Bengaluru accounts for over 51% of all cybercrimes in metro cities in 2023: NCRB data
Bengaluru: In a concerning revelation, Bengaluru has emerged as the leading city in cybercrime incidents, contributing to over 51% of all cybercrimes reported across India's 19 major metropolitan cities in 2023, according to newly released data by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
According to data, as cited by The Hindu, out of the 21,889 cases registered across the state, Bengaluru alone reported 17,631 cases. The alarming rise in cybercrime incidents underscores the city's vulnerability, with the IT hub’s cybercrime rate standing at a worrying 207.4 cases per lakh population — over seven times the national average.
Of the 21,889 cases registered across the state, Bengaluru alone reported 17,631 cases. The alarming rise in cybercrime incidents underscores the city's vulnerability, with Bengaluru's cybercrime rate standing at a worrying 207.4 cases per lakh population — over seven times the national average.
Over the past three years, Bengaluru has witnessed a massive spike in cybercrimes. From 6,423 cases in 2021, to 9,940 in 2022, and now over 17,600 in 2023, the surge reflects an evolving threat landscape. The NCRB data identifies two primary motives behind these crimes: fraud and sexual exploitation.
Though the number of cases slightly decreased in 2024, with 22,468 reported incidents, preliminary data from 2025 suggests a slight dip in cases, with 7,293 recorded so far, revealed State Crime Records as cited by The Hindu.
However, experts caution that while the frequency of crimes may be slowing, their complexity and the financial losses associated with them are escalating.
Senior law enforcement officials point to several key factors behind the surge in cybercrimes: lack of cyber hygiene, inadequate cybersecurity, low cyber awareness, and a dynamic modus operandi that succeeds due to this lack of awareness.
Another officer highlighted Karnataka’s proactive approach to tackling cybercrime. “We have better reporting mechanisms than any other state. For example, several States do not register cases where the financial loss is less than one lakh; in Karnataka, not only do we register cases with no monetary loss, but victims are encouraged to file complaints at all stations,” The Hindu quoted the officer as saying.
Despite the challenges, Karnataka's authorities are optimistic that with increased awareness, improved cybersecurity measures, and ongoing efforts by the Cyber Command Unit, the state will be better equipped to combat the growing threat of cybercrime in the coming years.
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India proposes preferential trade agreement with Mexico to deal with high tariffs
New Delhi (PTI): India has proposed a preferential trade agreement (PTA) with Mexico to help domestic exporters deal with the steep tariffs announced by the South American country, a top government official said on Monday.
Mexico has decided to impose steep import tariffs - ranging from about 5 per cent to as high as 50 per cent on a wide range of goods (about 1,463 tariff lines) from countries that do not have free trade agreements with Mexico, including India, China, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said that India has engaged with the country on the issue.
"Technical level talks are on...The only fast way forward is to try to get a preferential trade agreement (PTA) because an FTA (free trade agreement) will take a lot of time. So we are trying to see what can be a good way forward," he told reporters here.
While in an FTA two trading partners either significantly reduce or eliminate import duties on maximum number of goods traded between them, in a PTA, duties are cut or removed on a limited number of products.
Trading partners of Mexico cannot file a compliant against the decision on imposing high tariffs as they are WTO (World Trade Organisation) compatible.
The duties are within their bound rates, he said, adding that their primary target was not India.
"We have proposed a PTA because its a WTO-compatible way forward... we can do a PTA and try to get concessions that are required for Indian supply chains and similarly offer them concessions where they have export interests in India," Agrawal said.
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Citing support for local production and correction of trade imbalances, Mexico has approved an increase in MFN (most favoured nation) import tariffs (5-50 per cent) with effect from January 1, 2026 on 1,455 tariff lines (or product categories) within the WTO framework, targeting non-FTA partners.
Preliminary estimates suggest that this affects India's around USD 2 billion exports to Mexico particularly -- automobile, two-wheelers, auto parts, textiles, iron and steel, plastics, leather and footwear.
The measure is also aimed at curbing Chinese imports.
India-Mexico merchandise trade totalled USD 8.74 billion in 2024, with exports USD 5.73 billion, imports USD 3.01 billion, and a trade surplus of USD 2.72 billion.
The government has been continuously and comprehensively assessing Mexico's tariff revisions since the issue emerged, engaging stakeholders, safeguarding the interests of Indian exporters, and pursuing constructive dialogue to ensure a stable trade environment benefiting businesses and consumers in both countries.
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Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) Director General Ajay Sahai has said that Mexico's decision is a matter of concern, particularly for sectors like automobiles and auto components, machinery, electrical and electronics, organic chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and plastics.
"Such steep duties will erode our competitiveness and risk, disrupting supply chains that have taken years to develop," Sahai said, adding that this development also underlines the little urgency for India and Mexico to fast-track a comprehensive trade agreement.
Domestic auto component manufacturers will face enhanced cost pressures with Mexico hiking duties on Indian imports, according to industry body ACMA.
