The Japanese government has recently released a video created using artificial intelligence (AI) to simulate what would happen if Mount Fuji, Japan's tallest active volcano, were to erupt. This video is part of a broader initiative to prepare the public for potential volcanic activity, providing an AI-generated visualization of the eruption's impact on nearby regions, including Tokyo, and helping to inform emergency response strategies.

About Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji (Fujisan) is an iconic symbol of Japan and one of the country’s most famous landmarks. Here are some key facts about this majestic peak:

Physical Characteristics:

• Height: 3,776 meters (12,389 feet), making it Japan's tallest mountain.

• Location: Situated near the Pacific coast in the Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, on the island of Honshu. It is approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) west of Tokyo.

• Type of Volcano: Mount Fuji is an active stratovolcano, which means it is made up of layers of hardened lava, tephra, and ash. Stratovolcanoes are known for their explosive eruptions.

Geological Background:

• Volcanic History: Mount Fuji last erupted in 1707 (the Hōei eruption), during which volcanic ash fell as far away as Edo (modern-day Tokyo). Since then, the volcano has remained dormant.

• It is part of the Fuji Volcanic Zone, a geological region in Japan known for its active volcanoes.

• The mountain is believed to have formed over the last 2.6 million years and is built on a base that could be as old as 65 million years.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

• Sacred Mountain: Mount Fuji is regarded as one of Japan’s Three Holy Mountains, along with Mount Tate and Mount Haku. It holds significant cultural and spiritual value in Japanese tradition.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 2013, Mount Fuji was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural importance and natural beauty. The mountain is particularly famous for its symmetrical conical shape, which has been celebrated in Japanese art, literature, and religious practices.

Tourism and Recreation:

• Climbing: Mount Fuji is a popular destination for hikers, with thousands of climbers attempting to reach the summit every year, particularly during the official climbing season (July-August).

• Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park: The mountain is part of this park, established in 1936, which is a major attraction for tourists and nature enthusiasts.

Risk of Eruption and Preparedness Efforts

Though Mount Fuji has been dormant for over 300 years, it is still an active volcano, and there remains a potential risk of future eruptions. Japan is one of the most seismically active regions in the world, and the government continuously monitors its volcanoes to assess potential hazards.

Key Concerns in Case of an Eruption:

1. Impact on Population: If Mount Fuji were to erupt, the effects on the densely populated Tokyo metropolitan area, only 100 kilometers away, could be catastrophic. Ash clouds, pyroclastic flows, and even lava could pose serious risks to the public, infrastructure, and air travel.

2. Environmental Consequences: A significant eruption could affect the surrounding ecosystems, including forests, lakes, and agricultural lands, leading to economic and environmental damage.

3. Preparedness Measures: In response to the potential dangers, the Japanese government has invested heavily in monitoring volcanic activity. The AI-generated video simulates the impact of a Mount Fuji eruption and serves as an educational tool to prepare the public for various disaster scenarios.

Conclusion

While Mount Fuji's eruption is not imminent, the government's use of AI simulations highlights the importance of preparedness in the face of natural disasters. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, Japan is striving to ensure that its population and infrastructure are ready for a range of possible scenarios, even in the case of an event as formidable as a volcanic eruption from one of the world's most famous mountains.

Observations

1. Link to Food Security:

   • Fertilizers play a critical role in maintaining agricultural productivity and food security. The committee noted that India’s dependency on fertilizer imports—25% for urea, 90% for phosphates, and 100% for potash—poses a significant challenge to India’s self-reliance and food sovereignty.

   • The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) had denied the fertilizer sector strategic status despite its importance to food security.

2. Low Market Share of Fertilizer PSUs:

   • Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) contribute around 25% of urea and 11% of non-urea fertilizer production. In contrast, the private sector dominates, with 57% of total fertilizer production in 2023–24.

   • PSUs play a stabilizing role in pricing and ensuring affordability for small and marginal farmers through government-subsidized fertilizer distribution.

3. Strategic Importance of Fertilizer PSUs:

   • The committee emphasized that fertilizer PSUs are essential for stabilizing prices, ensuring supply during disasters, and securing long-term food security. Despite this, they are underutilized, and their potential to support food security remains constrained.

Recommendations

1. Classify Fertilizer Sector as ‘Strategic’:

   • To achieve self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the committee recommended reclassifying the fertilizer sector as "strategic" to attract more investment, technology, and policy attention.

