VIF News Digest: National Security - Defence Studies & Terrorism, 16-30 September 2020

DEFENCE

• Defence Capital Procurement.
• COVID-19 Cases in Defence Services.
• Text of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh Statement in Rajya Sabha on September 17.
• Investment in Defence through FDI Route.
• Attack of Pakistani Forces on Indian Positions.
• Successful Flight Test of ABHYAS.
• Passage Exercise (PASSEX) Between Royal Australian Navy and Indian Navy in East Indian Ocean Region.
• Joint Press Release of the 6th Round of Senior Commanders’ Meeting between India and China.
• Laser Guided ATGM Successfully Test-fired.
• Webinar with Israel on Defence Industry Global Outreach for Collaborative Partnership: Webinar and Expo held on 24 Sep 2020
• Webinar with Cambodia on Defence Industry Global Outreach for Collaborative Partnership: Webinar and Expo held today.
• Bilateral Maritime Exercise Between Japan and India (JIMEX 20) to Commence off West Coast of India.
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh unveils Defence Acquisition Procedure – 2020.
  Defence Acquisition Council headed by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh accords approval for various arms and equipment worth Rs. 2,290 crore.
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launches Defence India Startup Challenge-4.
  19th Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs.

International Terrorism

Africa

Nigeria

• Boko Haram is recruiting young children in its new drive.
• Nigerian forces kill 16 Boko Haram terrorists in Maiduguri.

Somalia

• Al-Shabab growing more emboldened in targeting US troops.
• Senior al-Shabab leader killed in CT operation in South Somalia.

Pakistan

• A soldier martyred in an IED blast in South Waziristan.
• Pakistan freeze 964 assets of banned JuD, JeM.
• JuD's gaming apps brainwash youth to take up jihad against India.

Philippines

• Two Abu Sayyaf Group terrorists surrendered in Sulu province.

Domestic Terrorism

Jammu and Kashmir

• Security forces arrested two al-Badr terrorists from Pulwama.
• Two LeT terrorists were arrested from Baramulla.
• Police arrested LeT terrorist from Pulwama.
• Three terrorists, including HM commander killed in Srinagar.

Left-Wing Extremism

• Two key Maoist leaders killed in Telangana.
• Security forces arrested six Maoists from Bihar and West Bengal.

Islamist Extremism in India

• NIA arrested an al-Qaeda operative from West Bengal.
• AQIS is capable of ‘small-scale regional attacks’, claimed US NCTC.
• Kerala native IS terrorist received life sentence under UA(P) Act.

Cyber, Information Warfare & Artificial Intelligence (Security Perspective)

• Govt is bringing the National Cyber Security Strategy 2020 said India’s NSA.
• Since 2015, CERT-In recorded 1.45 million cyber incidents, informed MEITY.
• Tamil Nadu became first State equipped with AI and Cyber Security policies.
• US Air Force adds Electronic Warfare into its profile.

Defence

Defence Capital Procurement.

During last financial year (2019-20), 38 contracts have been signed with Indian vendors and 32 contracts have been signed with foreign vendors. During current Financial Year 2020-21 (Upto July, 2020), 10 contracts have been signed with Indian vendors and 6 contracts have been signed with Foreign vendors for capital procurement of defence equipment for Armed Forces. Out of the total of 48 capital acquisition contracts signed with Indian vendors from April 2019 to July 2020, 18 contracts have been signed with DPSUs/PSUs/OFB/DRDO/ISRO and 30 contracts have been signed with Indian Private vendors.While evaluating competitive bids for Defence contracts between DPSUs and Private Sector entities, no advantage is given to DPSUs. The competitive bids are evaluated based on the RFP terms and conditions.
For more information: Click here to read... [2]

COVID-19 Cases in Defence Services.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Army, Navy and Air Force are 16758, 1365 and 1716 respectively. The number of deceased due to COVID-19 in Army and Air Force are 32 and 03 respectively and ‘NIL’ in case of Navy.

Text of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh Statement in Rajya Sabha on September 17.

