The article ‘Why digital-arrest fraud is rising in India’ (January 21) highlights how fraudsters use psychological coercion, procedural opacity and legal illiteracy to isolate victims and extract money under the guise of law enforcement. Recent developments further underline the gravity of this threat. In 2025 alone, cyber fraudsters are estimated to have defrauded Delhi residents of over ₹1,250 crore, reflecting a sharp year-on-year escalation. Notably, the Supreme Court is monitoring a suo motu proceeding on these scams and has recently directed the CBI to lead a unified, pan-India investigation into “mule account” networks that enable such frauds. Additionally, new Standard Operating Procedures now permit refunds for frauds below ₹50,000 without a court order, provided complaints are lodged promptly through the 1930 helpline.

Vidyasagar Reddy Kethiri

Warangal, Telangana

Risk averse IT sector

The editorial ‘IT’s a new normal’ (January 21) is thought provoking. It is apparent that even after about four decades in the technology sector, Indian software companies are content doing outsourcing and cost-arbitrage work rather than cutting-edge deep-tech innovation. While the sector has generated decent returns, companies have used it to buy back their own stock, rather than build, innovate and invest in future-shaping technologies; clearly risk-averse thinking.

V Vijaykumar

Pune

Skill building essential

The editorial has rightly flags the prolonged slowdown in the IT sector and the risk of mistaking weak stability for recovery. While AI investments and selective acquisitions are welcome, they cannot substitute for steady demand growth and broad-based skill-building. Managements should focus on retraining existing staff, realistic hiring plans, and deeper engagement with global clients rather than optimistic commentary. Policymakers, too, can help by supporting upskilling and easing uncertainty around trade and tariffs. Accepting this new normal is sensible, but responding with clarity and discipline is essential.

M Barathi

Bengaluru

Incentivise dairy farmers

This refers to ‘One-third of Indian cattle rearers do not sell milk: CEEW study’ (January 21). Although unfortunate, this is the reality. Inaccessibility of milk collection centres and untimely payment by milk federations are the major cause for this.

Unless the dairy farmers are incentivised on both quality and quantity of milk production and offer door collection facility for milk produced, small farmers may not be inclined to sell the milk.

Rajiv Magal

Halekere Village, Karnataka

Published on January 21, 2026