NEW DELHI: In a significant move to safeguard phone users from cyber fraud, India has introduced the 'International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System.' This initiative aims to protect citizens from the rising threat of cyber-crimes associated with telecommunications. The launch was marked by the system's immediate success, having identified and blocked 13.5 million incoming spoofed calls within its first 24 hours of operation, as announced by the Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia. According to Emirates News Agency, Minister Scindia emphasized the importance of this development, describing it as a crucial milestone in the Department of Telecommunications' ongoing efforts to create a secure digital environment. The new system specifically targets a growing trend where international calls are manipulated to display as local Indian numbers, a tactic frequently used by cyber criminals to conduct financial scams, impersonate law enforcement officials, and intimidate unsuspecting individuals. T he Department of Telecommunications has implemented this initiative to effectively identify and block such fraudulent calls before they reach Indian telecom subscribers. The Department expressed optimism that users will experience a notable decrease in these spoofed calls, thus enhancing their overall security against cyber threats.