The salient points of his speech in parliament were:-

1. He acknowledged the courage, gallant and valor of 20 brave soldiers, who made the supreme sacrifice in the cause of defending the territorial integrity of India.
2. China does not accept the customary and traditional alignment of the boundary between India and China. We believe that this alignment is based on well-established geographical principles confirmed by treaties and agreements, as well as historical usage and practice, well-known for centuries to both sides. The Chinese position, however, is that the boundary between the two countries has not been formally delimited, that there exists a traditional customary line formed by the extent of jurisdiction that they claim was exercised historically by each side, and that the two sides have different interpretations of the position of the traditional customary line. The two countries had engaged in discussions during 1950s-60s but these efforts could not yield a mutually acceptable solution.
3. He brought out as yet there is no commonly delineated Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the border areas between India and China and there is no common perception of the entire LAC. Therefore, in order to ensure peace and tranquility in the border areas, especially along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the two countries have concluded a number of agreements and protocols.
4. Since April, we had noticed a buildup of troops and armaments by the Chinese side in the border areas adjacent to Eastern Ladakh. In early May, the Chinese side had taken action to hinder the normal, traditional patrolling pattern of our troops in the Galwan Valley area, which resulted in a face-off. Even as this situation was being addressed by the Ground Commanders as per the provisions of our bilateral agreements and protocol, in mid-May the Chinese side made several attempts to transgress the LAC in other parts of the Western Sector. This included Kongka La, Gogra and North Bank of Pangong Lake. These attempts were detected early and consequently responded to appropriately by our armed forces.
5. It was made it clear to the Chinese side both through diplomatic and military channels that China was, by such actions, attempting to unilaterally alter the status quo. It was categorically conveyed that this was unacceptable.
6. Given the growing friction along the LAC, the Senior Commanders of the two sides in a meeting on June 6, 2020 agreed on a process of disengagement that involved reciprocal actions. Both sides also agreed to respect and abide by the LAC and not undertake any activity to alter the status quo. However in violation of this the Chinese side created a violent face off on June 15th at Galwan.
7. As of now, the Chinese side has mobilized a large number of troops and armaments along the LAC as well as in the depth areas. There are several friction areas in Eastern Ladakh including Gogra, Kongka La and North and South Banks of the Pangong Lake. In response to China’s actions, our armed forces have also made appropriate counter deployments in these areas to ensure that India’s security interests are fully protected.

For more information: Click here to read... [3]

Investment in Defence through FDI Route.

As per the data furnished by 37 companies in Defence and Aerospace sector, so far (i.e. till June, 2020), FDI inflows of over Rs 2883 crores have been reported in Defence and Aerospace sectors through automatic route. Further, FDI inflows of over Rs.1849 crores have been reported in Defence and Aerospace sectors after 2014 through automatic route.
For more information: Click here to read... [4]

Attack of Pakistani Forces on Indian Positions.

There have been no attacks by Pakistani forces on Indian positions along the Line of Control and International Border with Pakistan. However, Pakistan troops have been resorting to persistent ceasefire violations along the Line of Control. There have been 2453 incidents of Ceasefire Violations along Line of Control in Jammu region in this year (from 01 March to 07 September, 2020). In addition, 192 incidents of cross-border firing have occurred along Indo-Pak International Border in Jammu region in this year (01 March to 31 August, 2020). There have been 10 fatal casualties of Army personnel occurred along Line of Control/International Border in cross border firing by Pakistani forces in the last six months. The details of casualties of Pakistan side cannot be ascertained accurately.
For more information: Click here to read... [5]

Successful Flight Test of ABHYAS.

Successful flight test of ABHYAS - High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) was conducted by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) from the Interim Test Range, Balasore in Odisha. During the trials, two demonstrator vehicles were successfully test flown. The vehicle can be used as target for evaluation of various missile systems. During the test campaign, the user requirement of 5 km flying altitude, vehicle speed of 0.5 mach, endurance of 30 minutes and 2g turn capability of the test vehicle were successfully achieved.
For more information: Click here to read... [6]

Passage Exercise (PASSEX) Between Royal Australian Navy and Indian Navy in East Indian Ocean Region.

