VIF News Digest: National Security - Defence Studies & Terrorism, 01-15 March 2020
Defence:
  • Memorandum of Understanding Between Indian Air Force and Savitribai Phule Pune University
  • New explosive detection device, developed by DRDO & IISc Bangalore, unveiled in Pune
  • Fund Allocation for Armed Forces
  • Start-Ups Dealing with Defence Production and Indigenisation of Imported Equipment
  • New and Innovative Measures by the Ministry of Defence
  • Export Promotion of Indigenously made Defence Products
  • Women in Defence Forces
  • Defence Corridors
  • Establishment of Defence Corridors at Tamil Nadu
  • Defence Expenditure as a part of GDP
  • Military Exercises
  • Border Violation by Pakistan
  • New Sainik Schools
  • Make in India in Defence Sector
  • Pragyan Conclave 2020: Indian Army’s International Seminar Analysing Future Warfare
  • $5 trillion economy target can be achieved through increased private sector participation in defence manufacturing, says Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh
  • Fund for Defence Modernisation
  • Status of ‘Make in India’ Initiative
  • Innovative Defence Projects
  • Scientists leaving DRDO
  • Status Update – Management of Covid-19 Cases by MOD
  • Assistance to Indian Citizens for Quarantine at Air Force Station Hindan
  • AF C-17 ‘Globemaster’ takes off for Iran
  • INS Shardul arrives in Madagascar with relief material
  • International Terrorism:
    Africa
    • Al-Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates working together in West Africa.
    Afghanistan
    • Islamic State terrorists surrendered in Kunar province;
    • IS claimed responsibility for rocket attacks during Afghan Presidential Inauguration;
    • 29 people were killed in a terrorist attack in Kabul.
    Domestic Terrorism:
    Jammu and Kashmir
    • NIA made first arrest in 2019 Pulwama attack case;
    • NIA arrested father-daughter in Pulwama attack case;
    • Security forces arrested LeT associate from Ganderbal;
    • Security forces killed four LeT terrorists in a CT operation in Anantnag;
    • NIA arrested two people in connection with 2019 Pulwama terror attack;
    • Five OGWs of HM arrested from Kishtwar;
    • Two HM terrorists killed in a CT operation in Shopian;
    • Three HM terrorists arrested from Kupwara.
    Left-Wing Extremism
    • Maoist commander surrendered in Gadchiroli;
    • Five Maoist ‘party couriers’ arrested from Telangana;
    • Tamil Nadu police arrested suspected Maoists from Karnataka.
    Islamist-inspired Extremism (including Islamic State)
    • IS used photos of Delhi riots to incite Muslims and called for jihad;
    • NIA interrogated 10 IS suspects in an ongoing case;
    • NIA interrogated the Kashmiri couple over alleged IS connections.
    Cyber & Artificial Intelligence (Security Perspective)
    • Kazakhstan partners with Japan to outline best cyber security practices;
    • Infosys will operationalise cyber defence centre in US.
    DEFENCE
    Memorandum of Understanding between Indian Air Force and Savitribai Phule Pune University

    As a unique initiative of Indian Air Force, the IAF and Savitribai Phule Pune University entered into an academic collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a 'Chair of Excellence' at Department of Defence & Strategic Studies on 29 Feb 20.

    To pay tribute to the legend and commemorate the centenary birth year of the MIAF, the IAF has named it as "Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh Chair of Excellence". The Chair will enable IAF officers to pursue Doctoral Research and higher studies in Defence & Strategic Studies and allied fields. The chair will facilitate research and higher studies in the area of National Defence and allied fields of Air Force officers. The chair would facilitate inculcating astrategic outlook and building a pool of strategic thinkers.

    The ceremony was presided over by Shri Nitin Karmalkar, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor of SPPU. The Chief Guest of the function was Air Marshal Amit Dev AVSM, VSM, Air Officer-in-Charge Personnel, Indian Air Force and was attended by Air Vice Marshal LN Sharma AVSM, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) and other senior IAF and University officials.

    New explosive detection device, developed by DRDO & IISc Bangalore, unveiled in Pune

    RaIDer-X, a new explosive detection device, was unveiled at the National Workshop on Explosive Detection (NWED-2020) in Pune today. RaIDer-X has the capability to detect explosives from a stand-off distance. The data library can be built in the system to expand its capability to detect a number of explosives in pure form as well as with the contaminants. Bulk explosive in concealed condition can also be detected by the device. RaIDer-X has been co-developed by High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) Pune and Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.

    The NWED-2020 was inaugurated by Secretary, Department of Defence Research & Development and Chairman Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) Dr G Satheesh Reddy. The two-day workshop has been organised by HEMRL Pune on its diamond jubilee celebration. HEMRL Pune is a premier laboratory of DRDO. It provides a platform to scientists, technocrats and users to share knowledge, experience and updated information on the technological advancements made in the recent past. The workshop will help in the further development of explosive detection devices and keep abreast on the recent development and advancements in the field of explosive detection.

