Content: One Billion Tonne: Strengthening India’s Energy Future! Making India More Disaster-Resilient One Billion Tonne: Strengthening India’s Energy Future! Context: India crossed 1 billion tonnes (BT) of coal production on March 20, 2025, during FY 2024-25. This achievement came 11 days ahead of the previous fiscal year’s total production of 997.83 million tonnes (MT) in FY 2023-24. Reflects India’s commitment to energy security, industrial growth, and economic expansion. Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology , Economic Growth , Energy Security) Contribution of Stakeholders Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) such as Coal India Limited (CIL) and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) played a crucial role. Private sector participation increased after policy reforms, enhancing production efficiency. 5 lakh mine workers across 350+ coal mines have contributed significantly to this milestone. Energy Mix & Dependence on Coal Coal remains India’s primary energy source, contributing to: 55% of the country’s total energy consumption. 74% of electricity generation via coal-fired thermal power plants. Essential for powering industries, agriculture, and infrastructure development. Policy Reforms Driving Growth Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act amendments enabled greater private participation. Commercial coal block auctions increased competition and enhanced coal availability. Government initiatives helped reduce reliance on imported coal, strengthening energy self-sufficiency. Impact on Foreign Exchange Savings & Imports India’s coal imports declined by 8.4% between April and December 2024. Resulted in foreign exchange savings of $5.43 billion (₹42,315.7 crore) compared to the previous year. Reduces dependence on high-cost coal imports and strengthens India’s trade balance. Alignment with ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ & Viksit Bharat 2047 Enhances India’s self-reliance in the energy sector, reducing import dependency. Contributes to sustainable economic growth and long-term energy security. Supports the government’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, aiming for a fully developed and self-sufficient India. Sustainability & Future Outlook Increasing focus on advanced mining techniques for better efficiency and safety. Optimizing logistics to streamline coal transportation and distribution. Promoting sustainable mining practices to reduce environmental impact. Technology-driven solutions like automation, digitization, and cleaner coal technologies will play a key role. Strategic Implications Reinforces India’s economic resilience by ensuring a stable power supply. Strengthens industrial growth, supporting sectors like steel, cement, and manufacturing. Encourages investment in domestic coal production while transitioning to a balanced energy mix. A stepping stone for future energy diversification, including increased renewable energy integration. Facts and Figures : Global Coal Production Rankings (2024-25) China – 4.76 billion tonnes (Largest producer) India – 1 billion+ tonnes (Achieved March 20, 2025) India’s Coal Production Highlights Coal India Ltd (CIL) – 773.81 MT (FY 2023-24, +10% growth) Singareni Collieries (SCCL) – 70.02 MT (+4.3% growth) Coal-based power – 74% of India’s electricity Coal imports down 8.4% (Forex savings: $5.43B in Apr-Dec 2024) Global Coal Consumption Trends Total: ~8.7 billion tonnes (Near record high) Major consumers: China, India (Power & industry) Key Takeaways India is #2 globally and moving towards self-reliance in coal. Strategic reforms & private sector participation boosting production. Coal remains critical for India’s energy security. Conclusion India’s 1 BT coal production milestone signifies a strategic shift towards self-sufficiency, economic resilience, and energy security. While coal remains the backbone of India’s energy sector, continued technological advancements and policy reforms will shape a sustainable and efficient coal ecosystem in the coming years. Making India More Disaster-Resilient Earthquake Vulnerability in India Geographical Risk: ~59% of India is prone to earthquakes. Seismic Zones: India is classified into four seismic zones (II to V) by BIS, with Zone V being the most active (Himalayan belt, North-East India, Andaman & Nicobar Islands). Recent Earthquake Data: 159 earthquakes recorded from Nov 2024 to Feb 2025, with a 4.0 magnitude quake in Delhi on Feb 17, 2025. Historical Devastation: 1905 Kangra (M 8.0): 19,800 deaths. 2001 Bhuj (M 7.9): 12,932 deaths, destruction of 890 villages. Relevance : GS 3(Disaster Management) Government Initiatives for Earthquake Safety A. Institutional Framework Disaster Management Act, 2005: Established NDMA, NDRF, and SDMAs. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): Policy-making, guidelines, and coordination. State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs): Implementation at the state level. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): Specialized search and rescue teams; expanded from 8 to 16 battalions. B. Seismic Monitoring & Early Warning Systems National Centre for Seismology (NCS): Operates India’s earthquake monitoring network. Sharing real-time seismic data with disaster management agencies. Researching earthquake early warning (EEW) for Himalayan regions. Expansion of Seismic Observatories: Increased from 80 (2014) to 168 (Feb 2025). BhooKamp App: Provides real-time earthquake alerts. C. Risk Assessment & Infrastructure Resilience Earthquake Disaster Risk Index (EDRI): Evaluates hazard, vulnerability, and exposure. Phase I: Covered 50 cities. Phase II: Expanding to 16 more cities. Earthquake Safety Guidelines: Home Owner’s Guide (2019): Safe building standards. Simplified Guidelines (2021): Construction safety for urban buildings. Retrofitting & Structural Safety: Promotion of earthquake-resistant building codes. India’s Global Disaster Assistance Efforts Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR): Rapid response to international calamities. Aid to Türkiye & Syria (Feb 2023 earthquake) through NDRF teams, medical aid, and essential supplies. ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ Approach: Strengthening global disaster response cooperation. Challenges & Areas for Improvement Gaps in Early Warning Systems: Need for more advanced predictive models. Infrastructure Vulnerability: Many urban and rural buildings still non-compliant with seismic safety codes. Public Awareness & Preparedness: Limited earthquake drills and community training. Coordination Challenges: Need for better integration between NDMA, SDMAs, and local governments. Key Initiatives : Seismic Observatories: Increased from 80 (2014) to 168 (2025). Public Awareness: NDMA aired “Aapda Ka Samna” on Doordarshan (March 2025). 10-Point Agenda (2016): Aligns with Vision 2047 for disaster resilience. Retrofitting: Enforcing building codes as 59% of India is earthquake-prone. Himalayan Preparedness: Early warning systems & disaster response framework. Safety Guidelines (2021): Simplified under Building Code of India. Risk Transfer & Insurance: Covers earthquake-induced damage to infrastructure. BhooKamp App: Provides real-time earthquake alerts (by NCS, MoES). Way Forward Strengthening Earthquake Monitoring: Increase seismic stations and enhance real-time data analytics. Mandatory Earthquake-Resistant Infrastructure: Enforce BIS seismic codes in all new constructions. Expansion of EEW Systems: Implement a nationwide warning system, especially for high-risk areas. Public Awareness & Drills: Mass-scale safety education and periodic earthquake drills. Integration of AI & GIS Mapping: For better hazard assessment and disaster response. Conclusion India is making significant strides in disaster resilience through policy reforms, improved seismic monitoring, and structural safety initiatives. However, continuous investment in early warning systems, infrastructure resilience, and public preparedness is essential.

Content: Navigating differences Heat plan India’s marginalised Parliament in budgetary affairs Charting a route for IORA under India’s chairship Navigating differences Context : India and New Zealand seek to deepen strategic and economic cooperation through defence, trade, and connectivity while navigating challenges related to China’s influence, market access, and diaspora-linked concerns. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) Practice Question: Discuss the evolving strategic and economic partnership between India and New Zealand in the context of shifting global geopolitics. Highlight the challenges and opportunities in their bilateral ties. (250 words) New Zealand PM Luxon’s Key Geopolitical Shifts : Decline of rule-based order: Shift towards power-driven global politics. Security over economy: Increasing focus on national security in trade and diplomacy. From trade efficiency to protectionism: Rise of resilient supply chains among trusted partners. India-New Zealand Strategic Cooperation Defence MoU Signed: Military cooperation, staff college exchanges, and naval port calls. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Talks Revived: Current bilateral trade below $2 billion. Challenges: Market access for dairy and agriculture (India’s reason for RCEP exit). Enhanced Connectivity: Air India-Air New Zealand Codeshare Agreement signed. Potential direct flights by 2028. Key Challenges in Relations New Zealand’s Stronger Trade Ties with China: Trade volume with China: ~$24 billion. Raises questions on diversification of economic partnerships. Khalistan Issue and Anti-India Protests: Reference to ‘Sikhs for Justice’ Khalistan referendum in Auckland (Nov 2023). New Zealand upholds free expression, but India sees it as an internal security concern. Publicly raising this issue risks dividing the 300,000-strong Indian diaspora. Additional Dimensions of India-New Zealand Relations 1. Indo-Pacific Cooperation Both nations support a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. New Zealand, though not part of the Quad, engages in regional dialogues with Australia, Japan, and South Korea. 2. India’s Importance for New Zealand Trade Diversification: Reducing dependence on China by expanding economic ties with India. Strategic Alignment: India’s large market and growing global influence make it a key partner for New Zealand. 3. Soft Power & People-to-People Ties Diaspora Influence: Over 300,000+ Indian-origin people in New Zealand serve as a cultural and economic bridge. Educational & Tourism Links: Growing cooperation in higher education, tourism, and professional exchanges. Cricket Diplomacy: A shared passion for cricket strengthens cultural bonds and enhances bilateral goodwill. Conclusion: The Path Ahead Balancing economic interests and security concerns in Indo-Pacific collaboration. Private diplomatic engagement over sensitive issues like diaspora politics. Strategic alignment in defence and trade to strengthen bilateral relations. Heat plan Context : The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves in India signal the urgent need for a comprehensive national heat strategy that moves beyond short-term relief measures to long-term climate resilience planning. Relevance : GS 1(Geography) , GS 3(Disaster Management ) Practice Question: With rising global temperatures, heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in India. Discuss the need for a comprehensive national heat strategy, highlighting the gaps in current preparedness and suggesting long-term mitigation and adaptation measures. (250 words) Current Heatwave Trends in India Early Onset of Summer: February, typically classified as ‘winter‘ by the IMD, recorded unusually high temperatures across India. Heatwaves Reported: Goa and Maharashtra experienced official heatwaves in February; Odisha, Telangana, and Maharashtra recorded temperatures above 40°C. Rising Night Temperatures: 31 States/UTs saw night temperatures at least 1°C above normal, with 22 reporting anomalies of 3°C-5°C. Scientific Warnings and Climate Realities New Climate Normals: Scientists predict more intense and frequent heatwaves due to rising land and sea temperatures. Heat Events as Disasters: Unlike floods and earthquakes, heatwaves lack structured disaster preparedness mechanisms. Gaps in India’s Heatwave Preparedness Short-term Focus: Current measures include emergency responses like providing drinking water, adjusting work hours, and increasing hospital capacity. Lack of Long-term Plans: Cities lack structured strategies for: Household or workplace cooling for vulnerable populations. Insurance for workers facing income loss on extreme heat days. Fire management and electricity grid upgrades for heat resilience. Limited Monitoring & Urban Planning: Few cities invest in expanded local weather monitoring. Urban heat island mapping remains underdeveloped. Lack of heat-specific training for implementation authorities. Mitigation vs. Adaptation: The Shift in Focus Slow Progress on Emissions Reductions: With global efforts to cut greenhouse gases lagging, adaptation measures are gaining importance. Challenges in Cooling Solutions: Increased cooling demand raises concerns about ozone-depleting refrigerants. Passive cooling and green infrastructure impact land prices and urban planning. Need for a National Heat Strategy Integration with National Adaptation Plan: A holistic approach should be embedded in India’s climate resilience policies before COP30 in Brazil (November 2025). Key Strategic Measures: Sustainable Urban Planning: Passive cooling, green spaces, and targeted cooling interventions for vulnerable populations. Infrastructure Upgrades: Resilient power grids, water conservation, and fire safety mechanisms. Policy & Governance: Legally binding heat action plans, worker protection laws, and cross-sectoral collaboration. Conclusion India needs to move beyond short-term emergency responses and develop a long-term national