The Union Ministry of Electronics and IT slammed social media platform X through which many of the hoax bomb threats targeted at several airlines were circulated. Over 120 flights operated by Indian carriers have received bomb threats in the past few days.

Joint Secretary Sanket S Bhondve held a virtual meeting with representatives of airlines and social media platforms such as X and Meta. Reportedly, the official said that the situation amounts to X abetting crime and questioned its representatives on the steps taken to stop such alarming rumours from spreading.

Notably, the Centre pulled up the microblogging site after the Delhi Police failed to get the details of the user’s ID or domain of a few X accounts that were found to be involved in posting threat messages to flights.

So far, the Delhi Police has filed eight cases in connection with bomb threats. Reports quoted a senior police official as saying that the threats messages were received through anonymous posts on X which were later suspended by the authorities.

The officer also said that three accounts on social media platform ‘X’ namely, @adamlanza111, @psychotichuman and @schizobomer777 have been found involved in posting threat messages to flights.

A Delhi Police official said that they have registered eight separate cases in response to threats to over 90 domestic or international flights operating from Delhi.

Reportedly, the first case was registered on October 16 following a bomb threat received through X, targeting a Bengaluru-bound Akasa Air flight. The officer stated that it was suspected that the handler used VPN (Virtual private network) or dark web browser to set up the accounts on X and then posted the messages from more than one account.

On Tuesday, 30 flights operated by IndiGo, Vistara and Air India received such threats. Following the threats, the airlines said they followed standard operating procedures, and that authorities were alerted and security protocols were followed.

Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu while addressing the press on Monday, said that the government is trying to tackle the situation without compromising passengers safety. He further added that those circulating such hoax threats will face tough action, including being put on a no-fly list.

The Minister also asserted that the government plans to amend the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act so that action could be initiated for offences when an aircraft is on the ground. At present, the aviation security norms largely cover in-flight offences.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Wednesday that his former constituency Wayanad will have two members in Parliament after his sister Priyanka Gandhi filed her nomination for the Lok Sabha bypolls from the seat.

Addressing a public meeting at Kalpetta, the former Congress chief requested people of the hill region to take care of his sister just as they had protected and looked after him when he needed it most.

The former Wayanad MP said the Rakhi he was wearing was made by his sister and it was a symbol of a brother’s protection to her.

“Made by my sister, the Rakhi I wear is a testament to a brother’s protection for his sister. I wear it until it breaks. As I represented Wayanad in the Lok Sabha from 2019 to 2024, I urge the people of Wayanad to care for and safeguard my sister. Her focus will be on addressing the issues of Wayanad and protecting its people with all her vigor,” said Rahul, the former Member of Parliament for Wayanad.

The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said that Priyanka would serve as the official MP from Wayanad while he would operate as the unofficial MP.

“One holds the official position in Parliament while the other is the unofficial representative, and both will collaborate to safeguard the people of Wayanad,” he stated during a public meeting in Kalpetta, following his sister’s extensive roadshow before filing her candidacy for the byelection.

Describing himself as the “unofficial MP” for Wayanad, Rahul promised to be involved in addressing the challenges faced by the people.

In the presence of prominent leaders such as his mother, Sonia Gandhi, and AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul further emphasised his sister’s dedication to their family and the people of Wayanad.

After the public address, Priyanka proceeded to the collectorate to file her nomination papers, accompanied by Sonia Gandhi, Rahul, Kharge, and AICC general secretary K C Venugopal.

Expressing emotions after filing her nomination for the Wayanad byelection, Priyanka said: “The love you’ve shown to Rahul Ji, and now to me, is something I carry with me every step of the way.”

“Wayanad’s strength lies in its people’s kindness, resilience, and belief in a better future. I will listen to your voices, raise the issues that matter to you, and work tirelessly for the progress of Wayanad. To every supporter, every UDF worker, and every family that stood by us – thank you from the depths of my heart,” she said in a post on X.

During the by-election, Priyanka will contest against LDF’s Sathyan Mokeri and BJP’s Navya Haridas, with voting scheduled for November 13th.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that there is no place for those having double standards on serious issues like terrorism and terror financing, during the BRICS Summit in Russia’s Kazan.

Addressing the Closed Plenary Session of the 16th BRICS Summit, PM Modi said: “We all have to be united and cooperate strongly to deal with terrorism and terror financing. There is no place for double standards on such a serious issue.”

“We should take active steps to prevent radicalization among the youth of our countries. We have to work together on the pending issue of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UN,” he added.

PM Modi emphasised a people-centric approach to address cyber security, deep fake, and disinformation issues. He stated, “In today’s complex global landscape marked by conflicts and technological challenges, including cyber security threats, deepfake technology, and disinformation, there are high hopes from Brics. As a diverse and inclusive platform, I believe that BRICS can positively influence these issues. Our focus must remain on prioritizing the welfare of people, sending a clear message that Brics is a collective for public good, not division.”

Furthermore, PM Modi expressed India’s willingness to include new countries as BRICS partner Countries. He highlighted the importance of unanimous decisions and respectful consideration of the founding members’ opinions.

He also stressed the need to adhere to the principles, standards, and procedures outlined during the Johannesburg Summit. PM Modi underscored the importance of pushing for reforms in global institutions such as the UN Security Council, Multilateral Development Banks, and WTO.

He mentioned, “While advancing BRICS’ agenda, we must ensure that the organization’s reputation reflects a commitment to reforming rather than replacing global institutions.”

During the Summit, PM Modi, alongside world leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping, participated in a photo-op.

The BRICS alliance, initially comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, countries like Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia have formally sought membership, while others have shown interest in joining the alliance.