Introduction

Disinformation is the intentional spread of false or misleading information.

As per the Global Risks Report 2025 (WEF), misinformation and disinformation are ranked as the top short-term global threats.

WEF defines a global risk as an event that adversely affects the population, economy, or natural resources.

Risks of Disinformation in India

With over 900 million internet users, the disinformation threat in India is a growing concern.

Political & social diversity makes it fertile ground for:

• Voter manipulation

• Economic disruption

• International tensions

Consumer boycotts, mob violence, and economic panic are byproducts.

Declining trust in traditional media → rise in social media reliance.

Youth are especially vulnerable to online misinformation, deepening the disinformation threat in India.

Factors Causing Disinformation

1. Technological Penetration

• Rapid smartphone/internet usage

• Platforms like WhatsApp (64%), Facebook (18%), Twitter (12%) are key misinformation vectors

• Encryption makes origin tracing difficult

2. AI-Generated Content & Algorithmic Bias

• Deepfakes and fake news articles

• Algorithms reinforce user beliefs, polarizing opinions

3. Declining Trust in Traditional Media

• People shift to unregulated platforms

• Lack of proper fact-checking mechanisms

4. Political Polarization

• Disinformation used by political actors and non-state groups

• Study: 46% political, 33.6% general, 16.8% religious disinformation

5. Lack of Digital & Media Literacy

• First-time internet users highly vulnerable

• Lack of mass media literacy programs

6. Weak Regulatory Framework

• Existing laws like IT Act 2000 are outdated

• Need for modern adaptive frameworks

7. Linguistic Diversity

• Content in regional languages bypasses moderation algorithms

Challenges in Tackling Disinformation

• Speed of Spread: Faster than fact-checking

• Encrypted Platforms: Limits surveillance

• Older Adults (65+): 3–4x more likely to share fake news

• Damages trust: In elections, institutions, and media

• Violence Triggers: Triggers mob violence, hate crimes, and market panic

These factors collectively escalate the disinformation threat in India, making timely intervention critical.

Existing Regulatory Mechanism

Government Initiatives

• National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC): Cyber threat monitoring

• Shakti – India Election Fact-Checking Collective

• Deepfake Analysis Unit (2024 elections)

• RBI Financial Literacy Campaign

• Samvad Initiative: Govt-private partnership for digital literacy

• ECI AI-based system for fake ads/deepfakes

These actions aim to reduce the disinformation threat in India, especially during elections.

International Case Study: EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA)

Key Provisions:

• Faster Content Removal

• Accountability for Big Tech

• Central Supervision

• Algorithm Transparency

• Advertising Transparency

• Strict Penalties (up to 6% of global turnover)

Recommendations for India

1. Algorithmic Oversight

• Make AI & social media algorithms transparent

• Train developers to address algorithmic bias

2. Stronger Fact-Checking

• Expand real-time deepfake units

• Support Shakti-style models for elections

3. Regulatory Reform

• Mandate risk audits & content moderation

• Form independent tech supervisory boards

4. Ad Transparency

• Mandatory disclosure of funding sources for online political ads

5. Public Awareness & Digital Literacy

• Expand campaigns like RBI’s literacy drive

• Introduce digital literacy in schools/universities

6. Cross-Border Cooperation

• Collaborate on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI)

• Strengthen global cybersecurity frameworks

7. Safeguard Press Freedom

• Protect journalists and fact-checkers

• Maintain a balance between regulation and freedom of expression

These steps are essential to curbing the disinformation threat in India through coordinated and sustainable efforts.

Final Thoughts

To effectively address the disinformation threat in India, a multi-pronged strategy is necessary—combining legal, technological, educational, and institutional reforms. Learning from global practices like the Digital Services Act, India must craft its own path while upholding democratic values.

More number of heatwave days in India

Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted an “above-normal number of heatwave days” over most parts of the country. The IMD has said during the April to June summer season, “above normal” heatwave days are expected in practically the entire northern, central and eastern India.

Heatwaves are concentrated periods of abnormally high temperatures, usually over relatively smaller areas.  With soaring global temperatures, heat waves have become more frequent and intense in the country.

Heatwaves in India

Heatwaves are not defined by high temperatures. They are defined by abnormalities in temperature. For example, a place that normally sees a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius during summer is not said to be experiencing a heatwave even if the temperature rises to 42 or 43 degrees. On the other hand, another location would be said to be facing a heatwave even at 35 degrees if its normal temperature during that time is 27 or 28 degrees.