    In his address, the DRDO Chairman emphasised that detection of explosives is a compelling need of the hour. He said, security agencies are continuously monitoring vulnerable targets with the help of intelligence agencies to thwart the attempts of anti-social elements. Dr Reddy appreciated the joint pursuit of academia and DRDO in developing portable devices, which can now be safely and effectively used by security agencies. He also released a souvenir comprising of abstracts from eminent speakers of DRDO laboratories, IITs, Advanced Centre of Research in High Energy Materials, University of Hyderabad, other universities and delegates.

    A total of 250 delegates from different DRDO laboratories, Army, CRPF, CISF, State Police, academic Institutes, industries and other security agencies are attending the workshop.

    Fund Allocation for Armed Forces

    The details of Budget Estimates (BE), Revised Estimates (RE) and Actual Expenditure (Actuals) on the modernisation of Armed Forces under Defence Services Estimates (DSE) for the last three years and this financial year, are as under:-
    (Rs. in crore)

    Click here to read....

    Start-Ups Dealing with Defence Production and Indigenisation of Imported Equipment

    There has been a surge in start-ups dealing with defence production and indigenisation of imported equipment in last three years. The following initiatives have been taken by the Government to remove entry barriers for private industry including start-ups in the defence domain:

    • Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework, was launched by the Hon’ble PM in April 2018, with the aim for achieving self-reliance and to foster innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace by engaging Industries including MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutes and academia. Under iDEX, the projects or problem statements are identified based on the requirements projected by the Armed Forces, OFB & DPSUs. The selected applicants are eligible for grants uptoRs 1.5 Crore for development of the prototype.
    • In Make-I category (Govt funded) of development of prototype of defence products/platforms, projects not exceeding development cost of Rs. 10 Crore are reserved for MSMEs/Start-ups. Similarly, under Make-II category of development of prototype of defence products/platforms, projects not exceeding development cost of Rs. 3 Crore are reserved for MSMEs/Start-ups.
    • The ‘Make-II’ procedure has been simplified to encourage wider participation of Indian industry, with impetus for MSME/start-ups sector and timely induction of equipment into the Indian Armed Forces. The ‘Start-ups’ recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) from time to time, are eligible to participate under ‘Make-II’ procedure. In addition, the framework for implementation of ‘Make-II’ at OFB and DPSU level has also been notified. More than 2500 items have been notified by OFB and DPSUs for development under ‘Make-II’.

    Click here to read....

    New and Innovative Measures by the Ministry of Defence

    Ministry of Defence has taken several new and innovative measures to improve work culture, bring more transparency and accountability and also enhance result orientation which are as under:-

    • Measures for promoting Probity, Public Accountability and Transparency in defence capital procurements: Execution of Pre Contract Integrity Pact (PCIP) for all cases above Rs. 20 crore is being done to ensure integrity in procurement process. Guidelines for Handling of Complaints provide for time bound disposal of complaints and are aligned to CVC/DoP&T guidelines. Instructions have been issued for ascertaining vigilance status of L-1 vendor before seeking approval of the Competent Financial Authority. Guidelines for Penalties in Business Dealings with Entities and Capacity Assessment for Shipbuilding Entities have been notified.
    • Measures undertaken by Services to improve work culture, transparency: The Organizations follow a fair and transparent policy in distribution of work, posting, grant of leave, honours and award etc. through constant monitoring of cases on weekly and monthly basis and ensuring timelines and accountability. IT resources are being exploited to the optimum to ensure monitoring of work flow, pendency of cases and achievement of results. Online tests for selection of personnel through examination web portal have been started which increased IAF’s testing capability by 8 to 10 times and facilitated candidates to appear for exams in their nearby locations. IAF has successfully implemented Project e-MMS (e-Maintenance Management System) which is a versatile maintenance management tool. Non-classified communications have been moved towards paperless office using software developed by IAF. An Automation Cell have been set up by IAF to digitize, automate and reengineer various operational, maintenance and administrative tasks of IAF with an aim to bring transparency and accountability. IHQ MoD (Navy) has also commenced centralized online recruitment of Naval Civilians to lead a fair and transparent recruitment process.

    In addition to the above measures, installation of biometric attendance system; implementation of IT to monitor workflow, pendency of cases and achievements of results; Performance Management System (PMS) to improve individual performance; online recruitment portal have been undertaken.

    This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri ShripadNaik in a written reply to Dr. Vinay P. Sahasrabuddhe in Rajya Sabha on 2 March 2020.

