1. Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025: Navigating Emerging Threats

Context: The World Economic Forum (WEF), in collaboration with Accenture, recently released the Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025. This insightful report delves into the cybersecurity trends that will shape economies and societies in the near future. It highlights the evolving complexity of the cybersecurity landscape, influenced by factors such as geopolitical tensions, emerging technologies, supply chain vulnerabilities, and the growing sophistication of cybercrime.

Key Issues Identified in Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025:

1. Geopolitical Conflicts: Ongoing conflicts, including the Ukraine war, have heightened cyber vulnerabilities in critical sectors like energy, telecommunications, and nuclear power. These tensions have made national and global infrastructures more susceptible to cyberattacks.
2. Cybersecurity Readiness:  Two-thirds of organizations expect AI to impact cybersecurity, but only one-third have the necessary tools to assess AI-related risks. Smaller organizations, in particular, face significant challenges in adapting to these new threats.
3. Cyber Skills Gap: As of 2024, the cybersecurity workforce is short by 4.8 million professionals. Only 14% of organizations possess the skilled workforce needed to tackle today’s cybersecurity challenges, with public-sector organizations bearing the brunt of this shortage.
4. Supply Chain Interdependencies: Over 50% of large organizations consider the complexity of supply chains a major barrier to cyber resilience. Key concerns include vulnerabilities in third-party software, the increasing frequency of cyberattacks, and difficulties in enforcing security standards across the supply chain.
5. Cybercrime Sophistication: Cybercriminals are now using advanced generative AI tools to carry out personalized attacks, including phishing and social engineering. In 2024, 42% of organizations reported experiencing attacks such as phishing and deepfakes.
6. Regulatory Challenges: A significant 70% of organizations find existing cybersecurity regulations too complex, leading to compliance difficulties and a fragmented approach to global cyber defense.

Impact of Cybersecurity Threats: 

1. Critical Infrastructure Vulnerabilities: Cyberattacks on essential services such as water utilities, satellites, and power grids pose serious threats to public safety. For instance, a 2024 cyberattack on a U.S. water utility disrupted critical services, highlighting the risks to infrastructure.
2. Biosecurity Risks: AI advancements, cyberattacks, and genetic engineering could disrupt laboratories and public health systems. This was evidenced by cyber incidents in South Africa and the UK, which exposed biosecurity vulnerabilities.
3. Economic Disparity: There is a growing cyber resilience gap between developed regions (Europe, North America) and emerging economies (Africa, Latin America). While developed nations are better equipped to tackle cyber threats, emerging economies face greater risks due to limited resources.
4. Renewable Energy Transition Issues: The shift toward renewable energy systems brings new cybersecurity challenges. Power grids are becoming prime targets for cybercriminals, as seen in attacks targeting energy infrastructure.

Suggestions and Way Forward: 

1. Strategic Investment in Cybersecurity:  Cybersecurity should be viewed as a strategic investment rather than merely a technical issue. Leadership must focus on both economic and technical dimensions to ensure robust cyber defenses.
2. Foster Collaboration:  There is a growing need for stronger collaboration between business leaders and cybersecurity experts to proactively manage emerging threats and minimize risks.
3. Simplify and Harmonize Regulations: Global cybersecurity regulations must be simplified and aligned to enhance compliance and resilience across borders, helping organizations better navigate regulatory complexities.
4. Address the Cyber Skills Gap:  Upskilling and training programs are essential to bridge the global cyber skills gap. Organizations must invest in workforce development to prepare for the challenges ahead.
5. Focus on Emerging Technologies: As AI continues to reshape cybersecurity landscapes, organizations must develop tools to assess and mitigate the risks associated with AI, ensuring a proactive approach to security in the digital age.

The Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 offers vital insights into the evolving cyber landscape, urging global stakeholders to take strategic actions to strengthen defenses and safeguard against future cyber risks.

2. India-Bangladesh Border Dispute: Challenges in Fencing and Border Security

Context: The ongoing India-Bangladesh border dispute has raised tensions over issues related to border security and fencing. Recently, India summoned Bangladesh’s Acting High Commissioner after Bangladesh expressed concerns about the Border Security Force (BSF) allegedly violating bilateral agreements. These concerns have escalated, especially after Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) attempted to halt fencing construction in the West Bengal-Malda border region. This border, spanning over 4,096.7 km, remains a long-standing source of disputes over barbed wire fencing and border management.