Royal Australian Navy and Indian Navy warships completed two-day (23 and 24 September 2020) Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in the east Indian Ocean region. The exercise involved participation of HMAS Hobart from the Australian side and Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Karmuk. In addition, an Indian MPA and helicopters from both sides would have participated in the exercise. The exercise was aimed at enhancing interoperability, improving understanding and imbibing best practices from each other, would involve advanced surface and anti-air exercises including weapon firings, seamanship exercises, naval manoeuvres and Cross Deck Flying Operations.

Joint Press Release of the 6th Round of Senior Commanders’ Meeting between India and China.

On September 21, the Indian and Chinese Senior Commanders held the 6th round of Military Commander-Level Meeting. The two sides had candid and in-depth exchanges of views on stabilizing the situation along the LAC in the India - China border areas. They agreed to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strengthen communication on the ground, avoid misunderstandings and misjudgments, stop sending more troops to the frontline, refrain from unilaterally changing the situation on the ground, and avoid taking any actions that may complicate the situation. The two sides also agreed to hold the 7th round of Military Commander-Level Meeting as soon as possible, take practical measures to properly solve problems on the ground, and jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in the border area.

Laser Guided ATGM Successfully Test-fired.

Laser Guided Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) was successfully test fired from MBT Arjun Tank on 22nd Sep 2020. In these tests, the ATGM successfully defeated a target located at 3 km. Laser guided ATGMs lock and track the targets with the help of laser designation to ensure precision hit accuracy.

Webinar with Israel on Defence Industry Global Outreach for Collaborative Partnership: Webinar and Expo held on 24 Sep 2020.

Defence Secretaries and other senior MoD officials from both the countries participated in the webinar and spoke about enhancing the defence cooperation between both the nations. Creation of Sub Working Group (SWG) on Defence Industrial Cooperation between India and Israel was announced in the webinar. The main objective of the SWG will be Transfer of Technology, Co-development & Co-production, Artificial Intelligence, Innovation and Joint Export to friendly foreign countries. A MoU was also signed between Kalyani Group and Rafael Advanced Defence Systems during the webinar.
For more information: Click here to read... [7]

Webinar with Cambodia on Defence Industry Global Outreach for Collaborative Partnership: Webinar and Expo held today.

Senior MoD officials from Indian side and senior army officials from Cambodian side participated in the webinar and spoke about enhancing the defence cooperation between both the nations. Various Indian companies such as Alpha Design Technologies Pvt Ltd, L&T, TATA Advanced Systems Pvt Ltd, BEL, Bharat Forge Ltd, Ashok Leyland Ltd. and Mahindra Defence Systems Pvt Ltd. made company and product presentations on major platforms / equipment like Artillery Systems, Mine Protected Vehicles, Electronic and telecommunication systems, Demining equipment etc. were shown in the webinar. The webinar was attended by more than 200 delegates and 100 virtual exhibition stalls have been set up in the Expo.

Bilateral Maritime Exercise Between Japan and India (JIMEX 20) to Commence off West Coast of India.

The 4th edition of India - Japan Maritime bilateral exercise JIMEX, which is conducted biennially between the Indian Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) was held in North Arabian Sea from 26 to 28 September 2020. JIMEX series of exercises commenced in January 2012 with special focus on maritime security cooperation. The last edition of JIMEX was conducted in October 2018 off Visakhapatnam, India. Multi-faceted tactical exercises involving weapon firing; cross deck helicopter operations and complex surface, anti-submarine and air warfare drills will consolidate coordination developed by the two navies.

