India Emerges as Major Target for Cyberattacks in 2024
According to CloudSEK’s ThreatLandscape Report 2024, India ranked as the second most targeted nation globally for cyberattacks in 2024, with 95 entities falling victim to data theft. The United States held the top position with 140 targeted entities, while Israel came in third with 57 entities affected. India’s rapid digitization has increased its susceptibility to cyber threats, particularly impacting the financial and banking sectors.
India Celebrates Birth of Its First Generation Beta Baby
As the world steps into 2025 and welcomes Generation Beta, India celebrates the birth of its first Generation Beta baby on New Year’s Day, January 1, in Aizawl, Mizoram. Named Frankie Remruatdika Zadeng, the baby was born at 12:03 am at Durtlang’s Synod Hospital, weighing 3.12 kg.
Generation Beta, spanning from 2025 to 2039, is set to grow up in a world of advanced technology and global connectivity. This generation will experience seamless integration of digital and physical realities, with AI-driven automation shaping education, workplaces, healthcare, and entertainment.
Transformative Changes: Amendments to the Forest Conservation Act 2025
The passage of the Bill to amend the Forest (Conservation) Act signals a transformative shift in India’s forest regulation. Introduced more than four decades after the original Act of 1980, these amendments aim to update and align the legislation with contemporary ecological, strategic, and economic needs. The original Act, brief at only four pages, has often led to complex interpretations and applications.
Strengthening Global Bonds: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025
The 18th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is set to take place in Bhubaneswar from January 8 to 10, 2025. This event aims to fortify the bonds between India and its global diaspora. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the convention, with President Christine Carla Kangaloo of Trinidad and Tobago addressing the gathering virtually as the chief guest. The celebration will highlight the contributions of overseas Indians to India’s development, centered around the theme “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”.
Devastating Earthquake Strikes Tibet and Nepal
A powerful earthquake struck the Tibetan Plateau and neighboring regions on January 5, 2025. The 7.1 magnitude earthquake, with its epicenter near Tingri County in Tibet, shook the area, reaching as far as northern India, including Bihar and parts of West Bengal.
Tragically, the quake resulted in at least 95 deaths and over 100 injuries in Tibet, with additional injuries reported in Nepal. The region experienced extensive building damage, prompting immediate rescue efforts to assist those affected.
Bharatpol Portal Revolutionizes Crime Fighting in India
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Bharatpol portal, marking a significant advancement in India’s law enforcement capabilities. Developed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), this innovative platform facilitates real-time information sharing among state police and central agencies. The initiative aims to streamline international cooperation for investigating transnational crimes, such as cyber-crime, financial crimes, online radicalization, organized crimes, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.
Odisha Launches Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme to Promote Tribal Education
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme at the Adivasi Mela. The initiative focuses on reducing the dropout rate among Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in Odisha by offering a one-time financial incentive of ₹5,000 to students enrolling in Class IX and XI. This monetary support aims to encourage tribal students to continue their secondary and higher secondary education, ultimately improving enrollment and completion rates.