#SecurityScan 74: Padma Awards, ban on SIMI for 5 years and much more
Four members of Myanmar"s security services, including Brigadier General Aye Min Naung, were shot dead by a sniper as their helicopter prepared to land near the Thai border.
NewsBharati 03-Feb-2024 12:34:14 PM
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This article is a summary of important events that have taken place in last one week affecting, India's national security.
Countering External & Internal Security Challenges
Padma Awards: Shifting Emphasis to Meritocracy and Uncelebrated Contributors
The government has redefined the significance of Padma awards, transforming them into a platform that recognizes individuals setting groundbreaking examples for social change. The recently announced list of Padma awards underscores the government's commitment to honoring talent, meritocracy, hard work, diversity, perseverance, social work, unique skills, and the achievements of ordinary men and women, moving beyond the realm of celebrities.The Padma awards now symbolize something deeper than mere glamour and razzmatazz.
The awards have taken on a new meaning, symbolizing the acknowledgment of unsung heroes who toil day and night, profoundly influencing their communities but often going unnoticed. In contrast to the previous regime, where many awardees were pliable figures willing to praise the ruling dispensation, the government has shifted the focus to those who truly deserve recognition.
In a noteworthy acknowledgment of exceptional contributions to the technology industry, Young Liu, the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Foxconn, the Taiwanese multinational electronics contract manufacturer, has been honored with the prestigious Padma Bhushan award this year. With a career spanning over four decades, Liu, a seasoned entrepreneur and innovator, founded Young Micro Systems in 1988 before leading Foxconn to become the world's largest contract manufacturer, responsible for assembling a significant portion of iPhones.
Foxconn's strategic diversification away from China in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions has been marked by significant investments in India over the past year under the Modi government. This aligns with the broader strategy to reduce dependence on Chinese manufacturing.
Padma Shri continues the tradition of the Narendra Modi government in celebrating unsung heroes from remote parts of the country. From tribal reformers and environmentalists to women breaking the glass ceiling and medical practitioners overcoming personal tragedies, this year's Padma Shri honors ordinary individuals whose impactful work speaks louder than their humble voices.
Nari Shakti At Republic Day Parade
The 75th Republic Day parade in New Delhi prominently showcased the theme of women's empowerment, highlighting significant achievements across diverse fields. Breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated domains, women took the lead in a tri-services contingent that marched proudly on the Kartavya Path. Female pilots added to the spectacle with an exhilarating flypast, captivating spectators.
Women from the Central Armed Police Forces and Agniveers demonstrated awe-inspiring stunts, emphasizing their prowess in various capacities. The parade also featured female scientists from the Defence Research and Development Organisation, showcasing the nation's advancements in defense technology and bolstering military strength.
Under the banner of 'Nari Shakti,' the celebration extended to traditional art forms, as women played various Indian musical instruments, and dancers from across the country showcased the rich cultural heritage.
President Droupadi Murmu's unfurling of the Tricolor was a perfectly synchronized moment with the overarching theme of gender inclusivity.
However, despite these strides, there is a substantial gap in women's representation in politics. The Women's Reservation Bill, passed by both Houses of Parliament in September of the previous year, aims to reserve one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and legislative assemblies for women. Despite this positive step, the Union Government has declared that the legislation will not be implemented before 2029, following the completion of the delimitation exercise. This delay is seen as a setback for women aspiring to establish themselves in the political arena.
Ahead of Republic Day, security agencies were on high alert along Indo-Nepal border
Security agencies along the Indo-Nepal border were on high alert ahead of Republic Day celebrations, with increased checks on individuals' identities to prevent the movement of anti-social elements. Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has enhanced security measures, including installing closed-circuit and drone cameras on routes leading to Nepal, metal detectors at border outposts, and deploying dog squads trained in detecting narcotics and arms.
J-K: Indian Army tightens security along LoC ahead of Republic Day
As Republic Day approached, the Indian Army intensified border security in Jammu and Kashmir, employing snipers and advanced surveillance.
Meanwhile, the CRPF tightens security on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, using drones and metal detectors. There were 13,000 special guests invited, the celebration aiming to involve people from diverse backgrounds, aligning with the government's vision of Jan Bhagidari.
The parade route stretched from Vijay Chowk to Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath), creating a picturesque journey symbolizing the nation's progress.
The parade featured vibrant tableaux representing the cultural and developmental accomplishments of each Indian state.
Marching contingents from the armed and paramilitary forces add a touch of grandeur.
