SEBI Foundation Day: FM Launches Mission Jagrook; Warns on Cybersecurity Risks

📌 Summary:

• FM Nirmala Sitharaman delivered keynote at SEBI's 38th Foundation Day in Mumbai and digitally launched 'Mission Jagrook' — SEBI's nationwide investor awareness initiative

• FM warned that a single cyberattack on a major exchange, depository, or clearing corporation could disrupt markets at national scale, erase wealth, and shake public confidence

• AI-led cyberattack threats highlighted: automated vulnerability discovery, malicious source-code interference, supply-chain attacks, and real-time adaptive intrusions

• Called for all Regulated Entities (REs) to remain exceptionally vigilant and substantially invest in cybersecurity

• FM appreciated SEBI's crackdown on unregistered "fin-influencers" and called for enabling frameworks for responsible financial education

• Emphasized investor awareness in regional languages across all major platforms

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 — Indian Economy (Securities regulation, investor protection) + Internal Security (Cyber threats to financial infrastructure). SEBI's role in market integrity is a recurring exam theme.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• SEBI: Securities and Exchange Board of India, established 1988 (statutory body under SEBI Act, 1992)

• SEBI Foundation Day: April 12 is SEBI's founding date

• 'Fin-influencers': social media personalities providing unregistered investment advice

• Mission Jagrook: SEBI's investor awareness campaign targeting regional language audiences

🔑 Key Term: Critical Financial Infrastructure — exchanges, depositories, clearing corporations whose disruption would have systemic impact on the economy; protected under NCIIPC framework in India.