    Export Promotion of Indigenously made Defence Products

    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 authorisation for defence exports in the country has grown seven folds in the last two years.

    Based on the value of Authorization/Licence issued by DDP to Private companies and actual export by DPSUs/OFB, defence exports during the last three years is as under:

    This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri ShripadNaik in a written reply to Shri Sanjay Raut in RajyaSabhaon 2 Mar 2020. Click here to read....

    Women in Defence Forces

    Indian Army is committed to comply to the judgement of Hon’ble Supreme Court passed on 17th February, 2020 granting permanent commission to the women officers as per their qualification, professional experience, specialization, if any and organization requirement.
    The commanding posts in the Indian Air Force (IAF) are decided purely on merit basis. There is no embargo for detailment of women officers for Commanding Officers’ post in the IAF.Male and female officers inducted into the Navy in various Branches/Cadres/Specialisations under similar schemes are treated at par and without discrimination for posting/billeting. Click here to read....

    Defence Corridors

    In pursuance to the budget announcement (2018-19), it has been decided to set up two Defence Industrial Corridors in the Country, one in Uttar Pradesh and another in Tamil Nadu. Subsequently, six nodes in Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor viz. Agra, Aligarh, Chitrakoot, Jhansi, Kanpur and Lucknow have been identified. Similarly, for Tamil Nadu Defence Corridor, five nodes i.e. Chennai, Coimbatore, Hosur, Salem and Tiruchirappalli have been identified. Till date, six consultation meetings of stakeholders each in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu were organized across its various nodes.

    Investments of approximately Rs 3,700 crore were announced by Ordnance Factory Board (OFB/Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) & Private Industries for Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridors and investment of approx Rs 3,100 crore were announced by OFB/DPSUs & private industries for Tamil Nadu Defence Corridor.

    Further, Government has also appointed a consultant for the preparation of policy and Detailed Project Report (DPR) for these two Defence Corridors. Incentives to private players and foreign companies are provided under the respective state policies. Setting up of Defence Industrial Corridors would catalyse indigenous production of defence and aerospace related items, thereby reducing our reliance on imports and promoting export of these items to other countries. This will lead to achieve India’s goal of self-reliance in defence, generation of direct/indirect employment opportunities and growth of private domestic manufacturers, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Star-ups.

    Presently, there is no proposal to set up more Defence Industrial Corridor(s) in the country.

    This information was given by RakshaRajyaMantri Shri ShripadNaik in a written reply to Dr (Prof) Kirit Premjibhai Solanki and others in Lok Sabha on 11 March 2020.

    Establishment of Defence Corridors at Tamil Nadu

    In pursuance to the Union Budget announcement (2018-19), it has been decided to set up two Defence Industrial Corridors in the Country, one in Uttar Pradesh and another in Tamil Nadu. Subsequently, five nodes for Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor, viz. Chennai, Coimbatore, Hosur, Salem and Tiruchirapalli have been identified. Investments of approximately Rs. 3100 crore were announced by Ordnance Factory Board (OFB)/Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSUs) & Private Industries in Tamil Nadu Corridor.Till date, six consultation meetings of stakeholders in Tamil Nadu were organized across its various nodes. Further, Government has also appointed a consultant for the preparation of Detailed Project Report for these two Defence Corridors.

    Setting up of Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor would catalyse indigenous production of defence and aerospace related items, thereby reducing our reliance on imports and promoting export of these items to other countries. This will lead to generation of direct & indirect employment opportunities and growth of private domestic manufacturers including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups.
    This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri ShripadNaik in a written reply to Shri P. Wilson in Rajya Sabha on 2 March 2020.

    Defence Expenditure as a part of GDP

    As per the table below, Defence Expenditure is increasing every year in absolute terms implying higher spending. (Rs. in crore)

    Note:
    • GDP figures from FY 2015-16 to 2018-19 are as per Economic Survey 2019-20 (Vol-2) – Table 1.6-Components of GDP at Current Prices
    • GDP figures for 2019-20 (RE) and 2020-21(BE) are as per Budget at a Glance (2020-21)
    • BE= Budget Estimates, RE=Revised Estimates, PE = Provisional Estimates
    • It may be seen from above data that Defence Budget as a percentage of GDP may appear to be decreasing due to increasing trend in the growth of GDP. However, it is increasing in absolute terms, implying higher spending. In BE 2019-20, total Defence Budget (including Miscellaneous and Pensions) is Rs. 4,31,010.79 Crore, for the year 2019-20, which is 15.47% of total Central Government Expenditure. In BE 2019-20, Capital Budget of Ministry of Defence is approximately 31.97% of the total capital expenditure of the Central Government Expenditure.The expenditure on operations/ maintenance and Defence Infrastructure has been maintained optimally.

