ON
← Back to feed
PM’s warning on ‘cyber terrorism’: ‘Wars today aren’t fought with weapons alone’
India🏛️ PoliticsLean Conservative

PM’s warning on ‘cyber terrorism’: ‘Wars today aren’t fought with weapons alone’

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned during the inauguration of the Reserve Bank of India Data Centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute in Bhubaneswar that modern conflicts increasingly involve economic warfare and cyber attacks rather than just conventional weapons. He emphasized the urgent need to protect India's expanding digital payment ecosystem and banking infrastructure from 'cyber terrorists' using modern technology and skilled personnel. Modi contrasted the current focus on financial inclusion and efficiency with the pre-2014 era, accusing the opposition Congress party of mismanaging the banking sector and creating a massive non-performing asset crisis. He alleged that previous governments allowed wealthy individuals connected to politicians to secure large loans via informal channels while keeping the poor and middle class excluded from basic banking services. Additionally, he criticized historical bank nationalization efforts, claiming they failed to integrate the majority of the population into the formal banking system until recent years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned on Sunday that modern warfare extends beyond conventional weaponry, stating that nations are increasingly vulnerable to attacks aimed at weakening their economies. Speaking in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, the Prime Minister emphasized the urgent need to shield India’s banking system and digital infrastructure from cybercriminals and what he termed "cyber terrorists." His remarks came as he inaugurated the Reserve Bank of India’s new data center and Cybersecurity Training Institute, facilities designed to bolster the resilience of the nation’s financial architecture amidst a rapidly expanding digital payments ecosystem. The event marked the operational launch of a complex spanning 18.55 acres at Info Valley-II in Jatni. The project, valued at 169 crore rupees, saw its foundation stone laid by then-RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das on March 22, 2023. According to an official statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, the data center will host mission-critical payment and settlement systems alongside other flagship initiatives. The objective is to widen the reach, efficiency, and reliability of digital financial services, thereby forming a secure digital foundation for India’s technology-driven financial economy. Alongside the data center, the newly opened Cybersecurity Training Institute aims to serve as an institutional platform for research, enterprise-technology training, and sector-wide capability development. Modi argued that the nature of cyber threats is evolving too quickly to be managed by outdated systems, traditional training methods, or legacy tools. He stated that meeting these challenges effectively requires modern infrastructure and a highly skilled workforce. "We all know that wars today are not fought with weapons alone," Modi told the gathering. "A country can also be weakened by attacking its economy. As India grows stronger economically, safeguarding our banking system against cybercriminals and cyberterrorists has become equally essential." He noted that while the previous decade focused on extending banking services to populations previously denied access, the coming decade must prioritize making banking more efficient and trustworthy. During his address, the Prime Minister directed criticism toward the ruling Congress party’s historical management of the banking sector. He alleged that prior to 2014, the banking system operated under a "phone banking" era where influential individuals and associates of Congress leaders in Delhi secured loans worth thousands of crores of rupees via telephone. Modi contrasted this with the experience of middle-class and poor families, whom he said often required guarantors simply to open bank accounts. He claimed this disparity pushed the banking sector into a severe non-performing asset crisis, bringing the system to the brink of collapse. Modi also referenced the bank nationalization program initiated by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the 1960s and 1970s. While acknowledging the intent to help the poor, he asserted that more than half of India’s population remained outside the banking ecosystem until 2014. Citing a 1985 speech by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in Odisha, which claimed that only 15 paise of every rupee sent from Delhi reached the people, Modi declared that dynamic has changed. He stated that currently, every rupee sent from the central government reaches the beneficiary’s bank account in full, a feat enabled by the creation of nearly 59 to 60 crore Jan Dhan accounts. The Prime Minister projected eastern India as a major growth engine for a developed nation, specifically highlighting Odisha’s transition from reliance on traditional mineral resources to technology. He described the state as moving "from mines to microchips," suggesting that investments in data centers and advanced computing would generate new opportunities for local youth. He characterized the government’s approach as one of balanced growth, aiming to provide better connectivity and opportunities for villages and small cities, not just major metropolitan hubs. The ceremony was attended by several senior officials, including Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, Odisha Governor Brajmohan Ram, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, and Deputy Chief Ministers Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida. Security forces deployed approximately 2,100 personnel for the visit. Traffic restrictions were enforced in Bhubaneswar from 5:40 pm to 6:40 pm along the route connecting the RBI facility to the airport. Modi arrived at Biju Patnaik International Airport at 4:15 pm aboard a special Indian Air Force aircraft. He subsequently traveled by helicopter to Khurda before proceeding to the RBI facility. Chief Minister Majhi posted on social media earlier in the week that the inauguration would add a new chapter to Odisha’s development journey. He stated that the data center’s success would be measured by its long-term impact on digital infrastructure, financial data security, and public benefit, noting that the facility would strengthen the state’s digital capabilities and the security of the country’s financial data.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 5 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

