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Indian Mobile Operators Help Online Businesses Combat Scams and Identity Theft Through New Federated Network Services, Supported by GSMA Open Gateway

New GSMA report shows more than half of Indian’s have been scammed, with 14% reporting financial loss

NEW DELHI, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — India’s three largest mobile network operators – Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea – today provided an update on how they are further strengthening their efforts to tackle digital scams, through the GSMA Open Gateway initiative.

While the three operators are running a series of individual programmes to help keep their customers safe from scams, today they outlined how they are also working together as a mobile ecosystem, through the GSMA Open Gateway initiative, to provide banks and other online platforms with new, federated ways to verify customer identities and combat digital fraud. 

The updates come as the GSMA published new research at India Mobile Congress showing that digital scams are an escalating concern for consumers across India, with more than half of Indian consumers (53%) having been scammed, with 10% having fallen victim in the past year. The GSMA commissioned “India Consumer Scam Report 2025”, authored by advisory firm Armidale, shows that growth in digital scams and fraud is eroding digital trust.

Indian Operators Provide GSMA Open Gateway Update at India Mobile Congress

Speaking at India Mobile Congress 2025, the operators outlined plans to provide enterprise developers at banks and online retailers with federated access to new services including the SIM Swap and Number Verification APIs (Application Programmable Interface). Federated CAMARA APIs, certified by the GSMA, help developers build services that work with every participating mobile network, while allowing each operator to keep control of its data, policy and revenue. The software provides an interface, interoperability and global cross-country coverage, so digital enterprises can easily and securely connect their services to the rich, intelligent functionality that mobile operator networks can provide.

Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea have already launched the SIM Swap API, which help banks prevent account takeover attacks, where fraudsters use social engineering techniques and stolen personal data to take control of the account owner’s SIM card.

All three operators also plan to launch a CAMARA-based Number Verification API before the end of 2025. This API is a more secure replacement for SMS One-Time Passwords (OTPs). It allows businesses to verify a mobile user’s identity by matching their phone number against real-time network data to protect Indians against digital scams, simultaneously ensuring a seamless customer experience.

GSMA Launches India Consumer Scam Survey

The GSMA commissioned “India Consumer Scam Report 2025” published today, also highlights why the mobile industry is looking to work more closely with financial services and online retail firms to tackle scams and fraud by building new innovative services.

The report found widespread concerns over scams, as well as significant financial and emotional impact on victims. It revealed:

  • Victimisation: 10% percent of respondents were scammed in the past year;
  • Financial harm: 14% of victims lost material sums that still trouble them.
  • Digital trust: 58% of Indian consumers said they are “very worried” about scams, with 84% believing they are increasing. Some 42% believe the threat is “increasing rapidly.”
  • Attack vectors: Email, SMS and Messaging Apps are the biggest channels for scammers; however, Dating App and QR code scams are more prominent in India than other parts of Asia. (Online dating scam victims: 14% vs. 7% ASEAN Average and QR Code scams: 18% vs. 10% ASEAN average).

GSMA Open Gateway Hackathon: India Connected – APIs for a Billion Lives

India’s three largest mobile operators have also teamed up with Nokia and the GSMA, to an inaugural GSMA Open Gateway Hackathon at India Mobile Congress to accelerate development of new innovations and network API based services using network capabilities.

The hackathon entitled “India Connected – APIs for a Billion Lives” has received more than 2,300 registrations and 400 ideas, or solution concepts, from developers, startups, and innovators with 100 finalists invited to attend and build new API-powered solutions to address real-world challenges across India’s diverse landscape. Using Open Gateway APIs, and Nokia’s Network as Code platform, participants will create services that improve lives, unlock new revenue streams, and demonstrate the transformative potential of network intelligence.

In addition to developing new services that prevent fraud, participants are invited to develop and showcase new innovations, using Nokia’s Network as Code platform, that show how network API services can support financial inclusion, healthcare access, emergency services, agritech and rural connectivity, education and digital inclusion in India. Previous GSMA Open Gateway hackathons in Barcelona and China have led to the development of new services including an application called, “On Time” that used location and population density APIs to analyse real-time passenger information, over-crowding and delays on Catalonia’s public transport system. In Asia, China Telecom helped tackle digital exclusion by developing TeleNavi, a voice-only intelligent location technology to help the elderly hail taxis.

Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific, GSMA, said: “India is the world’s second largest mobile market and home to a significant developer community. Mobile operator commitment to GSMA Open Gateway innovation can further accelerate India’s digital transformation, creating secure, interoperable services that protect consumer trust and create new revenue opportunities. This week’s hackathon and joint announcement are a symbol of collaboration that will collectively combat the scam economy. It will further support the creation of new innovations and network API-based services that can address real-world business and societal challenges to support India’s role as a global telecoms statesman.”

Sharat Sinha, CEO & Director, Airtel Business, said: “For over a year, Airtel has been at the forefront of combating spam, leveraging advanced network intelligence and artificial intelligence to restore consumer trust and ensure business continuity. The AI-powered spam defense and fraud detection solutions have already demonstrated significant efficacy, safeguarding over millions of customers by blocking over 53 billion unwanted calls, 2.5 billion SMSs and close to 4 lakh fraudulent links. Building on this established success, we are now furthering this mission through a strategic partnership with GSMA and other leading telecom providers, enabling access to our network APIs. This collaboration is designed to empower enterprises, enabling them to fortify their own protective measures for both their operations and their customer base, thereby fostering a safer, spam-free digital India.”

Avneesh Khosla, CMO, Vodafone Idea, said: “Consumers are at the centre of every innovation we deliver. Network APIs have the ability to redefine digital trust by bringing unmatched safety, transparency, and simplicity to everyday online experiences. From protecting individuals against fraud to enabling frictionless logins, these APIs ensure that people enjoy both security and convenience without compromise. Together with GSMA and our ecosystem partners, we are committed to empowering consumers with solutions that make their digital life safer, more inclusive, and truly effortless.”

Shkumbin Hamiti, Vice President and Head of Network Monetization Platform, Cloud and Network Services at Nokia, said: “We’re honoured that Nokia’s Network as Code has been chosen as the exclusive platform for the India Mobile Congress Hackathon. Partnering with GSMA Open Gateway and India’s top MNOs, Nokia is excited to show how Network as Code empowers India’s vibrant developer ecosystem to build new API-powered solutions that combat cybercrime, strengthen digital trust and address a wide range of real-world challenges.”

The Indian initiative forms part of the global GSMA Open Gateway programme, which now includes more than 79 mobile operator groups representing 291 networks and nearly 80% of mobile connections worldwide. By bringing together operators from around the world, the GSMA Open Gateway initiative facilitates the design of digital products capable of operating seamlessly on all devices, regardless of the country or operator. The service APIs are available through the CAMARA repository, an open-source project by the Linux Foundation and a fundamental part of the GSMA Open Gateway initiative.

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Reliance Digital Introduces High-Performance iQOO 15R to its Nationwide Store Network

MUMBAI, India, March 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Reliance Digital announces the offline retail availability of iQOO, the high-performance smartphone brand built for today’s youth and tech-forward consumers. Following strong traction in online channels, iQOO is now extending its presence into physical retail, allowing customers to experience and purchase its devices first-hand at Reliance Digital stores across India.

Known for pushing the boundaries of speed, and power, the iQOO 15R is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, delivering exceptional speed, responsiveness, and sustained performance throughout the day. It packs iQOO’s biggest battery yet in an ultra-slim 7.90mm design, making it India’s slimmest smartphone with a 7600 mAh battery.

The device features a 6.5K IceCore VC Cooling Chamber for stable performance and runs on OriginOS 6.0 based on Android 16 out of the box, supported by 4 years of software updates and 6 years of security updates. It is also equipped with a Sony LYT-700V OIS camera, a 1.5K 144Hz AMOLED EyeCare display, and IP68 & IP69 dust and water resistance, making it a dependable daily partner for professionals on the go.

The brand’s offline expansion marks an important step in deepening consumer engagement by offering hands-on access to its devices, enabling customers to explore iQOO’s powerful performance, advanced display technology, and flagship-grade camera capabilities in a real-world retail environment.

The availability of iQOO at Reliance Digital brings together two brands driven by innovation and consumer experience. While iQOO continues to build its reputation as a performance-led smartphone brand, Reliance Digital strengthens its portfolio by offering customers access to cutting-edge technology brands through its extensive nationwide retail network.

Through engaging in-store experiences, knowledgeable staff, and immersive product demonstrations, Reliance Digital aims to help consumers better understand iQOO’s performance-first DNA. This move further reinforces Reliance Digital’s commitment to staying ahead of evolving consumer preferences and serving as a preferred destination for discovering new-age technology.

With this expansion, Reliance Digital continues to play a key role in shaping India’s consumer electronics landscape by bringing future-ready brands closer to customers, while enabling smartphone brands like iQOO to build stronger connections with a growing, performance-driven audience.

The all new iQOO 15R is now available at Reliance Digital stores nationwide.

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Kotak Alts announces winner of the inaugural Katalyst Awards

Ms Himani Choudhary named Katalyst for the year – India’s Best Financial Content Creator; wins Rs. 25 Lakhs

MUMBAI, India, March 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kotak Katalyst Awards, a national initiative instituted to recognise excellence and responsibility in financial content creation has announced the winner of its first Katalyst edition. Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Limited (“Kotak Alts”) today announced Himani Choudhary as the winner. The winner was awarded a prize of INR 25 Lakhs, positioning Katalyst among the most meaningful recognitions for financial content creators in India.

Srini Sriniwasan, Managing Director, Kotak Alts, said, “The Kotak Alts Katalyst Awards were instituted to recognize content creators who are contributing meaningfully to financial literacy in India. As investor participation deepens, audiences are seeking clarity, context, and credibility. The response from creators was overwhelming and points to the new generation of financial educators.  As the inaugural winner Ms. Himani Chaudhary, exemplifies the standard of financial communication that Katalyst seeks to encourage.”

The first edition of the Kotak Alts Katalyst Awards received over six hundred entries from across 19 states and in 8 languages, reflecting the growing role of digital creators in shaping financial awareness. Conceived in response to increasing clutter and misinformation in the financial ecosystem, Katalyst is designed to recognize creators who place accuracy, transparency, and investor interest at the core of their work.

The winning content, ‘Personal Finance & Major Finance Updates’ by Himani Choudhary, was recognised for its clarity, originality, and credibility. The jury noted the content’s ability to explain complex financial concepts in a clear and measured manner, supported by strong research and a consistent focus on investor education over virality.

To ensure a robust and transparent evaluation process, the awards framework was designed and audited by EY. The top thirty entries were assessed by an academic jury.

The top 10 finalists were subsequently evaluated by a grand jury comprising Kunal Shah, Founder and CEO of CRED; Radhika Gupta, Managing Director and CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund; and Alpesh Shah, Managing Director and Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group, and chaired by Ananth Narayan, former Whole–Time Member of SEBI with extensive capital markets and regulatory experience.

The Katalyst Awards recognise financial content creators who priorities financial literacy, substance, and long–term investor interest. Through this initiative, Kotak Alts aims to encourage responsible financial communication and support the development of informed and confident investors across India.

About Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Ltd: Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Limited (‘Kotak Alts’), a part of Kotak Mahindra Group (‘Kotak’), focuses on Alternate Asset Management and Investment Advisory businesses. Kotak Alts was set up in early 2005 and has raised, managed, and advised over USD 22 billion across different asset classes, including Private Equity, Real Estate, Infrastructure, Special Situations, Private Credit, and Investment Advisory. The asset management business and investment advisory vertical are managed by independent specialist teams. For more information, visit https://www.kotakalternateasset.com/

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Paperpal for Life Sciences Establishes HIPAA Readiness, Strengthening Enterprise Adoption of AI in Regulated Medical and Scientific Writing Workflows

MUMBAI, India, March 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Paperpal for Life Sciences, an enterprise-grade Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform by Cactus Communications, purpose-built for Medical Affairs and Life Sciences organizations, announced the completion of an assessment evaluating its operational and technical safeguards to support Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements. This milestone reinforces Paperpal’s commitment to meeting the rigorous standards of security, data protection, and regulatory readiness required for regulated scientific workflows.

Growing AI use in medical affairs writing and publication workflows is intensifying scrutiny on data privacy, governance, and regulatory accountability. To support these evolving needs, Paperpal for Life Sciences has undertaken an assessment of its systems and processes to evaluate readiness to support HIPAA compliance, where applicable, and now proudly offers the option to execute a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) for Protected Health Information (PHI) and Personally Identifiable Information (PII). This offering gives customers the confidence that PHI or PII, if received, is handled securely and responsibly, in line with regulatory expectations and enterprise risk management practices.

Paperpal for Life Sciences provides AI writing, literature search, source-grounded summarization with citation support, and critical publication checks, powering medical affairs content creation under stringent data privacy and governance controls. The platform accelerates research-to-publication timelines by upto 25%, supporting faster dissemination of clinical evidence and earlier commercialization of new drugs and therapies.

Nishchay Shah, Group CTO and EVP, Products and AI at Cactus Communications, said, “As AI becomes foundational to regulated scientific and medical workflows, compliance and trust are no longer optional. Paperpal for Life Sciences’ HIPAA readiness measures reflect our secure-by-design approach to AI, strong data governance framework, and alignment with real-world enterprise and regulatory requirements. This milestone enables organizations to adopt AI at scale with confidence that their data, processes, and compliance obligations are protected .”

Elvira Dsouza, President, Cactus Life Sciences, added, “Medical Affairs and Life Sciences teams operate in highly regulated environments where scientific rigor, data privacy, and compliance are non-negotiable. HIPAA readiness positions Paperpal for Life Sciences as a trusted AI partner, one that enables organizations to accelerate evidence generation and scientific communication without compromising regulatory integrity .”

With this announcement, Paperpal for Life Sciences reinforces its position as a purpose-built, enterprise-ready AI platform for medical affairs content generation that supports innovation while meeting the highest standards of privacy, ethics, and regulatory compliance.

Media Contact:

Nidhi Amin

nidhi.amin@cactusglobal.com 

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