Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Chaolung Sukapha Category: History and Culture Context: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) led a vibrant celebration of Assam Day at his official residence, paying rich tributes to Chaolung Sukapha. About Chaolung Sukapha: Founder of Ahom kingdom: He was a visionary 13th-century ruler who founded the Ahom kingdom that ruled Assam for six centuries. Other names: He is widely referred to as the architect of “Bor Asom” or “greater Assam”. Establishment of first principality: It was in Charaideo that Sukapha established his first small principality, sowing the seeds of further expansion of the Ahom kingdom. Administration: He divided the kingdom into territorial units called khels or phoids, each under an officer responsible for supplying a fixed number of paiks.  Military system: Paiks are the able-bodied male population who owed labour and military service to the state. Every adult male between sixteen and fifty was registered as a paik and served the king for part of the year in agriculture, construction, or war. In return, he was allotted land for personal cultivation. Emphasis on guerrilla tactics: He emphasized guerrilla tactics suited to the terrain of rivers, jungles, and hills.  Association with tribal communities: Sukapha developed very amiable relationships with the tribal communities living in Assam — especially the Sutias, the Morans and the Kacharis. Relevance: Sukapha’s significance, especially in today’s Assam lies in his successful efforts towards assimilation of different communities and tribes. He adopted a policy of conciliation and assimilation rather than annihilation. Source: PIB Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary Category: Environment and Ecology Context: A rare striated grassbird was recorded in Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary in Gadchiroli district, marking a major range extension for the species in Maharashtra. About Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary: Location: It is located in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra. Establishment: Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary was officially notified as a wildlife sanctuary in February 1986.  Area: It covers an area of approximately 134.78 sq.km (52.05 square miles). Boundaries: The Markhanda and Pedigundam hills flank the sanctuary from northeast and south, and the Pranhita River flows along its western boundary. Rivers: It is located on the bank of the confluence of the Wardha and Wainganga rivers. During the monsoons, river water swells and enters the sanctuary. Tanks: Additionally, several water bodies, including the Murgikunta, Raikonta, and Komatkunta tanks, further contribute to the sanctuary’s biodiversity.  Vegetation: It is dominated by southern tropical dry deciduous forests interspersed with grasslands. Flora: The dominant tree species include teak, Arjun, salai, mahua, bel, dhawada, tendu, sissoo, and semal. Fauna: It is inhabited by Tiger, Leopard, Wild boar, Sloth bear, Wild dogs, Langurs, Blackbuck, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Jackal, Mongoose, etc. The sanctuary also supports a diverse aquatic fauna, including fish, prawns, and turtles. Source: The Times of India INS Aridhaman Category: Defence and Security Context: INS Aridhaman, India’s third indigenously built nuclear-powered submarine, is set to be commissioned soon and it is in the final stages of its trial. About INS Aridhaman: Nature: It is the second Arihant-class submarine.  Construction: It is being built under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project to build nuclear submarines at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam. Significance: It is the second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) being built by India and it reinforces the commitment to the no-first-use (NFU) policy and credible minimum deterrence. Structure: It has a length of 112 m (367 ft) overall, a beam of 15 m (49 ft), and a draft of 10 m (33 ft). It also features an underwater communications system.  Payload: With a displacement of 7,000 tonnes and a length of 125 metres, it has the capacity to carry a larger number of K-4 missiles. The hull features twin flank-array sonars and Rafael broadband expendable anti-torpedo countermeasures. Crew: It can accommodate about 95 crew members, including officers and sailors. State of the art systems: It will be fitted with a combination of two sonar systems – USHUS and Panchendriya. USHUS is a state-of-the-art sonar meant for Kilo-class submarines. Panchendriya is a unified submarine sonar and tactical control system, which includes all types of sonar (passive, surveillance, ranging, intercept and active).  Strategic capability: The submarine enhances India’s strike capability and extends its patrolling range into deeper oceans, which is crucial for protecting trade routes and projecting influence in the Indian Ocean Region. Source: India Today PM-JANMAN Scheme Category: Government Schemes Context: Members of the Bonda community in Odisha’s Malkangiri are set to transition from fragile thatched huts to permanent pucca houses under the PM-JANMAN Scheme. About PM-JANMAN Scheme: Nomenclature: PM-JANMAN stands for Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan. Launch: PM JANMAN was launched on 15th November 2023, a day also celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas. Objective: It aims to enhance the socio-economic conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) by providing comprehensive development interventions and by recognizing their unique contribution to national and global development. Beneficiaries: The scheme targets 75 PVTG communities across 18 states and 1 Union Territory (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) as its beneficiaries. Budgetary Outlay: The total budgetary outlay for the scheme is Rs 24,104 crore, with the central share being Rs 15,336 crore and the state share being Rs 8,768 crore.  