In embracing the spirit of unity, diversity, and progress, the Republic Day celebrations of 2024 was a visual feast and a memorable tribute to India's rich tapestry.
India's 75th Republic Day Parade celebrated the nation's defense prowess, showcasing indigenous technologies like the "Swathi" radar and "Sarvatra" mobile bridge. The historic cavalry display featured the 61st Cavalry, the world's only horsed cavalry regiment. Cutting-edge systems, including a missile and multi-function radar, demonstrated India's air defense focus. Amidst tightened security nationwide, an all-women tri-services contingent, French participation, and heightened vigilance against aerial threats marked the event. The parade reflected India's commitment to self-reliance, security, and inclusive celebrations.
Manipur: 6 jawans injured as Assam Rifles soldier fires at colleagues before killing self
In Manipur's Chandel district, a soldier shot and injured at least six Assam Rifles personnel before taking his own life. The incident occurred in the Sajik Tampak area, when the Assam Rifles jawan opened fire on his colleagues.
Indian Navy rescues hijacked Iranian fishing vessel and crew off the east coast of Somalia
Indian Navy's INS Sumitra swiftly rescued a hijacked Iranian fishing vessel and its 17 crew members off Somalia's coast. This follows recent successful missions, including extinguishing a Gulf of Aden oil tanker fire and thwarting a North Arabian Sea hijacking.
Rolls-Royce inks seven-year deal with Azad Engineering for military aircraft engine components
Rolls-Royce has entered a game-changing seven-year partnership with Azad Engineering, based in Hyderabad, to manufacture critical components for its defense aircraft engines. This strategic collaboration propels Azad Engineering into the global supply chain for Rolls-Royce’s advanced aero engines, marking a significant leap for India in defense manufacturing.
India pivots away from Russian arms, but will retain strong ties
India, the world's largest arms importer, is seeking to reduce its dependence on Russia for weapons and munitions due to disruptions caused by the war in Ukraine. With Russia supplying 65% of India's weapons purchases over the last two decades, diversifying its weapons base has become a priority. India is turning towards the West, particularly the United States, to strengthen ties and contain China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The move reflects India's cautious balancing act to avoid pushing Russia closer to China while advancing its own strategic interests.
Govt extends ban imposed on terror group SIMI for 5 years
The government extended the ban on SIMI for five years due to its involvement in terrorism and disturbing peace. Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared SIMI an 'Unlawful Association' for five more years under the UAPA. SIMI has been continuously engaging in subversive activities and re-organizing absconding activists.
Indian Air Force (IAF) conducts 'Exercise Desert Knight' with France and UAE counterparts
The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted 'Exercise Desert Knight' with the French Air and Space Force (FASF) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force over the Arabian Sea. The exercise aimed to enhance synergy and interoperability among the three Air Forces, facilitating the exchange of operational knowledge and best practices. The participation of India involved aircraft such as Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Jaguar, AWACS, C-130-J, and Air to Air Refueller.
Khelo India-Age is no bar: PM congratulates Rohan Bopanna on his historic Australian Open win
Bopanna made history on Saturday by defeating the Italian duo of Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori in the finals of the Australian Open 2024. Rohan Bopanna's second grand slam championship comes after he won the mixed doubles at the 2017 French Open with Canadian partner Gabriela Dabrowski .
Energy Security-Rooftop Solar System In One Crore Houses
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the government would launch Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana with the objective of installing the rooftop solar system in one crore houses. The PM is hopeful that the scheme would not only reduce the electricity bill of the lower and middle classes but also make India self-reliant in the energy sector. He has stated that a nationwide campaign should be launched to mobilise residential power consumers to adopt the system in large numbers.
Optimally harnessing solar energy is essential for India, which records 250-300 sunny days in a year. The government had launched the National Portal for Rooftop Solar in July 2022 with the aim of making it easy for residential consumers to apply for installation of the system, but the response has been lukewarm so far. As per an estimate, there are less than 10 lakh households in the country with a rooftop solar setup. According to a report, over 25 crore households across India have the potential to install 637 GW (gigawatts) of solar energy capacity on rooftops. India has installed 11 GW of rooftop solar capacity, of which only 2.7 GW is in the residential sector.