2. Revitalizing Fertilizer PSUs:

   • A dedicated mission should be launched to upgrade technology, diversify products, and adopt sustainable practices in public sector units (PSUs). The committee also noted successful revitalization, with the reopening of closed units contributing 7.62 million tonnes (MT) to annual urea production.

How Integral Are Fertilizers to India’s Agriculture and Economy?

1. Agriculture’s Economic Footprint:

   • Agriculture contributes nearly 16% to India's GDP and sustains over 46% of the population, forming a foundation for livelihoods across rural India.

2. Fertilizer Production and Consumption Trends:

   • India is the second-largest user and third-largest producer of fertilizers globally.

   • In 2023–24, total fertilizer production reached 503.35 lakh metric tonnes (LMT), with the private sector accounting for 57.77% of total production.

   • India consumed 601 LMT of fertilizers in 2023–24, producing 503 LMT domestically and importing 177 LMT.

3. Import Dependency:

   • Self-sufficiency levels reached 87% for urea, 90% for NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium), but only 40% for DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate). Muriate of Potash (MOP) remains 100% imported.

India’s Fertilizer Sector Evolution Towards Sustainability and Self-Reliance

1. Brand Unification under ONOF:

   • The One Nation One Fertilizer (ONOF) initiative standardizes brands for government-subsidized fertilizers (e.g., Bharat Urea, Bharat DAP) to improve quality control and streamline government support.

2. Sustainable Fertilizer Practices:

   • Nano-fertilizers like nano-urea and nano-DAP provide slow-release nutrients that reduce wastage and improve absorption.

   • Neem-coated urea enhances nitrogen efficiency and requires less urea to achieve the same results.

   • The PM-PRANAM scheme encourages reduced chemical fertilizer use and promotes organic alternatives with state incentives linked to performance.

   • The Bio-fertilizers and Soil Health Card Scheme emphasizes balanced nutrient input and tailored soil management for optimal yields.

3. Technological & Digital Infrastructure:

   • iFMS (Integrated Fertilizer Management System) helps track fertilizer movement in real-time.

   • mFMS (Mobile FMS) supports dealer registration, stock monitoring, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) via mobile platforms.

Challenges in Categorizing the Fertilizer Sector as ‘Strategic’

1. Global Integration and Supply Diversification:

   • India has long-term DAP supply agreements with Saudi Arabia and Morocco, reducing the need to maintain large strategic production reserves for phosphates.

2. Technological Obsolescence:

   • Older PSU plants face issues like low efficiency, high input costs, and the need for heavy capital investment to modernize. This raises questions about the effectiveness of granting "strategic" status without major reforms.

3. Policy Inconsistency and Sectoral Ambiguity:

   • There is a contradiction between treating fertilizers as essential for food security (Agriculture Ministry) versus a non-strategic commercial sector (DIPAM). This lack of coherence in policy makes inter-ministerial consensus difficult and slows down necessary reforms.

How Can India Make its Fertilizer Sector Self-Reliant?

1. Boost Domestic Production:

   • India should prioritize ensuring that existing units operate profitably, while also focusing on the revival of closed plants. The New Investment Policy (NIP) 2012 can aid in reducing import dependence and promoting self-sufficiency.

2. Innovation & Sustainability:

   • Investment in R&D to develop new fertilizer formulations, eco-friendly production technologies, and efficient resource use will be key to improving productivity and sustainability in the long run.

3. Promotion of Bio-fertilizers and Nano-fertilizers:

   • The PM-PRANAM scheme can be expanded to encourage the use of bio-fertilizers and nano-fertilizers, alongside traditional fertilizers, to reduce dependency on imports and improve soil health.

4. Public-Private Collaboration:

   • Encouraging public-private partnerships (PPPs) for investment in research, innovation, and increasing production capacity can accelerate the transition to a self-reliant fertilizer sector.

5. Establishment of Regional Manufacturing Hubs:

   • Developing fertilizer clusters near key agricultural zones will cut logistics costs and improve distribution efficiency.

6. Financial Incentives:

   • The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme can be introduced for nano-fertilizer production to incentivize manufacturers and promote adoption.

7. Integration with National Nutrient Management Programs:

   • Nano-fertilizers should be integrated into national nutrient management programs, ensuring balanced use of conventional and sustainable fertilizers.