Coverage Period: The scheme extends from 2023-24 to 2025-26. Focus areas: The scheme is aimed at providing PVTG households and habitations with: basic facilities such as safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation, improved access to education, health and nutrition, road and telecom connectivity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities. In addition, saturation will also be ensured for schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), Sickle Cell Disease Elimination, TB Elimination, 100% immunisation, PM Poshan, PM Jan Dhan Yojana, etc Implementation: The scheme (comprising Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes) will be implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with the State governments and the PVTG communities. Other provisions: The plan also includes the establishment of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras for trading in forest produce, off-grid solar power systems for 1 lakh households, and solar street lights. Source: Deccan Chronicle National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) Category: Science and Technology Context: NCPOR has become the anchor of India’s polar and oceanic exploration, said Hon’ble Governor of Goa, while speaking at the Antarctica Day celebrations at Goa. About National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR): Nature: It is India’s premier R&D institute for polar and ocean sciences, spearheading the Indian Antarctic, Arctic, and Southern Ocean research programs. Establishment: It was founded on 25 May 1998 as the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR), and it was renamed NCPOR later. Nodal Ministry: It works under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India Headquarters: Its headquarters is located in Vasco da Gama, Goa. Composition: The governing Body comprises of 13 members and the Chairman (ex-officio) of governing body is Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences. Mandate: It facilitates scientific research activities in Antarctica, Arctic and in Indian Ocean sector of Southern Ocean. It also helps in management of Indian Antarctic Research Bases “Maitri” and “Bharati”, and Indian Arctic base “Himadri”. Associated with strategic projects: It also works on strategically vital projects like Mapping of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Continental shelf surveys, and the Deep Ocean Mission. Data Management and global collaboration: It conducts climate modelling, and is setting up the first Polar and Ocean Museum. It also participates in international polar science networks, Arctic policy dialogues, and climate monitoring programs. Source: PIB (MAINS Focus) A Dismantling of the Base of Environmental Regulation (UPSC GS Paper III – “Environment, Conservation, EIA, Pollution & Environmental Governance”; GS Paper II – “Judiciary, Separation of Powers, Rule of Law”)   Context (Introduction) The Supreme Court’s review in CREDAI vs Vanashakti overturning its earlier ruling that outlawed ex post facto environmental clearances has raised deep concerns about weakening environmental safeguards, diluting the EIA framework, and eroding decades of jurisprudence rooted in precaution and accountability.   Main Arguments Judicial Reversal: The majority held that retrospective clearances may serve “public welfare,” effectively reopening the door for projects begun illegally to obtain post-facto approvals. Circular Logic: Violations such as starting construction without an EC become the justification for granting a clearance—turning illegality into a ground for validation. Departure from Precedent: Long-standing rulings—from Common Cause to M.C. Mehta—had held that prior EC is mandatory and retrospective approval causes irreparable environmental harm. Undermining Precautionary Principle: The shift dilutes a bedrock principle of environmental law that requires preventive action even when risks are uncertain. Contradicting State Assurances: Despite the Union government earlier claiming before the Madras High Court that the 2017 post-facto window was a “one-time” measure, the 2021 SOP reopened it, enabling continued regularisation.   Challenges / Criticisms  EIA Framework Hollowed Out: Prior EC, meant to ensure scientific appraisal, public hearings, and environmental limits, is reduced to a procedural afterthought. Incentivisation of Illegality: Developers may deliberately bypass environmental scrutiny, confident that violations can later be cured with fines. Weakening Regulatory Deterrence: Voluntary compliance replaces enforceable discipline, diminishing the authority of environmental regulators. Threat to Rule of Law: Bending rules to validate mass violations creates a governance culture where the scale of wrongdoing becomes a reason for leniency. Climate Vulnerability Ignored: In a period of intensifying climate risks, the judgment signals judicial retreat from environmental protection.   