The first international workshop on ‘Emerging Technologies & Challenges for Exoskeleton’ was held in Bengaluru, organised by the Defence Bio-Engineering & Electromedical Laboratory of Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO). The DRDO Chairman, in his address emphasised the importance of the transformational exoskeleton technology and urged the diverse stakeholders including the R&D community, the Armed Forces, industry, and academia to work together to address the challenges and chalk out the roadmap for the future of Exoskeletons.
Exoskeleton technology involves wearable structures which enhance the capabilities of the human body. Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) Lt Gen JP Mathew traced back the history of exoskeleton research, its earlier prototypes, and challenges. His address traversed through the challenges which are being currently addressed by the R&D Community. He underscored the significance of exoskeleton technologies in rehabilitation, occupational therapy, and augmentation. He also brought out that the exoskeleton technology being a dual use technology has tremendous commercial potential. Click here to read... [2]
State-of-the-art Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE) was recently inaugurated at Underwater Acoustic Research Facility, in Kerala. The SPACE, set up by the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory of DRDO, has been designed as a premier testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems destined for Indian Navy onboard various platforms including ships, submarines, and helicopters.
The SPACE marks a milestone in naval technology advancement. It will consist of two distinct assemblages - a platform which floats on the water surface, and a submersible platform. The SPACE will mainly be utilised for evaluation of complete sonar system, allowing for quick deployment and easy recovery of scientific packages such as sensors and transducers. It will cater to the needs of data processing and sample analyses in modern scientific laboratories heralding a new era of Anti-Submarine Warfare research capabilities. Click here to read... [2]
The DRDO recently conducted a successful flight-test of Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandpur off the coast of Odisha. The missile performance was monitored by several range Sensors like Radar, Electro Optical Tracking System (EOTS) and Telemetry, deployed by ITR at different locations to ensure complete coverage of the flight path. The flight of the missile was also monitored from the Su-30-Mk-I aircraft of the Indian Air Force. Click here to read... [3]
The Government appointed Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, PVSM, AVSM, NM, presently serving as the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, as the next Chief of the Naval Staff with effect from April 30, 2024.
Born on May 15, 1964, Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi was commissioned into the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy on July 01, 1985. A Communication and Electronic Warfare specialist, he has had a long and distinguished service spanning almost four decades. Prior to taking over as the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, he had served as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. Click here to read... [4]
Indian Navy conducted Exercise Poorvi Lehar (XPOL) on East Coast under the Operational Control of The Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. The exercise aimed to assess Indian Navy’s preparedness to meet Maritime Security challenges in the region.
The exercise witnessed participation of Ships, Submarines, Aircrafts and Special Forces. XPOL was conducted in multiple phases including combat training in a realistic scenario during the Tactical Phase and successful conduct of various firings during the Weapon Phase towards reaffirming Indian Navy’s capability to deliver ordnance on target. With operation of aircraft, a near continuous Maritime Domain Awareness was maintained throughout the Area of operations. In addition to Eastern Naval Command assets, the exercise also witnessed participation of assets from IAF, Andaman & Nicobar Command and Coast Guard.
The successful conclusion of XPOL 2024, reaffirms Indian Navy’s firm resolve to meet growing security challenges in the maritime domain. Click here to read... [5]
DRDO’s Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE), Kanpur has successfully developed the lightest Bullet Proof Jacket in the country for protection against (Level 6 of BIS 17051) ammunition. Recently, this bullet proof jacket was successfully tested and is based upon new design approach, and new processes have been used.
The front Hard Armour Panel (HAP) of this jacket defeats multiple hits of Sniper rounds in both ICW (In-conjunction with) and Standalone design. The ergonomically designed front HAP is made up of monolithic ceramic plate with polymer backing which enhances the wearability and comfort during the operation. Click here to read... [6]
Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane recently participated in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan. A Joint Communique was issued after the meeting, in which the SCO Defence Ministers agreed, amongst other initiatives, to developing the idea of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, which is rooted in the ancient Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.
At the meeting, the Defence Secretary reiterated India’s steadfast commitment towards maintaining peace, stability and security in the SCO region. He emphasised the need to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism in all its forms for prosperity and development of the SCO Member States. He also stated about India’s long-standing proposal of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the United Nations. Click here to read... [7]
Acting upon intelligence inputs, Assam Rifles intercepted huge quantity of arms, ammunition and other war-like stores close to the Indo-Myanmar Border in Mon district of Nagaland. The search operation launched during early morning hours, resulted in apprehension of one individual and recovery of huge quantity of arms and ammunition comprising of Mortar tubes, Tubes, Pistols, Handheld Radio Sets, satellite phone, among other items.
Recovery of these heavy calibre, military grade weapons close to the border area is a major success for the border sealing operation underway by Assam Rifles. The recovery is also a major blow to the nefarious designs of inimical elements trying to disturb the peace in the region. The apprehended individual and the recovered items have been handed over to the Nagaland Police. Alert troops of Assam Rifles have successfully thwarted the plans of unlawful elements from creating a serious national security situation. Click here to read... [8]
In a meticulously planned operation, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in collaboration with the Anti-terrorism Squad (ATS) and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), seized 86 kg of narcotics valued @ Rs 600 cr and apprehended 14 crew members from the Pakistani vessel.
The ICG ship Rajratan, equipped with ATS and NCB officials, positively identified the suspect boat despite attempts to evade detection. The swift response of the Rajratan, supported by other platforms, left no room for escape for the drug-laden vessel. The crew and the vessel have been escorted to Porbandar for further investigation and legal proceedings. The jointness of ICG and ATS in successful law enforcement operation again reaffirms the synergy for national objectives. Click here to read... [9]
The 5th Annual High-Level Meeting between the ICG and the Royal Oman Police Coast Guard (ROPCG) took place in New Delhi on April 23, 2024. The discussions were led by Director General Rakesh Pal from the ICG while the ROPCG delegation was headed by Assistant Officer Commanding Colonel Abdul Aziz Mohammed Ali Al Jabri.
