Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 23: Addressing his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called upon citizens to remain vigilant against online financial fraud and so-called digital arrests, while also highlighting India’s growing influence in artificial intelligence.

Modi said that several people, particularly senior citizens, are being targeted through digital arrest scams and financial fraud, with many losing their lifelong savings. He urged citizens to exercise caution and ensure that KYC (Know Your Customer) or re-KYC procedures are carried out only through bank branches, official apps or authorised platforms.

“Do not share OTP, Aadhaar number or bank account information with anyone. And most importantly, keep changing your password from time to time. Just as food and clothing change with each season, make it a rule to change your password every few days,” he said.

The Prime Minister noted that fraudsters often impersonate senior officials or bankers to extract sensitive information. “Someone calls up and says, ‘I am a high-ranking officer. You need to share some details with me’. Innocent individuals might fall prey to such tactics, making it crucial for everyone to stay alert,” he cautioned.

He added that when individuals receive bank messages regarding KYC updates, they should not panic. “This is for the safety of your money. From pension and subsidy to insurance and UPI, everything today is linked to bank accounts,” he explained.

Highlighting India’s advances in artificial intelligence, Modi said the AI Impact Summit marks a turning point in shaping how the world will harness the power of AI in the coming years. He said global leaders have shown keen interest in how India is leveraging AI to preserve ancient texts, knowledge and manuscripts and adapt them for the present generation.

The Prime Minister also pointed out that players of Indian origin are making the country proud internationally, particularly during the T20 World Cup.

He further announced that from February 23, ‘Rajaji Utsav’ will be celebrated at Rashtrapati Bhavan. On the occasion, a statue of C. Rajagopalachari, the first Indian Governor-General of independent India, will be unveiled in the Central Courtyard, replacing the statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens, he said.