DEFENCE

• Army Static Switched Communication Network (ASCON) Phase IV of the Indian Army to be established.
• Flight Testing of DRDO’s Laser Guided ATGM.
• MoD signs contract worth 409 crore with Indian Company for supply of Multi-Mode Hand Grenades to Indian Army.
• Social media disinformation campaign run by Pakistan.
• Indian Navy (IN) - Bangladesh Navy (BN) bilateral exercise Bongosagar and IN-BN CORPAT.
• Successful Flight Test of SMART.
• Visit of Chief of Army Staff and Foreign Secretary to Myanmar (October 4-5, 2020).
• 2nd India-Australia-Japan- USA Ministerial Meeting
• Raksha Mantri Invites the World to India for Asia’s Largest Aero-show.
• 88th Air Force Day.
• DRDO successfully flight tests indigenously developed Anti Radiation Missile (RUDRAM).
• Raksha Mantri dedicates to the Nation 44 Bridges Built by BRO and lays Foundation Stone for Nechiphu Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh.
• 7th Round of India-China Military Commander-Level Meeting.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Nigeria

• Boko Haram killed 10 soldiers in Borno State.

Somalia

• SNA killed 10 al-Shabaab terrorists in Lower Shabelle Region.

Afghanistan

• 15 people were killed in a VBIED blast in Nangarhar province.
• Four Afghan soldiers killed in Taliban-led terror attack in Helmand province.
• Security forces killed 21 Taliban terrorists in CT operation in Uruzgan province.

Pakistan

• CTD killed an AQIS terrorist in Karachi.
• Pakistan-based terror groups taking online platforms to publish jihadi literature.
• Police arrested two people on charges of terror financing.

Philippines

• Security forces arrested ASG’s senior commander from Zamboanga city.

Domestic Terrorism

Jammu and Kashmir

• Pakistan is trying to revive al-Badr in Kashmir.
• Two CRPF personnel attained Veergati in an attack in Pulwama.
• NIA filed charge-sheet in Kulgam terror recruitment case.
• ED filed a charge-sheet against Hafiz Saeed in a terror-funding case.

Left-Wing Extremism

• NIA filed charge-sheet against 33 Maoists in MLA’s murder case.
• 8 people were charged for funding and recruitment for LWE groups.

Islamist Extremism in India

• IS affiliated al-Hind planned to build base in forests of Southern India.
• NIA arrested two IS operatives from Bengaluru.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

• Punjab Police arrested two KZF terrorists from Hoshiarpur.
• Involvement of ISI and Khalistan emerged in 2020 Delhi Riots.

Cyber, Information Warfare & Artificial Intelligence (Security Perspective)

• AI must not become weapon of non-State actors, emphasised India’s PM.
• AI can play key role in fraud detection in banking sector.
• Cyber Safety awareness campaign launched in Assam.

Defence

Army Static Switched Communication Network (ASCON) Phase IV of the Indian Army to be established.

The Cabinet Committee on Security, has approved the proposal for establishment of Army Static Switched Communication Network (ASCON) Phase IV Network to be implemented by M/s ITI, a Public Sector Undertaking, at an estimated cost of Rs. 7796.39 crore with an implementation schedule of 36 months from the date of signing of the contract. The project will provide better survivability, responsiveness and high bandwidth in any operational scenario and enhance the communication coverage of network closer to IB/LC/LAC.

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Flight Testing of DRDO’s Laser Guided ATGM.

The indigenously developed Laser Guided Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) was successfully test fired today on 1st Oct 2020 defeating a target located at longer range. The test was conducted from MBT Arjun at KK ranges (ACC&S) Ahmednagar in continuation of successful trial done on 22nd Sep 2020.The ATGM employs a tandem HEAT warhead to defeat Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) protected armoured vehicles in ranges from 1.5 to 5 km. It has been developed with multiple-platform launch capability and is currently undergoing technical evaluation trials from 120 mm rifled gun of MBT Arjun. This Laser Guided Missile has been developed by Armament R&D Establishment (ARDE), Pune in association with High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune and Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE), Dehradun.