Indigenously built stealth destroyer Chennai, Teg Class stealth frigate Tarkash and Fleet Tanker Deepak, under the command of Rear Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, will represent the Indian Navy. The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force will be represented by JMSDF Ships Kaga, an Izumo Class Helicopter Destroyer and Ikazuchi, a Guided Missile Destroyer, led by Rear Admiral Konno Yasushige, Commander Escort Flotilla – 2 (CCF - 2). In addition to ships, P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, integral helicopters and fighter aircraft will also participate in the exercise.
For more information: Click here to read... [8]

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh unveils Defence Acquisition Procedure – 2020.

DAP 2020 will be applicable with effect from 01 October 2020. Formulation of DAP 2020 has been done over more than one year, incorporating comments/suggestions from a wide spectrum of stakeholders. DAP 2020 has been aligned with the vision of the Government of Atmanirbhar Bharat and empowering Indian domestic industry through Make in India initiative with the ultimate aim of turning India into a global manufacturing hub. With the new Foreign Direct Investment policy announced, DAP 2020 has adequately included provisions to encourage FDI to establish manufacturing hubs both for import substitution and exports while protecting interests of Indian domestic industry.

Salient features of DAP 2020:-

1. Reservation in Categories for Indian Vendors.
2. Enhancement of Indigenous Content
3. Overall Enhancement in Indigenous Content (IC).
4. IC Verification.
5. Indigenous Military Material.
6. Indigenous Software.
7. Rationalisation of Trial and Testing Procedures.
8. Inspections
9. Make & Innovation.
10. Design & Development.
11. Address Voids.

For more information: Click here to read... [9]

Defence Acquisition Council headed by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh accords approval for various arms and equipment worth Rs. 2,290 crore.

The Defence Acquisition Council meeting held under the Chairmanship of Raksha Mantri approved proposals for Capital acquisitions of various equipment required by the Indian Armed Forces at an approximate cost of Rs 2,290 crore. These include procurement from Domestic Industry as well as Foreign vendors.

Under the Buy Indian (IDDM) category, the DAC approved procurement of Static HF Tans-receiver sets and Smart Anti Airfield Weapon (SAAW). The HF radio sets will enable seamless communication for the field units of Army and Air Force and are being procured at an approx. cost of Rs. 540 crore. The Smart Anti Airfield Weapon being procured at an approx. cost of Rs. 970 crore will add to the fire power of Navy and Air Force. Further, to equip the Frontline Troops of the Army the DAC also accorded approval for procurement of SIG SAUER Assault Rifles at a cost of approx. Rs.780 crore.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launches Defence India Startup Challenge-4.

Raksha Mantri launched the Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC 4) during the iDEX event, featuring the initiatives aimed at expanding the horizons of Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) ecosystem. iDEX4Fauji initiative and Product Management Approach (PMA) guidelines were also launched by the Raksha Mantri during the event. Each of these initiatives is expected to facilitate iDEX-DIO to scale up the program qualitatively and quantitatively.

iDEX4Fauji is a first of its kind initiative, launched to support innovations identified by members of the Indian Armed Forces and will bolster frugal innovation ideas from soldiers/ field formations. There are more than 13 Lakh service personnel working in the field and on borders, handling extreme conditions and equipment and would be having many ideas and innovations to improve such equipment. There was no mechanism to support such innovations. iDEX4Fauji would open this window and allow our Faujis to become part of the innovation process and get recognised and rewarded. Services Headquarters will provide support to the soldiers & field formations all over the country to ensure maximum participation. Under Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC)4, eleven challenges from Armed forces, OFB & DPSUs were thrown open to prospective startups, innovators, MSMEs alike to provide their innovative ideas on technologies which find their application in the defence sector. The challenges are as follows:

1. Autonomous Underwater Swarm Drones
2. Predictive, Preventive & Prescriptive Machine Monitoring
3. Super Resolution for Improving Spatial Resolution
4. AI based Satellite Image Analysis
5. Prediction and forecasting of atmospheric visibility
6. Computer Generated Targets for Virtual Training
7. Remote Real Time In-Flight Health Monitoring of Aircrew
8. MF-TDMA based Wideband SATCOM Modem
9. Foliage Penetration Radar
10. Reduction of RCS of Naval Warships
11. Target Detection in Chaff Environment

For more information: Click here to read... [10]

19th Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs.

