Copyright infringement not intended

Picture Courtesy:  THEHINDU

Context

The Global Risks Report 2026 identifies a shift toward a more competitive and fragmented global order, characterizing 2026 as the start of an "age of competition".

What is the Global Risks Report 2026?

It is published by the World Economic Forum (WEF), based on a survey of over 1,300 global experts. 

It highlights a global outlook of uncertainty and identifies specific challenges for India, focusing on cybersecurity, income inequality, and insufficient public services.  

Top Global Risks Identified

The report categorizes global risks over short-term (2-year) and long-term (10-year) threats.

Short-Term (Next 2 Years)

• Geoeconomic Confrontation: Using economic tools like sanctions and tariffs for geopolitical goals.
• Misinformation and Disinformation: Fueled by AI, threatening social cohesion and democracy.
• Societal Polarization: Deepening internal divides within countries.
• Extreme Weather Events: A persistent and immediate threat to life and economy.
• State-based Armed Conflict: The risk of interstate wars remains a major concern.

Long-Term (Next 10 Years)

• Extreme Weather Events: The most severe long-term risk.
• Critical Change to Earth Systems: Reaching irreversible environmental tipping points.
• Biodiversity Loss and Ecosystem Collapse: Irreversible destruction of natural habitats.
• Misinformation and Disinformation: The only non-environmental risk in the top 5, showing its enduring threat.
• Adverse Outcomes of AI Technologies: Negative impacts on jobs, security, and society.

India's Most Severe Risks for 2026

Cybersecurity Threats

India is the second most targeted nation globally for cyberattacks, after the US, due to its rapid digital expansion widening the attack surface. (Source: International Telecommunication Union).

Attack Volume: India witnessed over 265 million cyberattacks in 2025 alone, averaging approximately 505 detections per minute. (Source: India Cyber Threat Report 2026). 

Case Study - AIIMS Ransomware Attack (2022): This attack exposes the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. It served as a major wake-up call for cyber-defence strategy.

Income and Wealth Inequality

Despite strong economic growth, its benefits have not been shared equally, making India one of the world's most unequal countries. (Source: World Inequality Report 2026) 

Wealth Distribution: The top 1% of Indians hold over 40% of the nation's wealth, while the bottom 50% (around 700 million people) own just 3% (Source: Oxfam Report)

Income Distribution: The top 10% of earners capture 58% of the national income, while the bottom 50% get only 15% (Source: World Inequality Lab).

Insufficient Public Services & Social Protections

This risk highlights the difficulty in providing quality and equitable access to essential services like healthcare, education, and social safety nets.

Official Assessment: The NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) shows a drop in poverty from 24.85% (2015-16) to 14.96% (2019-21). However, vast regional disparities persist, with states like Bihar and Jharkhand lagging behind.

Interconnected Nature of Risks

The report emphasizes that the risks are not isolated but are deeply interconnected, creating a potential for cascading crises.

Environment-Economy Nexus: Extreme weather events (environmental) can destroy crops, damage infrastructure, and disrupt economies, worsening income inequality (economic).

Technology-Society Nexus: AI-driven misinformation (technology) can fuel societal polarization, erode trust, and hinder collective action on critical issues like climate change.

Geoeconomics-Security Nexus: Geoeconomic confrontation via trade wars (economic) can disrupt supply chains and heighten international tensions, increasing the risk of armed conflict (security).

Way Forward for India

Strengthen Regulatory Frameworks

Implement robust data protection laws based on the principles of Justice B.N. Srikrishna Committee. The upcoming Digital India Act must effectively regulate AI and combat misinformation.

Invest in Resilient Infrastructure

Increase investment in climate-proof infrastructure to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events. Cybersecurity for critical sectors like finance and energy must be a priority.

Promote Inclusive Growth

Implement progressive taxation, strengthen social security nets, and increase public spending on quality healthcare and education to reduce inequality and enhance economic mobility.

Strengthening Global Cooperation

Utilize platforms like the G20, SCO, and BRICS to build consensus and drive collaborative action on shared global challenges like climate change, cybercrime, and economic stability.

Conclusion

The WEF Global Risks Report 2026 serves as a reminder that building resilience is paramount. For India, the path forward lies in a holistic approach that integrates robust cybersecurity, inclusive economic policies, and strengthened public services.

Source: THEHINDU