Latest news with #JyotiradityaScindia
NDTV
4 hours ago
- NDTV
Spoofed Calls Reduce By 97% In Government's Anti-Fraud Initiative
New Delhi: Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia announced significant achievements in the government's fight against telecom fraud, revealing that the Sanchar Saathi portal has been utilised by 15.5 crore citizens nationwide, marking a major milestone in digital security initiatives. Speaking to the media, Minister Scindia highlighted the dramatic impact of coordinated anti-fraud measures, stating that spoofed calls have been reduced by 97 per cent. "Earlier, we were receiving 1.35 crore spoofed calls per day. Now these calls have been reduced to just 3 lakh daily," the Minister announced. The government's multi-pronged approach has yielded impressive results across various fronts. A total of 1.75 crore phone numbers have been cancelled for exceeding individual limits, while an additional 82 lakh mobile connections were disconnected using the AI-powered ASTR (Artificial Intelligence and Facial Recognition for Telecom SIM Subscriber Verification) system. The ASTR technology has proven effective in identifying connections obtained through fake or forged documents. Authorities have blocked 5.1 lakh mobile handsets and disengaged 24.46 lakh WhatsApp accounts suspected of fraudulent activities. Additionally, 20,000 bulk SMS senders have been blacklisted to prevent mass fraudulent messaging campaigns. The CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) facility has secured over 35 lakh lost or stolen mobile devices. Of these, 21.35 lakh devices have been traced and 5.07 lakh successfully recovered and returned to their owners. The Sanchar Saathi portal has emerged as a crucial tool in the fight against telecom fraud, recording over 16 crore visitor hits with approximately 2 lakh daily users. The platform provides real-time data and enables citizens to report issues through features like "Not My Number" and "Not Required" services. The portal's CEIR facility allows users to report lost or stolen handsets for immediate blocking and tracing across all telecom operator networks. This ensures that stolen devices cannot be misused anywhere in India, with traceability features helping in recovery efforts. DGP Cyber Crime Telangana Sikha Goyal highlighted the state's exceptional performance in mobile phone recovery. "Telangana presently ranks first in recovery of mobile phones in the country. As of date, we have recovered and handed over to victims about 88,301 mobile phones," she stated. The success in Telangana was attributed to systematic training programs where modal officers were identified in each district and trained by state-level nodal officers from the CID. This structured approach has made Telangana a model for other states to follow. The government has taken decisive action against international spoofed calls through the CIOR (International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System), launched in October 2024. Within 24 hours of deployment, the system blocked 1.35 crore spoofed calls, demonstrating immediate effectiveness. To combat evolving fraud tactics, telecom service providers have been instructed to display "International Call" notifications for all calls originating from outside India. This helps citizens make informed decisions about answering such calls. Additionally, 308 international carriers and aggregators repeatedly sending spoofed calls have been blocked. Complaints about international number fraud dropped from 2,776 cases in January 2025 to single-digit numbers by June 2025. The Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) has created a secure network of 620 organizations working as national-level watchdogs. This includes central security agencies, 35 state police forces, telecom service providers, and GSTN, creating a comprehensive security ecosystem. The ASTR system has analyzed 134 crore mobile connections, leading to the disconnection of over 82 lakh fraudulent connections after reverification. The technology detects cases where mobile connections have been acquired using different demographic and KYC details but similar subscriber images, effectively identifying fake document usage. As part of enforcement actions, more than 71,000 points of sale have been blacklisted and 780 FIRs have been filed against fraudulent activities.
