#FactCheck -Viral Claim About Air India Cancelling All International Flights Until July Is False

Introduction

The Kumbh Mela is known worldwide as India's most significant pilgrimage and has earned a place on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2017.  This year, the Maha Kumbh will be held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, with 40 crore devotees from all over the world expected to attend this momentous event from January 13th  to 26th February 2025. As the world embraces the blessings of digitalisation, people are increasingly relying on the Internet for arranging their travel, booking rooms, and securing accommodations for this grand spiritual journey. 

However, amidst this digital age, where the conveniences offered are manifold, there also lurks the shadow of deceit. Cybercriminals are finding innovative ways to entrap innocent individuals. Fraudulent activities are on the rise, with wrongdoers operating fake websites that promise secure bookings for cottages, tents, and other accommodations for the Mahakumbh event. Like the deceptive mirage that the desert traveller may mistakenly believe to be an oasis, these malicious sites lure pilgrims with the false hope of easy arrangements, only to exploit their trust and commit malicious cyber fraudulent activities. 

Policy and Preventive Measures Taken by Government

This year, the government has taken steps to utilise digitalisation services to enhance the experience of devotees, blending innovation with tradition. However, considering the rise in cyber scams, a dedicated cyber police station has also been established at Maha Kumbh 2025 to address threats such as the misuse of AI, the dark web, and social media platforms. This initiative aims to protect devotees from potential scams.

To strengthen safety measures, a special team of selected officers from across the state has been deployed in Mahakumbh Nagar, Prayagraj, to provide cybersecurity and ensure the safety of pilgrims. A dedicated cyber police station or digital police station will ensure round-the-clock monitoring of cyberspace.

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The cybersecurity team has already identified 44 suspicious websites and initiated action against them. To further safeguard devotees attending Maha Kumbh 2025, a large-scale awareness campaign is being conducted to educate users about potential cyber threats.

The Role of Digital Discipline in Navigating the Uncharted Waters of the Internet

As the Yajurveda (ancient Vedic scriptures of Hinduism) reminds us ‘सत्यं चानृतं च सत्यं अभवत्, यदेतत् तपसा तप्यताम्।’. This learning translates into English as "Truth and falsehood are both present, yet truth is purified through intense discipline”. The Mahakumbh is a confluence not just of rivers but of faith and humanity's eternal quest for truth (Satyam). In the digital age, this vigilance extends to protecting ourselves from cyber frauds and scams that exploit the sanctity of occasions like the Mahakumbh. Just as devotees seek purity through holy rituals, we must also embrace Digital Discipline to navigate the confluence of tradition and technology safely.

Here are some Digital Discipline best practices you must follow:

• Be cautious of fake websites, fraudulent travel agencies, and scam bookings. Always verify legitimacy before engaging in any  transactions.  
• Stay alert for fake donation requests and only contribute to verified organizations.
• Be aware of any mis/disinformation and implausible claims surrounding the Mahakumbh event and verify it from authenticated sources. The official website of Mahakumbh is https://kumbh.gov.in.
• To report any cybercrime or issue, you can report it on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at https://cybercrime.gov.in/, equipped with a 24x7 helpline 1930 that serves as a powerful resource available to the victims of cybercrimes to report their cases.

Conclusion

Netizens worldwide must prioritise Digital Discipline to ensure they are safeguarded from the snares of these cyber miscreants, so that they may safely and joyfully embark on their journey to the Maha Kumbh and receive divine blessings and purity of purpose through the experience.

References

• https://www.deccanherald.com/india/uttar-pradesh/up-police-gets-on-its-toes-to-ensure-cyber-safe-maha-kumbh-3335911
• https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/four-cyber-crooks-held-for-operating-fake-booking-websites-101735326388201.html
• https://www.indiatvnews.com/uttar-pradesh/maha-kumbh-2025-cyber-police-station-set-up-in-prayagraj-to-safeguard-devotees-from-online-frauds-in-city-preparation-security-other-details-2024-12-11-965745
• https://organiser.org/2024/12/12/268915/bharat/mahakumbh-2025-cyber-police-station-set-up-to-protect-devotees-from-ai-and-social-media-scammers/
• https://www.ptinews.com/story/national/maha-kumbh-56-cyber-warriors-deployed-to-safeguard-devotees-against-online-scams/2135062

Introduction
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Rapid growth in India’s Digital Economy has opened up various options for companies to utilise digital technology as part of their operations. Examples of these technologies include cloud computing; online payment systems; digitally enabled supply chains; and platforms that facilitate remote working. As small and medium enterprises(SMEs) represent a major part of India’s economy, they have quickly been able to capitalise on the benefits these technologies provide in improving their operational efficiency and developing an increased presence within the market. However, this rapid pace of digitalisation creates an exposure to a much greater breadth of cyber-security threats than ever for SMEs. Today, perhaps the greatest cyber-threat facing SMEs in India is ransomware, an increasing frequent type of cyber-attack that has been increasing on a global scale over the past few years and in response, there have been numerous initiatives by various government agencies, industry organisations, and cyber-security firms designed to educate the general public on the risks of ransomware. 