The 19th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) was held on 30 September 2020. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (East Asia) from the Ministry of External Affairs. The Director General of the Boundary & Oceanic Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs led the Chinese delegation.The two sides reviewed the current situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the India-China border areas and had frank and detailed discussions on the developments since the last meeting of the WMCC on 20 August, 2020. The two sides attached importance to the meetings between the two Defence Ministers and the two Foreign Ministers held earlier this month. They also noted that the agreement between the two Foreign Ministers should be sincerely implemented to ensure disengagement at all the friction points along the LAC.
For more information:Click here to read... [11]

International Terrorism

Africa

Nigeria

Boko Haram is recruiting young children in its new drive

Boko Haram has been spreading extremism and violence in Northern Nigeria and the Lake Chad region as the group operates from Borno, Nigeria. In order to continue this insurgency, the group had to constantly recruit new members to their evil cause. They have used both bribery and abductions as a way to gain these new members. Recent research has shown that the group is increasing their efforts to recruit children. They recruit younger children to act as suicide bombers, many of whom are already victims of the groups violence, as soldiers or suicide bombers.
For more information: Click here to read... [12]

Nigerian forces kill 16 Boko Haram terrorists in Maiduguri

During an air operation in Kassa Kura in Maiduguri Town on 18 September, sixteen members of the Boko Haram terror group were eliminated. As per the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, there are more than 300,000 people have been killed and around three million individuals have been displaced by the terror acts of Boko Haram.
For more information: Click here to read... [13]

Somalia

Al-Shabaab growing more emboldened in targeting US troops

Al-Shahaab, an Al-Qaida offshoot based in Somalia, is shifting its methods of carrying out attacks. The organisation’s propaganda is a reminiscent of Al-Qaida’s prior attack on 11 September 2001. As per U.S. Africa Command’s Director of Naval Intelligence Rear Adm. Heidi Berg, al-Shabab is the most capable terrorist group on the African continent. According to AFRICOM, there are approximately 5,000 to 7,000 al-Shabab militants in Somalia. As per the data produced by The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data tracked more than 600 violent incidents in Somalia between April 1 and June 30, 2020, per the report.
For more information: Click here to read... [14]

Senior al-Shabab leader killed in CT operation in South Somalia

In a Counter-Terrorism (CT) operation on 14 September at Bardale town in the southern region of Bay, Somalia, senior al-Shabaab leader Ibrahim Moalim Abdi was killed. Abdi oversaw operations in Qansaah dherer, Bardale and Awdinle towns.
For more information: Click here to read... [15]

Pakistan

A soldier martyred in an IED blast in South Waziristan

On 14 September, an IED blast took place in the Makeen area of South Waziristan tribal district in which a Pakistani soldier was martyred, and three others were injured. Although, there has been no claim for the attack as of now. In another attack in the early September four Pakistani soldiers were martyred and four soldiers were injured in two separate attacks in South Waziristan area carried-out by Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
For more information: Click here to read... [16]

Pakistan freeze 964 assets of banned JuD, JeM

The interior ministry of Pakistan government has freeze 964 properties of Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist organisation. The frozen property includes schools, hospitals, colleges, madrassa, mosques and some agricultural lands. A total of 611 properties of JuD were frozen in Punjab, followed by 108 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 80 in Sindh, 61 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, 30 in Baluchistan and 17 in Islamabad Capital Territory. Similarly, eight properties of JeM were frozen in Punjab, 29 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 12 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, four in Islamabad Capital Territory, three in Sindh and one in Baluchistan. The accused were raising funds using five trusts—Dawatul Irshad Trust, Moaz Bin Jabal Trust, al-Anfaal Trust, al-Madina Foundation Trust and Alhamd Trust.
For more information: Click here to read... [17]

