PIB Summaries 09 October 2025

Content

1. Curbing Cyber Frauds in Digital India
2. Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0

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Curbing Cyber Frauds in Digital India

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Why in News

• The Government released an update (8 Oct 2025) on India’s cyber fraud prevention efforts under the Digital India mission.
• Coincides with India Mobile Congress 2025, where cybersecurity is a major focus area.
• Reflects India’s transition from cyber awareness to national-scale cyber resilience.

Relevance:

• GS-3 (Internal Security): Cyber threats, CERT-In, NCIIPC, I4C, national cyber resilience.
• GS-2 (Governance): Data Protection Act 2023, IT Rules 2021, Online Gaming Bill 2025.
• GS-3 (S&T): AI-driven frauds, NM-ICPS, digital infrastructure security.

Digital India and the Expanding Cyber Landscape

• Digital India Initiative (2015–): Rapid digitisation of services, e-governance, and financial inclusion.
• Internet penetration: 86% of households connected (2025).
• Digital transactions: Massive surge via UPI, Aadhaar-enabled payments, and e-governance platforms.
• Challenge: The expanded digital ecosystem increases exposure to cyber threats and frauds.

Rising Cyber Threats: Data Trends

• Cybersecurity incidents:
  • 2022: 10.29 lakh
  • 2024: 22.68 lakh (120% rise)
• Cyber fraud loss: ₹36.45 lakh reported on NCRP (as of Feb 2025).
• SIM/IMEI blocking:
  • 9.42 lakh SIMs
  • 2,63,348 IMEIs linked to frauds blocked.
• Budget allocation 2025–26: ₹782 crore for cybersecurity.
• Helpline 1930: Centralized, rapid-response channel for cyber fraud victims.

Nature of Cyber Frauds

• Definition: Deceptive online activities aimed at financial or data theft.
• Common types:
  • Phishing and spoofing (fake identities, emails, URLs).
  • Deepfake scams using AI.
  • UPI payment frauds through compromised SIMs.
  • Online betting and gaming apps promising fake returns (₹400 crore proceeds).
  • Fraud “factories” in Southeast Asia linked to organized cybercrime.

Emerging Threat Responses

• Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI):
  • Launched by DoT; categorizes phone numbers as Medium, High, or Very High risk.
• Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025:
  • Encourages e-sports/social gaming.
  • Bans money-based gaming and advertisements to curb illegal betting-linked fraud.

Cybersecurity Legal & Institutional Framework

A. Key Legislations

1. Information Technology Act, 2000
   1. Legal foundation for cybercrime prosecution.
   1. Covers identity theft, data breaches, impersonation, online obscenity.
   1. Enables blocking of malicious sites/apps.
2. IT (Intermediary Guidelines & Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021
   1. Imposes responsibility on social media and digital intermediaries.
   1. Mandates removal of unlawful/AI-manipulated content.
3. Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023
   1. Data collection only with consent and lawful purpose.
   1. Obligates data fiduciaries to ensure security safeguards.
   1. Reduces unauthorized access/misuse.

Cybersecurity Institutions and Mechanisms

A. Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)

• National nodal agency for cybersecurity response.
• Functions: Threat monitoring, advisory issuance, vulnerability management.
• 109 mock drills held (1,438 organizations) to assess cyber readiness.

B. National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC)

• Protects critical sectors—banking, power, telecom, transport.
• Operates under Section 70A of IT Act.
• Conducts sector-specific risk assessments and issue advisories.

C. Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C)

• MHA initiative to coordinate LEAs across India.
• Supports training, R&D, and real-time data sharing.
• Blocked: 3,962 Skype IDs and 83,668 WhatsApp accounts linked to frauds.

Capacity Building and Awareness

• CyTrain Portal:
  • 1,05,796 police officers registered.
  • 82,704 certificates issued in cybercrime investigation.
• Cyber Crime Prevention Against Women and Children (CCPWC) Scheme:
  • Funding: ₹132.93 crore.
  • 33 cyber forensic labs set up.
  • 24,600 officials trained.
• Cyber Crisis Management Plan (CCMP):
  • Framework for recovery during cyber-attacks.
  • 205 workshops conducted nationwide.

Technological & Strategic Tools

A. Samanvaya Platform

• Analytics-based platform linking inter-state cybercrime data.
• Pratibimb module visualizes criminal networks and geography.
• Results: 12,987 arrests; 1,51,984 criminal linkages mapped.

B. Sahyog Portal

• Centralized mechanism for removal of unlawful online content.
• Connects all authorized enforcement agencies under one digital interface.

C. Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS)

• Enabled saving of ₹5,489 crore in 17.82 lakh complaints.
• Integrates banks, payment intermediaries, and LEAs for real-time freezing.

D. NM-ICPS (National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems)

• Promotes R&D in cybersecurity, AI, IoT defense mechanisms.
• Enhances capability for detection and prevention of emerging cyber threats.

National Cyber Awareness and Outreach

• Cyber awareness campaigns: radio, metro, and print media.
• MyGov Cyber Safety Weeks for community engagement.
• Handbook for Adolescents and Students: cyber hygiene education.
• NCCC (National Cyber Coordination Centre):
  • Provides real-time situational awareness of threats.
  • Integrates intelligence from multiple agencies.
• Social media campaigns to promote safe cyber practices.

Cybersecurity Exercises and Global Collaboration

• Bharat National Cybersecurity Exercise 2025:
  • 21 July–1 Aug 2025; 600+ participants.
  • STRATEX simulation tested national response to large-scale cyber breach.
• India Mobile Congress 2025 (8–11 Oct):
  • Cybersecurity among six key global summits.
  • Focus on 6G, AI, IoT, Satellite Communication, and Telecom Manufacturing.
  • 1.5 lakh visitors, 7,000+ international delegates, 400+ exhibitors.

