to result in access to modern technology or for other reasons to be recorded. As per the data furnished by 79 companies operating in Defence and Aerospace sector, so far, FDI inflows of over Rs 1834 crores have been reported after 2014 under both government and automatic route. By allowing higher FDI in the Defence sector, the global companies having high-end technologies can be encouraged to set up their manufacturing base in India in collaboration with Indian companies, thereby resulting in creation of employment opportunities, saving of foreign exchange and increasing indigenisation. FDI is one of the sources available for the industry to access some of the technologies required to indigenously design, develop and produce the equipment, weapon systems/platforms required for defence. Click here to read....

Impact of FDI in Defence

In May, 2001, the Defence Industry sector, which was hitherto reserved for the public sector, was opened upto 100% for Indian private sector participation, with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) upto 26% both subject to licensing. Further, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry vide Press Note No. 5 (2016 Series), has allowed FDI under automatic route upto 49% and above 49% through government route wherever it is likely to result in access to modern technology or for other reasons to be recorded. Further, FDI in defence industry sector is subject to industrial license under Industries (Development & Regulation) Act, 1951 and manufacturing of small arms and ammunition under the Arms Act, 1959. As per the data furnished by 37 companies operating in Defence and Aerospace sector, so far, FDI inflows of over Rs. 1561 Crores have been reported in defence and aerospace sector after 2014 in automatic route.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri ShripadNaik in a written reply to Shri Prashanta Nanda in Rajya Sabha on 10 February 2020.

Export of Defence Equipment

Department of Defence Production issues authorization for export of Munitions List covered in Category 6 of SCOMET.The cost of the items and quantum of foreign exchange earned varies from company to company. Such data is not maintained.The countries and the defence equipment for which export authorization has been issued by the Department are given in the undermentioned link. Click here to read....

Strategy for Export of Defence Products Under 'Make In India' Programme

Various strategies have been firmed up and reforms introduced to enhance Defence exports. These measures are listed below:

  1. Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies (SCOMET) Category 6 titled “ Munitions List” that was hitherto “Reserved” has been populated and Military Stores list notified vide Notification No.115(RE-2013)/2009-2014 dated 13th March 2015 stands rescinded.
  2. The Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) vide Public Notice No. 4/2015-20 dated 24th April, 2017, notified Department of Defence Production (DDP) as the Licensing Authority for export items in Category 6 of SCOMET. The export of items specified in Category 6 (Munitions List) except those covered under Notes 2 & 3 of Commodity Identification Note (CIN) of the SCOMET is now governed by the Standard Operating Procedure issued by the Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence.
  3. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the export of munitions list items has been simplified and placed on the website of the DDP.
  4. A completely end-to-end online portal for receiving and processing authorisation permission has been developed. The applications submitted on this portal are digitally signed and the authorization issued is also digitally signed.
  5. The Government has notified the Open General Export License (OGEL) - a onetime export license, which permits the industry to export specified items to specified destinations, enumerated in the OGEL, without seeking export authorization during the validity of the OGEL.
  6. Scheme for Promotion of Defence Exports has been notified to provide an opportunity to the prospective exporters an option to get their product certified by the Government and provides access to the testing infrastructure of Ministry of Defence for initial validation of the product and its subsequent field trials. The certificate can be produced by the prospective exporter for marketing their products suitably in the global market.
  7. A separate Cell has been formed in the Department of Defence Production to co-ordinate and follow-up on export related action including enquiries received from various countries and facilitate private sector and public sector companies for export promotion.
  8. A Scheme to provide financial support to Defence Attaches for taking up actions for promoting exports of Indian made defence products both of public and private sector in the countries to which they are attached has been notified.
  9. Targets have been set for the Defence Public Sector Undertakings and OFB for export of Defence products.

This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik in a written reply to Shri Sambhaji Chhatrapati in RajyaSabha today.

Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR-2020
Curtain Raiser

Fifth edition of Joint Military Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR-2020 between India and United Kingdom will be conducted at Salisbury Plains, United Kingdom from 13 to 26 February 2020. The exercise will comprise of 120 soldiers each from Indian and United Kingdom Army who would be sharing their experiences gained during conduct of various counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations in the past.
The aim of this exercise is to conduct company level joint training with emphasis on counter terrorists operation in Urban and Semi Urban areas. Training on modern weapon systems, equipment and simulator training have also been planned. Notably, in the series of military training exercises undertaken by India with various countries, Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR with United Kingdom is an important exercise in terms of the security challenges faced by both the nations in the realm of changing facets of global terrorism. The exercise is conducted alternatively in United Kingdom and India.
The joint military exercise displays a bilateral willingness to work jointly and share operating procedures to deal with a situation in a specified operational setting. Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR will promote defence cooperation and enhance interoperability while sharing experiences between both the armies.