India-Bangladesh Border (IBB):

The India-Bangladesh border is the longest border India shares, measuring 4,096.7 km. It runs through several states, including West Bengal (2,216.7 km), Assam (263 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Tripura (856 km), and Mizoram (318 km). The border is characterized by varied geographical features like plains, hills, riverine stretches, and forests, with no significant natural barriers. The highly porous nature of the border has made it a hotspot for illegal activities, such as immigration, cattle smuggling, and human trafficking.

Status of Fencing Along the India-Bangladesh Border:

Overall Fencing Coverage:

Out of the total 4,096.7 km of the India-Bangladesh border, 3,141 km have been successfully fenced, covering all eastern states, including West Bengal. However, challenges persist in some regions due to geographical, social, and political factors.

Fencing in West Bengal: West Bengal shares the largest portion of the border, 2,216.7 km, and as of 2023, 81.5% of it has been fenced. However, there are still small unfenced patches due to:

• Objections from villagers
• Challenging terrain
• Ongoing negotiations with Bangladesh

Challenges in Fencing Completion:

The Ministry of Home Affairs has highlighted several delays in fencing construction, including:

• Non-cooperation from the West Bengal government
• Pending land acquisition
• The riverine nature of over 900 km of the border, which makes fencing impractical. These areas are secured by the BSF’s water wing.

Recent Fencing Incidents:

Fencing Incident in Malda’s Kaliachak Block:

The BSF and the Central Road Works Department were involved in constructing a single-row fence in Malda’s Kaliachak No. 3 block, near Bangladesh’s Shibganj in Rajshahi district. Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) objected to this construction. Despite their objections, the work continued after discussions.

Fencing Dispute in Mekhliganj, Cooch Behar:

On January 10, villagers in Mekhliganj began constructing a four-foot-high barbed-wire fence near the Bangladeshi enclave of Dahagram-Angarpota, with support from the BSF. This was intended to prevent cattle from crossing over into Indian farms. BGB intervened to halt the work, escalating tensions between the two countries once again.

India-Bangladesh Border Guidelines:

1975 Joint Guidelines:

The 1975 India-Bangladesh Joint Guidelines prohibit the construction of defense structures within 150 yards of the international boundary, commonly referred to as the zero line. While India does not classify wire fencing as a defense structure, Bangladesh and Pakistan do.

Challenges in Fencing Due to Border Complexity:

The 2,217 km long border in West Bengal is especially complicated by:

• Villages and rivers along the boundary
• Enclaves such as Dahagram-Angarpota where Bangladesh is located within India
• The terrain, where sometimes the zero line coincides with houses or villages, complicating fencing efforts.

Exceptions to the 150-Yard Rule:

When fencing near the zero line is deemed impractical due to terrain, population, or water bodies, mutual negotiations between India and Bangladesh allow for exceptions. Fencing is sometimes built closer to the border, with gates installed to facilitate the movement of residents.

Reasons for the Dispute:

Violation of the 1975 Agreement:

Bangladesh argues that the construction of fencing, especially single-row fencing (SRF), violates the 1975 India-Bangladesh guidelines, particularly because it occurs within the 150-yard zone from the border.

Impact on Border Residents:

Fencing has created inconveniences for residents, restricting movement and daily activities along the border. However, India maintains that SRF is not a defense structure but a measure to control animal movement and curb cross-border crimes.

Objection to Smart Fencing:

Bangladesh has raised concerns about smart fencing, which includes CCTV and electronic surveillance, fearing that it enables India to monitor their territory. Smart fencing is primarily installed in areas where villages are located within 150 yards of the border or on the border itself.

Ongoing Discussions:

The fencing dispute has been under continuous discussion for over five years, with frequent objections raised by Bangladesh Border Guards (BGB) during flag meetings. Both nations continue to negotiate the complexities of border security and the fencing process, with the aim to achieve a mutually agreeable resolution.

3. Bhargavastra: India’s Revolutionary Counter-Swarm Drone Micro-Missile System

Context: India has successfully tested the Bhargavastra, a cutting-edge micro-missile system designed to counter the emerging threat of swarm drones. This indigenous defense technology marks a significant advancement in the country’s military capabilities, especially in countering aerial threats posed by drones.

What is Bhargavastra?

The Bhargavastra is India’s first indigenous micro-missile system, specifically engineered to neutralize the growing menace of swarm drones. Developed by Economic Explosives Ltd, this advanced system is designed for quick deployment on mobile platforms, enabling it to target aerial threats with remarkable precision.