Way Forward Reaffirm Prior Scrutiny: Courts should restore the principle that no project may commence without an EC, preserving the preventive nature of the EIA regime. Tighten Post-Facto Exceptions: If allowed at all, retrospective ECs must be strictly limited to unforeseeable emergencies and not routine violations. Strengthen Regulatory Capacity: Empower MoEFCC, State PCBs, and expert appraisal bodies with resources for real-time monitoring and enforcement. Ensure Public Participation: Public hearings and transparent scientific assessments must remain central to the EC process. Judicial Consistency: The Court must align future rulings with its rich jurisprudence on Article 21, precautionary principle, and intergenerational equity.   Conclusion The review judgment marks a worrying dilution of India’s environmental governance architecture. By legitimising violations, it erodes the EIA’s preventive foundation and weakens regulatory deterrence at a time when ecological fragility demands stronger, not weaker, accountability. Upholding environmental rule of law is essential for the credibility of both institutions and constitutional protections.   Mains Question  “The Supreme Court’s reversal on ex post facto environmental clearances risks dismantling the preventive foundation of India’s environmental regulation.” Discuss. (250 words, GS-III / GS-II) A Seven-Point Blueprint for Scaling India’s Climate Ambition (UPSC GS Paper III – “Environment, Climate Change, Conservation, Mitigation, Energy Transition, NDCs”; GS Paper II – “Policy, Governance, International Commitments”)   Context (Introduction) India is preparing its new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement for the 2035 horizon. The article proposes a seven-point energy transition strategy to peak emissions by 2035 and strengthen India’s decarbonisation credibility.   Main Arguments Higher Emissions Intensity Reduction: India should target a 65% reduction in emissions intensity by 2035, signalling a credible path to peaking emissions around 2035 and reinforcing global trust in India’s decarbonisation pathway. Expanded Non-Fossil Capacity: Raise the non-fossil capacity share to 80% by 2035, lifting total generation capacity to 1,600 GW, with solar and wind contributing 1,200 GW and storage scaling to ~170 GW. Phasing Down Unabated Coal: No new unabated coal plants should be commissioned after 2030; coal capacity should peak at 293 GW before declining, with eventual retention dependent on affordable carbon capture and storage (CCS). Accelerated Electrification: Deepen electrification across transport, targeting 100% electric traction in railways, 50% electric city buses, and full transition of electric three-wheelers within a few years. Operationalising Carbon Markets: The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) starting 2026 must expand coverage to power and medium-scale industries, tightening emission intensity norms in line with net-zero goals. Electricity Pricing Reforms: High renewable penetration needs dynamic pricing, exchange-based power procurement, and time-of-day tariffs to manage variability and enhance grid efficiency. Mobilising Finance: India must attract $62 billion annually until 2035 for renewables and grid expansion, with 80% domestic mobilisation and 20% foreign capital, supported by stronger MDB financing.   Challenges / Criticisms Financing Constraints: Large upfront investment needs may strain domestic savings and private capital flows without predictable policy stability. Technological Uncertainty: Cost-effective CCS, battery storage and large-scale grid integration remain uncertain and require accelerated innovation. Coal-Dependent States: Jharkhand, Odisha and Chhattisgarh face employment risks, requiring transition planning, retraining and diversification. Behavioural Resistance: Electricity pricing reforms, especially time-of-day tariffs, may face public pushback due to lack of awareness. Institutional Fragmentation: Climate governance remains dispersed, with the need for stronger inter-ministerial coordination.   Way Forward Revive PM’s Council on Climate Change: Act as the apex body to approve national plans, coordinate inter-governmental action and conduct periodic review. State-Level Transition Plans: Prepare just transition frameworks for coal-producing states, linking reskilling, MSME diversification and green industries. Green Industrial Policy: Promote domestic manufacturing of solar modules, wind turbines, batteries and electrolyzers to reduce import dependence. Grid Modernisation: Invest in smart grids, battery storage, pumped hydro, and inter-state transmission corridors to handle 50% variable renewables. Global Climate Diplomacy: Link India’s enhanced NDCs with finance guarantees, concessional capital pools, and MDB reforms to de-risk private investment.   Conclusion India’s next decade will determine its long-term climate trajectory. A credible, finance-backed seven-point strategy—anchored in higher ambition, technological shifts, coal phase-down, and institutional cohesion—can place India firmly on the path toward a resilient, low-carbon, Viksit Bharat by 2070.   Mains Question  “India’s upcoming NDCs provide an opportunity to embed a long-term energy transition strategy. Discuss the key elements required to scale up India’s climate ambition while ensuring economic growth and energy security.” (250 words, GS-III)  

