In a significant step towards self-reliance in defence and reducing imports, the Department of Defence Production (DDP) has released the fifth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL), featuring 346 items valued at Rs 1,048 crore. These items, crucial for defence systems, will be sourced solely from Indian industries after meeting indigenisation deadlines listed on the Srijan portal. Launched in 2020, the Srijan portal facilitates the offer of defence items to Indian industries, including MSMEs and startups, for indigenisation.
Under Prime Minister Modi's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'initiative and with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's leadership, there has been significant progress in indigenisation. DPSUs such as HAL, BEL, and BDL will drive the development of these items through various methods, boosting the economy and reducing import dependence. Previously, four PILs with 4,666 items were issued, and over 12,300 items have been indigenised in the past three years. As a result, the DPSUs have placed orders on domestic vendors to the tune of Rs 7,572 crore.Click here to read… [2]
Indian Navy’s frontline frigate, INS Tabar arrivedat Hamburg, Germany on 17 July 24 for a three-day visit. After conducting various activities during their stay on their departure from Hamburg, the two Navies were scheduled to undertake a Maritime Partnership Exercise at sea. Seeking to enhance and explore new avenues for bilateral relations these engagements also offer an opportunity to showcase Indian culture. India and Germany have a strong relationship based on shared values, democratic principles, and a commitment to global peace and security. Their collaboration extends across various areas.
INS Tabarwhich is a stealth frigate, is equipped with a versatile range of weapons and sensors and is among the earliest stealth frigates of the Indian Navy.Click here to read… [3]
76 trainees from the King Fahd Naval Academy of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) completed a three-week Afloat Training Course at the Indian Navy's First Training Squadron in Kochi on July 18, 2024. The programme included a harbour phase and a sea phase and additionally, trainees were also engaged in sail training at the Watermanship Training Centre and onboard INS Tarangini. The joint training with Indian Naval trainees promoted camaraderie and cultural exchange.
At the training culmination event, RAdm Upal Kundu, Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command, interacted with RSNF trainees and staff, who shared their experiences and praised the training quality. During the valedictory function, trainees received course completion certificates, alumni badges, and a course memoir. The successful conduct of these training courses with increased participation underscores the strengthening maritime partnership between the two navies.Click here to read… [4]
The 7th Annual Safety Review-2024 (ASR-24) of the Indian Navy took place at Southern Naval Command, Kochi, on July 19, 2024. Senior officers from Naval Headquarters, Command Headquarters, and Safety Class authorities attended the meeting. Chief of Naval Staff, Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, addressed the gathering virtually, emphasizing the importance of a robust safety culture and the need for effective training and safety programs. Vice Admiral K Swaminathan, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, chaired the review, which included presentations on safety initiatives from all three Naval Commands and the Andaman & Nicobar Command. The review featured interactions with experts in Nuclear and Aviation Safety and a safety exhibition showcasing advanced safety gear. This annual review aims to enhance safety practices and reduce incidents across the Indian Navy.Click here to read… [5]
A fire broke out onboard INS Brahmaputra, a multi-role Frigate, on the evening of 21 Jul 24 while she was undergoing refit at the Naval Dockyard Mumbai (ND (MB)). The fire was brought under control by the ship’s crew with assistance of firefighters from ND (MB) and other ships in harbour, by morning of 22 Jul 24. Further, follow-on actions including sanitisation checks for assessment of residual risk of fire were carried out.
Subsequently, in the afternoon, the ship experienced severe listing to one side (port side). Despite all efforts, the ship could not be brought to the upright position. The ship continued to list further alongside her berth and is presently resting on one side.
All personnel were accounted for except one junior sailor, for whom the search is in progress. An inquiry has been ordered by the Indian Navy to investigate the matter.Click here to read… [6]
The first of two Advanced Frigates under construction by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) for the Indian Navy, was launched on 23 Jul 24 at GSL, Goa. The ship has been named Triput, after the mighty arrow, representing the indomitable spirit of Indian Navy and its ability to strike far and deep. It’s designed for combat operations against enemy surface ships, submarines and aircraft, and is equipped with stealth features, advanced weapon & sensors and platform management systems. The Triputclass of ships for the first time are being constructed indigenously by an Indian Shipyard at GSL.