What is Ransomware?
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Ransomware is a type of malware, which prevents all users being able to access their file system or access their data until they pay a ransom. In a standard ransomware event an attacker will breach the company's network, and encrypt all critical files so that they are unable to be used. The attacker usually demands payment in bitcoin because it is a difficult trace  and promises to provide a key to unlock the data in exchange for the payment. Attackers gain access to company networks by using social engineering techniques such as phishing email, stolen password, or exploiting an unpatched vulnerability in the software that is running on the company's network. 
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The Rising Threat of Ransomware
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Cybercriminals have created one of the most destructive varieties of cybercrimes around the world through ransomware; while experts in the cybersecurity field project losses to global ransomware damage may reach $30 billion by 2025. There has also been a marked increase in SMEs being attacked by ransomware-based cybercriminals throughout India. NASSCOM has done research and found that many SMEs in India have experienced attempted ransomware attacks in the past few years alone. According to incident reports provided through CERT-In, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of cybercrime occurrences throughout different sectors of India’s economy since those reports began. These developments have shown an increase in the size and level of sophistication of ransomware related threats.
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Why Indian SMEs Remain Vulnerable Despite Awareness
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Despite increased awareness about cyber threats, there is a large number of Indian SMEs that continue to be vulnerable to ransomware. The main reason is financial limitations. Many small businesses typically have limited financial resources and those limited resources more often than not, go towards operations, including production, logistics, and marketing - cybersecurity costs are usually viewed as additional costs.

Another significant problem facing SMEs is a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. Large enterprises typically have dedicated security teams responsible for protecting the enterprise, whereas SMEs will employ IT staff generally without any specific expertise in detecting/countering cyber threats. Human error are also significant contributors to these cyber incursion events. An employee can inadvertently click on an email link or download an infected attachment, or use a weak password - all of which could provide opportunities for cybercriminals to access the company's network. Phishing emails continue to be the most common approach for initiating ransomware.

Furthermore - many SMEs have implemented digital platforms, such as cloud-based applications and payment processing, without appropriately executing cybersecurity planning prior to implementation. Many of the issues that have arisen from such rapid digitisation are due to a lack of sufficient planned cybersecurity measures as part of the implementation process. This has also resulted in a situation where technological advancements such as Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) have created an even larger pool of potential perpetrators (cybercriminals) with little-to-no expertise being able to launch a widespread ransomware campaign using readily available/pre-manufactured tools.
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Real-World Cyber Incidents Affecting Indian SMEs
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As several examples recently demonstrate, Indian SMEs continue to experience significant cyber attack risks. Recently, a logistics firm located in Gurugram found itself locked out of nearly 4,000 shipments due to a ransomware attack, which cost them ₹12 lakhs to fix because they had poor backups and another incident in Gurugram which highlights how vulnerable many SMEs in the country continue to be to ransomware attacks. In the case of a garments company, a hacker compromised the company's server by placing ransomware on its system. The company was forced to shut down its computerised warehouse system as a result of the attack. Only after the company had lost access to its system, did it receive a ransom demand from the hacker, in the form of an email requesting payment of 15 bitcoins (approximately ₹25 lakh), in order for the hacker to restore the company's access to the system. The hacker also threatened to delete the company's financial and banking records if the ransom were not paid. Gurgaon Police's Cyber Cell received the report of the incident, and registered a first information report (FIR) against unknown hackers. The case represents an opportunity for SMEs to evaluate the risks associated with ransomware.

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Bridging the Gap Between Awareness and Implementation
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Although awareness campaigns can show organisations what types of cybersecurity risks they’re exposed to, these campaigns will not keep businesses from being victims of a ransomware attack by themselves.. The most critical step forward is the implementation of the principles of cybersecurity from an understanding viewpoint to that of an active action. Organisations need to go beyond being aware of the risks related to cyber and then put measures in place to mitigate those risks.

To improve cybersecurity, organisations may need to spend money on developing and maintaining systems; set up regular training for employees on handling cyber threats and implementing an incident response plan to address security incidents; back up data regularly; maintain the hardware and software used in the organisation's computer systems at least once a month (or more often if necessary); and monitor all aspects of its computer systems continuously for weaknesses or problems.
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The Way Forward: Strengthening SME Cybersecurity
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In order to truly address the ransomware threat, collaboration by businesses, government agencies and cyber security professionals is mandatory. One of the biggest roles in this collaboration is through governmental initiatives to enhance the overall level of awareness of digital security among SMEs (small to medium-sized enterprises). Improved SME understanding of cyber risks will be based on the availability of affordable security solutions that are specifically tailored for small businesses.