Financial and Institutional Achievements

• Cybersecurity Budget (2025–26): ₹782 crore.
• Blocked fraud infrastructure:
  • 9.42 lakh SIMs, 2.63 lakh IMEIs.
• Direct savings via cyber intervention: ₹5,489 crore.
• Inter-agency coordination success: CERT-In, I4C, NCIIPC, CyTrain, Sahyog, Samanvaya.

Challenges Ahead

• Increasing AI-driven frauds (deepfakes, voice cloning).
• Cross-border syndicates operating via dark web.
• Need for citizen digital hygiene and strong private-sector compliance.
• Balancing privacy, innovation, and surveillance in data governance.

Forward Path: Building a Cyber-Resilient India

• Multi-tier cyber architecture: Prevention → Detection → Response → Recovery.
• Expansion of AI-based fraud detection and threat intelligence networks.
• Integration of 5G/6G security layers into Digital India infrastructure.
• Strengthening public-private partnerships and international cooperation.
• Promoting citizen cyber literacy as a key national asset.

Conclusion

• India’s digital revolution has outpaced most nations, but so have cyber risks.
• Through laws, technology, inter-agency coordination, and public awareness, India is creating a secure digital ecosystem.
• Cybersecurity is now central to national security and economic sovereignty.
• The government’s “whole-of-nation” approach—integrating citizens, institutions, and innovation—marks India’s transition from a Digital India to a Cyber-Secure India.

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Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0

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Why in News

• The Government of India (Ministry of Education + Ministry of Health & Family Welfare) launched Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0 on 9th October 2025.
• Aim: To promote a tobacco-free learning environment and move towards a tobacco-free generation under Viksit Bharat@2047 vision.

Relevance :

• GS-2 (Governance & Social Justice): Health policy, inter-ministerial coordination, preventive health campaigns.
• GS-3 (Health & S&T): Lifestyle diseases, behavioural interventions, awareness mechanisms.

Tobacco Burden in India

• Tobacco kills ~13 lakh people annually in India.
• Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) 2019:
  • 8.4% of students (aged 13–15 years) currently use tobacco.
  • Average initiation age: 10 years.
• India is the second-largest consumer of tobacco globally.
• Youth and adolescents are the most vulnerable group, due to peer influence, advertising, and lack of awareness.

Objective of TFYC 3.0

• Duration: 60 days (Oct–Dec 2025).
• Core Goals:
  • Prevent initiation of tobacco use among youth.
  • Support cessation (help students quit).
  • Create awareness about ill-effects of tobacco and substance abuse.
  • Strengthen enforcement of Tobacco-Free Educational Institution (ToFEI) guidelines.
  • Promote physical, mental, and emotional wellness among students.

Key Features and Activities

1. Enforcement Drives:
   1. Ensure schools, colleges, and universities remain tobacco-free zones.
   1. Monitor 100-yard no-tobacco zones around educational campuses.
2. Capacity Building:
   1. Training for school heads, NSS/NCC volunteers, and teachers.
   1. Focus on peer-led awareness and early detection of substance use.
3. Counselling Support:
   1. On-campus sessions and counselling for students willing to quit tobacco.
   1. Integration with National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) resources.
4. Community & Institutional Campaigns:
   1. Public rallies, competitions, and recognition for ToFEI-compliant institutions.
   1. Engage local communities to sustain tobacco-free zones.
5. Digital & Youth Engagement:
   1. Awareness videos, posters, and quizzes via MyGov platform.
   1. World No Tobacco Day Quiz and School Challenge: Towards a Tobacco-Free Generation.

Policy and Legal Framework

• Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003:
  • Prohibits sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions.
  • Bans advertisements and sponsorships targeting minors.
• ToFEI Guidelines (2022, updated 2025):
  • Mandates signage, regular inspections, awareness activities, and reporting mechanisms in institutions.
• National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP):
  • Operational since 2007–08.
  • Focuses on awareness, cessation services, and enforcement of tobacco laws.
• Pictorial Health Warnings:
  • 85% of tobacco product packaging must display health warnings under COTPA Rules.

Whole-of-Government Approach

• Ministry of Education: Drives institutional compliance, student sensitization, and integration with school health programs.
• Ministry of Health & Family Welfare: Leads awareness, cessation support, and data monitoring.
• Collaboration with:
  • NSS, NCC, CBSE, AICTE, NCERT, and State Education Departments.
  • NGOs and public health institutions for outreach.

Significance

• Addresses public health and educational nexus — linking youth health with learning outcomes.
• Supports SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).
• Contributes to India’s Viksit Bharat@2047 vision through healthy human capital.
• Reinforces youth empowerment, behavioural change, and preventive health culture.

Challenges Ahead

• Peer pressure and social acceptability of tobacco in some communities.
• Rise of e-cigarettes and vaping devices despite restrictions.
• Implementation gaps in rural and semi-urban institutions.
• Sustained enforcement beyond campaign duration.

Forward Path

• Integrate tobacco-free norms under School Health Programme of Ayushman Bharat.
• Continuous monitoring through digital reporting platforms.
• Expansion of cessation services in schools and colleges.
• Introduce youth ambassadors for peer-led awareness.
• Periodic national surveys (like GYTS 2.0) to track behaviour trends.

Conclusion

• TFYC 3.0 represents India’s multi-ministerial commitment to safeguard youth health.
• The campaign shifts focus from prohibition to prevention and empowerment.
• By promoting awareness, enforcement, and behavioural change, it aims to build a generation that is not only tobacco-free but also physically and mentally resilient — a cornerstone for Viksit Bharat@2047.

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