Prolonged exposure to heat can result in dehydration and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and exacerbate existing weaknesses, even leading to sudden deaths.

The Government of India has recently launched the auction of 13 offshore blocks under the Offshore Areas Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002.

These blocks are located off the coasts of Kerala, Gujarat, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The auction is seen as an important move to harness the mineral resources available along India's vast coastline.

Let’s delve deeper into the details of these offshore mining projects in Kerala:

1. Overview of Kerala Coastal Mining Projects

Coastal Sand Mining Kerala:

Three offshore blocks of construction sand have been identified off the Kerala coast. This will support the state’s growing demand for construction materials.

Kerala Offshore Mining Projects:

The projects will focus on extracting minerals like construction sand, lime mud, and polymetallic nodules from various offshore regions, boosting the state's economic growth.

2. Key Components of Offshore Mining Along Kerala’s Coastline

Sand Mining Kerala Coast:

The Kerala coastline, particularly along the northern and southern regions, is known for its sand-rich areas. Sand mining here is crucial for meeting construction and infrastructural demands in the state.

Kerala Coastal Resources:

The mineral resources along the Kerala coast include construction sand, lime mud, and polymetallic nodules. These resources are vital for both local consumption and the national economy.

3. Environmental Considerations

Environmental Impact of Coastal Mining in Kerala:

The excavation of minerals from the coastal areas has the potential to impact the environment, specifically marine ecosystems and coastal biodiversity.

Marine Biodiversity Kerala Mining Impact:

Mining activities can disturb marine life, especially sensitive species in the coastal waters. Environmental protection measures are crucial to mitigate these impacts.

Sustainable Coastal Mining Kerala:

With the right regulations and practices, coastal mining can be done sustainably. The government needs to ensure that the ecological balance of coastal ecosystems is not disturbed.

4. Regulatory Measures and Safeguards

Kerala Coastal Mining Regulations:

The central and state governments must ensure that robust regulations are enforced to govern the extraction of minerals along the Kerala coastline. This includes measures for environmental protection and conservation.

Kerala Coastline Environmental Protection:

To preserve Kerala’s marine environment, conservation efforts such as creating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are crucial. These MPAs will help mitigate the adverse effects of mining and protect vulnerable species.

5. Economic and Developmental Impact

Kerala Coastal Development and Mining:

Offshore mining is expected to play a significant role in Kerala’s coastal development, creating jobs and boosting the local economy. Proper management will help Kerala unlock its mineral resources sustainably.

Mineral Extraction Kerala Coast:

These projects will enable Kerala to harness valuable minerals like construction sand and lime mud. Proper extraction methods are key to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the state's coastal areas.

6. Marine Ecosystem and Coastal Conservation

Coastal Mining and Marine Ecosystems Kerala:

Mining activities, especially in the coastal zones, pose threats to marine ecosystems. Measures must be taken to preserve marine biodiversity, including monitoring and managing mining sites effectively.

Coastal Areas Mining Kerala:

The implementation of offshore mining projects along Kerala’s coast must focus on minimizing disruptions to coastal ecosystems and ensuring the sustainability of the environment.

7. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Conservation Efforts

130 Marine Protected Areas:

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has designated 130 MPAs across the coastal states and islands to protect marine species and their habitats.

106 Coastal and Marine Sites:

The MoEF&CC has prioritized 106 coastal and marine sites as Important Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Areas (ICMBAs). These sites are crucial for the conservation of marine species, which need protection from human activities like mining.

Final Thoughts

Kerala coastal mining is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of both environmental and developmental aspects. While mineral extraction in Kerala's coastal regions offers significant economic benefits, it is essential to manage the environmental impact of coastal mining to protect the state’s biodiversity and coastal ecosystems.

A sustainable coastal mining approach is the way forward, where development can proceed without compromising Kerala’s natural resources.

Dhruva Space ties up with Japan’s Infostellar

Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space and Japan-based Infostellar on Monday (March 31, 2025) have announced a collaboration to explore integration of the Dhruva Space’s 3.8m S&X-band ground station antenna in Hyderabad into Infostellar’s StellarStation, expanding its global ground station network and enhancing satellite communications interoperability.

Dhruva Space, a full-stack space engineering solutions company, has positioned itself to service the needs of its customers by both building and providing ground stations as a service, in collaboration with the global ecosystem. Dhruva Space is India’s only commercial ground station solutions provider.