      Details of Capital Budget which includes expenditure on modernization and equipment for the last three years including the current year are as follows:- (Rs. in Crore)

      # Expenditure is upto January, 2020.
      This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik in a written reply to Shri Parimal Nathwani in Rajya Sabha on 2 March 2020.

      Military Exercises

      Indian Armed Forces conducts/participates in various bilateral and multilateral military exercises with foreign countries.The countries with which joint military exercises are proposed to be conducted during the year 2020 include most of the countries given in the table in the link below. This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri ShripadNaik in a written reply to Shri Jagdambika Pal in Lok Sabha on 4 March 2020. Click here to read....

      Border Violation by Pakistan

      There have been 1,586 incidents of ceasefire violations in 2019 and 646 incidents of Ceasefire Violations during the first two months of 2020 {January/February (upto 23rd February)}, on Indo-Pak International border as well as Line of Control after 5th August, 2019. In addition 132 cases of Cross Border Firing from 5th August, 2019 to 31st December, 2019 and 41 cases of Cross Border Firing between 1st January, 2020 to 15th February, 2020 along International Border and Line of Control in UT of J&K were committed.There have been 27 encounters with terrorists in UT of J&K since 5th August, 2019 to 23rd February, 2020. 45 terrorists were neutralized and 07 security force personnel were also got martyred.

      This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik in a written reply to Shri Sunil Baburao Mendhe and others in Lok Sabha on 4 March 2020. Click here to read....

      New Sainik Schools

      Sainik Schools are established on receipt of a specific request from the State Government, which is required to provide infrastructure in the form of land, educational and residential buildings, sports field etc. The entire capital expenditure on land, buildings, furniture and education equipment required by Sainik Schools and a major portion of the running expenditure is borne by the concerned State Government/Union Territory Administration who are responsible for maintenance of buildings, roads and installations and for major replacements. They are also required to release grants-in-aid sought for additional requirements of buildings and furniture, transport, laboratory equipment etc. There are 33 Sainik Schools functioning in the country. There are proposals for 17 new Sainik Schools to be opened. Details are in the link below.

      This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik in a written reply to Shri Manne Srinivas Reddy and others in Lok Sabha on 4 March 2020. Click here to read....

      Make in India in Defence Sector

      Defence products are manufactured based on the requirements of the Armed Forces. Some of the significant products/platforms manufactured by Defence Public Sector Undertaking/Ordnance Factory Board include 155mm Artillery Gun system ‘Dhanush’, Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas’, Dornier Do-228, Advanced Light Helicopter (Dhruv), ‘Akash’ Surface to Air Missile system, Attack Submarine ‘INS Kalvari’, ‘INS Chennai’, Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette (ASWC), Water Jet Fast Attack Crafts (WJFAC), Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), Varunastra Heavy Weight Torpedo, etc.

      Based on the Authorisation/License issued by Department of Defence Production and actual exports by DPSUs/OFB, some of major items exported are Fast Patrol Vessels, Coastal Surveillance System (CSS), Light Weight Torpedoes, Do-228 Aircraft, Wheeled Infantry Carrier, Light Specialist Vehicle, Mine Protected Vehicle, Passive Night Sights, Battle Field Surveillance Radar Extended Range, Integrated Anti-Submarine Warfare, Light Weight Torpedo Launcher and Parts, Zen Advanced Weapons Simulator, Personal Protective items, 155mm Artillery Gun Ammunition, Small Arms and Ammunitions, etc.

      Targets for the production of indigenous defence equipment are decided based on requirements of the Armed Forces. Armed Forces undertake Capital procurement of defence equipment from various domestic as well as foreign vendors, based on threat perception, operational challenges and technological changes so as to keep the Armed Forces in a state of readiness to meet the entire spectrum of security challenges.
      This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik in a written reply to Dr Kalanidhi Veeraswamy in Lok Sabha on 4 March 2020.

      Pragyan Conclave 2020: Indian Army’s International Seminar Analysing Future Warfare

      “PRAGYAN CONCLAVE 2020”, a two-day Indian Army International Seminar being organised by Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), commenced on 04 Mar 2020 at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. The event brings together cross-domain national and international experts to deliberate on the complex subject of ‘Changing Characteristics of Land Warfare and its Impact on the Military’.

      This event was attended by Raksha Rajya Mantri (RRM), Shri Shripad Naik, Chief of the Army Staff, General MM Naravane, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lieutenant General SK Saini along with other dignitaries from the Ministry of Defence, three Services, Central Armed Police Forces and leading Think Tanks & Academic Institutions of the country.

      The seminar provided a platform for deliberations on emerging ideas, perspectives and narratives that define the ‘New Age Warfare’ which is increasingly witnessing a change in its character as well as battlespace with the usage of new ‘means’ to pursue the ‘ends’. Click here to read....

