• Argentinian makes 20-minute appearance in Kolkata

• Supporters climb fence and hurl objects from stands

Lionel Messi’s tour of India kicked off on a chaotic note on Saturday as fans ripped up seats and threw them towards the pitch after the Argentina and Inter Miami forward’s brief visit to the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, the ANI news agency reported.

Messi is in India as part of a tour during which he is scheduled to attend concerts, youth football clinics and a padel tournament, and launch charitable initiatives at events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi.

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© Photograph: Dibyangshu Sarkar/AFP/Getty Images

© Photograph: Dibyangshu Sarkar/AFP/Getty Images

© Photograph: Dibyangshu Sarkar/AFP/Getty Images

The watershed summit in 2015 was far from perfect, but its impact so far has been significant and measurable

Ten years on from the historic Paris climate summit, which ended with the world’s first and only global agreement to curb greenhouse gas emissions, it is easy to dwell on its failures. But the successes go less remarked.

Renewable energy smashed records last year, growing by 15% and accounting for more than 90% of all new power generation capacity. Investment in clean energy topped $2tn, outstripping that into fossil fuels by two to one.

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© Photograph: Carlos Barría/Reuters

© Photograph: Carlos Barría/Reuters

© Photograph: Carlos Barría/Reuters

Modi voiced words of respect, but he is resisting an anti-western, anti-Ukraine stance, despite the foreign policy contradictions

• Dr Chietigj Bajpaee is senior fellow for south Asia at the thinktank Chatham House

The rhetoric and optics of the Russian president Vladimir Putin’s visit to India last week allude to the strength of the bilateral relationship: Narendra Modi greeted Putin at the airport with a hug, and the leaders shared a car journey (echoing the “limo diplomacy” when Putin and Donald Trump met in Alaska earlier this year). In his remarks, Modi referred to Putin as “my friend” and the India-Russia relationship as a “guiding star”, built on “mutual respect and deep trust” that had “stood the test of time”. This was Putin’s 10th visit to India since he assumed power 25 years ago, and his 20th meeting with Modi since the latter became prime minister in 2014.

However, there is a gap between the symbolism and the substance of this relationship. While Putin pledged “uninterrupted fuel supplies” to India, the country’a companies are buying less Russian oil in the face of US tariffs and sanctions. Russia and India concluded a string of memorandums of understanding in areas from migration and mobility to health and food security, maritime cooperation, fertilisers, customs, and academic and media collaboration. But the anticipated announcements on major defence deals did not happen. India has not concluded any major defence deals with Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This has been fuelled by delays in the delivery of several platforms and spare parts as Moscow has prioritised its own defence needs. This is a trend that predates the war in Ukraine as New Delhi has sought to diversify its defence imports and strengthen its domestic production.

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© Photograph: Elke Scholiers/Getty Images

© Photograph: Elke Scholiers/Getty Images

© Photograph: Elke Scholiers/Getty Images

Recent data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) paints a troubling picture of the rapid rise in cybercrime in India, particularly cases executed through mobile phones and computers.   The NCRB report notes that India recorded over 52,000 cybercrime incidents in 2021, a number that escalated to more than 86,000 by 2023. The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, shared these figures in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. 

Regional Trends Show Sharp Contrasts Across Northern India 

Haryana recorded 751 cybercrime cases in 2023, making it the highest among northern states, followed by Himachal Pradesh with 127 cases, a major jump from just 77 the previous year. Punjab, however, reported a decline, registering 511 cases in 2023 compared to 697 in 2022.  Among northern Union Territories, Delhi led with 407 cases, followed by Jammu & Kashmir with 185 and Chandigarh with 23. To strengthen cyber forensic capabilities, the Ministry of Home Affairs provided support to 20 states and UTs under the Nirbhaya-funded scheme. Punjab received ₹7.98 crore from 2018–19, while Himachal Pradesh received ₹7.29 crore. 

