ASTR Tool and Chakshu Facility Crack Down on Cyber Fraud

1
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has disconnected over 88 lakh suspicious mobile connections using its AI tool, ASTR.
2
The 'Chakshu' facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal allows citizens to report suspected fraudulent communications.
3
DoT has developed a Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) for secure information sharing with stakeholders like SEBI and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

●ASTR: An AI and big data analytics tool developed by DoT to identify suspicious mobile connections (over 88 lakh disconnected).
●Chakshu: A feature on the Sanchar Saathi portal for citizens to report suspected fraud communications.
●Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP): Platform for bi-directional information sharing with agencies like SEBI and I4C (Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre).
●Jurisdiction: Cybercrime policies are allocated to the Ministry of Home Affairs, as 'Police' is a State subject.

Sanchar Saathi

Citizen-centric portal for telecom security.

Key: Allows users to report fraudulent connections and block lost devices.

Department of Telecommunications (DoT)

Nodal department responsible for telecom security and policy.

Exam Relevance

upsc

GS Paper 3 > Internal Security > Cyber Security

Previously Asked (PYQs)

UPSC Prelims 2017

In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents? 1. Service providers 2. Data centres 3. Body corporate Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Answer: 1, 2 and 3

Expected Questions

★What is the purpose of the ASTR tool developed by the DoT?

Key Terms

ASTR Tool

Artificial Intelligence and Facial Recognition powered Solution for Telecom SIM Subscriber Verification, used to detect fraudulent SIMs.

I4C

Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

priority_highMust Remember

•Sanchar Saathi is the overarching citizen-centric portal; Chakshu is a specific facility within it.
•ASTR uses AI and big data to identify fraudulent SIM connections.

tips_and_updatesExam Tips

•Questions often mix up the functions of ASTR (AI detection) and Chakshu (citizen reporting). Be clear on their distinct roles.

Question 1 of 3Score: 0/0

Factual

Which artificial intelligence and big data analytics tool was developed by the Department of Telecommunications to identify suspicious mobile connections?

Current Affairs Pulse

ASTR Tool and Chakshu Facility Crack Down on Cyber Fraud

Key Points

Quick Facts

Schemes & Policies

Sanchar Saathi

Important Bodies

Department of Telecommunications (DoT)

Exam Spotlight

Exam Relevance

Previously Asked (PYQs)

Expected Questions

Key Terms

priority_highMust Remember

tips_and_updatesExam Tips

Practice Quiz

Which artificial intelligence and big data analytics tool was developed by the Department of Telecommunications to identify suspicious mobile connections?

articleMore from 23 Jul 2026

Over 2,500 e-Sewa Kendras Operational Under eCourts Project

DISHA Scheme Extended for Five Years to Enhance Free Legal Aid

'Bharat Taxi' Service Launched to Empower Drivers Through Cooperative Model

India Hosts BRICS Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction

142 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals Operational, Mobilising ₹10,000 Crore

PM Vishwakarma Roll-out Begins in West Bengal

Credit Guarantee Scheme Enhanced for Micro and Small Enterprises

MY Bharat Platform Integrates with PM Internship Scheme

Indian Institutes Map Global Aerosol Diversity and Radiative Forcing

Amended BharatNet Program Speeds Up Gram Panchayat Upgrades

Gyan Bharatam Mission and NAI Lead Digitisation of Archival Heritage

Over 1,100 ASI Monuments Protected in South India