      $5 trillion economy target can be achieved through increased private sector participation in defence manufacturing, says RakshaMantri Shri Rajnath Singh

      Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has called for an increased participation of the private sector in defence manufacturing to realise the Government’s vision of making India a $5 trillion economy by 2024. In his address at the Global Business Summit, Raksha Mantri said, the manufacturing sector has the potential to reach $1 trillion by 2025 and the Government is striving to achieve the goal by implementing key flagship programmes like ‘Make in India’, besides building policies relevant to the digital-economy and fostering human-capital.

      Urging the defence industry to make best use of the emerging opportunities, Raksha Mantri said, a slew of structural reforms has been taken by the Government to create increased synergy between the industry and the public sector to overcome the challenges of private investment in defence. He listed out several steps taken under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, including greater scope for domestic industry in defence tenders, simplification of the industrial licensing process, hike in FDI cap, making defence export less stringent, streamlining the defence offset policy, opening the government-owned trial and testing facilities for the private sector; setting up of two defence industrial corridors and promotion of innovation through participation of start-ups and small and medium enterprises. Click here to read....

      Fund for Defence Modernisation

      An amount of Rs 90,048 crore has been proposed for Capital Acquisition (Modernisation) in BE 2020-21 under Defence Services Estimates which is an increase of Rs 9,088.92 crore over BE 2019-20 allocations. The total amount allocated for Capital Acquisition (Modernisation) is 27.87% of Defence Services Estimates.No official data relating to China’s Defence modernisation is available in this Ministry.Government is taking measures for modernisation of Armed Forces, through procurement of new equipment and upgrading of existing equipment and systems. The modernisation project are being progressed as per approved capital acquisition plan and in terms of extant Defence Procurement Procedure.

      This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik in a written reply to Shri T R Baalu in Lok Sabha on 11 March 2020. Click here to read....

      Status of ‘Make in India’ Initiative

      The Capital Procurement of defence equipment is undertaken based on threat perception, operational challenges and technological changes and to keep the Armed Forces in a state of readiness to meet the entire spectrum of security challenges. While doing so, attempt is made at achieving substantive self reliance in the design, development and production of equipment, weapon systems, platforms required for defence in as early a time frame as possible and creating conditions conducive for private industry to play an active role in this endeavour and enhancing the potential of SMEs in indigenisation and broadening the defence R&D base in the country. A number of measures have been taken to promote ‘Make in India’ in defence manufacturing by harnessing the capabilities of the public and private sectors such as introduction of new category of procurement ‘Buy {Indian-IDDM (Indigenously, Designed, Developed and Manufactured} and ‘Strategic Partnership Model’ in Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP); according preference to ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’, ‘Buy (Indian)’, ‘Buy & Make (Indian)’ & ‘Make’ categories of capital acquisition over ‘Buy (Global)’ & ‘Buy & Make (Global)’ categories, simplification of Make-II procedure, etc. As a result of the aforesaid initiatives, the Government in the last three years i.e. from 2016-17 to 2018-19 and till December, 2019, has accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to 138 proposals worth Rs. 2,69,465.26 crore approximately, under these categories of Capital Procurement which promote domestic manufacturing as per DPP-2016. Click here to read....

      Innovative Defence Projects

      Government has taken various policy measures to promote new and innovative defence production projects under the “Make in India” program:-

      1. 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.,/li>

      2. The ‘Make’ Procedure has been simplified with provision 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 and procurement cost of Rs.50 Crores per year have also been reserved for MSMEs.
      3. A Separate procedure for ‘Make-II’ category has been notified to encourage indigenous development and manufacture of defence equipment including provisions such as relaxation of eligibility criterion, minimal documentation, provision for considering proposals suggested by industry/individual etc.

      Click here to read....

      Scientists Leaving DRDO

      In total, 132 number of scientists left DRDO during last five years on personal grounds.In order to arrest the brain drain and make the career of Scientists in DRDO more lucrative, the following incentives are given to Scientists in DRDO:-

      Financial Incentives:
      • Professional Update Allowance: Scientist ‘B’, ‘C’ & ‘D’ are granted Rs 22,500 p.a., Scientists ‘E’ & ‘F’ Rs 45,000/- p.a. and Scientists ‘G’ and above Rs 67,500 p.a. as Professional Update Allowance.
      • Additional Increments: There was a provision of two additional increments for the Scientists C, D, E & F at Level 11, 12, 13 & 13A respectively in the Pay Matrix in 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) terms. However, as of now the same have been stopped by PCDA. A case has been taken up by this HQ with CGDA to resume the payment of two additional increments.
      • Variable Increments: Up to six increments are granted to deserving Scientists at the time of promotion under Flexible Complementing Scheme (FCS) based promotion scheme on the basis of the performance of the Scientists in Assessment Board.
      • Special Pay: A special pay of Rs 2000 (5th CPC)/Rs 4000 (6th CPC) was granted to Scientists ‘G’ in lieu of higher pay scale through Cabinet sanction. The grant of special pay has been discontinued in 7th CPC as part of list of allowances recommended for abolition.