10 reports

The Indian Express logoThe Indian ExpressIndependentConservative
PM’s warning on ‘cyber terrorism’: ‘Wars today aren’t fought with weapons alone’

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned during the inauguration of the Reserve Bank of India Data Centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute in Bhubaneswar that modern conflicts increasingly involve economic warfare and cyber attacks rather than just conventional weapons. He emphasized the urgent need to protect India's expanding digital payment ecosystem and banking infrastructure from 'cyber terrorists' using modern technology and skilled personnel. Modi contrasted the current focus on financial inclusion and efficiency with the pre-2014 era, accusing the opposition Congress party of mismanaging the banking sector and creating a massive non-performing asset crisis. He alleged that previous governments allowed wealthy individuals connected to politicians to secure large loans via informal channels while keeping the poor and middle class excluded from basic banking services. Additionally, he criticized historical bank nationalization efforts, claiming they failed to integrate the majority of the population into the formal banking system until recent years.

Bias read (Conservative): The article reports on a statement by the sitting Prime Minister that explicitly attacks the political opposition (Congress) and criticizes past government policies. While the piece presents these claims as direct quotes from the PM, the selection of content highlights his partisan rhetoric and self

NDTV logoNDTVParty-alignedCenter
'Wars Being Fought By Attacking Economies': PM Modi On "Cyber Terrorists"

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a gathering following the inauguration of a new data center and cybersecurity training institute by the Reserve Bank of India in Odisha. The facility has an investment value of approximately Rs 169 crore. During his remarks, Modi stated that modern conflicts increasingly involve attacks on national economies, referring to such actors as cyber terrorists. He emphasized that the newly established infrastructure would provide significant benefits to the residents of Odisha and the nation at large.

Bias read (Center): The provided text consists solely of a brief report on a domestic infrastructure event and a standard political statement regarding cybersecurity threats. It lacks loaded language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing, presenting the Prime Minister's actions and words neutrally without taking a st

Hindustan Times logoHindustan TimesIndependentConservative
‘Wars no longer fought with weapons alone’: PM Modi flags cyber security threats

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Reserve Bank of India's new data center and Cybersecurity Training Institute in Bhubaneswar, emphasizing that modern warfare increasingly involves economic and cyber attacks rather than just physical combat. He stated that protecting India's banking system from cybercriminals and terrorists is critical as the nation grows economically, requiring updated infrastructure and a skilled workforce. During the event, Modi contrasted the current administration's digital banking initiatives, such as Jan Dhan accounts, with previous governments, alleging that earlier regimes engaged in corrupt lending practices known as phone banking. He claimed that direct benefit transfers under the current government ensure that state funds reach intended beneficiaries efficiently, unlike in the past when significant amounts were lost to leakage.

Bias read (Conservative): The article relies exclusively on statements made by the sitting Prime Minister, presenting his political narrative without independent verification or counterpoints. The content heavily features partisan rhetoric, including specific accusations against the opposition party regarding corruption and

Business Standard logoBusiness StandardIndependent🔒Center
RBI's Bhubaneswar data centre to reduce downtime of critical services

The Reserve Bank of India has established a new data center in Bhubaneswar aimed at enhancing the reliability of its digital infrastructure. The facility is designed to minimize service interruptions by providing redundant computing resources for critical banking operations. This expansion supports the central bank’s broader strategy to ensure high availability and fault tolerance for essential financial services. By diversifying its geographic footprint, the RBI seeks to mitigate risks associated with localized technical failures or natural disasters. The move underscores the increasing importance of robust IT infrastructure in maintaining public trust in the digital payment ecosystem.