Opening Ceremony

Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR-2020 can be termed as the shining example of long standing strategic ties between India and United Kingdom. During the opening ceremony Brig Tom Bewick, Commander of UK 7 Infantry Brigade welcomed the Indian contingent. As part of the exercise, important lectures, demonstrations and drills related to counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations will be conducted. Both the armies will also share their valuable experiences in countering such situations as also refine drills and procedures for joint operations wherever the need so arises.

The exercise will be culminating with a 72 hours joint exercise which will focus on the joint operation by soldiers during conduct of counter terrorist operations. The exercise is a great step for the armies of the two democratic countries to train together and gain together from each other’s rich operational experiences.

INS Jamuna Progresses joint Hydrographic Operations off Sri Lanka

Indian Navy’s Sandhayak class Hydrographic Survey Ship, INS Jamuna (J16), commanded by Captain HA Hardas, arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka on 06 Feb 20. The ship has been deployed to Sri Lanka based on a mutual agreement to carry out Joint Hydrographic Survey off the South West Coast of Sri Lanka.

The Commanding Officer called on Rear Admiral SisiraJayakody, Chief Hydrographer of Sri Lanka Navy and Rear Admiral SA Weerasinghe, Commander Western Naval Area.

Over the two months deployment period, the ship will carry out detailed hydrographic surveys and several shore-based survey activities. Sri Lanka Navy personnel will embark the ship during the conduct of the Joint Survey. Additionally Sri Lanka Navy personnel will also be provided ‘hands on’ survey training during every operational turn around in port.

As a precursor to the survey operations at sea, several shore-based survey activities were progressed during the ship's stay in Colombo harbour including familiarization visit of Sri Lankan personnel on board, briefing on capabilities of the ship , and a Harbour Training Program for the SLN sailors . INS Jamuna also hosted a meeting between Rear Admiral SisiraJayakody, Chief Hydrographer of Sri Lankan Navy, officers of Sri Lankan hydrographic department and Indian officers of the ship.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM
United States of America
Al-Qa’ida claimed the Florida Naval Base shooting of December 2019

In a pre-recorded audio tape released on 02 February, the slain leader of al-Qa’ida in Arab Peninsula (AQAP) in Yemen— Qassim al-Raymi claimed the responsibility of December 2019 Florida Naval Air Base shooting attack in which a Saudi Arabian military officer-turned terrorist killed three sailors and wounded eight people. The group did not offer any evidences of training the terrorist— Second Lieutenant Mohammad Saeed al-Shamrani, but some correspondences proving that he had been in contact with al-Qa’ida. On 29 January, Qassim al-Raymi was killed in US-led drone strikes in Yemen in late January 2020, however, both US and Yemeni security agencies were awaiting confirmation for the same. Click here to read....

Africa
Nigeria
Boko Haram terrorists killed at least 30 people in Borno region

On 09 February, the Boko Haram terrorists set ablaze several trucks carrying passengers in Borno region. According to an estimate, at least 30 people were killed in the arson attack. However, there was no official claim from the group. The eyewitnesses to the incident had reported that the terrorists attacked on motorbikes, set ablaze at least 18 vehicles and abducted several people. Borno region is an epicentre of the Boko Haram and ISWA (Islamic State in West Africa). Click here to read....

Maldives
Three IS operatives were arrested for stabbing the foreigners in Hulhumale

On 06 February, the Maldivian Police arrested three Islamic State (IS) operatives over the stabbing of two Chinese and an Australian national in Hulhumale Island. All three victims were in stable condition at the hospital. An IS-affiliated group based in Maldives took responsibility of the attack via video posted on the Internet. Click here to read....

DOMESTIC TERRORISM
Jammu and Kashmir
NIA raided multiple locations in South Kashmir

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on 02 February, raided multiple locations in South Kashmir in connection with a case of arrested and suspended DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police)— Davinder Singh of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police. Davinder Singh was arrested while accompanying two terrorists out of Kashmir on 11 January 2020. Click here to read....

Police arrested four JeM terrorists from Pulwama

On 03 February, the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police have arrested four terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) — Mohammad Amin, Mohammad Rafiq, Fayaz Lone, and Mohammad Maqbool Dar, from Awantipora area of Pulwama district. According to the police, the arrested terrorists were involved in providing logistic support and shelter to other terrorists in the valley. Click here to read....