      Click here to read....

      Status Update – Management of Covid-19 Cases by MOD

      Ministry of Defence has mobilised all necessary resources to support the national effort towards the management of COVID-19 cases.At present, military is running two medical facilities at Hindon, Ghaziabad and Manesar, Haryana and a total of 265 civilians are under military supervision at these two facilities. As per DG AFMS, a batch of 124 cases have completed their 14 days of isolation at Manesar facility, have tested negative and are ready to leave the facility.More facilities at Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Suratgarh, Gorakhpur, Jhansi & Kolkata are geared up to absorb any more citizens that are likely to arrive in India over the next few days.

      Assistance to Indian Citizens for Quarantine at Air Force Station Hindan

      Due to the large scale prevalence of Corona Virus around the world, Indian citizens who were in countries like China (Wuhan) and Iran were evacuated by Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft on two occasions. On the second occasion, a total of 57 pilgrims from Ladakh region who had visited Quom, Iran for pilgrimage, were brought by C-17 aircraft on 10 March 2020 to Air Force Station Hindan. These consisted of 33 women, 02 children and 22 men.
      A quarantine facility has been established at AF Stn Hindan for these pilgrims which has all required facilities for rest and recuperation. The administrative arrangements (identification of buildings, perimeter security, food and water supply, bed and linen, laundry, housekeeping, entertainment, sewage disposal, transportation etc) has been organized at the camp and the medical support (daily examination, lab testing, advise on disinfection and bio-medical waste management, public health measures, management of symptomatic patients, surveillance, creation and referral to isolation wards at nearest hospital) has been organized by Indian Air Force authorities in liaison with local civil administration. The detailed protocol for patient transportation and referral to nearest designated / identified isolation ward of service / civil hospitals has been kept ready.
      Detailed guidelines as mandated by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for quarantine in suspected COVID-19 cases have been implemented. The total period for quarantine is 14 days. The Indian Air Force, as part of the defence services support to civil authorities, would continue unabated relief measures till the situation is normal.

      AF C-17 ‘Globemaster’ takes off for Iran

      A C-17 'Globemaster' aircraft of the Indian Air Force has taken off from Hindan airbase for Tehran today, to airlift Indian citizens. IAF's medical team and support staff is onboard the aircraft for the humanitarian assistance mission. The aircraft will return with Indian citizens in the early hours of 10 Mar 20.Indian Air Force has made all necessary operational and medical arrangements to ensure expeditious and safe return of our countrymen from Iran.

      INS Shardul arrives in Madagascar with relief material

      Indian Naval Ship Shardul entered Port Antsiranana, Madagascar on 10 Mar 20. The ship was carrying 600 tonnes of rice as per directives of Govt of India. An official ceremony for handing over the rice from the Government of India to Government of Madagascar was held onboard INS Shardul at 0900h on 12 Mar 20. The ceremony was attended by the Madagascar Foreign Minister, Dr. Tehindrazanarivelo Djacoba and various high ranking officials from the Madagascar Defence forces and civilian organizations. The Indian side was represented by the Ambassador of India to Madagascar, Mr Abhay Kumar and the ship’s Commanding Officer, Cdr Abhishek Pathak.

      The Foreign Minister of Madagascar appreciated the assistance provided by India and the Indian Navy. He described India as a true friend who is always there during the time of need. He wished that the ties between the two countries will reach newer heights in the days to come.

      INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM
      Africa
      Al-Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates working together in West Africa

      In an interview to Associate Press, the commander of US military’s special forces and Air Force Brig. Gen. Dagvin Anderson alarmed about the collaboration between the al-Qaeda and Islamic State (IS) affiliated terrorist organisations in the Sahel region, including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso of West Africa. Though both groups have different objectives and point of view but in the Sahel region they will be able to overcome the differences and work for a common purpose, said Anderson. Click here to read....

      Afghanistan
      Islamic State terrorists surrendered in Kunar province

      On 01 March, the Governor of Kunar Province in Afghanistan— Abdul SatarMirzakwal informed the press that 42 Islamic State (IS) terrorists had surrendered in the province. These terrorists were active in Wata Pur, Chawkay, Chapa Dara, Nurgal, and Manogay districts of the region. Post-surrender process, the terrorists joined the Afghanistan’s Peace and Reconciliation process. Since January 2020, more than 800 terrorists of Taliban and IS have surrendered before the government. Click here to read....