MoD signs contract worth 409 crore with Indian Company for supply of Multi-Mode Hand Grenades to Indian Army.

Ministry of Defence (MoD) today signed a contract with M/s Economic Explosive Ltd (EEL), (Solar Group) Nagpur for supply of 10,00,000 Multi Mode Hand Grenades to the Indian Army at an approximate cost of Rs. 409 Crores. These grenades will be replacing the hand grenade design of World War-II vintage, in use with the Indian Army. The Multi-Mode Hand Grenade has been designed by DRDO/Terminal Ballistic Research Laboratories (TBRL) and is being produced by M/s EEL, Nagpur. The Grenades have a distinctive design, in that; they can be used in both Offensive and Defensive Modes. This is a flagship project showcasing public-private partnership under the aegis of Government of India (DRDO & MoD) enabling “AtmaNirbharta” in cutting edge ammunition technologies and accomplishes 100% Indigenous Content.

Social media disinformation campaign run by Pakistan.

A state sponsored malicious social media disinformation campaign has been run by Pakistan against the Indian Army and in particular against Lt Gen Taranjit Singh, a senior officer posted in the Department of Military Affairs (DMA). Having failed consistently to incite religion-based disaffection within the country, Pakistan, in a desperate attempt, is now trying to create a divide within the Indian Army. The Indian Army categorically rejects such malicious attempts to defame the institution.

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Indian Navy (IN) - Bangladesh Navy (BN) bilateral exercise Bongosagar and IN-BN CORPAT.

The second edition of Indian Navy (IN) – Bangladesh Navy (BN) Bilateral Exercise Bongosagar is scheduled to commence in Northern Bay of Bengal on 03 October 2020. Exercise Bongosagar, whose first edition was held in 2019, is aimed at developing inter-operability and joint operational skills through conduct of a wide spectrum of maritime exercises and operations. In the upcoming edition of Exercise Bongosagar, ships from both navies will participate in surface warfare drills, seamanship evolutions and helicopter operations. This exercise will be followed by the 3rd edition of IN - BN Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) in Northern Bay of Bengal from 4 to 5 October 2020, wherein IN and BN units will undertake joint patrolling along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

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Successful Flight Test of SMART.

Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) has been successfully flight tested on 5th Oct 2020 from Wheeler Island off the coast of Odisha. All the mission objectives including missile flight upto the range and altitude, separation of the nose cone, release of Torpedo and deployment of Velocity Reduction Mechanism (VRM) have been met perfectly.

SMART is a missile assisted release of lightweight Anti-Submarine Torpedo System for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations far beyond Torpedo range. This launch and demonstration is significant in establishing Anti-Submarine warfare capabilities. A number of DRDO laboratories including DRDL, RCI Hyderabad, ADRDE Agra, NSTL Visakhapatnam have developed the technologies required for SMART.

Visit of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Foreign Secretary(FS) to Myanmar (October 4-5, 2020).

The visit provided an opportunity to review the sustained progress in bilateral relations which have been marked in recent years by regular high-level visits and interactions. COAS and FS called on State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the Commander in Chief of Defense Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. COAS met Vice Senior General Soe Win, Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Myanmar Armed Services. FS met U Soe Han, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar. Earlier, both sides had held extensive discussions in the areas of bilateral cooperation through virtual Foreign Office Consultations on October 1, 2020. Both sides agreed to further strengthen their partnership in connectivity projects, capacity building, power and energy, deepen economic and trade ties, further facilitate people to people and cultural exchanges, and broad-base their defence exchanges across all the three services. It was also agreed to deepen cooperation to overcome the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. COAS and FS presented 3000 vials of Remdesivir to the State Counsellor, symbolic of India’s commitment to assist Myanmar in its fight against the pandemic.

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2nd India-Australia-Japan- USA Ministerial Meeting.

Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs participated in the Second India-Australia-Japan-USA Ministerial Meeting on 6 October 2020 in Tokyo. The Foreign Ministers followed up on their discussions in September 2019 and discussed the post Covid-19 international order. The Foreign Ministers exchanged views about regional issues of mutual interest, and issues related to connectivity; humanitarian assistance and disaster relief; maritime safety and security; health security, and counter terrorism. They reaffirmed their collective vision of maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. They reiterated their firm support to ASEAN centrality and highlighted their readiness to work towards realizing a common vision for the Indo-Pacific. Appreciating the value of these consultations, they agreed to hold them regularly.

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Raksha Mantri Chairs Round-table Virtual Conference on Aero India 2021.

Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence organised the Ambassadors’ Round Table Virtual conference on Aero India 2021, chaired by Raksha Mantri on 07 October 2020. The major reach-out effort of the Ministry was well attended by 200+ invitees comprising Ambassadors, Heads of Missions and Defence Attaches of over 75 countries indicating the growing stature of the 13th mega biennial event, to be held in Karnataka’s capital Bengaluru from February 3-7, 2021. The senior representatives of foreign missions at New Delhi were briefed about the Aero India-21well in advance with a view to encourage the presence of their leaders and senior most decision makers at the event in February 2021 wherein India’s Aerospace and Defence manufacturing capabilities will be displayed under one umbrella. The event has received tremendous interest since the launch of the event website by the Defence Minister on 11 Sep 2020 and more than 90%of space has been booked reflecting the tremendous interest shown by exhibitors to participate in the aero show. The fine tuning of the business events and seminars are being planned and over 500 exhibitors are expected at Asia’s Largest Aeroshow.

88th Air Force Day.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh conveyed best wishes to the air warriors and their families on the occasion of 88th Air Force Day-2020 of Indian Air Force (IAF). He said in a message, “Eighty-eight years of dedication, sacrifice and excellence mark the journey of the IAF which is today a lethal and formidable force to reckon with.” On display for the first time were the Rafale aircraft.

DRDO successfully flight tests Indigenously Developed Anti Radiation Missile (RUDRAM).

New generation Anti Radiation Missile (RUDRAM) was successfully Flight tested today onto a radiation target located on Wheeler Island off the coast of Odisha. The missile was launched from SU-30 MKI fighter aircraft. The RUDRAM is first indigenous anti-radiation missile of the country for Indian Air Force (IAF), being developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It has INS-GPS navigation with Passive Homing Head for the final attack. The RUDRAM hit the radiation target with pin-point accuracy. The Passive Homing Head can detect, classify and engage targets over a wide band of frequencies as programmed. The missile is a potent weapon for IAF for Suppression of Enemy Air Defence effectively from large stand-off ranges.

Raksha Mantri dedicates to the Nation 44 Bridges Built by BRO and lays Foundation Stone for Nechiphu Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh.

Raksha Mantri today dedicated 44 major permanent bridges to the Nation. He also laid the Foundation Stone for Nechiphu Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh. These bridges are of strategic importance and provide connectivity to remote areas. The 44 bridges are spread over seven states / union territories. Briefing the dignitaries, Lt Gen Harpal Singh, DG BRO, said the 44 bridges of various spans ranging from 30 mtrs to 484 mtrs are located in J&K (10), Ladakh (08), Himachal Pradesh (02), Punjab (04), Uttarakhand (08), Arunachal Pradesh (08) and Sikkim (04). They are of strategic importance and have been designed to facilitate movement of heavy civil & military traffic in border areas.

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7th Round of India-China Military Commander-Level Meeting.

On 12 October, the 7th round of Senior Commanders meeting of India and China was held in Chushul. The two sides had a sincere, in-depth and constructive exchange of views on disengagement along the Line of Actual Control in the Western Sector of India-China border areas. They were of the view that these discussions were positive, constructive and had enhanced understanding of each other’s positions. Both sides agreed to maintain dialogue and communication through military and diplomatic channels, and arrive at a mutually acceptable solution for disengagement as early as possible. Both sides agreed to earnestly implement the important understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries, not to turn differences into disputes, and jointly safeguard peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

International Terrorism

Africa

Nigeria

Boko Haram killed 10 soldiers in Borno State

On 30 September, Boko Haram terrorists ambushed the military vehicle and killed ten soldiers in the town of Marte in Borno State in north-eastern Nigeria. Eight soldiers were wounded in the attack. Almost three million people have been displaced in last ten years by the terror acts of Boko Haram.