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Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Exercise Ekuverin Category: Defence and Security Context: Recently, the 14th edition of the annual India-Maldives bilateral Exercise Ekuverin started in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. About Exercise Ekuverin: Nomenclature: The Exercise ‘Ekuverin’ meaning ‘Friends’ in Dhivehi language started in the year 2009. Countries involved: Ekuverin is one of the three major joint exercises between India and the Maldives. Launch year: It is a bilateral military annual exercise conducted alternatively in India and Maldives since 2009. Objective: The Exercise aims to enhance interoperability while carrying out counterinsurgency and Counter Terrorism operations in semi-urban, jungle and coastal terrain. Significance: Exercise Ekuverin continues to be a shining example of India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and its commitment to building enduring defence partnerships with friendly nations. Focus areas: It focuses on integration of niche technology to enhance interoperability, the countries will share best practices, reflecting the shared commitment of India and the Maldives towards peace and security in the region. Important for Indian Ocean region: The exercise reflects the growing defence cooperation and mutual commitment of India and the Maldives towards regional peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region. Other Exercises between India and Maldives: The two bilateral exercises are “Ekuverin” and “Ekatha” and trilateral- “Dosti”, which includes Sri Lanka. About Exercise Ekuverin 2025: The Indian Army contingent of 45 personnel, represented by a battalion of the Garhwal Rifles, is participating alongside an equal-strength Maldivian contingent represented by the MNDF. The two-week-long exercise aims to enhance interoperability and operational synergy in Counter-Insurgency and Counter-Terrorism operations across jungle, semi-urban and coastal terrain. It will witness participation of troops from both sides sharing best practices, tactical drills and joint operational planning to strengthen their capability to respond to common security challenges in the region. Source: News on AIR Hornbill Festival Category: History and Culture Context: Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival, began recently amid renewed pushback by the state government against the Centre’s re-imposition of the Protected Area Regime. About Hornbill Festival: Nomenclature: It was named after the Hornbill bird is named after the hornbill bird, a symbol of fidelity, beauty, and grace in Naga folklore.  Location: It is celebrated at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama which is about 12 km from Kohima in Nagaland. Launch year: It was first organized in the year 2000 and it showcases the heritage of its 17 Naga tribes. Objective: It aims to promote inter-tribal interaction and preserve Nagaland’s heritage, blending the traditional with the contemporary in a harmonious display of unity. Significance: It is also called the festival of festivals and is held every year. Organising authority: It is organized by the State Tourism and Art & Culture Departments of the Government of Nagaland. Evolution: It has evolved into a celebration showcasing the diverse and vibrant cultural and traditional heritage of the tribes of Nagaland. It serves as a platform for the Naga tribes to display their rich traditions through performances, dances, and exhibitions. Distinctive attire: Warriors, dressed in full ceremonial attire, perform traditional dances and war cries that narrate stories of victories, harvests, love, and tribal legends. Their distinctive attire features hornbill feathers, boar tusks, and colourful woven sashes, creating a striking display of Naga heritage and pride. About Hornbill Festival 2025: Theme of 2025 festival:  Cultural Connect This year Nagaland has officially named Switzerland and Ireland as country partners for the Hornbill Festival 2025. Source: The Indian Express International Maritime Organization (IMO) Category: International Organisations Context: India has been re-elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in Category B, which includes 10 countries. About International Maritime Organization (IMO): Nature: IMO is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping.  Objective: Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted, and universally implemented.  Headquarters: Its headquarters is located in London. Membership: It has 176 Member States and three Associate Members. Once a member state adopts a regulation, it becomes part of that country’s domestic law. Funding mechanism: Funding is sourced through mandatory contributions by member states and also from voluntary donations and commercial revenue. Association with UN: It is the United Nations’ specialised agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships. Lacks enforceability of laws: The IMO formulates regulations on shipping safety, maritime security, and environmental protection but does not enforce them.  