      IS claimed responsibility for rocket attacks during Afghan Presidential Inauguration

      Without providing any evidences, Islamic State (IS) claimed the responsibility of rocket attacks targeting the Presidential Inauguration ceremony of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in Kabul, on 09 March. Two rockets hit the edge of the compound of the Presidential Palace in Kabul, but no casualties were reported, and he (President Ghani) continued his address. Click here to read....

      29 people were killed in a terrorist attack in Kabul

      During a ceremony to mark the death anniversary of an ethnic Hazara leader— Abdul Ali Mazari on 06 March, Islamic State (IS) terrorists attacked; killed 29 people and injured 61 others in Kabul. Taliban denied any responsibility of the attack. However, according to the Afghanistan’s Ministry of Interior, IS claimed the responsibility of the attack. Click here to read....

      DOMESTIC TERRORISM
      Jammu and Kashmir
      NIA made first arrest in 2019 Pulwama attack case

      The National Investigation Agency (NIA), on 28 February, arrested Shakir Bashir Magrey of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in ongoing investigation of 2019 Pulwama attack case. Magrey allegedly provided shelter and logistic assistance to the perpetrator— Adil Ahmad Dar. According to the investigation, Magrey had informed other terrorists about the movement of CRPF convoy in the area. Click here to read....

      NIA arrested father-daughter in Pulwama attack case

      On 03 March, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Tariq Shah (50) and his daughter— Insha Jan (23), for their alleged involvement in 2019 Pulwama attack, from Pulwama. Allegedly, Jan facilitated the terrorists by providing food and shelter during their stay in the house on more than 15 occasions during 2018-2019. Click here to read....

      Security forces arrested LeT associate from Ganderbal

      On 01 March, the security forces arrested Fayaz Ahmed Bhat— an associate of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)’s terrorist who was killed in exchange of fire with security forces in November 2019. According to a police official (identity undisclosed), “Bhat has been found to have established contacts of militants with locals of Kullan area where they had taken refuge on different occasions and said person also ferried militants from Bandipora to Ganderbal district at the behest of Pakistani handlers”. Security forces recovered a Chinese grenade from Bhat’s possession. Click here to read....

      Security forces killed four LeT terrorists in a CT operation in Anantnag

      In a joint counter-terrorism (CT) operation on 01 March, the security forces (comprised of Army’s 19 Rashtriya Rifles and J&K Police’s Special Operation Group) killed four terrorists, including a ‘top commander’ of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in Watrigam village in Anantnag district. The terrorists were identified as Umar Amin Bhat, Muzaffar Ahmed Bhat aka Abu Talha, Gulzar Ahmed Bhat, and Sajad Ahmed Bhat. Umar Amin (22 years-old) was a B. Tech graduate from Jalandhar, Punjab and had joined LeT in April 2019. Click here to read....

      NIA arrested two people in connection with 2019 Pulwama terror attack

      On 06 March, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested two people, including a person who bought chemicals used in the preparation of IED (Improvised Explosive Device) used in 2019 Pulwama terror attack. Based on the details shared by the Amazon Inc., NIA arrested the buyer of chemicals— Waizul-Islam (19 years-old) from Srinagar. Also, NIA arrested Mohammad Abbas Rather for sheltering the perpetrator suicide bomber Adil Ahmad Dar. According to the NIA Spokesperson, Waiz disclosed that he used his Amazon online shopping account to buy chemicals like ammonium powder for making IEDs, batteries, clothing and other accessories, on the directions of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists. Rather is an Over-Ground Worker (OGW) of JeM. He (Rather) confessed that he provided shelter to JeM terrorist and an IED expert Mohammad Umar during his trip to Kashmir in April-May 2018. Click here to read....

      Five OGWs of HM arrested from Kishtwar

      On 05 March, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police arrested five Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) of Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM), from Kishtwar district. These OGWs were identified as Mohammad Yaseen, ZakirHussain, Gulam Hassan, Mohammad Iqbal, and Bashir Ahmed. Click here to read....

      Two HM terrorists killed in a CT operation in Shopian

      In a joint CT (counter-terrorism) operation on 09 March, security forces killed two Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM) terrorists, including a commander— Ishfaq Ahmad, in Khawjapora Reban village of Shopian district. Click here to read....

      Three HM terrorists arrested from Kupwara

      Security forces, on 11 March, cracked a module of Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM) and arrested three terrorists from Kralpora area in Kupwara district. According to police officials, the arrested trio were in constant contact with the commander—Bashir Piraka ImtiazAlam who carried out activities in PoK (Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir) area. Click here to read....

      Left-Wing Extremism
      Maoist commander surrendered in Gadchiroli

      On 28 February, a Maoist commander—Vilas aka Dasru K Kolha, carrying a reward of INR 9.50 lakhs had surrendered with his AK-47 assault rifle and 35 live rounds of ammunition, Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. Vilas served as North Gadchiroli commander in the cadre. Click here to read....