Ransomware Surge Places India and Asia-Pacific in a High-Risk Zone 

Beyond NCRB’s findings, rising digital threats in the Asia-Pacific region further illustrate the scale of cybercrime in India and neighboring countries. Cyble’s Monthly Threat Landscape Report: July 2025 reveals that India remains a priority target for ransomware groups. The Warlock ransomware group breached an India-based manufacturing firm, exfiltrating HR files, financial records, design archives, and internal repositories.   Additional leaks on dark web forums exposed stolen data from two Indian companies, a technology consulting firm and a subscription-based SaaS platform.  Unauthorized access to an Indian telecom network was also put up for sale for US$35,000, including credentials, CLI access, and operational network details. Regionally, Thailand, Japan, and Singapore each recorded six ransomware victims, with India and the Philippines close behind. The manufacturing, government, and critical infrastructure sectors faced the brunt of attacks. Meanwhile, South Asia witnessed hacktivist activity, with the pro-India Team Pelican Hackers claiming breaches of major Pakistani research and academic institutions.  Globally, July 2025 saw 423 ransomware victims, with the U.S. accounting for 223. Qilin ransomware topped global activity with 73 victims, followed by INC Ransom with 59. Cyble’s sensors also detected more than 1,000 daily attacks on U.S. industrial control systems, while the UK, Vietnam, China, Singapore, and Hong Kong recorded high targeting levels. A booming market for zero-day exploits added to the risk landscape, with vulnerabilities in WinRAR and leading VPN platforms being sold for USD $80,000 to 1 BTC. 

Insights from 2024 Call for Urgency of Cyber Preparedness 

Insights from the India Threat Landscape Report 2024 add critical context to the rising threat levels highlighted by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). In the first half of 2024 alone, India recorded 593 cyberattacks, 388 data breaches, 107 data leaks, and 39 ransomware incidents, highlighting the need for stronger threat intelligence across tactical, operational, strategic, and technical layers.  Combined with Cyble’s observations on escalating ransomware activity, dark web exposure, and exploit markets, cybercrime in India is becoming the next big thing and demands a coordinated, intelligence-driven response.  Organizations seeking to stay protected from these threats can benefit from Cyble’s AI-powered threat intelligence ecosystem and autonomous security capabilities. Explore Cyble’s platform, experience Blaze AI, or schedule a free demo to strengthen your organization’s preparedness against modern-day cyber risks. 

India has reversed its earlier directive requiring mobile phone manufacturers and importers to pre-install the government-backed Sanchar Saathi application on all new smartphones sold in the country. The Communications Ministry announced on Wednesday that the government had “decided not to make the pre-installation mandatory for mobile manufacturers,” marking a notable shift just 48 hours after the original order was issued.  The initial directive, communicated privately to major firms including Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi on November 28, required that all new devices sold in India be equipped with Sanchar Saathi within 90 days. The ministry said the earlier mandate was aimed at preventing the purchase of counterfeit devices and supporting efforts to “curb misuse of telecom resources for cyber fraud and ensure telecom cybersecurity.” 

Sanchar Saathi and India’s Cybersecurity Push Sparks Political Backlash 

Manufacturers and importers had originally been told to push the app to smartphones already circulating in distribution channels through software updates. However, the requirement immediately generated controversy. Opposition parties argued that the move had serious privacy implications, accusing the government of “watching over every movement, interaction, and decision of each citizen.” Privacy concerns escalated after activists and digital rights groups likened the situation to an order in Russia requiring all smartphones to install the state-backed Max app, which critics described as a mass surveillance tool.  While the government initially claimed that Sanchar Saathi was optional and removable, the confidential instruction given to companies stated the opposite, leading to further criticism. Several technology companies, including Apple and Google, signaled privately that they would not comply, saying the requirement conflicted with internal privacy policies and raised security concerns for their operating systems. 

Government Defends Sanchar Saathi as a Cybersecurity Tool 

Despite the swift backlash, the government continued to defend the app itself. Officials emphasized that Sanchar Saathi, which enables users to block or track lost or stolen devices and report fraudulent calls, was intended to assist citizens against “bad actors.” The Communications Ministry noted that 14 million users had already downloaded the app and were collectively contributing information on roughly 2,000 fraud incidents each day. This usage, the ministry stated, demonstrated the public’s trust in the government-provided cybersecurity tool.  Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia responded directly to opposition allegations, calling the fears unfounded. He insisted the app remained voluntary: “I can delete it like any other app, as every citizen has this right in a democracy. Snooping is not possible through the app, nor will it ever be.”  The matter reached parliament, where opposition MPs sharply criticized the original order. Randeep Singh Surjewala of the Indian National Congress warned that Sanchar Saathi could function as a “possible kill switch” capable of turning “every cell phone into a brick,” suggesting it could be misused against journalists, dissidents, or political opponents. 