Promotes SDG 14: It contributes directly to UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, which focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and marine resources. Deals with legal issues: The organisation also deals with legal matters such as liability, compensation, and facilitation of maritime traffic. Organisational Structure: The Assembly is the supreme governing body, comprising all member states. It meets every two years to approve the work programme, budget, and elect members to the Council. The Council acts as the Executive Organ, overseeing IMO’s work in between Assembly sessions. Major Committees: The IMO has five major committees, which are responsible for policy development and regulation formulation, including the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC). Source: PIB Norovirus Disease Category: Science and Technology Context: Cases of norovirus, commonly known as the “winter vomiting disease,” have been rising in the United States in recent weeks. About Norovirus Disease: Nature: It is a common and highly contagious virus that causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines, a condition known as gastroenteritis. Other names: It is also sometimes referred to as the ‘stomach flu’ or the ‘winter vomiting bug’ as norovirus outbreaks usually happen seasonally in colder months.  Vulnerable people: People of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus, which spreads very easily and quickly. Frequency: One can get norovirus illness many times in your life because there are many different types of noroviruses. These viruses are responsible for about 90% of viral gastroenteritis outbreaks and close to 50% of cases across the world. Transmission: One can get norovirus from an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces. Norovirus infection occurs most frequently in closed and crowded environments.  Symptoms: These include vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, fever, and tiredness. In extreme cases, loss of fluids could lead to dehydration. Treatment: Most people recover completely without treatment.  No vaccines are currently available to prevent norovirus. Treatment for the infection focuses on relieving the symptoms. Prevention: Hands should be washed frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Further, contaminated surfaces should be disinfected with a bleach-based solution, especially in outbreak situations. Source: NDTV Sanchar Saathi Category: Government Initiatives Context: The Department of Telecommunications has ordered phone makers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on smartphones by March 2026. About Sanchar Saathi: Development: Sanchar Saathi is a is a security and awareness platform developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Availability: It is available both as an app and a web portal. Objective: It primarily aims to help mobile users manage their digital identity, report suspicious activity, and safeguard their devices.  Focus on awareness: The platform also provides educational material on telecom safety and cyber risks, making it a combined service-and-awareness system. Chakshu Feature: It lets users report suspicious calls, SMS, and WhatsApp messages, such as fake KYC alerts, impersonation scams, or phishing links.  It helps authorities spot fraud patterns. Addresses spam calls and links: Users can report spam calls and messages that break TRAI rules. Complaints made within seven days can lead to action against the sender. It also allows reporting of phishing links, unsafe APKs, and fraudulent websites.  Checks linked mobile connections: It shows how many mobile numbers are registered using one’s identity. It also helps identify SIM cards taken without one’s knowledge. Blocks lost or stolen phones: It allows users to block the IMEI of a lost or stolen device so it can’t be used. Phones can be unblocked if recovered. Verifies authenticity of a device: It allows users to check if a phone is genuine by validating its IMEI. It is useful when buying second-hand phones. Reports fraud international calls: Some scammers use illegal telecom setups to make international calls appear as regular +91 calls. Sanchar Saathi enables users to report such cases. Verifies trusted contacts: It provides a directory to confirm genuine customer-care numbers, emails, and websites of banks and other major institutions. Source: The Hindu (MAINS Focus) Colombo Security Conclave: A Template for Indian Ocean Security Cooperation (UPSC GS Paper II – “International Relations: India and its Neighbourhood, Regional Groupings, Security Architectures”) & GS Paper III – “Maritime Security, Internal Security Challenges”)   Context (Introduction) The 7th NSA-level Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) summit in 2025 reflects India’s efforts to build a cooperative security framework in the Indian Ocean, as regional geopolitics, China’s growing footprint, and non-traditional maritime threats reshape strategic priorities.   Main Arguments Regional Security Platform: CSC provides a dedicated Indian Ocean security forum, unique in a region lacking a unified architecture despite high maritime vulnerabilities. Evolution of the Group: Originally a trilateral (India–Sri Lanka–Maldives), CSC expanded to include Mauritius (2022), Bangladesh (2024), and Seychelles (2025), signalling widening trust and strategic convergence. Addressing Non-Traditional Threats: The platform prioritises maritime security, counter-terrorism, trafficking, organised crime, and cyber threats, central to the economic and livelihood needs of littoral states. Development–Security Link: For CSC members, maritime security is inseparable from blue economy prospects, fisheries protection, disaster resilience, and sea-borne trade. India’s Strategic Moment: The summit strengthens India’s leadership at a time when the Indo-Pacific security environment is shifting due to China’s expanding influence and geopolitical volatility.   