JuD's gaming apps brainwash youth to take up jihad against India

The terror outfits like Jamaat ud-Dawa (JuD) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) are using gaming applications to brainwash the youth of Pakistan to participate in Jihad against India. The JuD cyber team known as ‘JuD Cyber Team’, has hired computer programmers to develop games and mobile apps. However, JuD claims that apps are based on the teachings of the Prophet Mohammad. JuD Cyber Team was also playing a vital role in the Delhi riots early 2020.
For more information: Click here to read... [18]

Philippines

Two Abu Sayyaf Group terrorists surrendered in Sulu province

On 25 September, two Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists has surrendered before the Commanding Officer of the 6th Special Forces Battalion—Lt Col Rafael Caido in Sulu province. Earlier in the same week, ten other ASG terrorists had surrendered.
For more information: Click here to read... [19]

Domestic Terrorism

Jammu and Kashmir

Security forces arrested two al-Badr terrorists from Pulwama

In Counter-Terrorism (CT) operation on 15 September, joint team security forces, including Awantipora Police arrested two al-Badr terrorists—Rayees ul-Hassan, and Mushtaq Ahmad Mir, from Ladhoo crossing in Pulwama. Upon arrest, security forces also recovered ₹ 6 lakh and other incriminating material from their possession.
For more information: Click here to read... [20]

Two LeT OGWs were arrested from Baramulla

In a joint operation, security forces on 16 September arrested two Over Ground Workers (OGWs) of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), from joint check-posts at Singhpora in Baramulla district. Upon arrest, two grenades, 100 rounds of AK-47, and other indiscriminating material of LeT were recovered from the vehicle driven by the OGWs.
For more information: Click here to read... [21]

Security forces arrested LeT terrorist from Pulwama

On 28 September, joint team of security forces arrested a newly recruited Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist—Faisal Rashid Dar, from Pampore area in South Pulwama district. Dar was missing since 11 September and had joined LeT on 13 September as he claimed in audio-video uploaded on social media. Earlier his Mother and sister had appealed to him to return home and he declined these pleas.
For more information: Click here to read... [22]

Three terrorists killed in CT operation Srinagar

The security forces, on 17 September, eliminated three terrorists [identities undisclosed] in a Counter-Terrorism (CT) operation in Srinagar city. In the operation, a Deputy Commandant of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) also received injuries.
For more information: Click here to read... [23]

Left-Wing Extremism

Two key Maoist leaders killed in Telangana

In a anti-Naxal operation on 18 September, Telangana police, along with Greyhounds personnel and Special Party teams, eliminated two key Maoist leaders [identities undisclosed] in the Kadamba forest area near Kagaznagar in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district in Telangana. The police also recovered two weapons and revolutionary literature from the spot of operation.
For more information: Click here to read... [24]

Security forces arrested six Maoists from Bihar and West Bengal

On 21 September, in two separate operations, security forces comprise of Bihar police, arrested five Maoists from Bihar’s Gaya and Jamui districts while another Maoist was arrested from Kolkata in West Bengal. Acting on an intelligence input, 159 Battalion of the CRPF with district police carried out a joint operation and arrested Rahul Yadav aka Bada Vikas aka Sirji—CPI’s regional committee member of Magadh zone, from Bhraunda village.
For more information: Click here to read... [25]

Islamist Extremism in India

NIA arrested nine al-Qaeda operatives from West Bengal and Kerala

On 19 September, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested nine al-Qaeda operatives from different locations in West Bengal and Kerala, for the conspiracy to carry-out major terrorist attacks in India on behest of their Pakistan-based handler. These individuals were radicalised by Pakistan-based al-Qaeda terrorists on social media and were motivated to undertake attacks at multiple places, including the Delhi/National Capital Region (NCR). The module was actively indulging in fundraising and few members of the group were planning to travel to Delhi to procure arms and ammunition. These arrests have pre-empted possible terrorist attacks in various parts of the country, read the NIA statement.
Separately, on 26 September, the NIA arrested an al-Qaeda operative—Shamim Ansari from Murshidabad district in West Bengal, for his alleged involvement with Pakistan-sponsored module of al-Qaeda.
For more information: Click here to read... [26]

