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250 words
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6 July 2026

Advisory against fake foreign policy social media accounts

The advisory serves as a relevant case study for cyber-enabled financial fraud and the importance of digital literacy in governance, though it is a routine administrative warning rather than a major policy shift or legislative event.

1 min read 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a public advisory warning against fraudulent social media accounts claiming to provide 'foreign policy' and 'public policy' expertise.
  • Fraudulent accounts are soliciting payments from followers for advice on trade, migration, and other policy-related matters, and offering paid sessions on how to secure employment or work with the MEA.
  • The modus operandi involves using photographs taken with senior government officials and foreign dignitaries at public events to establish false credibility.
  • The MEA has clarified that these individuals have no official connection to the Ministry.
  • The government has identified the individuals involved in these financial activities, though specific handles have not been publicly named.
  • The advisory serves as a preventive measure against cyber-enabled financial fraud targeting citizens.

Questions

  1. The rise of social media-based financial fraud targeting public policy domains poses a challenge to digital governance. Discuss the measures required to enhance institutional transparency and protect citizens from such cyber-enabled impersonation. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. Digital literacy and the verification of official information are critical components of modern governance. In the context of the recent advisory by the Ministry of External Affairs regarding fraudulent social media handles, analyze the broader implications of cyber-impersonation on public trust and the necessity for robust cybersecurity frameworks in government communication. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which ministry recently issued a public advisory warning citizens against social media accounts falsely claiming to offer policy-related expertise and paid consultancy services?