Mann ki Baat: Modi warns against 'digital arrest' scam; lauds India’s animation industry

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday put the spotlight on the cyber crime of "digital arrests", noting that it has hit all sections of society and urging people to adopt the mantra of "stop, think and take action" when faced with such a scam.

In his 'Mann ki Baat' broadcast, his 115th address, Modi said probe agencies are working with states to deal with the issue but added that awareness is essential in protecting oneself from this crime.

How digital arrests happen?

Modi played a representative video to show how such criminals pose as probe agency officials to prey on people's fear after gathering detailed information about their potential victims.

"It is important for you to understand this. Step 1- They collect all your personal information. Step 2- Atmosphere of fear. Uniform, government office setup, legal sections. They will scare you so much that you won’t even be able to think. Step 3- The time pressure… These people create mental pressure," PM Modi said. To fight this and increase digital security, PM Modi offered a three-step mantra - stop, think and take action.

He said, "Beware of Digital Arrest frauds. No investigative agency will ever contact you by phone or video call for such an investigation." Modi asked people to dial 1930 to connect with national cyber helpline or connect with its portal and also inform police about such a crime.

They should record such conversations and also take screenshots, he said touching on the crime which has been on the rise recently. PM Modi assured people that necessary actions are being taken by the probe agencies, and added that "awareness is essential in protecting oneself from this scam of 'digital arrest".

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Honouring two great heroes

Modi kicked off his address honoring two great heroes of the country — Sardar Vallabhai Patel and freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda. They both shared the vision of the "unity" of the nation, he pointed out.

The country has decided to celebrate their 150th birth anniversary, he announced. The 150th birth anniversay of Sardar Patel will begin from October 31. From November 15, Bhagwan Birsa Munda's 150th birth anniversary year will begin.

Made in India

Modi went on to praise the increasing impact Indian talents have been making in the world of animation.

He said a wave of creative energy is sweeping India. 'Made in India' and 'Made by India' is shining brightly in the world of animation, he added. Make in India means Make for the World, he said.

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The prime minister said Indian animation characters like Chhota Bheem, Krishna and Motu Patlu have become widely popular. Indian content and creativity are being liked across the globe, he added.

India is on way to creating revolution in animation, and Indian games are also getting popular, Modi said.

The effort for an 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' is also making strides in every sector, he said, noting that the country is exporting its defence products to over 85 countries now.

The prime minister said becoming self-reliant is more of a passion than a policy for the country now, adding that India ranks high globally on manufacturing mobile phones, buyer of defence equipment, or becoming the first country to achieve the feat of landing near the moon's south pole.

(With inputs from agencies)