AQIS is capable of ‘small-scale regional attacks’, claimed US NCTC

On 24 September, Christopher Miller— Director of US National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) informed the US Senate Committee that al-Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) is now more capable of carrying out small-scale regional attacks. However, after the killing of AQIS leader—Asim Umar in September 2019, the group has struggled to rebound. In mid-March 2020, AQIS published a special issue of Nawai Afghan Jihad praising the US-Taliban agreement, which mirrored al-Qaeda's leaders' statements on the deal.
For more information: Click here to read... [27]

Kerala native IS terrorist received life sentence under UA(P) Act

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court, on 28 September, awarded life imprisonment to Subahani Haja Moideen—a native of Idukki district in Kerala, for intentionally joining Islamic State (IS) and travelling to Iraq to further terrorist activities. Earlier on 25 September, Subahani was found guilty under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 120(B) [Criminal Conspiracy], Section 125 [waging war against Asiatic power in alliance with the Government of India], and Section 20 [Punishment for being member of terrorist group or organisation] under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A].
For more information: Click here to read... [28]

Cyber, Information Warfare & Artificial Intelligence (Security Perspective)

Govt is bringing the National Cyber Security Strategy 2020, said India’s NSA

With a vision for a safe, secure, trusted, resilient, and vibrant cyberspace of India’s prosperity, India’s National Security Advisor (NSA)—Shri Ajit Doval has said that the Government of India is coming with the National Cyber Security Strategy 2020 which will focuses on all areas of cyber security through its three pillars. “While India has managed its affairs to a certain extent, malicious actors also found in it a new opportunity. India has witnessed an increase of 500 per cent in cyber-crimes due to limited awareness and poor cyber hygiene,” said NSA Doval.

The NCSS will cater to the entire cyber ecosystem and further measures on how to strengthen the existing systems. The five-year Strategy (2020-2025) has been in the works since 2019 and will succeed India’s 2013 Cyber Security policy. In December 2019, the National Security Council (NSC) had invited comments on the Strategy, and it was meant to be released in the first quarter of the year. COVID-19, however, upended those plans.
For more information: Click here to read... [29]

Since 2015, CERT-In recorded 1.45 million cyber incidents, informed MEITY

Responding to a question in the Parliament on 21 September, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) replied that in the period between 2015-2020, India’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) recorded 1.45 million cyber incidents such as breaches and hacks. With proliferation in Internet, there is a rise in number of cyber security incidents in India as well as globally. Proactive tracking by CERT-In and improved cyber security awareness among individuals and organisations across sectors has led to increased reporting of incidents. “India ranks 3rd in terms of the highest number of Internet users in the world after USA and China, the number has grown six-fold between 2012-2017 with a compound annual growth rate of 44%”, according to a NITI Aayog report.
For more information: Click here to read... [30]

Tamil Nadu became first State equipped with AI and Cyber Security policies

At an event—Connect 2020, Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister Edapaddi K Palaniswami unveiled three policies—Tamil Nadu Cyber Security Policy 2020, Tamil Nadu Blockchain Policy 2020, and Tamil Nadu Safe & Ethical Artificial Intelligence Policy 2020. In order to promote Information Technology/Information Technology enabled Services (IT/ITeS) industry in the State and to attract more investments, eight Special Economic Zones (SEZs) were established in Chennai and tier-II cities by Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (ELCOT) and start-up warehouses were set up in Chennai and Coimbatore.
For more information: Click here to read... [31]

US Air Force adds Electronic Warfare into its profile

To build more robust Information Warfare (IW) portfolio, the United States (US) Air Force’s Intelligence and Cyber division at the Pentagon added Electronic Warfare (EW) to its profile. The US Air Force embarked on this path in 2019 when it added cyber effects operations to the A2 portfolio. Next, it merged its cyber- and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance)-numbered Air Forces in October 2019 to create the first IW-numbered Air Force, 16th Air Force.
For more information: Click here to read... [32]