AKASH-NG is a state-of-the-art missile system capable of intercepting high speed, agile aerial threats

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 12

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight-test of the New Generation Akash (AKASH-NG) air-defence missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur off the coast of Odisha on Friday.

The AKASH-NG is a state-of-the-art missile system capable of intercepting high speed, agile aerial threats.

“The successful flight test has paved the way for user trials,” the Ministry of Defence said on Friday.

‘User trials’ means the missile and AKASH-NG system have moved to second stage as the forces would conduct its trials at their level. The Indian Air Force already has inducted the Akash Missile system. The AKASH-NG is an upgrade of that.

The flight-test was conducted against a high-speed unmanned aerial target at a very low altitude. During the flight-test, the target was successfully intercepted by the missile and destroyed. It has validated the functioning of the complete weapon system consisting of the missile with indigenously developed radio frequency seeker, launcher, multi-function radar and command, control and communication system.

The system performance was also validated through the data captured by a number of radars, telemetry and electro optical tracking system deployed by the ITR. The flight-test was witnessed by senior officials from the DRDO, IAF, Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has complimented the DRDO, IAF, public sector undertakings and the industry for the flight-test. 

A Chinese pistol and 8 live cartridges are recovered from Kailash Khichan

PTI

Chandigarh, January 12

A key operative of Pakistan-based terrorist Harvinder Rinda, who was supplying weapons to associates of a terror outfit to carry out “sensational crimes” in Punjab, has been arrested, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said on Friday.

A Chinese pistol and eight live cartridges were recovered from him, the DGP said.

“In a major breakthrough, #AGTF (anti-gangster task force), Punjab in a joint operation with the central agencies has arrested Kailash Khichan, a key operative of #Pak based terrorist Harvinder Singh @ Rinda & #USA based Harpreet Singh @ Happy Passia,” Yadav posted on X.

“Preliminary interrogation has revealed that the accused Khichan, on the directions of terrorist Rinda, was supplying weapons to the associates of terrorist outfit Babbar Khalistan International (BKI) to carry out sensational crimes in the State,” he added. 

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AWARENESS OF INCOME TAX ON PENSION

n a significant security breach, the System for Pension Administration Raksha (SPARSH) portal, India’s central web-based system for automating pension processes for defense personnel, including Army, Navy, Air Force, and civilian defense staff, has suffered a massive data leak.

Thousands of defense personnel’s sensitive information has been exposed in the SPARSH portal data leak, raising serious concerns about the privacy and security of those who have served in the nation’s defense forces.

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The SPARSH portal, instrumental in managing pension-related procedures for Indian defense personnel, was developed by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). TCS, known for its significant market capitalization, is recognized as one of India’s top IT companies and a globally esteemed IT service brand.

The SPARSH Portal data leak includes sensitive particulars such as usernames, passwords, URLs, and Pension Numbers, posing a grave threat to the privacy and financial security of the affected pensioners.

Notably, credentials granting access to this sensitive information have surfaced on Telegram, creating the potential for misuse and manipulation of crucial pension-related processes.

The information belonging to the SPARSH data leak is also reportedly being sold on a Russian marketplace, raising apprehensions about the possible involvement of Russian hacker groups. The leaked data, sized at 0.41Mb and priced at $9.00, is attributed to the malware ‘lumma’.

The exposed confidential details from the portal are primarily of personnel in Kerala. This adds an international dimension to the data breach, intensifying worries about the broader implications and potential misuse of the exposed data.

Following the SPARSH portal data leak, The Cyber Express team managed to access the exposed data and was able to log into the portal using the compromised credentials and gain unrestricted access to personal information.

Implications of the SPARSH Portal Data Leak

The SPARSH portal, an essential component of the Centralized Pension Disbursement System (CPDS), provides a range of features for defense pensioners. The SPARSH portal data leak poses severe implications for these key functionalities:

Pensioner Profile Management: The leaked data exposes the profiles of thousands of pensioners, including personal details and information about their dependents.

Pensioner Data Verification (PDV): The compromised data could undermine the accuracy of pensioner data, giving unauthorized individuals control over information sent to the Pension Sanction Authority.

Application Tracking: Pensioners’ ability to track their pension applications and receive real-time status updates is jeopardized, impacting the transparency of the pension disbursement process.

Pension Disbursement: The compromised data puts the direct transfer of pensions to the linked bank accounts of pensioners at risk, potentially affecting the financial stability of retirees.

Life Certificate Submission: Pensioners’ ability to submit life certificates through the portal for authentication, a crucial step for initiating pension requests, may be compromised.

The SPARSH portal, intended to simplify pension-related activities for defense pensioners, now faces scrutiny over its security measures. The Cyber Express has sought official statements and clarification from the Ministry of Defence and Tata Consultancy Services regarding the SPARSH portal security lapse.

This incident highlights critical vulnerabilities in the system responsible for handling the pensions of India’s defense community.

India’s Cybersecurity Struggles

This incident is part of a concerning trend involving cyber threats targeting Indian government portals. In 2023, an unidentified individual operating under the ominous pseudonym ‘dawnofdevil’ claimed responsibility for compromising the security of the Income Tax Department of India.

However, as of now, the claims of a data breach at the Income Tax Department by the threat actor are yet to be officially confirmed.

In a separate incident, the Phoenix hacker group, affiliated with the pro-Russia hacker group Killnet, asserted that they had conducted multiple cyberattacks on the Ministry of Health in India. The group also claimed to possess access to sensitive data concerning hospitals, staff, and chief physicians.

As per a post shared on their Telegram channel, the hacker collective asserted having gained unauthorized access to the systems of India’s Ministry of Health. Additionally, Indian taxpayers are facing risks, as reports of a data leak from an organization providing tax assistance have surfaced in the media.

According to threat intelligence received by The Cyber Express, a hacker forum user known by the username ‘Hacking’ publicly released Indian taxpayer data on September 27, 2023.

In light of these incidents, all SPARSH portal users are advised to promptly change their passwords as a precautionary measure and remain vigilant for any suspicious activities related to their pension accounts.

Furthermore, authorities must conduct a thorough investigation, enhance the portal’s security measures, and take swift action against those responsible for the SPARSH portal data leak.

Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

Arjun Sharma

Jammu, January 9

Army assistance sought

• Many areas in Kargil will be developed as tourist spots for which the Ladakh administration has sought the Army’s help
• Army urged to enhance infrastructure at locations close to LoC with Pakistan and Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China
• Areas, including Mushkoh Valley, Kaksar, Chulichan and Gargardo, are set to get a facelift to increase tourism potential

As a result, 25 years after the Kargil war, many areas will be developed as tourist spots for which Ladakh administration has sought Army’s help. Mushkoh Valley is among the areas which witnessed battles between Indian and Pakistani forces.

Other areas which saw battles including Kaksar, Chulichan, and Gargardo in Kargil are also set to get a facelift to increase tourism potential of these places.

Secretary, Tourism and Culture Department, Ladakh, Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan, recently held a meeting with Army officials and discussed the issues of bolstering tourism and enhancing infrastructure at locations close to LoC with Pakistan and Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

The Tourism department has held discussions with the 8 Mountain Division, Kargil, and 14 Corps based in Ladakh for Army’s support in development of the infrastructure in border areas.

“The discussions also focused on the promotion and sustainable development of tourism in these border areas by harnessing the unique attractions the region has to offer. The discussions acknowledged the strategic importance of Mushkoo Valley, Kaksar, Chulichan, and Gargardo and sought ways to leverage them to foster sustainable tourism,” said Secretary Tourism.

Gp Capt JS Boparai (retd)

THE wait for action in Op Parakram turned out to be unending. There was uncertainty in the air as two nuclear powers came eyeball to eyeball, expecting the other to blink. Keeping the energy and josh intact was a major task. One morning, a helicopter was spotted circling over the camp, apparently intending to land. The unit was on high alert. Following an enquiry, the base replied: ‘Why has the helipad not been activated? The Station Commander and the Air HQ observer are right over your head.’

After an authentication, the helipad party rushed to uncover the ‘H’ marking for the visitors. Alighting, the observer, a senior officer, casually asked: ‘Why was there a delay in helipad activation’? I calmly cited the SOP, with the Station Commander nodding in agreement. The two officers were taken around. Both were impressed by the obvious hard work undertaken — innovative camouflaging, management of solid/liquid waste, underground armoury, op infrastructure well hidden, a motivated unit with a well-laid-out, clean camp, carefully dispersed assets and a treetop observation post.

Expectantly, the next day, instructions were received for field craft orientation and training for other units’ personnel at our unit. The task was undertaken in the coming week. Then, the news came about the impending visit of the Air Officer Commanding-in-chief (AOC-in-C) and the Defence Minister to the unit. Now this was a bit too much for the small unit. Concerns about the transport resources were duly conveyed. Curt but concise instructions followed: “Receive the AOC-in-C in the unit’s Maruti Gypsy at 11.30 am. Familiarise him with the camp set-up. Arrange lunch with unit personnel at 1300 hours. AOC-in-C, accompanied by you, will receive the Defence Minister. AOC-in-C will take the minister around. You be in the rear seat, ensuring all goes well and smooth. No frills, no formality.”

On D-Day, the AOC-in-C landed in time and regaled us with his sharp wit. During the buffet, he asked the head waiter, Kabul Singh, to offer a plate first to the juniormost person. ‘When I could eat heartily, I was last in the row. Now I can’t eat, but I get the plate first,’ he said jokingly.

Modestly dressed in kurta-pyjama and leather chappals, the minister arrived unobtrusively, slipping into the tent with the unit ready to listen to him. He exhorted all to be vigilant. Kabul proudly served juice and onion pakoras, which the minister politely declined. Kabul was not used to giving up easily. He said: ‘Sirji, inne shauk naal banaye han, tussi ta kujh wi nahi lainde (I fondly prepared them, but you are not taking anything).’ The minister finally relented: ‘Tussi pyaar nal keya, kidan mana kariye? (how can your loving offer be refused)’, triggering instant applause and laughter. No wonder the unit’s morale was on cloud nine throughout the deployment.