Bias read (Center): The subject matter concerns technical infrastructure upgrades within a regulatory body, which is largely apolitical and operational in nature. There is no evidence of partisan framing, ideological bias, or contentious political debate in the brief description provided. The focus remains strictly on

Deccan Herald logoDeccan HeraldIndependentConservative
Wars being fought by attacking economies; need to protect banking sector from 'cyber terrorists': PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that modern wars are increasingly fought by targeting national economies rather than just military forces. He emphasized the critical importance of protecting India's banking sector from cyber threats, referring to such actors as 'cyber terrorists.' The Prime Minister highlighted that India's banking infrastructure has become highly efficient globally, offering citizens continuous access to financial services. This statement underscores the growing intersection between digital security and economic stability in contemporary geopolitical conflicts.

Bias read (Conservative): The article relies exclusively on statements from the sitting Prime Minister, presenting his perspective on national security and economic resilience without including dissenting views, independent cybersecurity assessments, or opposition commentary. By framing the narrative entirely through the top

Deccan Herald logoDeccan HeraldIndependentCenter
PM Modi inaugurates RBI’s Rs 169-crore data centre and cybersecurity training institute in Odisha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a new Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data center and a cybersecurity training institute located in Odisha. The project has a total value of approximately 169 crore rupees. The data center is designed to host critical payment and settlement systems for the country's financial infrastructure. Concurrently, the training institute aims to enhance cybersecurity capabilities by focusing on research and skill development specifically for the financial sector.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a specific government infrastructure initiative involving the Prime Minister and a central bank. While the subject matter involves state action and high-level officials, which makes it politically charged, the provided text consists solely of factual statements regarding the设施

Business Standard logoBusiness StandardIndependent🔒Center
PM inaugurates RBI's ₹169-cr data centre, cybersecurity institute in Odisha

The provided text consists solely of a headline stating that the Prime Minister inaugurated a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data center and cybersecurity institute in Odisha. The facility has an estimated cost of 169 crore rupees. No further details regarding the specific location within Odisha, the date of inauguration, attendees, or technical specifications were included in the supplied excerpt.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a straightforward factual event involving a high-ranking government official performing a ceremonial duty. There is no opinion, debate, or critical framing present in the single-sentence input, resulting in a neutral presentation of a standard administrative action.

NDTV logoNDTVParty-alignedCenter
PM Modi Inaugurates RBI's Rs 169-Crore Data Centre In Odisha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a new data center operated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in Odisha state. The facility, which cost approximately 169 crore rupees to build, is located at Info Valley-II in Jatni and occupies a site of 18.55 acres. Construction began after the foundation stone was laid by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das on March 22, 2023. This infrastructure project represents a significant investment in digital banking capabilities within the region.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a straightforward report on a high-profile government event involving the Prime Minister and a major national institution. It relies on factual details regarding the location, cost, and timeline of the construction without employing loaded language, expressing opinion, or omitts

Hindustan Times logoHindustan TimesIndependentConservative
PM Modi inaugurates ₹169-crore RBI data centre, cybersecurity training institute in Odisha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a new Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data center and Cybersecurity Training Institute in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, valued at approximately 169 crore rupees. The facility, located in Jatni, is designed to host critical payment and settlement systems while enhancing the nation's defense against cyber threats. During the ceremony, Modi emphasized the strategic importance of protecting India's banking infrastructure from 'cyber terrorists' and highlighted eastern India as a growing economic hub under the current administration. Senior officials, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, attended the event, which involved significant security deployments and temporary traffic restrictions in the region.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the infrastructure project primarily through the lens of the Prime Minister's political narrative, quoting his specific rhetoric regarding the 'double-engine government' and 'Viksit Bharat.' It relies heavily on official statements from the Prime Minister's Office and includes a h

NDTV logoNDTVParty-alignedCenter
PM Modi Arrives In Odisha To Inaugurate RBI's Data Centre

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Odisha via a special Indian Air Force aircraft. He landed at Biju Patnaik International Airport at 4:15 pm. The visit was specifically intended for him to inaugurate a new data center operated by the Reserve Bank of India.

Bias read (Center): The provided text consists solely of a brief logistical update regarding the Prime Minister's arrival time and mode of transport. It lacks any substantive commentary, opinion, or framing that would indicate a specific political bias, resulting in a neutral presentation of the event.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories