22 May 2025: PIB Summary For UPSC

1. DoT Introduces “Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI)” to Strengthen Cyber Fraud Prevention

(Source – PIB (Press Information Bureau), May 22, 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 3 – Cybersecurity, Financial Sector Reforms

Context

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) to combat rising cyber frauds in digital transactions.

Content

• Overview:

  • FRI is a risk-based metric classifying mobile numbers into Medium, High, or Very High risk categories based on their association with financial fraud.

  • It is part of the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP), integrating inputs from various stakeholders like I4C’s National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, DoT’s Chakshu platform, and intelligence from banks and financial institutions.

• Functionality:

  • Enables enhanced intelligence sharing with banks, UPI service providers, and financial institutions.

  • Boosts cyber protection and validation checks when digital payments are proposed to be made to flagged numbers.

  • Allows for swift, targeted, and collaborative action against suspected frauds in telecom and financial domains.

• Implementation:

  • Leading UPI platforms like PhonePe, Paytm, and Google Pay have begun integrating DIP alerts into their systems.

  • PhonePe has used FRI to decline transactions linked to Very High risk numbers and display alerts as part of its “PhonePe Protect” feature.

• Significance:

  • With UPI being the most preferred payment method in India, FRI aims to save millions from cyber frauds.

  • Represents a proactive approach in safeguarding the digital financial ecosystem.

Practice Question: Discuss the significance of the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) introduced by the Department of Telecommunications in enhancing cybersecurity in India’s financial sector.

2. India Successfully Hosts the 2nd Blue Talks Ahead of the 3rd UN Ocean Conference

(Source – PIB (Press Information Bureau), May 22, 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations; GS Paper 3 – Environment

Context

India, in collaboration with France and Costa Rica, hosted the Second Blue Talks to discuss sustainable ocean management ahead of the 3rd UN Ocean Conference.

Content

• Event Highlights:

  • Held on 20 May 2025 at Prithvi Bhawan, New Delhi.

  • Chaired by Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, MoES, and co-chaired by ambassadors from Costa Rica and France.

• Key Discussions:

  • Conservation and sustainable management of marine and coastal ecosystems.

  • Enhancing ocean-related scientific cooperation and education.

  • Reducing marine pollution from land-based activities.

  • Leveraging the interconnectedness of ocean, climate, and biodiversity.

• White Paper Launch:

  • Titled “Transforming India’s Blue Economy: Investment, Innovation and Sustainable Growth”.

  • Provides a consolidated framework aligning government actions and promoting investment in ocean resources.

• Significance:

  • Strengthens India’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water).

  • Enhances international collaboration in marine conservation.

Practice Question:Evaluate India’s role in promoting sustainable ocean management in the context of the Second Blue Talks and its implications for international environmental diplomacy.

3. Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav Unveils Detailed Action Plan for Aravalli Landscape Restoration

(Source – PIB (Press Information Bureau), May 21, 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 3 – Environment and Ecology

Context

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has launched a comprehensive plan to restore the Aravalli Hill Range, focusing on ecological restoration and community participation.

Content

• Action Plan Highlights:

  • Focuses on five pillars: Ecological Restoration, Community Participation, Policy and Governance, Sustainable Livelihoods, and Research and Innovation.

  • Emphasizes assisted natural regeneration, native species plantation, and soil and moisture conservation.

  • Involves local communities, especially women and youth, in planning and implementation.

• Innovative Approaches:

  • Creation of seedling nurseries in every panchayat.

  • Utilization of MNREGA and CAMPA funds.

  • Implementation of the Green Credit Programme.

  • Restoration of abandoned mines and development of eco-tourism.

• Significance:

  • Aims to increase green cover and biodiversity, improve soil fertility and water availability, and enhance climate resilience.

Practice Question: Discuss the significance of the Aravalli Landscape Restoration initiative in achieving ecological sustainability and community development.

Check this out 21 May 2025: PIB Summary For UPSC