Industry partnerships as well as public-private partnerships also aid the sharing of threat intelligence to strengthen collaborative defense against all cybercriminal activity.
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Conclusion
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Despite Indian SMEs being aware of cyber threats, they have been unable to implement safeguards or Cyber Security plans due to limited financial resources, insufficient qualified personnel, human errors, and the rapid pace at which digital technology is being adopted without adequate Cyber Security measures. In order to respond effectively to the growing threat of Ransomware, Indian SMEs must evolve from being aware of cyber threats to proactively developing Cyber Security strategies that will allow them to prevent, prepare for, and recover from the increased cyber threat posed by the rapidly growing digitalisation of business within an increasingly globalised economy.
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References 
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1. https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/ransomware
2. https://primeinfoserv.com/indias-sme-cybersecurity-crisis-real-incidents-real-lessons-2024-2025/
3. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/ransomware-attack-on-apparel-firm-all-data-lost/articleshow/59496777.cms#
4. https://ciso.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/cybercrime-fraud/indian-businesses-face-nearly-700-ransomware-attacks-per-day-kaspersky/120471668
5. https://smestreet.in/msmenews/indian-smes-remain-alarmingly-exposed-to-ransomware-threats-sophos-report-2025-9456628
6. https://m.economictimes.com/news/how-to/how-can-indian-smes-combat-ransomware-attacks/articleshow/108047111.cms

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Introduction

India has been a nation where technology penetration has been a little slower in the previous decades; however, that has changed now. Cyberspace has influenced and touched every country and has significantly diminished the gap between developing nations, developed nations, and underdeveloped nations. This has also been substantiated and strengthened during the Covid-19 pandemic as the world went into lockdown and the cyberspace was the only medium of communication and information. India witnessed a rise of 61% in terms of internet users, and a significant part of this number represented rural India.

New Standards

These standards have been released in threefold aspects covering – Digital Television Receivers, USB Type-C chargers, and Video Surveillance Systems, thus streamlining the use of gadgets and reduction of e-waste for the country.

1. Digital Television Receivers

The Indian standard IS 18112:2022 specification for digital television, and this standard would enable reception of free-to-air TV and radio channels just by connecting a dish antenna with LNB mounted on a suitable area with good signal reception. This will help in the transmission of knowledge about government initiatives and schemes, the educational content of Doordarshan, and the repository of Indian cultural programs. Doordarshan is in the process of phasing out analog transmission, and free-to-air channels will continue to be broadcast using digital satellite transmission. The keen aspects of educational and awareness programs run by the Govt and CSOs will impact more Indians than before as the Ministry of Information and Broadcast intends to increase their free channels of Doordarshan from 55 to 200 by the end of this year, which shows the importance of developments in the mass media industry.

2. USB Type C

Standard (IS/IEC 62680-1-3:2022) for USB Type-C receptacles, plugs, and cables adopting the existing global standard IEC 62680-1-3:2022. This standard provides for the requirements for USB type C ports and cables for use in various electronic devices like laptops, mobile phones, and other gadgets. This standard is similar to the new European standard, which is also aimed at the reduction of carbon emissions and e-waste; this move will result in ease for the industry and the end users. This will also contribute towards the strengthening of the cyber security aspects and prevent threats like ‘Juice Jacking’ to a massive extent.

3. Video Surveillance System

IS 16190, this standard provides a detailed outline of the aspects of a video surveillance system, such as requirements for its components like camera devices, interfaces, system requirements, and tests to ascertain the camera’s image quality on different devices. This series of standards would assist customers, installers, and users in establishing their requirements and determining the appropriate equipment required for their intended application and also provide means of evaluating the performance of the VSS objectively. This will also help in the improvement of surveillance by the individuals, and this will also help in the better investigation by Law enforcement agencies and faster apprehension of criminals, thus contributing to an overall safe society.

The Advantages

These standards are in power with the Internationally prevalent standards, thus taking the safety factors to the global aspect. This will also allow the Indian industry to create world-class products which can be shared all across the globe. This will open India to various opportunities and job avenues, thus opening the world to invest in India. The aspect of Atma Nirbhar Bharat and Digital India will be strengthened to a new level as the nation will be able to deliver products in power with quality in developed countries. The end Indian consumer will benefit the most from these upgraded standards in terms of Digital Televisions, Type ‘C’ USB chargers, and Video surveillance systems, as these impacts the consumers’ daily activities in terms of security and access to information.

• Reduction in Carbon Emission
• Production of World Class components and devices
• Boost to the economy and Atmanirbhar Bharat
• New avenues and opportunities for startups and MSMEs
• Better transmission of Knowledge
• Boosting FDI
• Improved quality of products for the end consumer
• New innovation hubs and exposure to global talents

This government move simply shows how India is working toward securing the Sustainable development Goals (SDG) by United Nations. This clearly shares the message to the world that India is ready for the future and will also be a helping hand to various developing and underdeveloped nations in the times to come.

Conclusion

These standards will significantly contribute towards the reduction of E-Waste and unnecessary accessories for daily use gadgets. This strengthens the reduction in carbon emissions and thus contributes towards the perseverance of the environment and working towards sustainable development goals. Such standards will lead the future towards securing the netizens and their new and evolving digital habits. In the current phase of cyberspace, the most essential aspect of establishing Critical Infrastructure as the same will act as a shield against the threats of cyberspace.