      Five Maoist ‘party couriers’ arrested from Telangana

      On 29 February, the Bhadradri-Kothagudem police officials arrested five Maoist ‘party couriers’ while they were transporting explosives to Maoist cadres. During a vehicle check Jagannadhapuram village of Palonchamandal, police officials arrested P Saraiah (45 years-old), K Murali (24 years-old), K Nageswara Rao (40 years-old), K Sammaiah (26 years-old), and J Hanumanthu (28 years-old). Police seized three vehicles, 40 gelatine sticks, 40 detonators, and 27 explosive boosters from their possession. Based on the interrogation of five Maoist members, police raided Sri Vengamamba quarry in Jagannathapuram, Bhavani crusher mill and VSI crusher mill in Toggudem, TCMM crusher in Juluripadu, Sai Ganesh metal and crusher in Chunchupalli, and KRK crusher mill in Kothagudem. From the raids, police recovered 2,170 gelatine sticks, 1,428 detonators, and 2,632 explosive boosters and bundles of detonating wire, said Additional Superintendent of Police (Addl. SP) Ramana Reddy. Click here to read....

      Tamil Nadu police arrested suspected Maoists from Karnataka

      On 11 March, the ‘Q’ branch of Tamil Nadu police arrested suspected Maoists— Srimathi and another woman from a check-post near Anaikatti at Tamil Nadu-Kerala border. As per records of the ‘Q’ branch, Srimathi (27 years-old) was attached with Kabani and BhavaniDalams of CPI (Maoist). Click here to read....

      Islamist-inspired Extremism (including Islamic State)
      IS used photos of Delhi riots to incite Muslims and called for jihad

      The Islamic State (IS) has used photos from North-East Delhi’s communal riots in its magazine and incite Muslims with call to jihad against India. The IS’s magazine posted an image of Supreme Court advocate Mehmood Parcha urging Muslims to reject the idea of nationalism and join the Caliphate instead. Earlier in December 2019, NIA (National Investigation Agency) raided Jaffrabad in Delhi and places in Uttar Pradesh on IS-inspired module and arrested five suspects including an engineering student. Click here to read....

      NIA interrogated 10 IS suspects in an ongoing case

      The National Investigation Agency (NIA), on 04 March, interrogated 10 Islamic State (IS) suspects who were arrested for their involvement in conspiracy to wage war against India with the assistance of IS. The case was registered against all 10 suspects with Tamil Nadu police under various sections of the IPC (Indian Penal Code), the UA(P)A [Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act], and the Arms Act for fraudulently obtaining cellular SIM cards on forged identities. Click here to read....

      NIA interrogated the Kashmiri couple over alleged IS connections

      On 09 March, a team of NIA (National Investigation Agency) interrogated the arrested couple from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)— Jahanjeb Sami (36 years-old) and his wife— HinaBashir Beg (39 years-old), for their alleged connections with the Islamic State (IS). Both were living in Jamia Nagar, Delhi, before their arrest by Delhi Police on 07 March. The NIA also probed if the couple had received any monetary assistance or funds from other countries to recruit members for the module. The Delhi Police’s Special Cell claimed that both were involved in instigating protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Upon their arrest, police had seized four cellular phones, a laptop, an external Hard Disk Drive (HDD), and incriminating material from their house. Click here to read....

      Cyber & Artificial Intelligence (Security Perspective)
      Kazakhstan partners with Japan to outline best cyber security practices

      Kazakhstan—Central Asia’s largest country is all set to partner with Japan to outline the best practices of cyber security. On 25 February, the officials of Trend Micro (Japan’s multinational and cyber defence company) and Kazakhstan’s T&T Security company had signed an agreement on the scientific and technological cooperation to support the Kazakhstan government’s initiative— “Concept of Cyber Security” or “Kazakhstan Cyber Shield”. The agreement is to develop and implement local projects and initiatives of information security using the existing Japanese security solutions. Click here to read....

      Infosys will operationalise cyber defence centre in US

      In March 2020, Infosys will operationalise its seventh Cyber Defence Centre (CDC) in Indianapolis, United States (US). The CDC will complement the Infosys Technology and Innovation (IT&I) Centre which was inaugurated in the Indianapolis in early 2019. The CDC will be staffed with the cyber security experts equipped with skills of threat research and intelligence gathering to deliver best services to Infosys’ clients, said CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) and Head of Cyber Security Practices— Vishal Salvi. Along with, the Centre will also assist and guide the American businesses and provide end-to-end, real-time, 24x7 cyber security monitoring and protection services in their digital transformation journey. Click here to read....

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