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Somalia

SNA killed 10 al-Shabaab terrorists in Lower Shabelle Region

In an operation on 06 October, the Somali National Army (SNA) eliminated 10 al-Shabaab terrorists, including to senior commanders, in several locations near Barire town in lower Shabelle region in Southern Somalia. The government forces have intensified operations against al-Shabab in the southern regions, but the terrorists are still hiding in the rural areas of those regions, conducting ambushes and planting landmines.

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Afghanistan

15 people were killed in a VBIED blast in Nangarhar province

In a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) blast on 03 October, at least 15 people were killed and 30 others were injured in the Ghani Khel district of Nangarhar province. The car bomb exploded at the entrance of the district Headquarters building. Post-attack, several terrorists tried to enter the building but were eliminated by the security forces. No terrorist group has claimed the attack however, Provincial police spokesman Farid Khan suspected Taliban behind the attack.

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Four Afghan soldiers killed in a terror attack in Helmand province

On 06 October, Unidentified terrorists carried out an attack and killed four Afghan soldiers in the Yakchal area of Greshk district in Helmand province. The vehicle-borne attack targeted a security post of the National Army in the southern Helmand province. Three soldiers were also injured in the attack. However, no group claimed the responsibility of the attack.

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Security forces killed 21 Taliban terrorists in CT operation in Uruzgan province

In a counterterrorism (CT) operation on 01 October, security forces—supported by Afghan Air Force (AAF), killed 21 Taliban terrorists in an airstrike and ground combat on 01 October, in Uruzgan province. In the operation, 17 Taliban terrorists were wounded.

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Pakistan

CTD killed an AQIS terrorist in Karachi

On 30 September, the Counter terrorism Department (CTD) of the Sindh eliminated an al-Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) terrorist—Saeed aka Loha aka Haji aka Tora Bora in a counterterrorism (CT) operation in Musharraf Colony on Hawkesbay road in Karachi. Acting upon an intelligence input, CTD officials cordoned the area. Saeed was arrested and taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. In a brief exchange of fire with CTD officials, Saeed got injured while other terrorists managed to escape. According to intelligence officials (based on anonymity), Saeed had been sent to Karachi by AQIS commanders from Afghanistan to revive the group and conduct terrorist activities in the city.

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Pakistan-based terror groups taking online platforms to publish jihadi literature

According to a dossier prepared by the Indian intelligence agencies, Pakistan-based terrorist groups, such as Jamaat ud-Dawa (JuD) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) are expanding their infrastructure for publishing jihadi literature on online platforms for radicalisation and recruitment purposes. According to the report, Dar-ul-Andlus Publications, which publishes LeT-linked material, also operates at the address of LeT’s main office at Markaz Al-Qadsia. Furthermore, the Twitter account of Dar ul-Andlus has been active and a number of office-bearers have taken charge of various online activities. Another publication house, Al Asar Publications, has come under the scanner of intelligence agencies for propagating ideologies of JuD and LeT through its publications as well as by conducting workshops.

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Police arrested two people on charges of terror financing

Pakistan’s counterterrorism police, on 08 October, arrested two suspected militants on charges of collecting funds for outlawed charities of a radical cleric. The suspects were collecting funds for Hafiz Saeed’s outlawed Jamaat ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-e-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF), which are front face of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist group.

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Philippines

Security forces arrested ASG’s senior commander from Zamboanga city

In a joint counterterrorism (CT) operation carried out on 12 October, the Philippines security forces arrested a senior commander of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)—Hassan Anang Mohammad aka Usi from Zamboanga city in the Zamboanga Peninsula of the Philippines. Mohammad was involved in the kidnapping and beheading of a farmer in Basilan in May 2009.