Conclusion

The Parliamentary Committee’s observations and recommendations underscore the critical role fertilizers play in ensuring food security, especially with India’s growing import dependency. By reclassifying the fertilizer sector as “strategic,” India can promote self-reliance, reduce import dependence, and ensure that its agricultural sector remains robust and sustainable. Addressing challenges like technological obsolescence and policy incoherence, while focusing on innovation and public-private collaboration, will be essential to achieving these goals.

What Are Invasive Alien Species (IAS)?

Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are non-native organisms (plants, animals, fungi, or microbes) introduced beyond their natural range, where they establish self-sustaining populations. They tend to outcompete, displace, or prey on native species, disrupting ecosystems and causing significant ecological, economic, and social impacts.

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) defines IAS as species that can "arrive, survive, and thrive" in new environments, often outcompeting native species for resources. In India, the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 defines IAS as non-native species that threaten wildlife or habitats.

Key Invasive Alien Species in India

Some of the most widespread IAS in India include:

• Animals: African catfish, Nile tilapia, red-bellied piranha, alligator gar, Red-eared Slider (North American turtle).

• Plants: Lantana, Water Hyacinth, Prosopis juliflora, and Parthenium hysterophorus (Carrot grass).

Factors Contributing to the Rise of IAS

1. Globalisation-Linked Dispersal:

   • Increased trade, travel, and transport facilitate the unintentional spread of species. For example, the Black Rat, introduced to Australia in the 1800s, is now listed as one of the "World’s Worst" invasive species by the IUCN. Similarly, the Zebra Mussel was introduced to North America's Great Lakes through ballast water.

2. Climate-Driven Proliferation:

   • Changes in temperature and precipitation create favourable conditions for invasive species, disrupting native species' life cycles. For instance, warmer temperatures may accelerate the spread of invasive insects or aquatic species like fish and mollusks.

3. Habitat Disturbance and Degradation:

   • Human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture disturb ecosystems, making them more susceptible to IAS colonization. Parthenium hysterophorus thrives in disturbed habitats like roadsides and fields, often signaling environmental degradation.

4. Human Introduction of Exotic Species:

   • IAS are often introduced deliberately for purposes like gardening, landscaping, aquaculture, or pest control. However, these species frequently escape into the wild and outcompete native biodiversity. Water Hyacinth, originally introduced to India for ornamental purposes, has since become a major ecological threat.

Key Impacts of Invasive Alien Species

1. Ecological Impact:

   • IAS are among the top 5 direct drivers of biodiversity loss globally. They lead to the decline or extinction of native species through competition, predation, or disease. For example, the Brown Tree Snake introduced to Guam caused the local extinction of many native bird species.

2. Economic Impact:

   • IAS impose heavy financial burdens on nations, affecting sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. Plants are the most economically damaging, with USD 926.38 billion in management costs. Water Hyacinth in Lake Victoria has depleted local fisheries, hurting economies reliant on fishing.

3. Health Impact:

   • IAS like Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti transmit malaria, Zika, and West Nile Fever. Other IAS, such as Parthenium, cause respiratory issues and skin allergies. Contamination of crops by invasive weeds can introduce harmful substances into food chains.

4. Threat Multiplier:

   • IAS, like Lantana, alter fire regimes, displace native flora, and reduce carbon sequestration, exacerbating climate change. This makes IAS a threat multiplier that weakens ecosystem resilience and hinders adaptation to climate change.

Global and India-Specific Initiatives for IAS Management

Global Initiatives:

1. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):

   • Encourages parties, including India, to prevent, control, or eradicate alien species (Article 8(h)) and offers guidelines for management.

2. Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework:

   • Target 6 of the framework aims to reduce the impact of IAS on biodiversity and ecosystem services by 50% by 2030.

3. IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG):

   • Maintains the Global Invasive Species Database (GISD), offering data for the global management of IAS.

4. CITES (1975):

   • Regulates international trade of wild fauna and flora to prevent the spread of IAS through illegal trade.

India-Specific Initiatives:

1. National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP):

   • Focuses on the prevention and management of invasive species in India.

2. National Action Plan on Invasive Alien Species (NAPINVAS):

   • Launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), this plan emphasizes prevention, early detection, control, and management.

3. National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC):

   • Provides resources, information, and awareness on IAS in India.