India Reverses Course as Public and Industry Push Back 

Following the growing national outcry, the Department of Telecommunications formally revoked the mandate. Civil society groups welcomed the reversal, though some urged caution. The Internet Freedom Foundation said the decision should be viewed as “cautious optimism, not closure,” until a formal legal direction is issued and independently verified.  While India continues to expand its digital public infrastructure and its cybersecurity initiatives, the short-lived mandate illustrates the ongoing tensions between national security measures and privacy concerns. With the withdrawal of the order, the government reaffirmed that adopting Sanchar Saathi will remain a user choice rather than a compulsory requirement for all smartphone owners in India. 

The Union government of India, the country’s central federal administration, on Monday confirmed several instances of GPS spoofing near Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) and other major airports. Officials said that despite the interference, all flights continued to operate safely and without disruption. The clarification came after reports pointed to digital interference affecting aircraft navigation systems during approach procedures at some of the busiest airports in the country.

What Is GPS Spoofing?

GPS spoofing is a form of signal interference where false Global Positioning System (GPS) signals are broadcast to mislead navigation systems. For aircraft, it can temporarily confuse onboard systems about their true location or altitude. While pilots and air traffic controllers are trained to manage such situations, repeated interference requires immediate reporting and stronger safeguards.

Government Confirms Incidents at Multiple Airports

India’s Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu informed Parliament that several flights approaching Delhi reported GPS spoofing while using satellite-based landing procedures on Runway 10. In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, the minister confirmed that similar signal interference reports have been received from several India’s major airports, including Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Amritsar, and Chennai. He explained that when GPS spoofing was detected in Delhi, contingency procedures were activated for flights approaching the affected runway. The rest of the airport continued functioning normally through conventional ground-based navigation systems, preventing any impact on overall flight operations.

Safety Procedures and New Reporting System

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for real-time reporting of GPS spoofing and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference around IGI Airport. The minister added that since DGCA made reporting mandatory in November 2023, regular interference alerts have been received from major airports across the country. These reports are helping regulators identify patterns and respond more quickly to any navigation-related disturbances. India continues to maintain a network of traditional navigation and surveillance systems such as Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and radar. These systems act as dependable backups if satellite-based navigation is interrupted, following global aviation best practices.

Airports on High Cyber Vigilance

The government said India is actively engaging with global aviation bodies to stay updated on the latest technologies, methods, and safety measures related to aviation cybersecurity. Meanwhile, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is deploying advanced cybersecurity tools across its IT infrastructure to strengthen protection against potential digital threats. Although the cyber-related interference did not affect flight schedules, the confirmation of GPS spoofing attempts at major airports has led to increased monitoring across key aviation hubs. These airports handle millions of passengers every year, making continuous vigilance essential.

Recent Aviation Challenges

The GPS spoofing reports come shortly after a separate system failure at Delhi Airport in November, which caused major delays. That incident was later linked to a technical issue with the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS) and was not related to cyber activity. The aviation sector also faced another challenge recently when Airbus A320 aircraft required an urgent software update. The A320, widely used in India, led to around 388 delayed flights on Saturday. All Indian airlines completed the required updates by Sunday, allowing normal operations to resume. Despite reports of interference, the Union government emphasised that there was no impact on passenger safety or flight operations. Established procedures, trained crews, and reliable backup systems ensured that aircraft continued operating normally. Authorities said they will continue monitoring navigation systems closely and strengthening cybersecurity measures across airports to safeguard India’s aviation network.

At the High-Level Segment of the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25), India presented a vision for a sustainable and inclusive global digital future, noting collective responsibility in strengthening cybersecurity and expanding equitable digital access.   Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, delivered India’s address, reaffirming the country’s enduring association with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a partnership established in 1869. 

India’s Expanding Global Digital Future 

Dr. Chandra Sekhar framed India’s digital agenda through the guiding principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, “the world is one family.” He asserted that this ethos continues to shape India’s contributions to global connectivity and shared technological progress as the world moves toward a unified global digital future.  [caption id="attachment_106867" align="aligncenter" width="602"] Source: WTDC-25[/caption] During his remarks, he noted the unprecedented scale of India’s digital transformation. He stated that Bharat has become “one of the world’s most connected societies,” supporting 1.2 billion telecom subscribers, 1 billion internet users, and 1.4 billion digital identities. The Minister also highlighted the government's $4.8 billion investment in expanding last-mile 4G access and noted that India has achieved the world’s fastest 5G rollout, covering 99% of districts.  He added that India maintains some of the lowest data tariffs globally while registering among the highest data consumption levels. With a digital infrastructure enabling 46% of global digital transactions, India, he said, demonstrates how “accessibility, affordability, and scale can advance together.” 