In line with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’initiative, a large percentage of the equipment fit is of indigenous origin, thereby generating employment and capability enhancement within the country.Click here to read… [7]
The Indian Army contingent departed for the Multinational Military Exercise KHAAN QUEST, scheduled to be conducted from 27th July to 9th August 2024 at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The exercise will bring together military forces from around the world to collaborate and enhance their peacekeeping capabilities, thus increasing interoperability and military readiness in peace support operations.
The Indian Army contingent comprising 40 personnel is being represented mainly by troops from a Battalion of the MADRAS REGIMENT along with personnel from other Arms and Services. Various tactical drills to be practised during the exercise will be undertaken. Exercise KHAAN QUEST will enable the participating countries to share their best practices in Tactics, Techniques and Procedures for the conduct of joint operations.Click here to read… [8]
For FY 2024-25, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been allocated ₹6,21,940.85 crore (approx. $75 billion), the highest among ministries. This includes an additional ₹400 crore for the iDEX (ADITI) scheme to promote innovation through start-ups and MSMEs. The total allocation is approximately ₹1 lakh crore (18.43%) more than FY 2022-23 and 4.79% higher than FY 2023-24.
Of the budget, 27.66% is designated for capital expenditure, 14.82% for revenue, 30.66% for pay and allowances, 22.70% for pensions, and 4.17% for civil organisations. This allocation supports modernization, with ₹1.72 lakh crore allocated for capital expenditure, a 20.33% increase from FY 2022-23.
MoD plans to use 75% of the modernization budget, or ₹1,05,518.43 crore, for domestic procurement, boosting the economy and job creation. Sustenance and operational readiness will receive ₹92,088 crore, 48% more than the previous year.
The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) will see an increase to ₹6,968 crore, up 28% from last year. Border infrastructure will be enhanced with a 30% increase in funding to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), supporting key projects like the Nyoma Airfield and strategic tunnels.
The Indian Coast Guard's budget is ₹7,651.80 crore, a 6.31% increase, with ₹3,500 crore allocated for capital expenditures. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will receive ₹23,855 crore, with a focus on innovation and supporting start-ups.
Defence pensions are allocated ₹1,41,205 crore, up 2.17%. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the budget for advancing towards a self-reliant India and contributing to economic growth.Click here to read… [9]
On 26 July 2024, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) evacuated 14 Indian crew members from the bulk carrier JSW Raigad, which had run aground off the coast of Alibaug, Maharashtra. The vessel had experienced anchor dragging, engine room flooding, and loss of control amid extreme sea conditions and nearby reefs. After receiving a distress call on 25 July, the ICG's Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Mumbai launched a helicopter rescue operation early the next day, successfully airlifting all crew members to safety without injuries. The situation is under close monitoring to ensure the vessel and environmental safety.Click here to read… [10]
On July 30, 2024, Innovations for Defence Excellence-Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO) signed an MoU with Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) in New Delhi to launch the Medical Innovations and Research Advancement (MIRA) initiative. This partnership aims to foster innovation and research in developing novel medical technologies for the Armed Forces. The initiative includes the Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC) edition MIRA, targeting critical medical challenges. This collaboration is seen as a significant milestone in advancing medical care and technology within the Armed Forces, highlighting the Ministry's commitment to innovation in defence and security.
iDEX, established by the DIO under the Department of Defence Production, has rapidly transformed the defence ecosystem by fostering a community of over 400 start-ups and MSMEs. It has created numerous job opportunities and significantly contributed to the sector's development.Click here to read… [11]
On 30 July 2024, the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) launched the E-SeHAT module, enabling beneficiaries to receive online medical consultations from home. The pilot project, starting at 12 ECHS Polyclinics, aims for a nationwide rollout in November 2024. IT hardware has been provided and staff trained across all 427 Polyclinics. Future plans include home delivery of medicines and hospital referrals. This initiative supports the Digital India vision for enhancing public service efficiency and inclusivity.Click here to read… [12]
On 29 July, radical Islamic preacher Anjem Choudary was found guilty of supporting and propagating terrorism in the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US). "Choudary directed the banned group— Al-Muhajiroun and promoted it through the New York-based Islamic Thinkers Society (ITS)." Operatives of Al-Muhajiroun have been implicated in several terrorist attacks, including the murder of British soldier Lee Rigby in 2013, the 2017 London Bridge attack, and the 2019 London Bridge stabbing.