The solar push is particularly vital for India’s villages, where the electricity supply remains erratic and last-mile connectivity is a challenge, despite the government’s claims that every village in the country has been electrified and every rural area is getting at least 20 hours of power daily (up from 12 hours in 2015). There is a pressing need to make the grid-connected solar rooftop power system affordable and manageable for residents. This will not only benefit consumers but also help discoms effectively handle peak loads and reduce transmission and distribution losses
Israel hails 32 years of diplomatic relations with India
"Today, as we celebrate 32 years of diplomatic relations between #India and #Israel, we are reminded of the timeless words, 'तेरे जैसा यार कहाँ, कहां ऐसा याराना,' Israel embassy posted on X.
Anti-India Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu may face impeachment
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has obtained enough signatures to submit an impeachment motion against President Mohamed Muizzu. The motion was disrupted due to chaos in parliament. The MDP has also threatened to deny approval to the home and defense ministers if disruptions continue.
#COUNTERING CHINESE MULTI DOMAIN , GREYZONE, HIGHBREED WARFARE
China lodges complaint after 'unreasonable harassment' of Chinese students at Washington airport
The Chinese embassy in the US lodged a solemn representation to the US after several students faced harassment at the Washington Dulles International Airport and were denied entry despite having all the required documents.
Expect Chinese economic retaliation against Taiwan after the DPP’s presidential victory
Economic coercion will allow China to increase pressure on Taiwan without directly confronting the US and leave significant leeway to calibrate trade measures.
International law doesn’t adequately protect undersea cables. That must change
A global effort to protect undersea cables in international waters is missing.
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Gunmen in Iran kill nine Pakistanis days after missile strikes
The deadly attack follows rare military action in the porous border region of Baluchistan -- split between the two nations -- that had stoked regional tensions already inflamed by the Israel-Hamas war.
Cash-strapped Pakistan seeks rollover of $2bln loan from China
Pakistan is in economic ruin and awaiting a monumental financial default without long overdue structural reforms sought by global creditors such as the IMF and the World Bank, along with bilateral partners like China and the UAE.
World At War: Lessons For India
Drone Attacks
DRONE attack on a US outpost on the Jordan-Syria border claimed the lives of three servicemen and gravely injured over two dozen. American military camps in several grey zone areas of West Asia have witnessed over 170 strikes by militia groups in the past four months . The drone managed to breach the US military’s elaborate air defences. This is the first time US soldiers have died in West Asia.
On the campaign trail, US President Joe Biden has vowed retaliation and chosen to explicitly blame Iran. In West Asia, the attacks from a bewildering number of directions show that it has too many enemies to be counted. Targeting Iran, as the Republicans have been urging Biden to do, will be like disturbing a beehive. The immense resilience of the region’s militia groups is proven by their survival for decades in a very tough neighbourhood.
The entire world will suffer the consequences, going by the adverse impact of the Red Sea attacks. With the most sophisticated systems unable to protect its troops, the US needs to address the cause that has brought its soldiers in the line of fire.
Joe Biden says US 'shall respond' after drone strike by Iran-backed group kills 3 US troops in Jordan
Three U.S. troops were killed in a drone strike in Jordan, near the Syrian border. President Biden blamed Iran-backed militias, vowing a response. The attack marked the first U.S. military casualties in the region amid tensions from the Israel-Hamas war. U.S. officials work to identify the responsible group. Iran denies involvement, calling accusations "baseless." The drone hit a logistics base, leaving 34 injured. Jordan condemned the attack, emphasizing its commitment to counterterrorism. Tensions rise in the Middle East as the U.S. considers its response.
Iran denies links to Jordan drone strike that killed 3 US troops
There is no evidence linking Iran to the drone strike in Jordan that killed three US military personnel, according to Iran. The country denies any involvement and rejects the accusations made by the US, describing them as "baseless." Iran emphasizes that it is not seeking an expansion of conflict in the Middle East and claims the accusations are part of a conspiracy to involve the US in a new battle. Iran insists it does not influence the decisions of what it calls "resistance groups" in the region.
N. Korea fires several cruise missiles towards Yellow Sea: Seoul military
North Korea fired multiple cruise missiles toward the Yellow Sea, the latest in a series of provocations. The South Korean military reported the launches, part of North Korea's increased weapons testing, including an "underwater nuclear weapon system" and a solid-fueled hypersonic ballistic missile. Cruise missile testing is not prohibited by current UN sanctions. The launches coincide with South Korea's special forces infiltration drill, reflecting heightened tensions.
US military strikes two Houthi anti-ship missiles in Yemen
The U.S. military conducted strikes in Yemen, destroying two Houthi anti-ship missiles aimed at the Red Sea. These strikes, following previous ones against the Iran-backed group, targeted the missiles that posed a threat to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region. The attacks have disrupted global shipping and raised concerns about the potential destabilization of the Middle East. The U.S. military has been focused on targeting Houthi military sites, missile launch facilities, drones, coastal radar, and weapon storage areas. The strategy aims to weaken the Houthi militants without directly confronting Iran.
