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At least Seven people were killed and more than 700 injured by a powerful earthquake in Taiwan. An earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter Scale hit Taiwan’s eastern shores today, triggering tsunami warnings in the region. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake had a magnitude of 7.4, with its epicentre 18 kilometres south of Taiwan’s Hualien City at a depth of 34.8 km. The director of Taipei’s Seismology Centre Wu Chien Fu said, the earthquake is felt all over Taiwan and offshore island and it is the strongest in 25 years. According to the initial reports, multiple buildings have partially collapsed in Hualien and are shown leaning at precarious angles.  Authorities said, dozens of people remained trapped in buildings. The tremor triggered tsunami alerts in southern Japan also. As per reports, a 30-centimeter tsunami was recorded at Yonaguni Island around 9:18 am. Japan time today. In response, the Japan Meteorological Agency sounded the alarm for Miyakojima and Okinawa islands, cautioning residents about imminent waves as high as 3 meters. The Philippines’ seismology agency has also issued a tsunami warning. Chinese state media said, tremors were felt in parts of China’s south-eastern Fujian province.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Mr. Luís Montenegro on being sworn in as the Prime Minister of the Portuguese Republic. In a social media post today, Mr. Modi said, he is looking forward to working together to further strengthen India-Portugal long-standing bilateral ties.

Understanding the Cybersecurity Landscape The rapid expansion of digital technologies has revolutionized industries, but it has also introduced unprecedented vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals exploit weak security measures to steal sensitive data, disrupt operations, and extort businesses. To counter these threats, organizations must adopt a proactive cybersecurity strategy that addresses evolving risks. Key Cyber Threats to Mitigate 1. Malware Attacks – Malicious software, including viruses, worms, and trojans, can infiltrate systems, corrupt data, and grant unauthorized access. 2. Phishing Scams – Fraudulent emails or messages trick users into revealing login credentials or financial details. 3. Ransomware – Attackers encrypt critical data and demand payment for its release, crippling business operations. Implementing Robust Cybersecurity Measures 1. Strengthening Network Security A secure network is the first line of defense against cyber threats. Organizations should: - Deploy firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS) to monitor and block suspicious traffic. - Use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to encrypt data transmissions. - Regularly update firmware and software to patch vulnerabilities. 2. Enhancing Data Protection Sensitive data must be safeguarded through: - Encryption – Converting data into unreadable formats to prevent unauthorized access. - Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Adding extra verification steps beyond passwords. - Data Backups – Maintaining offline or cloud backups to recover from ransomware attacks. 3. Educating Employees on Cyber Hygiene Human error remains a leading cause of breaches. Companies should: - Conduct regular cybersecurity training to recognize phishing attempts. - Enforce strong password policies and discourage password reuse. - Implement role-based access controls to limit exposure to critical systems. Leveraging Advanced Technologies Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are transforming cybersecurity by: - Detecting anomalies in real-time to identify potential threats. - Automating threat responses to reduce reaction time. - Predicting attack patterns based on historical data. Additionally, Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) ensures that no user or device is trusted by default, requiring continuous verification. The Future of Cybersecurity As cyber threats grow in sophistication, businesses must stay ahead by investing in skilled professionals and cutting-edge security frameworks. A career in cybersecurity offers immense opportunities, with specialized education such as a B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering (Cybersecurity) providing the necessary expertise. By adopting a multi-layered security approach, organizations can mitigate risks, protect sensitive data, and maintain trust in an increasingly digital world. Cybersecurity is no longer optional—it is a fundamental requirement for sustainable growth in the digital age. Gavisha H. S is a cybersecurity engineer with expertise in threat detection, intrusion prevention, and network security. He specializes in utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning to strengthen cybersecurity measures and address the challenges posed by evolving cyber threats. His passion lies in safeguarding digital infrastructures and proactively anticipating new attack vectors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation at 8 this evening. Mr. Modi’s address comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor, which was launched by India after the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were killed. In the retaliatory action India destroyed multiple terror and military locations across Pakistan and killed over 100 terrorists. Earlier this afternoon, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting at his residence in New Delhi. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chiefs of the three Armed Forces, and several senior officials attened the meeting.