"The Al-Muhajiroun's tentacles have spread across the world. Some individuals have conducted terrorist attacks or travelled for terrorist purposes because of Anjem Choudary's radicalising impact upon them," said the commander of counter-terrorism, Metropolitan Police— Dominic Murphy.Click here to read… [13]
On 28 July, Pakistan security forces killed three Baluch protestors and injured over half a dozen in different areas of the Baluchistan province. The killings took place after participants of the Baluchistan Yakjehti Committee (BYC) protest and Pakistani security forces clashed. Confronting roadblocks, many people from across the Baluchistan province congregated at Gwadar's Marine Drive for the Baluch Rajee Muchi(Baluch National Gathering).Click here to read… [14]
On 29 July, Pakistani security forces attacked and allegedly abducted 12 women and over 50 men during a sit-in protest in front of the University of Baluchistan in Quetta, Baluchistan. In a post on X/Twitter, the Baluch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) posted that "Security forces attacked the sit-in protest in front of the University of Baluchistan and abducted twelve female and more than fifty male protesters. Yesterday, Pakistani forces opened fire on the peaceful caravan of Baluch Raaji Muchi Karachi in Kund Malir. The security forces forcibly turned the caravan back. In response, the caravan has begun a sit-in at Zero Point, which will be blocked until they are allowed to join Baluch Raaji Muchi in Gwadar."Click here to read… [15]
On 19 July, Pakistan's Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested a senior al-Qa'ida leader and a close aide of Osama Bin Laden— Amin ul-Haq, from Sarai Alamgir town in Gujarat district in Punjab province and foiled a large-scale conspiracy of terror project in the country. Haq was the United Nations (UN) designated global terrorist and was taken into custody.Click here to read… [16]
On 23 July, the Indian Army foiled an infiltration bid by terrorists along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district. A soldier— Lance Naik Subhash Kumar, was injured during the exchange of fire and later attained Veergati. "Alert troops foiled an infiltration bid by effectively engaging infiltrating terrorists ... in the Battal sector at 0300 hours," White Knight Corps posted on X/Twitter. There has been an increase in terror activities in Jammu in recent months, raising fears about the revival of militancy in the region.Click here to read… [17]
On 22 July, the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police issued an advisory regarding Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) 's propaganda video featuring a clip from a Bollywood movie 'Phantom'. In its post on X/Twitter, the J&K police stated that "Alert!!! A 5-minute, 55-second video by Jaish with a poster of the Bollywood movie Phantom with a photo of actor Saif Ali has just been released by the enemy around 2 PM today, 22 July 2024." The police asked people and officials to ensure the video was not forwarded to anyone in any manner. "Under no circumstances this video shall be forwarded. It should be remembered that posting and forwarding content of this nature is an offence under sections 13 and 18 of UAPA," it added.Click here to read… [18]
On 24 July, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested a senior Maoist— Uday ji akaRajesh Kumar Sinha, a Special Area Committee (SAC) member in a 2021 Bihar arms and explosives seizure case. Uday ji was found instrumental in providing financial and logistics support to Parshuram Singh, who was manufacturing the improvised hand grenades at his garage in Danapur, Bihar. These improvised hand grenades were further supplied to Naxals at Budhapahad. Investigations have revealed a considerable conspiracy to provide arms, ammunition and explosive materials to the proscribed terrorist organisation CPI (Maoist).Click here to read… [19]
On 20 July, security forces eliminated a Maoist in an operation in Sukma district in Chhattisgarh. This takes the Maoist killing count to eight this month and 141 this year. According to police, the gunfight took place in Tumar Gatta and Singavaram villages in Jagargunda when a team of District Reserve Guard (DRG) was on an anti-Naxalism operation. Upon their return from an operation, troops were attacked by Maoists. DRG personnel counterattacked and forced the Maoists to flee. Later, DRG troops recovered a dead body of a Maoist, a gun, a wireless communication set, and explosives from the site.Click here to read… [20]
The NIA, on 18 July, arrested Baljeet Singh, akaRana Bhai, a key aide of designated Sikh terrorist Lakhbir Singh Sandhu, akaLanda, in a terror network case involving the supply of weapons for terror activities. Baljeet Singh was a major weapons supplier to Landa's agents in Punjab. The guns were used to carry out large-scale terror activities, including extortion from businessmen and others.Click here to read… [21]