Mint
5 hours ago
- Mint
Governments anti-fraud initiative shows remarkable success, 97% reduction in spoofed calls
New Delhi [India], July 29 (ANI): Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia announced significant achievements in the government's fight against telecom fraud, revealing that the Sanchar Saathi portal has been utilised by 15.5 crore citizens nationwide, marking a major milestone in digital security initiatives. Speaking to the media, Minister Scindia highlighted the dramatic impact of coordinated anti-fraud measures, stating that spoofed calls have been reduced by 97 per cent. "Earlier, we were receiving 1.35 crore spoofed calls per day. Now these calls have been reduced to just 3 lakh daily," the Minister announced. The government's multi-pronged approach has yielded impressive results across various fronts. A total of 1.75 crore phone numbers have been cancelled for exceeding individual limits, while an additional 82 lakh mobile connections were disconnected using the AI-powered ASTR (Artificial Intelligence and Facial Recognition for Telecom SIM Subscriber Verification) system. The ASTR technology has proven effective in identifying connections obtained through fake or forged documents. Authorities have blocked 5.1 lakh mobile handsets and disengaged 24.46 lakh WhatsApp accounts suspected of fraudulent activities. Additionally, 20,000 bulk SMS senders have been blacklisted to prevent mass fraudulent messaging campaigns. The CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) facility has secured over 35 lakh lost or stolen mobile devices. Of these, 21.35 lakh devices have been traced and 5.07 lakh successfully recovered and returned to their owners. The Sanchar Saathi portal has emerged as a crucial tool in the fight against telecom fraud, recording over 16 crore visitor hits with approximately 2 lakh daily users. The platform provides real-time data and enables citizens to report issues through features like "Not My Number" and "Not Required" services. The portal's CEIR facility allows users to report lost or stolen handsets for immediate blocking and tracing across all telecom operator networks. This ensures that stolen devices cannot be misused anywhere in India, with traceability features helping in recovery efforts. DGP Cyber Crime Telangana Sikha Goyal highlighted the state's exceptional performance in mobile phone recovery. "Telangana presently ranks first in recovery of mobile phones in the country. As of date, we have recovered and handed over to victims about 88,301 mobile phones," she stated. The success in Telangana was attributed to systematic training programs where modal officers were identified in each district and trained by state-level nodal officers from the CID. This structured approach has made Telangana a model for other states to follow. The government has taken decisive action against international spoofed calls through the CIOR (International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System), launched in October 2024. Within 24 hours of deployment, the system blocked 1.35 crore spoofed calls, demonstrating immediate effectiveness. To combat evolving fraud tactics, telecom service providers have been instructed to display "International Call" notifications for all calls originating from outside India. This helps citizens make informed decisions about answering such calls. Additionally, 308 international carriers and aggregators repeatedly sending spoofed calls have been blocked. Complaints about international number fraud dropped from 2,776 cases in January 2025 to single-digit numbers by June 2025. The Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) has created a secure network of 620 organizations working as national-level watchdogs. This includes central security agencies, 35 state police forces, telecom service providers, and GSTN, creating a comprehensive security ecosystem. The ASTR system has analyzed 134 crore mobile connections, leading to the disconnection of over 82 lakh fraudulent connections after reverification. The technology detects cases where mobile connections have been acquired using different demographic and KYC details but similar subscriber images, effectively identifying fake document usage.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Government's anti-fraud initiative shows remarkable success, 97% reduction in spoofed calls
