Author: Sharad Natani
From high-return investment scams to deepfake threats targeting women, cyber crimes are evolving at an alarming pace. In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, IPS officer Shikha Goel, Director General of the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau, decoded the latest digital dangers and offered actionable tips to safeguard money, privacy, and digital life. Investment Scams on the Rise Investment fraud is emerging as the biggest cybercrime in Telangana, accounting for over 20% of complaints and nearly 60% of financial losses. Scamsters lure victims via WhatsApp groups and fake apps with promises of unreal returns. “They exploit greed,” Ms. Goel explained, recalling…
In a landmark step for India’s biotechnology sector, Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Wednesday launched the country’s first National Biofoundry Network (NBFN). The initiative aims to transform biotechnology into a major driver of India’s economy, environment, and employment (BioE3). Comprising six premier institutions, the NBFN will help scale up proof-of-concept developments, accelerate indigenous biomanufacturing, and generate new jobs in biotechnology-led industries. “India’s bioeconomy has grown from just $10 billion in 2014 to $165.7 billion in 2024. Now, we are working towards an ambitious target of $300 billion by 2030,” Dr. Singh said, urging the youth to…
Google has issued a major warning to its 2.5 billion Gmail users worldwide, urging them to immediately update their passwords after a Salesforce-linked data breach exposed sensitive information to cybercriminals. According to the company, the incident occurred in June 2025 when hackers exploited vulnerabilities in a third-party Salesforce system. Though Google says its own servers were not directly compromised, the breach has opened doors for sophisticated phishing campaigns, putting countless Gmail accounts at risk. What Happened? Hackers gained access to Salesforce data linked with Gmail workspace accounts. Stolen information is being used to craft phishing emails that look identical to…
What started as a simple idea in a small village in Rajasthan has today blossomed into a global success story. Meet Narayanlal Lal Gurjar, the young co-founder of EF Polymer, who has turned fruit waste into fortune—and landed on the Forbes Japan 30 Under 30 (2025) list. Back in 2018, Gurjar, along with Ankit Jain, launched EF Polymer with a vision to tackle two global challenges: water scarcity and agricultural sustainability. Their innovation? 100% organic, biodegradable polymers made from banana, orange peels, and other fruit waste that act as soil water retainers. Turning Waste into Wealth These eco-friendly polymers can…
In a landmark move, Uttar Pradesh has become the first state in India to guarantee minimum wages and salaries for every working youth, ensuring job security and worker dignity. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made the announcement while inaugurating the three-day Rozgar Mahakumbh 2025 in Lucknow. He assured that worker exploitation will not be tolerated, directing companies to provide fair pay to all employees. If required, the state government will step in to bear the additional financial burden. “Youth Are UP’s Biggest Strength” Calling the youth a “reservoir of immense energy,” CM Yogi said Uttar Pradesh, once known for mass migration…
India and Japan are preparing to take a giant leap together in space exploration with the ambitious Chandrayaan-5 mission, a landmark collaboration that aims to push humanity closer to unlocking the Moon’s deepest secrets. After the global success of Chandrayaan-3, which made India the first nation to successfully land near the Moon’s south pole, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is now joining hands with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to design a mission that goes beyond just landing and roving. Chandrayaan-5 will focus on advanced lunar science, including resource mapping, subsurface studies, and technology demonstrations that could pave…