On 19 July, a radical Sikh preacher and Lok Sabha MP from Khadoor Sahib— Amritpal Singh, challenged his detention under the National Security (NS) Act in the Punjab & Haryana Court. Amritpal Singh is currently imprisoned in Dibrugarh Jail in Assam since April 2023. Singh argued that his preventive detention was unlawful and based on social media posts that had no significant impact on Punjab's security. Amritpal Singh, who won the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Punjab's Khadoor Sahib parliamentary constituency as an independent candidate, is originally a resident of Jallu Kheda village in Amritsar.Click here to read… [22]
The NIA Special Court (Kolkata), on 23 July, convicted and sentenced Faijul SK, a key Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) trafficker, in the 'Malda fake currency' case. Faijul SK was sentenced to five years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) and fined ₹ 5,000. Faijul has been found guilty under Clauses 177 and 178 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) [earlier referred to Section 489B and 489C of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)] and Section 16 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A]. The seizure of FICNs was made on 16 September 2019 by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), which recovered 99 fake notes in the denomination of ₹2000 and two in the denomination of ₹500, totalling ₹1,99,000 in face value. The currency was recovered from the possession of another FICN trafficker— Asim Sarkar, who was taken into custody.Click here to read… [23]
On 15 July, the NIA arrested four key operatives— i) Manjoor Alam, akaGuddu of Delhi, ii) Sahil, iii) Ashish, akaAkhil of Bahadurgarh (Haryana), and iv) Pawan Yadav, akaAfroz akaAfzal of Siwan (Bihar), in connection with 'transnational human trafficking and cyber fraud' case. According to the NIA investigations, all four were part of the organised trafficking syndicate involved in luring and trafficking Bharatiya youth to foreign countries on the pretext of offering them lucrative jobs. The trafficked youth were forced to work in fake call centres in Laos (Golden Triangle SEZ), among other places in the Southeast Asian region. These call centres were part of the massive network being operated by foreign nationals through operatives based in various parts of Bharat, Laos, and other countries. Through these call centres, the youth were coerced into carrying out illegal online activities, such as investment scams, relationship scams, Crypto Currency scams, etcetera.Click here to read… [24]
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Links:
[1] https://www.vifindia.org/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2024/august/08
[2] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2033571
[3] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2034171
[4] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2034363
[5] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2034699
[6] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2035358
[7] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2036157
[8] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2036798
[9] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2035748
[10] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2037395
[11] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2039097
[12] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2039182
[13] https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uk/2024/07/23/extremist-preacher-choudary-found-guilty-of-terror-offences-in-uk-and-us/
[14] https://www.business-standard.com/external-affairs-defence-security/news/balochistan-pakistani-forces-kill-3-protesters-block-major-roads-124072900532_1.html
[15] https://www.indianarrative.com/world-news/pakistani-forces-attack-sit-in-protest-in-balochistan-abduct-12-women-and-over-50-men-160052.html
[16] https://indianexpress.com/article/world/senior-al-qaeda-leader-close-aide-bin-laden-arrested-pakistan-punjab-province-9463622/
[17] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jammu-and-kashmir/jammu-and-kashmir-army-foils-another-infiltration-bid-in-poonch/article68435355.ece
[18] http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/111931001.cms
[19] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1773_1_Pr2.pdf
[20] http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/111892100.cms
[21] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1768_1_Pr2.pdf
[22] https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/pro-khalistan-leader-amritpal-singh-moves-punjab-haryana-hc-challenges-detention-under-nsa-437929-2024-07-20
[23] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1771_1_Pr2.pdf
[24] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1767_1_Pr.pdf
[25] http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?title=VIF News Digest : National Security- Defence Studies & Terrorism, (16-31 July 2024)&desc=&images=&u=https://www.vifindia.org/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2024/august/08
[26] http://twitter.com/share?text=VIF News Digest : National Security- Defence Studies & Terrorism, (16-31 July 2024)&url=https://www.vifindia.org/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2024/august/08&via=Azure Power
[27] whatsapp://send?text=https://www.vifindia.org/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2024/august/08
[28] https://www.vifindia.org/author/Anurag-Bisen