Many of the sacked officers worked in the Rocket Force, which oversees the delivery of China’s nuclear weapons.

Yogesh Gupta

Former Ambassador

CHINA’s rubber-stamp parliament, known as the National People’s Congress (NPC), recently decided to remove nine PLA Generals — Zhang Zhenshong, Zhang Yulin, Rao Wenmin, Ju Xinchun, Ding Laihong, Lu Hong, Li Yuchao, Li Chuanguang and Zhou Yaning — from the national legislature on corruption charges. They included five former commanders or vice commanders of the PLA Rocket Force, a former air force chief and a navy commander responsible for the South China Sea region. Wu Yansheng, Chairman of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, and Liu Shiquan, Chairman of the Norinco Group, a major manufacturer of military equipment, were also shown the door.

Those terminated from the rocket force were reportedly linked to dismissed Defence Minister Gen Li Shangfu, who was sacked in October 2023 on corruption charges. Wei Fenghe, a former Defence Minister who used to head the force, was removed in August, again for alleged corruption. Foreign Minister Qin Gang was fired in July for allegedly passing on sensitive information though his mistress to foreign intelligence agencies. Gen Dong Jun, a close confidant of Chinese President Xi Jinping, was appointed the new Defence Minister by the NPC.

Many of these sacked Generals had worked in the defence procurement department. While corruption in the Chinese military is not new, the sacking of so many ‘tainted’ senior officers exposes systemic deficiencies in their selection and the equipment procurement process. Given that many of these officers worked in the Rocket Force, which oversees the delivery of China’s nuclear weapons, it shows that the vetting procedure for top jobs was deficient. Since the selection of the Generals is done by the Central Military Commission (CMC) headed by President Xi, it has also revealed glaring weaknesses in the appointment process. Since some of these Generals were appointed on the basis of their work or acquaintance with Xi himself, he is also partially responsible for the selection of unsuitable persons for top-level jobs.ADVERTISEMENT

After Xi came to power in 2012, he launched a vigorous campaign to target the corrupt elements in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the military. Some of the arrested persons included his political opponents, who posed a threat to him. As per a report, 120 high-ranking officials, including 58 Generals, had been prosecuted till 2023. At the 20th Party Congress in October 2022, Xi said: “Corruption is the biggest cancer that harms the vitality and combat effectiveness of the party and anti-corruption is the most thorough self-revolution.” The Chinese government has not commented on the purge of senior officials in the military, though in July 2023, Xi called for “deepening reforms in the armed forces and improving the strategic management of the military”.

The Chinese military suffers from a lack of institutional control and oversight as there is no legislative check on the procurement of military equipment. Since there are party members in the judiciary and the media, there is no independent scrutiny of the purchase procedure or system. As Xi has insisted that the military should be fully answerable to the CCP and to him personally, there is no independent party supervision on the military’s functioning which used to exist during the tenure of Xi’s predecessors. Even other members of the Politburo Standing Committee do not have any oversight over military affairs now as Xi is keen on taking full control of the military. He has installed his trusted lieutenants in the CMC to ensure that his instructions on the functioning of the military are duly carried out.

The widespread corruption in the ranks of the Chinese military and the sacking of several Generals have undermined some of the aura being built assiduously by Xi about raising a “world-class military” by pumping billions of dollars into such unprecedented militarisation in peacetime. The vast corruption casts doubts about the fighting prowess of the military and its effectiveness to prevail in any serious conflict with the US over Taiwan. Some analysts have expressed similar doubts about the quality and working of the weapon systems inducted by these Generals.

The sackings could also damage the morale in the lower ranks. Since these Generals are being replaced by commanders from other units, loyalty is being given preference over domain expertise, thus weakening the professional capabilities of the military. The corruption scandals would also heighten domestic scepticism over the credibility of the top leadership, including Xi himself, and could affect his control over the security forces and the people at large. His administrative acumen, knowledge and leadership skills would be challenged more as the Chinese economy is also not performing well — the realty sector (with large-scale investments by the middle class) is ailing, there is a decline in foreign and domestic private investment, domestic consumption is low and there is large-scale unemployment, particularly among the youth.

Xi is aware that he needs to control the military before he can control everything else. His immediate focus is on obtaining the absolute loyalty of the military rather than boosting its combat capabilities or winning wars with foreign countries. Given the considerable disaffection against his policies among former party leaders, certain ranks of the party, military, business, industry and professionals, he cannot afford to loosen his hold on on the military. Given the political nature of the Chinese armed forces, its one-man control and organisational structure, the corruption in its ranks can’t be entirely eliminated. It can at best be reduced. Understanding his vulnerabilities, Xi has diminished his hubris against the US and agreed to a dialogue on various contentious issues to bide this difficult time and tend to his domestic problems.