heat strategy to safeguard its people and economy from the increasing frequency of extreme heat events. India’s marginalised Parliament in budgetary affairs Context : India’s Parliament plays a marginal role in budgetary affairs, with executive dominance limiting legislative scrutiny, necessitating reforms like pre-Budget discussions and a Parliamentary Budget Office. Relevance : GS 2(Polity) Practice Question : India’s parliamentary role in budgetary affairs remains largely ceremonial, with limited legislative scrutiny over financial policies. Critically examine the need for greater parliamentary oversight in budget-making, suggesting key reforms to enhance transparency and accountability. (250 words) Budget and Legislative Oversight: The Democratic Context Power of the Purse: Across democracies, legislatures exercise control over financial policies, ensuring fiscal discipline and transparency. Global Variations: Some parliaments actively draft and modify budget proposals. Others merely approve government proposals with minimal scrutiny. Budget Transparency: Stronger legislative participation correlates with better social outcomes and economic stability. India’s Budgetary Process: Executive Dominance Minimal Legislative Influence: The Finance Ministry single-handedly crafts the Budget. Even Cabinet Ministers remain uninformed until its presentation in the Lok Sabha. Lack of Cabinet Scrutiny: Unlike legislative Bills, the Budget does not undergo detailed discussions before being introduced. This weakens parliamentary oversight and accountability. Role of Rajya Sabha: The Upper House has no substantive role in budget discussions. A Finance Minister from the Rajya Sabha cannot vote on their own Budget proposal in the Lok Sabha. Decline of Parliamentary Authority Over Budget Weak Budget Debates: Parliamentary discussions on budgetary matters are often brief and ineffective. Subject committees lack the power to influence financial allocations significantly. Lack of Amendment Powers: Parliamentarians can only approve or reject the Budget but cannot introduce substantial changes. This reduces the legislature’s role to mere ratification. Need for Institutional Reforms A. Pre-Budget Discussions Purpose: Institutionalizing pre-budget discussions in the monsoon session. Allowing legislators to engage meaningfully in fiscal planning. Benefits: Enhances subject committee coordination. Encourages public participation and transparency. Ensures that budget allocations reflect national priorities. B. Establishing a Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) Objective: Providing independent, data-driven budgetary analysis to parliamentarians. Global Models: Inspired by the U.S. Congressional Budget Office (CBO), and similar institutions in Canada, Australia, and the U.K. Functions of a PBO: Conducts independent economic forecasts and fiscal impact assessments. Provides policy briefs to lawmakers for informed decision-making. Strengthens parliamentary oversight without infringing on executive authority. Addressing Concerns Over Fiscal Discipline Fear of Populist Spending: Some economists argue that legislative power over budgets could lead to excessive spending. Need for Oversight: Leaving financial planning solely to the executive risks economic injustice and lack of accountability. Balanced Approach: Executive retains discretion but remains answerable to Parliament. Reclaiming Parliamentary Authority Over Budgeting Beyond Procedural Reforms: Ensuring budgetary decisions reflect democratic deliberation rather than executive control. Strengthening representative democracy through legislative involvement. Expected Outcomes: More equitable economic policies. Greater budget transparency. Strengthened financial governance aligned with public interests. Conclusion India’s current budgetary process sidelines Parliament, weakening its role in financial decision-making. By introducing pre-budget discussions and a Parliamentary Budget Office, India can empower its legislature to shape economic policies meaningfully. These reforms will ensure that financial governance reflects collective will, fostering a transparent, accountable, and democratic budgeting process. Charting a route for IORA under India’s chairship Context The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is a regional intergovernmental organization connecting Asia, Africa, and Australia through the Indian Ocean. India is currently the Vice-Chair and will assume Chairship in November 2025 for two years. India’s leadership focus: funding expansion, technology integration for policy-making, and maritime skill development. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) Practice Question: India’s upcoming chairship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) presents both opportunities and challenges in strengthening regional cooperation. Discuss the key issues faced by IORA and suggest measures India can take to enhance its effectiveness. (250 words) Significance of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and IORA Geostrategic Importance: Sub-region of Indo-Pacific but unique in economic and political aspects. Transports 75% of global trade and 50% of daily oil consumption. Produces $1 trillion in goods and services. Intra-IORA trade valued at $800 billion (2023). Challenges in the Region: Economic disparities: Poor development and unstable political systems. Environmental threats: Climate change, disasters, and marine degradation. Security risks: Piracy, terrorism, human and drug trafficking. IORA’s Role: Facilitating cooperation on maritime safety, trade, disaster risk management, and cultural ties. Driven by middle and small powers, unlike ASEAN which is more structured. Dialogue partners: U.S., China, and the EU. Challenges Facing IORA Inadequate Funding Member-funded and highly dependent on developing economies (except UAE, France, Singapore). Annual budget is very low (a few million dollars). Comparison: Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) budget: $1.3 billion (2020-25) for just five nations. IORA’s expanding engagements—blue economy, maritime security, technology—require major funding increases. Potential Solution: Engage private players (shipping, oil & gas, marine tourism). Establish consultative partnerships with industries contributing to the blue economy. Institutional Weaknesses IORA Secretariat (Mauritius) is understaffed, limiting its operational efficiency. Lack of robust data management systems slows policy-making. Digitization & AI-driven analytics can improve governance, reduce errors, and aid quick policy assessments. Need for Technological Upgradation IORA lags behind in adopting tech-driven governance. Integrating AI, data analytics, and blockchain for maritime governance can improve transparency and efficiency. India’s Leadership and Policy Recommendations Leverage SAGAR Vision for Strategic Coordination Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) aligns well with IORA’s goals. Strengthen India’s maritime diplomacy using bilateral ties with Australia, UAE, France, Singapore. Encourage coastal and island nations (Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Mauritius) to contribute traditional marine governance knowledge. Strengthen Collaborative Research and Education Research in marine sciences should be prioritized (Australia, France, Singapore have expertise). Industry-academia collaboration: Private sector must help design new maritime courses in partnership with universities. Marine accounting as an emerging field to support the blue economy. Encourage youth participation in maritime governance through research fellowships and training programs. Institutionalizing Maritime Security & Disaster Management Develop a regional maritime security framework within IORA. Improve coordination on disaster risk management through real-time data sharing and early warning systems. Creating a Sustainable Blue Economy Model Promote marine conservation policies while expanding fishing, trade, and tourism sustainably. Encourage investment from Gulf countries (UAE, Oman) for IORA development projects. Conclusion IORA has vast potential for regional cooperation and economic development. India’s Chairship (2025-27) presents an opportunity to strengthen IORA’s governance, funding, and research capabilities. Key focus areas: Increasing funding through private partnerships. Integrating technology for policy-making. Strengthening academic and industrial collaboration. India must ensure IORA evolves into a robust and proactive institution, ensuring sustainable development and security in the Indian Ocean region.