4. Plant Quarantine Order, 2003:

   • Regulates the import of plants and plant material to prevent the introduction of invasive species.

Challenges in Tackling Invasive Alien Species in India

1. Underreporting & Lack of Data:

   • There is a significant underreporting of IAS-related costs, leading to underestimation of the ecological and economic impacts.

2. Resource Constraints:

   • Limited funding and human resources hinder effective surveillance, control, and eradication of IAS.

3. High Eradication Costs:

   • Large-scale removal of IAS like Lantana and Prosopis requires substantial financial and human resources.

4. Policy Gaps:

   • There is fragmented coverage of IAS under existing laws like the Biodiversity Act, Wildlife Protection Act, and Plant Quarantine Rules, with weak enforcement.

Management Strategies and Way Forward

1. Strengthening Data & Monitoring Systems:

   • Establish a centralized database for IAS, improve data collection, and track expenditure and management efforts more effectively.

2. Allocating Dedicated Resources:

   • Dedicate funding and enhance human resources to support surveillance and control efforts. Community participation can help reduce costs and increase effectiveness.

3. Community-Centric Solutions:

   • Engage local communities, as seen with the Kadar tribe in Kerala, who actively restore forests degraded by IAS. Biological control methods could also offer cost-effective alternatives to chemical control.

4. Institutional and Policy Fortification:

   • Strengthen enforcement of existing laws and improve institutional coordination. Integrating IAS management into broader policies like climate change and biodiversity action plans is crucial.

5. Public Awareness and Education:

   • Raise awareness among the public and stakeholders about the dangers of IAS and the importance of biosecurity to prevent further spread.

Conclusion

Tackling Invasive Alien Species (IAS) requires a multifaceted approach that combines strong enforcement institutions, integrated policies, and community involvement. By addressing data gaps, resource constraints, and policy inconsistencies, India can significantly reduce the ecological and economic impacts of IAS, ensuring long-term environmental and economic resilience.

Key Observations:

1. Concern Over Public Health Impact:

   • The Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers raised serious concerns regarding the impact of the 50% price increase on essential medicines, particularly in terms of public health. The committee emphasized the need to consider how these price hikes affect affordability and access to critical drugs for the general public, particularly those from lower-income groups.

2. Limited Justification:

   • The NPPA defended the price hikes by attributing them to factors such as rising production costs, the cost of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), and exchange rate fluctuations. However, the committee expressed concerns that the NPPA did not adequately consider the affordability of medicines for the public in their justification, making the increases appear more oriented towards industry interests than patient welfare.

3. Regulatory Gaps in Cancer Drug Pricing:

   • The Committee on Petitions (Rajya Sabha) highlighted the inadequate regulation of oncology drugs, noting that while the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), 2013 had expanded its control over certain cancer drugs (from 40 to 63), many others remained outside price control. This lack of regulation leads to high and unaffordable drug prices, restricting access for cancer patients, especially in the context of the growing burden of cancer in India.

Key Recommendations:

1. Reconsider Price Hike Mechanism:

   • The committee recommended that the NPPA should re-evaluate its price hike mechanism and ensure that any increases in drug prices are reasonable, justifiable, and affordable for the public. The committee stressed that the decision-making process should prioritize public welfare and the accessibility of medicines.

2. Expand Price Control on Critical Drugs:

   • The committee urged the government to broaden the scope of price control to include a wider range of critical drugs, especially oncology drugs, which remain largely unregulated. This would make these vital medicines more affordable and accessible for all segments of society, especially vulnerable populations.

3. Ensure Transparency in Price Adjustments:

   • Future price hikes should be transparent and backed by clear criteria that prioritize public welfare. The committee emphasized that the NPPA should provide detailed explanations for any price increases, ensuring that the process is transparent and easily understandable for the public.

4. Stronger Oversight on Non-Essential Drugs:

   • The Standing Committee recommended that NPPA increase its oversight on non-essential drugs, ensuring that manufacturers do not raise Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs) by more than 10% annually without sufficient justification. This would help control excessive price hikes in non-essential drugs, which could contribute to the overall inflation of drug prices in the market.

5. Regular Monitoring and Inclusion:

   • Regular monitoring of drug prices and their impact on affordability is crucial. The committee recommended the inclusion of a wider range of medicines under price control to ensure that all essential drugs, including those for chronic and life-threatening conditions, are accessible to the general public.

What is the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA)?

The NPPA is India's independent drug pricing regulatory authority, responsible for ensuring the availability and affordability of medicines in the country. It operates under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers.

• Constitution: The NPPA was established in 1997 to oversee and regulate the pricing of medicines, balancing the needs of public health with the economic growth of the pharmaceutical sector.

• Role: NPPA's primary responsibilities include regulating the prices of essential medicines, ensuring adherence to price control orders, and keeping drug prices under check for public welfare.

Functions of NPPA:

1. Price Regulation:

   • NPPA ensures that the prices of essential drugs listed under the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) are controlled and remain affordable to the general population.

2. Outreach & Transparency:

   • The NPPA has made significant strides in improving transparency and accountability through initiatives such as the Pharma Sahi Dam platform, which provides detailed information on medicine prices, and Pharma Jan Samadhan, a grievance redressal platform for consumers.

3. Data & Monitoring:

   • The Integrated Pharmaceutical Database Management System (IPDMS 2.0) is a digital tool developed by NPPA to enhance monitoring and transparency within the pharmaceutical sector.

4. Market Monitoring:

   • NPPA operates Price Monitoring and Research Units (PMRUs) in 31 States and Union Territories to track prices and ensure that manufacturers comply with the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO).

Role of NPPA in the Indian Pharmaceutical Sector:

India’s pharmaceutical industry is one of the largest in the world, valued at USD 50 billion (2023-24), with projections to reach USD 130 billion by 2030. As the "Pharmacy of the World," India plays a critical role in supplying generic drugs to countries worldwide. The NPPA is tasked with maintaining a balance between consumer affordability and the growth of the industry, ensuring that medicines remain accessible to all Indians.

Pharma Sector Regulations in India

1. Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO):

   • Responsible for regulating the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of drugs and medical devices in India.

2. Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940:

   • Governs the quality and safety of drugs and cosmetics in India, ensuring public health protection.

3. Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954:

   • Regulates misleading advertisements and claims made about drugs and remedies, ensuring ethical practices in marketing.

4. National Medical Devices Policy, 2023:

   • Aims to strengthen the Indian medical device industry, ensuring the production and accessibility of quality devices in the healthcare system.

5. Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (PTUAS):

   • A scheme aimed at enhancing the manufacturing capabilities of pharmaceutical industries by upgrading technologies and ensuring the production of high-quality medicines.

Conclusion

The Parliamentary Standing Committee's concerns about the 50% price hike in essential medicines have shed light on the tension between affordable access to medicines and the economic pressures faced by the pharmaceutical industry. The NPPA must recalibrate its approach to price hikes, with greater transparency, stronger oversight on non-essential drugs, and a more robust regulatory framework for critical medications like oncology drugs.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs has raised serious concerns about the escalating cyber threats in India. The committee emphasizes the urgent need for greater public awareness, enhanced cyber safety, and stronger digital security as internet penetration and online transactions expand rapidly in the country.

Key Cyberthreats India is Facing:

1. Cyber-enabled Financial Frauds:

   • India has witnessed a surge in various forms of cyber fraud, including phishing, ransomware, identity theft, and UPI/online banking frauds.

   • In 2024, 1.91 million cybercrime complaints were recorded, highlighting the scale of digital financial vulnerability in India.

2. Ransomware & Malware Attacks:

   • Hospitals, government databases, and critical private enterprises have become frequent targets of ransomware and malware attacks.

   • A notable attack was the AIIMS Delhi cyberattack (2022), which exposed vulnerabilities in healthcare and public service systems.

3. Critical Infrastructure Vulnerability:

   • Strategic national assets like power grids, telecom networks, nuclear facilities, and ports face ongoing threats from cyber sabotage.

   • The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant attack (2019) highlighted the risks to national security and critical infrastructure.

4. Data Breaches & Privacy Risks:

   • Frequent cyber intrusions have led to data breaches, compromising the personal data of millions.

   • The Air India breach (2021), which exposed information of 4.5 million passengers, is a notable example of privacy risks.

5. Deepfakes & Misinformation:

   • The rise of AI-driven deepfake content and fake news campaigns poses a significant threat to social cohesion, democratic institutions, and electoral integrity.

   • In 2024, deepfake videos of political leaders were widely circulated during the election campaigns, undermining public trust and electoral processes.

