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Context:

International and domestic flights across airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Vistara have received threats.

Details:

• Indian airlines have been hit by a spate of bomb hoaxes over the past week, with nearly 100 confirmed cases of fake bomb threats coming their way, mostly from anonymous and unverified social media accounts. 
• The threats have sent the airlines, airports, and security agencies into a tizzy, and have forced a few flight diversions and strict post-landing security checks and screenings in a number of cases.

What is a Bomb Threat?

Bomb threats involve any communication that indicates the presence of, or intent to detonate an explosive device. While these threats can be connected to actual acts of violence in which explosives are used, they are increasingly used as a tactic to disrupt, distract, or harass locations or organizations. The primary reason for employing bomb threats when no explosive device is present is to disrupt, distract, and harass. Perpetrators generally want to disrupt normal operations and threats of violence that generate panic can be an effective method. 

Threat Classification

• Low Risk:Low Risk threats lack realism and are far-fetched. They pose a minimal risk to the intended target or public safety. The probable motive is disruption of services.

• Medium Risk:A medium risk threat has moderate level of realism. The threat could be viable, but not entirely plausible.

• High Risk:A high risk threat is specific and realistic. The threat appears to pose an imminent danger to the safety of others.

Bomb Threat Protocol:

• Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC):They convened in the event of a bomb threat call to an aircraft or airport, and have been tweaked to better tackle the spate of the ongoing "random" Internet-based threats being made to various Indian airline.

• Pre-departure bomb threat:If the threat occurs before take-off, the aircraft is moved to a secluded bay for thorough checks in coordination with the BTAC.

• International ATC and security agencies:The CISF and the respective airline security have also been asked to ensure "focussed" security protocols for frisking passengers, their baggage and the aircraft so that nothing is left to chance while preparing a flight.

Recent Initiatives

Inter-Ministerial Coordination	It involves approaches, programs, policies, and action plans between and across several ministries or departments of government that is crucial to their success. Coordination and cooperation among ministries and numerous policy actors.
Enhanced Security	Security measures have been increased at airports with a 10% rise in security checks. Including a random screening of employees, additional canine patrols, and stronger air cargo security measures.
Deterrence and Investigation Efforts	The BCAS includes laying down standards and measures with respect to security of civil flights at international and domestic airports. The focus is on ensuring passenger safety while minimizing disruptions by improving the threat assessment process.
Tracking Culprits	Authorities are trying to track the individuals behind fake threats, but VPNs and anonymous social media accounts have complicated the process. Efforts are ongoing to collaborate with social media platforms and VPN providers to identify the culprits.
Legislative Changes	The government is planning changes in laws to deal with fake bomb threats against airlines, focusing on harsher punishments and stronger deterrents.

Government Response to Curb Fake Bomb Threats:

• The government is planning to introduce legislation that would put offenders on a no-fly list and amend the 1982 Civil Aviation Act so that they can be arrested and investigated without a court order.
• Aircraft Security Rules (governed by the Aircraft Act 1934): An Act to make better provision for the control of the manufacture, possession, use, operation, sale, import and export of aircraft.
• Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation (SUASCA) Act: Currently, the suppression of unlawful acts against safety of civil aviation act (SUASCA) only addresses offences when the aircraft is in flight. It applies mostly to acts of violence or intent to cause violence while the aircraft is operating.

Source:
NBC NEWS

PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Critically analyze the phenomenon of fake bomb threats in aviation and its implications for the aviation sector. Discuss the challenges in preventing and addressing such threats. (250 words)