India and Japan’s  Space collaborations:

1. Japan and India, whose governments are working together on the joint Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission, which could launch as early as 2026.
2. Indian rocket maker Skyroot and satellite builder HEX20 are also working with Japanese moon exploration firm iSpace on a future lunar orbiter mission
3. Tokyo-based Orbital Lasers and Indian robotics company InspeCity are jointly  working together   for using  laser-equipped satellites to remove debris from orbit, an experimental approach to the increasingly imminent problem of orbital congestion.

Why are tensions high in the Arctic?

The Arctic, the northernmost area of the planet, has remained largely isolated for centuries. However, as climate change accelerates the melting of ice caps, new strategic opportunities are emerging for global powers.

Interest in the Arctic surged following a 2009 U.S. Geological Survey report estimating that the region holds 13% of the world’s undiscovered oil reserves and 30% of its untapped natural gas reserves. Most of these resources lie beneath the seabed, making maritime claims highly significant. Greenland also harbours some of the world’s richest deposits of rare earth elements.

The various islands and coastal areas in the Arctic are controlled by eight countries — Canada, Denmark (through Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the U.S. Together, these nations form the Arctic Council, an international body tasked with protecting the environment, conducting scientific research, and safeguarding the interests of indigenous peoples in the region

The melting of Arctic sea ice has also prompted interest into the opening of new commercial trade routes. The Northeast Passage, which runs along Russia’s Arctic coast, is particularly critical for Chinese trade. This route, stretching from the Bering Strait to Norway, could reduce the maritime distance between East Asia and Europe by approximately 8,000 kilometres compared to the traditional route through the Suez Canal.

The Northwest Passage is a sea route that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Arctic Archipelago of Canada. It's a shorter route than traveling around Africa, and could allow larger ships to pass through than the Panama and Suez canals.  Both USA and Canada  have long disputed the status of the Northwest Passage, a potential Arctic shipping route that winds through Canada’s Arctic Archipelago. Ottawa considers the passage part of its internal waters, granting it control over navigation, while Washington insists it falls under international jurisdiction, which means that any nation has freedom of navigation in the Passage

Emerging Tensions:

1. Russia’s Expansion in the Arctic: Russia, which controls nearly half of the Arctic coastline, has been actively increasing its military presence in the region. It has reopened Soviet-era military bases, deployed nuclear-powered icebreakers, and modernized its Arctic military infrastructure. Russia conducted regular military drills, signaling its determination to assert control over Arctic waters.

2. NATO’s Response and Western Concerns: In response to Russia, the United States and NATO have ramped up their presence in the region. Finland and Sweden’s decision to join NATO is partly due to concerns over Russian aggression, particularly after its invasion of Ukraine.

3. The US has increased Arctic military exercises, deployed submarines, and strengthened ties with Norway and Canada to counter Russian influence.
4. The United Kingdom, for instance, has repeatedly emphasised the strategic importance of the Greenland-Iceland-U.K. (GIUK) gap, a critical choke point for NATO’s naval defences.
5. China’s Growing Arctic Ambitions: China, despite being a non-Arctic nation, has declared itself a ‘near-Arctic state’ and is investing heavily in Arctic infrastructure. It has proposed a ‘Polar Silk Road’ as part of its Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to establish economic and scientific footholds in the region.
6. Legal Disputes and Territorial Claims: Several Arctic nations have competing territorial claims in the region, particularly over the continental shelf.

TIGER TRIUMPH

The Fourth edition of Exercise Tiger Triumph, the bilateral Tri-Service India-US Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise, is scheduled on the Eastern Seaboard from 01 to 13 Apr 25.

The exercise is aimed at developing interoperability for conducting HADR operations and for the formulation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to establish a Combined Coordination Center (CCC) that would enable rapid and smooth coordination between Indian and US Joint Task Forces (JTF) during exercises and crisis / contingencies.

The Indian side would be represented by Indian Naval Ships Jalashwa, Gharial, Mumbai and Shakti with integral helicopters and landing crafts embarked, Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft P8I, Army Troops from 91 Inf Brigade and 12 Mech Infantry Battalion, Air Force C-130 Aircraft and MI-17 Helicopters, along with the Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT).

The US side would be represented by US Navy Ships Comstock and Ralph Johnson with troops of the US Marine Division embarked.