6. Dark Web & Cyber Terrorism:

   • The dark web has become a platform for radicalization, illegal trade of arms, narcotics, and terror financing through cryptocurrencies.

   • This fuels organized crime and cyber terrorism, heightening the national security threat.

Factors Undermining India’s Cybersecurity Framework:

1. Inadequate Legal and Regulatory Framework:

   • Existing laws like the IT Act, 2000 and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 fail to address emerging threats such as AI-enabled attacks, deepfakes, and ransomware attacks.

2. Shortage of Skilled Cybersecurity Professionals:

   • India faces a massive shortage of trained cybersecurity experts, with a need for at least one million professionals. Currently, India has less than half that number.

   • According to NASSCOM, India needs a significant increase in cybersecurity talent to address the growing threats.

3. Rapid Digitalization & Low Cyber Awareness:

   • As India’s digital ecosystem expands rapidly, so do the sophistication and scale of cyber threats.

   • Weak cyber hygiene among citizens, especially in rural areas, increases vulnerability to phishing attacks, fraudulent websites, and scam calls. Limited digital literacy exacerbates the problem.

4. Weak Protection of Critical Infrastructure:

   • Power grids, telecom networks, and nuclear facilities are particularly vulnerable due to outdated security protocols.

   • Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) also lack strong cyber defenses, and India’s reliance on imported IT equipment further increases risks of embedded vulnerabilities.

5. Fragmented Coordination Among Agencies:

   • Various agencies like CERT-In, the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre, and private stakeholders have limited coordination, delaying threat detection and response.

Key Initiatives Related to Enhancing Cybersecurity:

1. Legislative Measures:

   • Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act): A primary legal framework for cybercrime and cybersecurity.

   • Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023: Focuses on protecting personal data, though still in need of strong enforcement and additional provisions for emerging threats.

2. Institutional Framework:

   • Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In): Responsible for responding to cybersecurity incidents and threats.

   • National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC): Protects critical national infrastructure from cyber attacks.

   • Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C): Coordinates efforts to tackle cybercrime across India.

   • Cyber Swachhta Kendra: Focuses on cleaning malware and promoting secure cyberspace.

   • Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System: Helps report and manage financial frauds.

3. Strategic Initiatives:

   • Bharat National Cybersecurity Exercise 2024: A national-level exercise aimed at enhancing India’s cybersecurity readiness.

   • National Cyber Security Policy, 2013: The overarching framework guiding the country’s efforts to secure cyberspace.

   • Chakshu & Digital Intelligence Platform: Platforms focusing on cyber threat intelligence and digital safety.

   • Telecommunications (Critical Telecommunication Infrastructure) Rules, 2024: Guidelines for securing telecommunication infrastructure.

Measures to Strengthen India’s Cybersecurity Framework:

1. Strengthen Legal & Regulatory Framework:

   • The IT Act, 2000 needs urgent updates to address modern threats such as AI-based cyberattacks, deepfakes, and ransomware.

   • Enforce the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, with clear accountability for data breaches.

2. Institutional & Audit Reforms:

   • Mandate cybersecurity audits and stress tests for critical sectors like banking, healthcare, and utilities.

   • Establish district-level cybersecurity units to handle localized threats and enhance coordination with CERT-In.

3. Strengthen Critical Infrastructure Protection:

   • Implement two-factor authentication (2FA), data encryption, and real-time monitoring systems in critical sectors like banks and power grids.

   • Promote the adoption of Zero-Trust Architecture (continuous verification of users and devices) in critical infrastructure.

4. Promote Indigenous Cybersecurity Solutions:

   • Make in India: India should focus on developing indigenous cybersecurity tools to reduce reliance on foreign solutions.

   • Support startups working on AI-based threat detection by providing funding and incubation.

5. Improve Cyber Hygiene & Awareness:

   • Launch nationwide cyber literacy campaigns in regional languages to target rural communities, youth, and senior citizens.

   • Integrate cybersecurity education in schools and universities to build a foundation for digital resilience.

   • Support secure infrastructure and staff training in educational institutions to strengthen cybersecurity knowledge.

Conclusion

Cyber threats in India have evolved significantly, moving from financial frauds to complex risks that affect national security, privacy, and democratic integrity. The rapid digitization of governance, commerce, and infrastructure has amplified India’s vulnerability to ransomware, data breaches, deepfakes, and threats to critical infrastructure.