• Range: Capable of hitting targets over 2.5 kilometers away.
• Detection: The system can detect even small incoming flying machines at distances over 6 kilometers.
• Micro Munitions: It uses micro munitions that are guided towards the threat to ensure accurate strikes.
• Capacity: The Bhargavastra can simultaneously launch over 64 micro missiles to counter multiple threats.
• Versatility: Designed to operate in all terrains, including high-altitude areas, making it suitable for various military environments.
• Use in Army Air Defence: This system meets the specific requirements of the Army Air Defence and is the first counter-drone system utilizing micro missiles.

What Are Swarm Drones?

The term SWARM stands for “Smart War-Fighting Array of Reconfigured Modules.” Drone swarm technologies involve the coordination of multiple drones—ranging from a few to potentially thousands—that work together to accomplish missions with minimal human oversight.

Capabilities of Drone Swarms:

• Cooperative Missions: Drone swarms can perform tasks such as wildfire control, damage assessment, and fire suppression efficiently by collaborating without the need for constant human control.
• Robustness and Efficiency: Swarms are more effective than individual drones, as they can perform various tasks simultaneously and continue operating even if some drones malfunction or become inoperable.
• Advanced Technology: These swarms use sophisticated computer algorithms, local sensing, and communication technologies to synchronize their movements and achieve shared objectives.
• Methods of Control: Swarms can operate with several command structures, including:
  • Pre-programmed missions with defined flight paths.
  • Centralized control from a ground station or a leading drone.
  • Distributed control, where drones communicate and collaborate autonomously based on shared information.

Why Bhargavastra Matters: 

With the rise of swarm drone technologies, which can overwhelm traditional defense systems, the Bhargavastra provides a critical defense mechanism for India’s military forces. By offering the ability to quickly detect, engage, and neutralize drone swarms, it enhances air defense capabilities and helps protect strategic assets from advanced aerial threats.

This system underscores India’s commitment to building indigenous defense solutions and strengthening its ability to counter modern warfare challenges effectively.

4. Call for Renaming India-Linked Fungus: A Global Health Concern

Context: A group of dermatologists from 14 countries, including India and Germany, has called for a change in the regional naming of a novel fungal species, Trichophyton indotineae, which is responsible for difficult-to-treat skin infections. The dermatologists argue that naming this fungus after specific geographic regions promotes prejudice, spreads misinformation, and goes against global health guidelines set by major health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO).

5. The Flat-Top Sada of Konkan: A Biodiversity Treasure

Context: Recent studies on the biodiversity and ecosystem of the Konkan region have brought attention to the unique sada—the flat-topped lateritic plateaus that are characteristic of this coastal area. These plateaus are gaining recognition for their role in preserving diverse flora and fauna, while also offering valuable insights into prehistoric human life.

What is Konkan Sada?

• Geography: Located between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, the Konkan region is known for its striking sadas or flat-topped plateaus, particularly in the Ratnagiri district.
• Formation: These plateaus are the result of centuries of erosion, with terrain resembling that of the Kaas Plateau in Satara district, which is known for its rocky surface.
• Significant Plateaus:
  • Sadawaghapur Plateau: Situated on the Tarle-Patan road in Patan tehsil, Satara district, this plateau comes alive with vibrant wildflower blooms during the monsoon, attracting both tourists and nature enthusiasts.
  • Barsu Sada: Located near Rajapur in Ratnagiri district, this plateau is famous for its ancient petroglyphs, offering a glimpse into the prehistoric human activities that once shaped the region.

Biodiversity Hotspot:

A study conducted from 2022 to 2024 has recorded an impressive range of species:

• 459 plant species, including 105 endemic species.
• 31 reptile species, 13 amphibians, 169 bird species, and 41 mammal species.
• The Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata), a vulnerable species, along with leopards, jackals, and various migratory birds, call this region home.

During the monsoon, the once barren plateaus are transformed into lush habitats that support this unique and diverse ecosystem.

Water and Agriculture on the Sadas:

• Villages situated on the sadas rely on open wells, springs, and perennial streams for their water needs.
• The lateritic soil, highly weathered over time, acts as a natural rainwater catchment, effectively replenishing the groundwater supply.
• Locals engage in traditional, pesticide-free farming of rice and millets (Eleusine coracana), particularly during the monsoon season on small patches of the sadas.