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Domestic Terrorism

Jammu and Kashmir

Pakistan is trying to revive al-Badr in Kashmir

Under the pressure from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and due to international proscription of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Pakistan is attempting to revive al-Badr terrorist group in Kashmir. According to intelligence officials (on the basis of anonymity), Pakistan is using LeT’s resources to establish new terror groups such as Resistance Front and J&K People’s Fascist Front (PFF). Since al-Badr terror group is not enlisted internationally, the group’s activities would not result in further international pressure on Pakistan.

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Two CRPF personnel attained Veergati in an attack in Pulwama

In an attack on joint security forces patrol party on 05 October, two personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) attained Veergati and three others were injured in Pampore area in Pulwama district. Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists, including Saifullah (a Pakistani national) came on motorbike and fired upon CRPF Road Opening Party (ROP) at Kandizal near Pampore. Hunt is on to track the attackers and hopefully they will be eliminated soon, said Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kashmir.

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NIA filed charge-sheet in Kulgam terror recruitment case

On 02 October, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had filed charge-sheet against three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists—Muneeb Hameed Bhat, Junaid Ahmad Mattoo, and Umer Rashid Wani, in connection with Kulgam terror recruitment case, under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A] and J&K Ranbir Penal Code (RPC). The accused were trying to recruit and motivate local youth to join LeT and organise their travelling to Pakistan for terrorist training on the basis of recommendations made by the separatist leaders, said a senior NIA official (on the basis of anonymity).

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ED filed a charge-sheet against Hafiz Saeed in a terror-funding case

On the basis of the charge-sheet filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had registered a case against Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed and four others under sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002. Hafiz Saeed is a founder of banned terror outfits like LeT, Jamaat ud-Dawa (JuD), and Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF). Earlier, NIA had filed a charge-sheet against Salman, Salim, and Kamran under various sections of Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA (P)A]. During the probe, it was found that funds were re-routed from Pakistan to Dubai and further to India through Hawala channels. Salman was the recipient of funds sent by Kamran and his associates Abdul Aziz Behlim and Arif Gulambashir Dharampuria, in Dubai, read the charge-sheet. The ED identified properties worth ₹ 4.69 crore cumulated through the proceeds of crime and three immovable properties of accused Salman worth ₹ 73.12 lakh located in New Delhi has been attached.

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Left-Wing Extremism

NIA filed charge-sheet against 33 Maoists in MLA’s murder case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), on 02 October, filed a charge-sheet against 33 Maoists in connection with the murder of Chhattisgarh MLA Bhima Mandavi in 2019. Of the 33 accused, six have been arrested, 22 are absconding, and five have died. The charge-sheet was filed before the Special NIA court in Jagdalpur, Bastar district in Chhattisgarh, under the various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], the Arms Act, and the Explosive Substances Act (ESA).
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Eight people were charged for funding and recruitment for LWE groups

In the first week of October, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) charge-sheeted eight people, including Delhi University professor—Hany Babu Musaliyarveetil Tharayil, for Maoist conspiracy, receiving funds, and recruiting cadre for the Left-Wing Extremist (LWE) groups and inculcating sympathies for Maoists among university students, specially of Dalit caste.

Some documents recovered from Hany Babu had mentioned methods for mastering of secret works, instructions of the central committee of Maoists on work required to be done in urban areas; guidelines for work in working classes, finances, information literature related to a weapon, bomb, mortar as well as company drill of PLGA (People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army), as mentioned in the charge-sheet.

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Islamist Extremism in India

IS affiliated al-Hind planned to build base in forests of Southern India

In a charge-sheet filed in July 2020, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has mentioned that the Islamic State’s (IS) affiliated module al-Hind was planning to establish its base or province in the forests of South India. According to the charge-sheet, al-Hind module was to establish IS’s Wilayah inside the forest areas of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. As a part of the plan, two IS conspirators—Mehboob Pasha (Bengaluru) and Khaja Moideen (Cuddalore) had recruited youth and procured arms and other explosive material for making IED (Improvised Explosive Device). Both of them have also collected “jungle training material” to conduct training at Shivanasamudra and Gundelpet in Karnataka. The duo was also communicating with unknown foreign IS handlers through the dark web.