Cybersecurity as a Shared Global Imperative 

A big portion of his address focused on strengthening cybersecurity as a central pillar of international cooperation. Dr. Chandra Sekhar stated that cybersecurity “is no longer a national concern but a global imperative,” urging countries to develop unified, cross-border systems capable of protecting digital ecosystems worldwide.  He also referenced India’s initiatives to secure its growing digital environment, including systems like Sanchar Saathi and the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator. According to the Minister, these tools have blocked 30 million fraudulent mobile connections and prevented 6.6 million financial fraud attempts, showcasing India’s way of protecting digital users as it works with global partners toward a safer global digital future. 

Call for Global Digital Unity 

In closing, Dr. Chandra Sekhar stressed that international collaboration remains essential in ensuring inclusivity, security, and sustainability as countries navigate the digital era. “Just as rivers grow mightier when they flow together, India stands ready to join hands with the global community to build a digital ecosystem that empowers people, protects our planet, and ensures no nation is left behind,” he said.  The World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC), organized by the ITU Development Sector (ITU-D), serves as a platform for shaping global development priorities in telecommunications and digital connectivity. It brings together governments, industry leaders, and international experts to craft strategies that strengthen ICT infrastructure, close digital divides, and support inclusive growth, particularly for developing nations.   The WTDC-25 conference in Baku will influence the next cycle of global initiatives focused on achieving universal, meaningful, and affordable connectivity for all. Organizations seeking deeper visibility into cyber threats, dark-web exposure, or new vulnerabilities can explore Cyble’s AI-native threat intelligence ecosystem to better understand new cybersecurity risks. To assess your external attack surface or learn how autonomous, intelligence-driven tools can support modern security operations, you may request a personalized demonstration or a free external threat assessment from Cyble. 

Officials have yet to grasp the magnitude of heat-related deaths, let alone effectively deal with the problem, public health experts and scientists say.

© Anindito Mukherjee for The New York Times

At this year’s climate summit, the United States is out and Europe is struggling. But emerging countries are embracing renewable energy thanks to a glut of cheap equipment.

© Saumya Khandelwal for The New York Times

The Government of India’s Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) has launched the Digital Life Certificate (DLC) Campaign 4.0, a national drive to make pension services more accessible and efficient for millions of retired central government employees. The Digital Life Certificate 4.0 initiative aims to simplify how pensioners verify their annual life certificates — an essential process to continue receiving pension benefits. Through Face Authentication Technology, biometric devices, mobile applications, and doorstep services, pensioners can now complete the process without visiting a government office or bank.

Simplifying Pension Submissions Through Digital Life Certificate 4.0

The Digital Life Certificate 4.0, also known as Jeevan Pramaan, is a key part of India’s digital governance efforts. It allows pensioners to verify their identity remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits and paperwork. This move is especially beneficial for elderly citizens and those living in distant locations, including Indian pensioners residing overseas. The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare continues to expand its reach through the DLC 4.0 campaign, running from November 1 to November 30, 2025, to ensure that every pensioner can submit their life certificate easily and securely through digital means. [caption id="attachment_106602" align="aligncenter" width="725"] Source: https://www.staffnews.in/2025/11/[/caption]

Strengthening Cybersecurity Awareness

With the growing adoption of online systems, the department has also issued an important cybersecurity advisory to protect pensioners from fraud, identity theft, and misuse of personal information. The India pensioners cybersecurity advisory emphasizes that while digital services improve convenience, cybersecurity awareness is crucial to ensure safe transactions. Below are the key precautions the department has advised all pensioners to follow:

1. Use Only Authorized Platforms

Pensioners should submit their Digital Life Certificate 4.0 only through verified government channels such as:

• The official Jeevan Pramaan Portal
• The Post Office app
• The Aadhaar Face RD Application

The government has cautioned against using unverified apps or agents claiming to assist with certificate submissions.

2. Safeguard Personal Information

Pensioners are advised not to share their Aadhaar number, OTPs, bank details, Pension Payment Order (PPO) number, or mobile number with anyone other than authorized officials. Sharing such details can lead to financial or identity-related fraud.