New Delhi: Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia announced significant achievements in the government's fight against telecom fraud , revealing that the Sanchar Saathi portal has been utilised by 15.5 crore citizens nationwide, marking a major milestone in digital security initiatives. Speaking to the media, Minister Scindia highlighted the dramatic impact of coordinated anti-fraud measures, stating that spoofed calls have been reduced by 97 per cent. "Earlier, we were receiving 1.35 crore spoofed calls per day. Now these calls have been reduced to just 3 lakh daily," the Minister announced. The government's multi-pronged approach has yielded impressive results across various fronts. A total of 1.75 crore phone numbers have been cancelled for exceeding individual limits, while an additional 82 lakh mobile connections were disconnected using the AI-powered ASTR (Artificial Intelligence and Facial Recognition for Telecom SIM Subscriber Verification) system. The ASTR technology has proven effective in identifying connections obtained through fake or forged documents. Authorities have blocked 5.1 lakh mobile handsets and disengaged 24.46 lakh WhatsApp accounts suspected of fraudulent activities. Additionally, 20,000 bulk SMS senders have been blacklisted to prevent mass fraudulent messaging campaigns. The CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) facility has secured over 35 lakh lost or stolen mobile devices. Of these, 21.35 lakh devices have been traced and 5.07 lakh successfully recovered and returned to their owners. The Sanchar Saathi portal has emerged as a crucial tool in the fight against telecom fraud, recording over 16 crore visitor hits with approximately 2 lakh daily users. The platform provides real-time data and enables citizens to report issues through features like "Not My Number" and "Not Required" services. The portal's CEIR facility allows users to report lost or stolen handsets for immediate blocking and tracing across all telecom operator networks. This ensures that stolen devices cannot be misused anywhere in India, with traceability features helping in recovery efforts. DGP Cyber Crime Telangana Sikha Goyal highlighted the state's exceptional performance in mobile phone recovery. "Telangana presently ranks first in recovery of mobile phones in the country. As of date, we have recovered and handed over to victims about 88,301 mobile phones," she stated. The success in Telangana was attributed to systematic training programs where modal officers were identified in each district and trained by state-level nodal officers from the CID. This structured approach has made Telangana a model for other states to follow. The government has taken decisive action against international spoofed calls through the CIOR (International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System), launched in October 2024. Within 24 hours of deployment, the system blocked 1.35 crore spoofed calls, demonstrating immediate effectiveness. To combat evolving fraud tactics, telecom service providers have been instructed to display "International Call" notifications for all calls originating from outside India. This helps citizens make informed decisions about answering such calls. Additionally, 308 international carriers and aggregators repeatedly sending spoofed calls have been blocked. Complaints about international number fraud dropped from 2,776 cases in January 2025 to single-digit numbers by June 2025. The Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) has created a secure network of 620 organizations working as national-level watchdogs. This includes central security agencies, 35 state police forces, telecom service providers, and GSTN, creating a comprehensive security ecosystem. The ASTR system has analyzed 134 crore mobile connections, leading to the disconnection of over 82 lakh fraudulent connections after reverification. The technology detects cases where mobile connections have been acquired using different demographic and KYC details but similar subscriber images, effectively identifying fake document usage. As part of enforcement actions, more than 71,000 points of sale have been blacklisted and 780 FIRs have been filed against fraudulent activities.
Hindustan Times
16 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Scindia meets 32 BSNL CGMs, outlines plan to boost revenue
Union communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Monday held a day-long performance review with all 32 chief general managers (CGMs) of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), outlining a strategy to push the state-run telecom operator's growth, improve customer experience, and boost revenues. Scindia meets 32 BSNL CGMs, outlines plan to boost revenue Joined by minister of state Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar and senior department of telecommunications (DoT) officials, Scindia described BSNL's Annual Strategic Review & Planning Meet 2025-26 as the first such 'performance review and target-setting exercise' of its scale. Midway into the review, Scindia interacted with the media and said, 'We've already reviewed 25 of 32 circles in detail, examining what has ailed us in the past, where we stand today in customer base and ARPU (average revenue per user), and the steps to increase topline growth.' He emphasised that each CGM should function as the 'CEO of their circle,' driving accountability and local leadership. Scindia highlighted BSNL's return to net profit in FY24-25 after 18 years, with ₹260 crore in Q3 and ₹280 crore in Q4. Its operating Ebitda margin doubled to nearly ₹5,100 crore, while capex hit ₹25,000 crore, he added. Circles such as Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Haryana, and Chhattisgarh were singled out for their strong performance and will present case studies in the next quarterly review. The meeting also reviewed BSNL's 'customer-first' push, including its 4G rollout, spam-free network initiative, Wi-Fi roaming service, infotainment platforms for FTTH and mobile users, and enterprise offerings such as VPN and leased lines. Scindia announced that monthly reviews will be conducted by MoS Sekhar, with quarterly reviews chaired by him. 