The meeting focused on bolstering bilateral engagements through a capacity-building programme, cross ships’ visit, implementation of Sea Rider programme, establishing professional linkages between pollution reporting centres and other collaborative arrangements. Click here to read... [10]
A successful launch of the new variant of a Medium-Range Ballistic Missile was carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command on April 23, 2024. The user launch has proven the operational capability of the Command and validated new technologies. Click here to read... [11]
The Indian Air Force (IAF) took a major step towards digital transformation by joining forces with the DigiLocker platform, a cornerstone of the Digital India initiative. This partnership, formalized on April 26, 2024, promises to modernize document management for IAF personnel, past and present.
The integration with DigiLocker enables seamless uploading, storage, and retrieval of essential IAF documents, such as the Certificate of Service (COS) and Service Book Officers (SBO). The collaboration also streamlines processes like Agniveer Vayu recruitment. The MoU underscores a joint commitment to digital empowerment.
The IAF's integration with DigiLocker signifies a significant step towards holistic digital transformation, aligning with India's technological advancement and the armed forces' modernization agenda. Click here to read... [12]
In his address on 17 April, Somalia’s newly appointed Minister for Interior Security— Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartag said that “the government can eliminate terrorists by 2025 when the mission troops are expected to leave Somalia in compliance with the Somali Transition Plan (STP).” The minister also acknowledged the milestones achieved by his predecessors in tracking and eliminating terrorists, who control large areas of Central and Southern regions.
Somalia is implementing second phase of operations against terrorists and has managed to get hold of several strategic regions. Al-Shabaab lost several terrorists during first phase of operation against terror group. Click
On 20 April, Indonesia’s Counter-Terrorism (CT) Police arrested eight suspected operatives of al-Qa’ida linked group— Jemmah Islamiyah from Central Sulawesi province. Five of operatives were arrested from city of Palu, two from Sigi, and one from Poso, which is known Islamic extremism hotbed. Click here to read... [13]
On 22 April, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) raided nine locations across Kashmir. The case pertains to the “J&K terror conspiracy” involving Pakistan-backed terrorist groups and their offshoots. During raids, digital devices containing incriminating data and documents were seized from hybrid terrorists and Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) affiliated with proscribed terrorist groups like Laskhar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), Al-Badr, and Al-Qa’ida. Click here to read... [14]
Countering the financial infrastructure of Narco-Terror operatives in Bharat, the NIA has frozen the immovable property of Pakistan-based Sikh terrorist— Habib Khan aka Doctor and Lakhveer Singh aka Rode. According to investigation, Habib Khan and Rode formed a terror ring in Punjab with Surat Singh and other operatives to carry out Improvised Explosive Device (IED) bombings and operate a narco-terror racket to disrupt the region. Click here to read... [15]
On 16 April, security forces killed at least 29 Maoists in a gunfight in Kanker district, Chhattisgarh. The incident was a significant blow to the Naxals in last eight years, and biggest ever anti-Naxal operation in the State. The incident takes place just days before the Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected seats in south Chhattisgarh vote in the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections, with Bastar voted on 19 April and Kanker voted in the second phase on 26 April. Click here to read... [16]
On 25 April, the NIA arrested Inderpal Singh Gaba, a resident of Hounslow, a district in West London, United Kingdom (UK). Inderpal was arrested for carrying out violent and unlawful activities during protest outside the Indian High Commission in London in March 2023. “The attacks in London in March 2023 were found to be in retaliation to the action taken by Punjab Police against pro-Khalistan and radical separatist Amritpal Singh on 18 March 2023,” read the statement issued by the agency. The NIA took over the investigation from Delhi Police after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials met with their counterparts of UK Home Office in April 2023. Click here to read... [17]
From 01 January to 15 April 2024, Mizoram Police, reportedly, seized over Rs 11 Crore worth of narcotic substances ahead of General Elections 2024. Mizoram Police has registered 106 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, resulting in arrest of 134 individuals. Click here to read... [18]
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Links:
[1] https://www.vifindia.org/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2024/may/08
[2] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2018073
[3] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2018171
[4] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2018213
[5] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2018336
[6] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2018661
[7] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2018926
[8] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2019111
[9] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2019051
[10] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2018604
[11] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2018638
[12] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2018959
[13] https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/indonesian-police-arrest-8-suspected-militants-part-of-a-banned-extremist-group-with-al-qaida-links/article68087720.ece
[14] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1699_1_Pr.pdf
[15] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1698_1_Pr.pdf
[16] https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/29-maoists-dead-in-fierce-chhattisgarh-operation-101713293565503.html
[17] https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nia-arrests-key-accused-in-attack-on-indian-high-commission-in-london-101714056709040.html
[18] https://www.indiatodayne.in/mizoram/story/mizoram-over-11-crore-worth-of-contraband-seized-ahead-of-general-elections-981112-2024-04-16
[19] http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?title=VIF News Digest : National Security- Defence Studies & Terrorism, (16-30 April 2024)&desc=&images=&u=https://www.vifindia.org/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2024/may/08
[20] http://twitter.com/share?text=VIF News Digest : National Security- Defence Studies & Terrorism, (16-30 April 2024)&url=https://www.vifindia.org/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2024/may/08&via=Azure Power
[21] whatsapp://send?text=https://www.vifindia.org/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2024/may/08
[22] https://www.vifindia.org/author/Anurag-Bisen