3. Beware of Fake Calls and Messages

The government clarified that no official agency will ever ask for a pensioner’s password, bank PIN, or OTP over the phone or email. Pensioners are encouraged to double-check any communication claiming to be from a government source.

4. Keep Devices and Internet Secure

It is important to update mobile phones and computers with the latest software and antivirus protection. Pensioners should also use secure Wi-Fi or mobile networks while submitting their life certificates online.

5. Report Suspicious Activity

If pensioners suspect any misuse or fraudulent activity, they should immediately report it to their respective banks or file a complaint on India’s official Cyber Crime Portal at https://cybercrime.gov.in.

Building a Safer Digital Ecosystem

By combining convenience with cybersecurity, the Indian government is ensuring that digital initiatives like DLC 4.0 are both user-friendly and secure. The campaign represents a broader national effort to promote digital inclusion, enabling senior citizens to access government services with confidence. For pensioners—particularly those who may be less familiar with online systems—this advisory serves as an essential guide to safe digital practices. It reminds users that while technology makes life easier, vigilance remains the best defense against cyber threats. The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare’s advisory, issued with the approval of the competent authority, underscores India’s growing focus on building a secure and trusted digital future for its citizens. As the DLC 4.0 campaign continues through November 30, 2025, pensioners in India and abroad are encouraged to make use of these digital options—safely, confidently, and with full awareness of the cybersecurity measures that protect them.

India’s cybersecurity landscape is witnessing rapid growth, with the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) playing a central role in driving this transformation. According to Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General of CERT-In under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the nation’s cybersecurity ecosystem has evolved into a $20 billion industry, supported by over 400 startups and 6.5 lakh professionals.  Dr. Bahl shared these insights during an interactive session held in New Delhi on October 29, 2025, with visiting journalists from European Union countries. The discussion, jointly organized by CERT-In, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and the Ministry of External Affairs, focused on strengthening India’s position as a secure and resilient digital economy. 

Rising Startups and Skilled Workforce 

India’s expanding cybersecurity sector now includes more than 400 startups developing advanced solutions in threat detection, cyber forensics, and AI-based monitoring systems. These innovations are at the forefront of building defenses against cyber threats.  Alongside this entrepreneurial surge, the workforce of nearly 650,000 cybersecurity professionals contributes across diverse areas such as vulnerability assessment, incident response, digital forensics, and auditing.  Dr. Bahl noted that this growing ecosystem has positioned Indian cybersecurity as a formidable player globally. With a combination of skilled manpower and cutting-edge research, India’s cyber industry is scaling to meet both domestic and international security challenges. 

CERT-In’s Expanding Role in Cyber Defense 

As the national agency responsible for cybersecurity incident response, CERT-In, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, plays a crucial role in managing crises, assessing vulnerabilities, and coordinating information sharing across sectors. Dr. Bahl emphasized that CERT-In now increasingly relies on artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber incidents in real time.  He described AI as a “double-edged sword” — a tool that empowers defenders but is also exploited by adversaries. To stay ahead of such threats, CERT-In continues to refine its AI-driven analytics systems to improve situational awareness and strengthen proactive threat mitigation.  Dr. Bahl also highlighted the agency’s role in coordinating large-scale cyber drills, issuing real-time advisories, and supporting digital forensics for incident investigations. He revealed that India recorded 147 ransomware incidents in 2024, many of which were mitigated due to prompt action and information sharing led by CERT-In. 

Collaborative Approach to National Cybersecurity 

The session further discussed the collaborative model that CERT-In follows, uniting government agencies, industry stakeholders, academia, and international partners. This model reflects the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s broader mission to build a secure digital India through capacity building, indigenous innovation, and public-private partnerships.  Dr. Bahl underlined that India’s cyber resilience depends not only on technological innovation but also on awareness and preparedness. The increasing number of startups and professionals entering the field is a strong indicator of how cybersecurity has evolved from a niche concern into a mainstream industry critical to national security and digital trust. 

Facing the Digital Challenge 

Despite these achievements, challenges remain. Cybercriminals are becoming technically advanced, leveraging AI, deepfakes, and advanced phishing tactics to target individuals and organizations. According to CERT-In, the use of forged digital credentials and automated attack tools has increased.   Dr. Bahl reiterated that while technological solutions are essential, the human element, skilled professionals, ethical hackers, and informed users, remains equally important. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology continues to focus on regulatory agility, workforce training, and international cooperation to counteract new cyber risks.