NIA probed former J&K MLA over links with HM commander

In a case of arrested and suspended DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police) of J&K (Jammu and Kashmir)—Davinder Singh, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) probed former J&K MLA Sheikh Abdul Rashid over his links with “self-styled” commander of Hizbul-Mujahideen— Naveed “Babu”. Earlier, Naveed had claimed that he was in contact with Sheikh Rashid. At present, Sheikh Rashid is in judicial custody at Tihar Jail (Delhi) after he was arrested by the NIA on 09 August 2019 over his alleged involvement in terror funding activities in J&K. Click here to read....

Three Pakistani JeM terrorists killed in CT operation in Jammu

In counter-terrorism (CT) operation on 31 January, security forces killed three Pakistan-origin Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists at a toll plaza in Nagrota area at the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH). These terrorists were on their way to Srinagar in a truck before it was stopped at the Nagrota checkpost. Two Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) of the terrorists were arrested. Click here to read....

Police arrested three JeM terrorists from Srinagar

On 07 February, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police arrested three terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM)—Naveedul-Lateef, Shakeel Ahmad Band, and Shamshad Manzoor, from Srinagar district. All three terrorists were involved in recent grenade attack at Pratap Park in Lal Chowk, Srinagar. Click here to read....

Police arrested three HM and two LeT terrorists in two operations in Srinagar

In two separate operations on 08 February, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police arrested three terrorists of Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM) and two of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), from Budgam and Bandipora districts, respectively. In Budgam, police arrested Amir Shafi Dar, Shabir Ahmed Ganie, and Mudasir Ahmed Khan with the recovery of incriminating materials, including arms and ammunitions from their possession. In a separate incident on same day, police arrested two LeT terrorists— Irfan Aziz Bhat and Mohammad Asif Parray, from Hajin area in Bandipora district. A laptop, a printer (suspected to be used for printing posters) recovered from the site. Click here to read....

Left-Wing Extremism
Maoist hideouts uncovered and huge cache of arms recovered in Odisha

In an extensive operation conducted in January 2020, major Maoist hideouts and dumps were uncovered in Swabhiman Anchal in Malkangiri district in Odisha. In the operation, huge cache of arms and ammunition, equipment, and other articles were seized, said Director-General of Police (DGP) Abhay. Teams of Odisha police, BSF (Border Security Force), CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), and Andhra Pradesh police participated in the operation. Click here to read....

Khalistan-inspired Extremism
SFJ wanted to establish “Greater Khalistan” Headquarter in Lahore

After failing to lure the Indian Sikh community, the pro-Khalistan outfit— Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) is trying to radicalise Pakistani-Hindus and Christians for their propaganda of Khalistan state. In a recent video titled- “Sikh Referendum 2020” posted on its Facebook page, SFJ’s Gurpatwant Singh Pannu said that the referendum is for Muslims and Christians too. The registration forms will be distributing to every household in Pakistan and the voting will start from 06 June 2020. Also, the SFJ demanded to establish the Headquarter of “Greater Khalistan” in Lahore. Click here to read....

UP ATS arrested a weapon supplier to KLF, from Uttarakhand

The Uttar Pradesh (UP) Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on 01 February, arrested a man—Ashish Kumar, from Roorkee district of Uttarakhand, over allegedly supplying weapons to the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF). Ashish Kumar, a resident of Meerut, was wanted in an “attempt to murder” case at Mohali district in 2018. Ashish used to supply weapons to Gugani Grewal—a close associate of slain KLF leader Harmeet Singh aka Happy PhD. Click here to read....

Cyber & Artificial Intelligence (Security Perspective)
“India is the most cyber-attacked country; with 600m Internet users”, revealed NCSC

While addressing the inauguration of the Cyber Security Centre of Excellence (CSCE) on 28 January, India’s National Cyber Security Coordinator— Lt Gen Rajesh Pant (Retd) has revealed that with the large population of 600m Internet users, who may not be well-educated, India is the most cyber-attacked country in the world. Lt Gen Pant also informed that mobile phones were involved in 90 per cent of cyber-crime, and the digital forensics has become an important area to address. Click here to read....

Over 67,000 cyber security professionals will be in demand in 2020: a corporate HR estimate

According to a report by a specialist staffing firm— Xpheno, there will be over 67000 job openings in cyber security domain in India in 2020. A data from Xpheno has revealed that the area focuses will be on application security, threat management, cloud security, information security, network security, and compliance security. Out of total number of jobs, 19000 would be in Bangalore city alone. Click here to read....

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