US asks China to urge Iran to curb Red Sea attacks by Houthis
2024—America’s Year of Living Dangerously-The world abroad agrees America is in rapid decline and will not or cannot defend its interests
All US enemies are right now calculating how best to use their gift of the next 12 months from a non-compos-mentis president and his neo-socialist team that either believes the U.S. is at fault for much of the world’s pathologies or is too terrified to do anything about them.
In sum, adversaries believe there is a rare window of opportunity in which the U.S. uncharacteristically does nothing to deter its enemies, back its allies, or win over neutrals.
Danish frigate departs for the Red Sea to assist US-led operation
Denmark has dispatched a frigate to the Red Sea to join a U.S.-led coalition safeguarding commercial traffic against Houthi militant attacks. The deployment is part of Operation Prosperity Guardian, formed to counter Houthi threats. Danish shipping companies, including Maersk, have faced disruptions as vessels divert around the Cape of Good Hope for safety.
How the War in Ukraine Could Wear Russia Down in the End
In his war marathon, Vladimir Putin hopes to outlast Ukraine and the West on the battlefield, in the corridors of power and in the courts of public opinion. But in the new year, he faces a dangerous third challenger: the war itself. The fighting in Ukraine is likely to heighten the strain on most Russian lives, and increasingly imperil many, as the war eats like a voracious mole into the Kremlin’s stores of money and men.
In 2024, the Kremlin is hiking defense expenditures by 68 percent overlast year. Combined with spending for law enforcement, the military will consume40 percent of the country’s budget.Where will the money come from? With oil prices stable and natural gas exports, most of which used to go to Western Europe, down about 60 percent from 2021, the state’s year-on-year income from these sources has been cut by 24 percent.
Sniper shoots dead Myanmar brigadier-general in helicopter
Four members of Myanmar's security services, including Brigadier General Aye Min Naung, were shot dead by a sniper as their helicopter prepared to land near the Thai border. The region has seen clashes between the junta and ethnic minority fighters. This marks another high-ranking officer's death on the frontlines as the junta faces opposition following the 2021 coup. The ongoing conflict involves various armed ethnic groups challenging the military regime.
Italy, Canada, Australia join US in suspending funding for UN agency for Palestinian refugees
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees on Friday sacked “several” employees for their alleged involvement in Hamas’s unprecedented October 7 attack against Israel that triggered the Gaza war.
UN accepts UNRWA staffers joined Oct 7 Hamas massacre, gives 'few bad apples' argument; Israel insists 'deeper rot'
On the 114th day of the Israel-Hamas war, the United Nations Sunday sort of formally capitulated to Tel Aviv’s longstanding accusations that UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees, popularly called UNRWA, was involved in the October 7 massacre
India, US-born residents file suit in Japan over alleged racial profiling
The lawsuit marks the inaugural instance of such legal action in Japan, according to a report, citing plaintiffs’ lawyers, and comes amid a sharp rise in the number of foreign workers coming to the country to help stem labour shortages as its population ages and declines
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BRIG Hemant Mahajan
Passionate writer on National Security related issues, Brig Hemant Mahajan YSM (Retd) is M Sc, M Phil in Defence Studies. He joined IMA Dehradun in July 1973 and passed out as a Commissioned Officer on 15 June 1975. He was commissioned into 7 MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY. He has served extensively in Counter Insurgency Operations in Insurgency and Terrorist prone areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab and North East and has taken part in all important operations undertaken by the Army since 1975.
Brig Hemant Mahajan served in Jammu & Kashmir, in the deserts of Rajasthan, in Super High Altitude areas of Kargil and Leh, forward areas of Arunachal Pradesh. He was deployed in Punjab in ‘Operation Avert’. He was also involved in maintaining peace post ‘Operation Bluestar’ days in Punjab in the worst affected district of Gurdaspur, Taran Taran and Amritsar.He served in the areas of Darjeeling, Kurseong, Siliguri and Sikkim. He commanded his battalion 7 MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY in Operation Rakshak in the most difficult areas of Poonch and Rajouri during the times of highest militancy. His unit was responsible for stopping terrorists from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir. His unit was awarded Unit Citation, 18 gallantry awards including YSM (gallantry) for the officer.