New Delhi: “Do not share your OTP, Aadhaar number, or bank account details with anyone. Most importantly, change your passwords regularly, just as you adapt your food and clothing with each season.”
This was the message delivered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his monthly radio address, ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ on Sunday, aimed at combating digital fraud.
Modi explained that he had previously spoken at length about digital arrest, which has raised awareness about digital fraud and online scams. However, such incidents continue to occur.
He said that many people are being targeted through digital arrest and financial fraud, and quite often, senior citizens have been swindled of their lifelong earnings.
To protect themselves, the prime minister urged everyone to remain vigilant and advised that KYC (Know Your Customer) or re-KYC procedures should only be carried out 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.
Modi said that often, people come across news of fraud involving businessmen. “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 said.
Referring to the KYC process, the prime minister noted that, when individuals receive messages from banks requesting KYC updates, they may wonder why it is necessary since they’ve already completed the process.
“I urge you not to fret; this is just for the safety of your money. We all know that nowadays everything from pension, subsidy, insurance, UPI, everything is linked to the bank account,” he explained.
This is why banks periodically perform re-KYC to ensure that customers’ bank accounts remain secure, Modi added. “Yes, here too, you must remember one thing: criminals make fake calls, send SMS and links,” he said.
Modi mentioned that the Reserve Bank of India recently held a financial literacy week focused on these issues, and the campaign will continue throughout the year. He urged people to heed the RBI’s advice and keep their KYC updated.
“Remember: correct KYC, timely re-KYC keeps your account safe. Become an empowered citizen. Because only empowered citizens build a strong and self-reliant India,” he said.
British architect Lutyens’ statue in Rashtrapati Bhavan to be replaced with C Rajagopalachari’s
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Sunday that a statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens, which has stood in Rashtrapati Bhavan, will be replaced by a statue of C Rajagopalachari, the first Indian governor-general of independent India.
During his monthly radio address, ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Modi noted that, unfortunately, even after independence, statues of British administrators remained in the Rashtrapati Bhavan, while those of India’s great leaders were not honoured with a place there.
However, the country is moving away from symbols of colonial rule and is beginning to embrace symbols of Indian culture, the prime minister stated.
“A statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens also stood in Rashtrapati Bhavan. Now, this statue will be replaced by a statue of Rajaji (C Rajagopalachari),” he said.
Modi mentioned that during the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,’ he had discussed the ‘Panch-Pran’ from the Red Fort, highlighting the importance of freeing oneself from the mentality of slavery.
Affirming that the Rashtrapati Bhavan is taking a significant step forward in this regard, he announced that the ‘Rajaji Utsav’ will be celebrated on February 23, during which the statue of C Rajagopalachari will be unveiled in the central courtyard of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
“Rajagopalachari was among those who saw power not as a position but as a service. His conduct, self-restraint, and independent thinking in public life inspire us even today,” the prime minister said.
Additionally, an exhibition on Rajagopalachari will take place during the Rajaji Utsav, running from February 24 to March 1. “Do pay a visit there, to have a look, whenever possible,” Modi said.
Edwin Lutyens, in collaboration with Sir Herbert Baker, designed several monumental buildings in New Delhi, including Rashtrapati Bhavan, North Block, South Block, and India Gate.
In recognition of his contribution, a part of New Delhi is also known as ‘Lutyens’ Delhi’.