Threats to the Sadas:

While these plateaus are home to diverse life forms, they face several challenges:

• Laterite stone extraction, a major activity, threatens the integrity of these plateaus.
• The region has been labeled as ‘wasteland’ in the Wasteland Atlas, hindering efforts to protect and recognize its ecological significance.

The Significance of Geoglyphs:

• Geoglyphs are large designs or motifs created on the ground by removing soil or using rocks to create patterns that contrast with the surrounding landscape.
• The Konkan region, particularly Barsu Sada, is home to 10,000-year-old geoglyphs, offering insights into prehistoric human life and their cultural expressions.

Indian Flapshell Turtle (Lissemys punctata):

• IUCN Status: Vulnerable
• Native Range: Found across South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
• Prefers freshwater ecosystems such as ponds, rivers, marshes, and lakes.
• Found in National Parks like:
  • Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan)
  • Kaziranga National Park (Assam)
  • Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal)

Conclusion: A Unique Ecosystem at Risk

The Konkan sadas are not only geological wonders but also vital biodiversity hotspots. The region’s unique ecosystems, combined with its rich cultural heritage, make it a treasure worth preserving. However, threats like stone extraction and the mislabeling of the land as wasteland threaten the delicate balance of this precious environment.

6. Rooster Fights Persist in Andhra Pradesh Despite Police Warnings

Context: Kodi Pandem, the illegal rooster fighting sport, has deep roots in the rural areas of Andhra Pradesh, especially during the harvest festival. Despite being banned by the High Court of Andhra Pradesh in 2016 and being illegal under both the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and the Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act, 1974, this brutal sport continues to thrive, fueled by strong local patronage.

Recent Developments: Police Efforts and Technology in Action:

• Police Raids: As the festival of Sankranti approaches, police forces in Andhra Pradesh have stepped up their efforts to crack down on rooster fights, targeting organizers, knife manufacturers, and habitual offenders. Special task forces have been formed to monitor and stop these illegal activities.
• Use of Technology: In an innovative approach, the Andhra Pradesh police are utilizing drones and artificial intelligence (AI) to track and prevent rooster fights during the festival season, reflecting a modern approach to enforcing the law.
• Financial Stakes: Despite the ban, these rooster fights continue to involve significant amounts of money, highlighting the ongoing cultural importance of the practice and the financial incentives that keep it alive.

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960:

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 is a key law aimed at ensuring the welfare of animals by preventing unnecessary harm or suffering. Some key provisions include:

• Cruelty (Section 11): This section defines cruelty to animals, prohibiting activities like beating, kicking, torturing, or overloading animals. It also outlaws the organizing or participating in animal fights.
• Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI): Section 4 establishes the AWBI, which works to promote animal welfare, advise the government, and ensure the enforcement of the Act.
• Exemptions (Section 28): The law allows for the humane killing of animals in specific contexts, such as for food or religious purposes.

State-Wise Animal Fights in India:

Although Kodi Pandem is banned, various forms of animal fights continue to take place across India during festivals. Here’s an overview of such events:

• Jallikattu (Tamil Nadu): A bull-taming event during Pongal, where participants attempt to hold onto a bull’s hump.
• Cockfights (Kodi Pandem) (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala): Roosters with blades attached to their legs fight, especially during Sankranti.
• Kambala (Karnataka): A buffalo race held on slushy fields, celebrating farming traditions.
• Bullock Cart Races (Maharashtra, Karnataka): Bullocks race on tracks during festivals or rural fairs.
• Bulbul Fights (Assam): Nightingales are forced to fight during the Bhogali Bihu festival.

• Buffalo Fights (Assam, Odisha): Buffaloes battle each other during Bhogali Bihu and Dussehra festivals.
• Camel Fights (Haryana, Rajasthan): Camels are made to fight at fairs.
• Dhirio (Bull Fights) (Goa): Traditional bullfights during local fairs.
• Polo with Ponies (Manipur): Traditional polo played using ponies, raising concerns about pony welfare.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Battle Against Animal Cruelty

Despite significant efforts by law enforcement and modern technology, the practice of rooster fights and other animal-related sports continues to be deeply ingrained in certain parts of India. The financial stakes and cultural significance of these events make it a challenging issue to fully eradicate, highlighting the need for more robust enforcement and public awareness to prevent cruelty towards animals.