'Through steering BSNL, we are hoping to provide new telecom opportunities to every single citizen of our country and take forward the aspiration and dream of our Prime Minister in terms of making us a robust player in the telecom and digitalisation story of India,' he said in the interaction with the media. The telco added nearly 4.5 million customers over the past year, said Scindia, calling the achievement a 'dream come true'. Despite the turnaround, BSNL continues to operate in a market dominated by private players. According to monthly data uploaded by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), private service providers controlled 92.14% of India's wireless (mobile) subscriber base, while BSNL and MTNL together held 7.86%, as of May 31. BSNL also saw a decline of 135,000 mobile subscribers and 46,054 wireline subscribers in May. In machine-to-machine (M2M) cellular connections, where Airtel leads with a 54.31% share, BSNL accounted for just 4.63%. However, BSNL remains the third-largest fixed wired broadband provider with 4.32 million subscribers, behind Reliance Jio (13.51 million) and Airtel (9.26 million). Its total wired broadband base of 29.99 million places it fourth overall in the fixed-line segment.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Jyotiraditya Scindia tasks BSNL to grow mobile service business by 50 pc next year
Union telecom minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Monday asked state-run telecom firm BSNL to add customers and grow its mobile service business by 50 per cent in the next year. During a review meeting of BSNL of all circle and business unit heads, the minister asked each unit to increase enterprise business by 25-30 per cent and fixed line business by a minimum of 15-20 per cent. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Others Artificial Intelligence healthcare Healthcare MBA Operations Management MCA Design Thinking Data Science Leadership Data Science Data Analytics Product Management Degree Technology Finance PGDM Management Project Management Cybersecurity others Digital Marketing Public Policy CXO Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Exec Cert Prog in AI for Biz India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 16 Weeks Indian School of Business CERT-ISB Transforming HR with Analytics & AI India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 28 Weeks MICA CERT-MICA SBMPR Async India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 months IIM Lucknow SEPO - IIML CHRO India Starts on undefined Get Details "I'm giving you some targets. Your enterprise business must grow by a range of 25-30 per cent per SBU (strategic business unit). There's no reason why your CM (consumer mobility) business should not grow by 50 per cent. This is for next year. Even if you grow your ARPU by 50 per cent, you'll already be there," the minister said. After the review meeting, Scindia told reporters that he wants BSNL to increase average revenue per user (ARPU) -- a key matrix for a telecom company growth -- by improving customer satisfaction and adding more subscribers. "On an average, we will look at lifting those ARPUs... ARPUs will come through customer satisfaction, better CRM (customer relationship management). That is what we are focused on. It has to be a twinning of two aims. One, ensuring that customer satisfaction improves. You increase your customer base, and if your customer satisfaction improves, your ARPU will also improve," the minister said. Live Events He said BSNL's APRU varies from circle to circle where in some it is around Rs 40 and in some it is upwards of Rs 175. Reliance Jio has posted an ARPU of Rs 208 in the June quarter while Airtel had last posted ARPU of Rs 245. Scindia said BSNL had a capex of Rs 25,000 crore -- the largest in its history. "It is important to look at the operating margin and the operating cash flows. Last year, we delivered almost a 2.5x increase in operating margins -- from Rs 2,395 crore to almost Rs 5,100 crore. On a quarterly basis, we will post healthy operating cash flows, and that is our target," the minister said. BSNL has posted net profit in two consecutive quarters after a gap of 18 years. The state-run firm had posted a profit of Rs 280 crore in the March quarter of FY25 against a loss of Rs 849 crore in the year-ago period. The company had posted a profit after tax of Rs 262 crore in the October-December period of the previous fiscal year.