Content: 1.There is progress on GM food crops, says official 2.Do not publish NIRF ranking for 2025: HC to Education Ministry 3.AAIB to conduct in-depth probe into all tail strikes involving IndiGo aircraft 4.In push for made-in-India browser, a mandate to trust govt. encryption 5.As temperatures rise, water level in India’s major reservoirs drops to 45% There is progress on GM food crops, says official Context: Supreme Court to hear petitions on GM mustard approval from April 15. Relevance: GS 3 ( Ecology) Supreme Court Hearing on GM Mustard The Supreme Court is set to hear petitions against GM mustard approval from April 15, 2025. The case challenges the Environment Ministry’s 2022 decision permitting the commercial cultivation of GM mustard (Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 or DMH-11). A three-judge bench will oversee the case, and all parties must submit written arguments within a week. Earlier, in July 2024, a two-judge bench had delivered a split verdict and instructed the Centre to develop a national policy on GM crops. Government’s Stance on GM Crops The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, confirmed “progress” on GM crops but stated that the issue remains sub judice. DBT Secretary Rajesh Gokhale reiterated that GM mustard discussions are being revived. Science Minister Jitendra Singh emphasized that biotechnology is evolving rapidly, suggesting that policies should not be based on outdated views. Current Status of GM Crops in India Bt Cotton (approved in 2002) is the only GM crop legally cultivated in India. GM Mustard received conditional approval from the Environment Ministry in 2022, but legal and activist challenges halted its implementation. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), granted this approval. Concerns & Opposition to GM Mustard GM Mustard was developed using public funds and was the first transgenic food crop cleared for cultivation. Activist groups and environmentalists raised biosafety concerns, leading to court challenges. Critics argue that GM crops may harm biodiversity, impact pollinators, and increase dependence on herbicides. The Government’s BioE3 Policy & Future of GM Crops The government is promoting biotechnology through the BioE3 policy, which focuses on: Genetic engineering in agriculture Pharmaceutical advancements Development of new enzymes and precision farming technologies Bio-agriculture contributes 8.1% to India’s $165.7 billion bio–economy, valued at $13.5 billion. The DBT report highlights that genetically modified crops like Bt Cotton improve agricultural productivity and resilience. Do Not Publish NIRF Ranking for 2025: HC to Education Ministry Context: Recently, the Madras High Court has barred the Education Ministry from publishing the NIRF report. Relevance: GS 2 (Education) Court Order The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has barred the Education Ministry and the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) from publishing the NIRF 2025 rankings. Petitioner’s Arguments NIRF rankings are based on self-reported data from institutions without independent verification. The ranking process lacks credibility and misleads students. Unlike the NAAC accreditation process, which involves audits and expert reviews, NIRF relies solely on unaudited institutional data. NIRF Ranking Process Launched by NBA under the Education Ministry to evaluate higher education institutions. Institutions are ranked based on five categories: Teaching, learning, and resources Research and professional practice Graduation outcomes Outreach and inclusivity Perception Institutions upload data on student and staff strength, salaries, placements, and research funds, but no external verification is conducted. Comparison with NAAC Accreditation NAAC’s Annual Quality Assurance Report (AQAR) undergoes auditing and expert review, making it more reliable. The petitioner demanded that NIRF rankings should be verified against government records before publication. Court’s Decision & Next Steps A Division Bench of Justices J. Nisha Banu and S. Srimathy has restrained the authorities from releasing the rankings. The court has sought a counter affidavit from the authorities. The next hearing is scheduled for April 24, 2025. AAIB to Conduct In-Depth Probe into All Tail Strikes Involving IndiGo Aircraft Context: AAIB is conducting a thorough investigation into IndiGo’s repeated tail strike incidents to identify potential systemic issues. Relevance: GS 3 (Aerospace, Technology) Comprehensive Probe The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will conduct an in-depth investigation into all IndiGo tail strike incidents. The decision was taken due to the criticality and frequency of such incidents involving IndiGo aircraft. Recent Tail Strike Incident On March 8, 2025, an IndiGo A321 Neo (VT-IBI) suffered a tail strike while landing in Chennai. A tail strike occurs when the tail of an aircraft touches or scrapes the runway during takeoff or landing, usually due to excessive nose-up pitch. The same aircraft had a previous tail strike on September 9, 2024, leading to a five-month grounding before returning to service in February 2025. 