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NIA arrested two IS operatives from Bengaluru

On 07 October, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested two Islamic State (IS) operatives—Ahmed Abdul Cader (40 years-old) and Irfan Nasir (33 years-old) from Frazer town in Bengaluru in Karnataka, for their alleged involvement in radicalisation of youth and financing their trips to Syria to join the terrorist organisation—IS.
Continuing the investigation, the officials carried out search operation at the residences of Cader and Nasir in Gurappana Palya and Frazer town respectively and recovered incriminating material and electronic devices. According to the NIA statement, Cader is a Business Analyst in a bank in Chennai (Tamil Nadu) and Nasir is a Rice merchant in Bengaluru.

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Khalistan-inspired Extremism

Punjab Police arrested two KZF terrorists from Hoshiarpur

In a major breakthrough on 04 October, Punjab police arrested two Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) terrorists—Makhan Singh Gill aka Amli, and Davinder Singh aka Happy, from Hoshiarpur district in Punjab. Police also recovered arms and ammunition, including an MP5 sub-machine gun, a 9mm pistol, and four magazines, 60 rounds of ammunition, a Toyota-make Etios car, four mobile phones, and an Internet dongle. Makhan Singh had been a close aide of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) chief—Wadhawa Singh Babbar, and had stayed with him in the United States (US) in 1980s and 1990s, and in Pakistan for 14 years.

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Involvement of ISI and Khalistan emerged in 2020 Delhi Riots

According to the supplementary disclosure statement given by Athar Khan—an accused in 2020 Delhi Riots, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and three pro-Khalistan sympathisers were involved in conspiracy of the 2020 Delhi Riots. One of his acquaintances Rizwan Siddiqui, on 10-11 February, told him [Athar] and others that he had met Khalistan movement supporters Bagicha Singh and Lavpreet Singh at Shaheen Bagh protest site in Delhi, who used to work on the mission against India. "Bagicha Singh and Lavpreet Singh claimed to have support of Pakistan’s ISI and said that ISI has sent a message that Khalistan supporters should also support the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and help people in their fight against the government,” said Athar Khan in his confession.

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Cyber, Information Warfare & Artificial Intelligence (Security Perspective)

AI must not become weapon of non-State actors, emphasised India’s PM

Addressing at the five-day (05-09 October 2020) global virtual summit on Artificial Intelligence (AI)—RAISE 2020 (Responsible AI for Social Empowerment), the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised of the use of AI in empowering India and warned against the related pitfalls. “The responsible use of the AI is our collective responsibility and we must protect the world against weaponization of AI by non-State actors”, said PM Modi.

Along with other nations, in June 2020, India shared a platform to create the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) for the responsible development and use of AI.

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AI can play key role in fraud detection in banking sector

Due to Coronavirus pandemic, the digital banking has seen major adoption in India; Artificial Intelligence (AI) can play a crucial role in financial fraud detection. According to a survey by ACI Worldwide and YouGov –32 per cent Indians were using digital payments more, while 31 % were targeted by a card or digital payments fraud or know someone who was. In 2019 report by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), losses due to financial frauds have grown by 73 per cent. In fighting money-laundering AI and data can help substantially in identifying trends in movement of money and prevent money laundering, said T Rabi Shankar—Executive Director of the RBI.

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Cyber Safety awareness campaign launched in Assam

On the occasion of the foundation day of Assam Police on 01 October, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched a month-long cyber safety awareness program—“CyberSafety” to raise awareness on cybercrimes, safety among citizens, mainly youth. The campaign is jointly conducted by the Assam Police and Cyber-Security think-tank—Cyber Peace Foundation (CPF). The campaign will focus on major aspects of cyber safety through programmes on digital platforms, webinars, radio campaigns and activities targeted at people of various age groups, particularly school-going children, said Additional Director-General of Police (Addl DGP) [Administration and Security]—Harmeet Singh.

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