190 flights were completed before the latest tail strike. Pilot Experience & Flight Details The incident occurred during an annual proficiency check flight for a captain, supervised by a trainer. At the time of landing, the trainer was in command of the aircraft. Investigation by DGCA & AAIB DGCA initially conducted the preliminary investigation. Due to significant internal damage, the incident was classified as “serious”, and the probe was transferred to AAIB. The investigation includes: Training procedures Aircrew profiling Potential procedural lapses Ongoing Investigations & Airbus Inputs The September 9, 2024, tail strike investigation is still ongoing. Airbus has submitted its inputs to the probe agency. AAIB is analyzing all past tail strike cases to identify patterns or systemic issues in IndiGo’s operations. In Push for Made-in-India Browser, a Mandate to Trust Govt. Encryption Context: The Indian government awarded a ₹1 crore prize to Zoho Corporation (Tenkasi-based) as part of a web browser development challenge. Relevance: GS 3 (Technology) Purpose of the Browser Ensure a fully operational web browser within India, independent of global Internet access. Strengthen cybersecurity and establish an indigenous authentication mechanism. Award Ceremony Zoho Corporation received the first prize from Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The prize, initially announced in 2023, incentivized the creation of a browser compatible with India’s latest root certificate. Root Certifying Authority Context Definition: Root certifying authorities are 100+ global organizations that validate firms issuing Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificates (seen as “https” with a green lock icon). India’s Authority: The Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA), under the Ministry of Electronics and IT, has developed an Indian root certificate. Historical Challenge (2014): A security breach at the National Informatics Centre (NIC) led to fake SSL certificates for sites like Google and Yahoo. In response, major browsers excluded CCA certificates from their trusted repositories. Current Status: Only one Indian entity, eMudhra’s emSign, is globally recognized as a trusted root certifying authority by mainstream browsers. Strategic Motivation Contingency Planning: Ensures browser functionality even if India faces a global Internet cutoff due to security scenarios. Digital Sovereignty: By mandating trust in India’s root certificate, the government aims to reduce reliance on foreign tech and bolster national control over Internet security protocols. Implications Technological Self-Reliance: The development of Ulaa marks a major step toward India’s digital autonomy. Security Enhancement: Addresses past vulnerabilities in the CCA certification system. Global Influence: Positions India to assert greater influence in Internet governance discussions. As temperatures rise, water level in India’s major reservoirs drops to 45% Current Status of Reservoir Storage Overall Water Storage: India’s 155 major reservoirs have 45% of their total capacity (80.7 BCM out of 180.8 BCM). IMD Prediction: Above-normal heatwave days expected between March-May, worsening the situation before the monsoon in June. Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Regional Water Storage Status Northern Region (11 reservoirs in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan) Water level at 25% of capacity (lowest among all regions). Himachal Pradesh & Punjab saw 36% and 45% below normal storage respectively. Southern Region (43 reservoirs in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala) Second lowest storage at 41% of total capacity. Western, Central, and Eastern Regions Western: 55% storage Central: 49% storage Eastern: 44% storage State-wise Reservoir Deficit Compared to Last Year Lower than last year: Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Jharkhand, Odisha, Nagaland, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand. River Basin Water Storage Levels 20 river basins recorded, 14 had below 50% storage. Ganga Basin: 50% storage. Other Major Basins: Godavari: 48% Narmada: 47% Krishna: 34% Implications of Low Water Levels Agriculture Impact: Low water availability may reduce summer crop yields before Kharif sowing. Heatwave Impact: Rising temperatures could further deplete reservoirs and increase water demand. Socio-Economic Impact: Affects irrigation, drinking water, power generation, and overall livelihoods. Hydropower Generation: Reservoir-dependent power plants may face reduced generation capacity. Conclusion Immediate water conservation measures needed to manage supply until monsoon. Potential impact on food security due to reduced irrigation and crop production. Government intervention required for efficient water management and distribution.