Challenges / Criticisms  China Divergence: India views China’s presence in the Indian Ocean as a strategic risk, but many CSC members depend on China economically and do not share New Delhi’s threat assessment. Institutional Weakness: CSC still functions primarily through NSA-level meetings, lacking a deeper, standing institutional mechanism for sustained cooperation. Domestic Uncertainties: Political instability in key states, especially Bangladesh, may affect continuity of engagement and weaken long-term group cohesion. Fragmented Regional Architecture: The Indian Ocean remains divided among multiple, overlapping but weak security groupings, diluting collective action. Uneven Capacity: Smaller island states lack resources for maritime domain awareness, search-and-rescue, and cyber defence, limiting CSC’s effectiveness.   Way Forward Institutionalisation: Create permanent secretariat, working groups, and annual joint exercises, similar to ASEAN-led mechanisms, ensuring policy continuity. Capacity Building: India can expand IT, maritime domain awareness (MDA), and coast guard training through IORA, SAGAR, and I4F initiatives. Balanced China Strategy: CSC should frame cooperation around non-traditional security, avoiding overt anti-China signalling to maintain consensus among smaller states. Economic-Security Integration: Promote blue economy partnerships, port security, anti-piracy collaboration, and disaster preparedness, reflecting member priorities. Incremental Expansion: Gradually include Malaysia (guest in 2025) and other Indian Ocean states, ensuring the group grows without overstretching.   Conclusion The CSC has emerged as a promising mini-lateral model for Indian Ocean security governance, overcoming historical fragmentation. Its future strength will depend on institutional resilience, balanced strategic messaging, and sustained cooperation that aligns security priorities with the developmental needs of littoral states.   Mains Question  “The Colombo Security Conclave is becoming a crucial pillar of India’s maritime diplomacy but faces structural and geopolitical challenges.” Discuss. (250 words, 15 marks) Source: The Hindu Mandating Sanchar Saathi: Cybersecurity vs Privacy Trade-offs (UPSC GS Paper II – “Fundamental Rights; Government Policies; Right to Privacy”; GS Paper III – “Cybersecurity; Internal Security; Technology & Threats”)   Context (Introduction) To curb cybercrime—from digital arrests to spoofed IMEI frauds—the government has mandated SIM binding and compulsory pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app on all new smartphones. The move has raised concerns over privacy, proportionality, and potential surveillance misuse.   Main Arguments:  Cybercrime Escalation: Scams involving government impersonation, digital arrests, and cross-border networks have intensified, exploiting gaps in SIM-based verification systems. Account Exploitation: User accounts remain active even after SIM removal, enabling criminals to operate anonymously on encrypted messaging platforms. IMEI Spoofing: Counterfeit devices and tampered IMEI numbers have made tracking cybercriminals extremely difficult for law enforcement. Security Patch Intent: SIM binding aims to disable messaging app access when the associated SIM is removed, reducing impersonation risk. Device Verification Goal: Sanchar Saathi is intended to authenticate devices and weed out cloned or illegal handsets, strengthening the digital identification ecosystem.   Challenges / Criticisms  Privacy Intrusion: The directive mandates that the app be pre-installed, visible, and undeletable, requiring higher security privileges, risking intrusive access. Surveillance Concerns: Elevated permissions could create a Panopticon-like tool, enabling continuous monitoring or exploitation—especially worrying given past use of Pegasus. Legality & Proportionality Issues: Under K.S. Puttaswamy (2017), state actions must satisfy legality, necessity, and proportionality. Existing alternatives make the measure disproportionate. Security Vulnerability: A privileged government app could become a high-value target for hackers, exposing millions of users to systemic risks. Industry Pushback: Privacy-focused companies like Apple have resisted compliance, signalling global discomfort with mandatory surveillance-linked applications.   Way Forward Privacy-by-Design Tools: Strengthen USSD codes, SMS checks, and web-based verification instead of forcing device-level intrusive apps. Targeted IMEI Regulation: Improve CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) functioning, coupled with telecom audits and stricter KYC enforcement. Risk-Graded Measures: Apply intrusive tools only for high-risk cases after judicial authorisation, not for every smartphone buyer. Independent Oversight: Create a privacy and cybersecurity review board, ensuring safeguards before deploying government apps on private devices. Transparent Standards: Publish data handling policies, permissions, and audit logs, ensuring that no invisible surveillance architecture is embedded into devices.   Conclusion Cybercrime demands strong action, but compulsory government apps with privileged access raise grave concerns for privacy and constitutionalism. A sustainable cybersecurity strategy must rely on least-intrusive tools, transparent safeguards, and adherence to the proportionality doctrine laid down in Puttaswamy.   Mains Question  “The compulsory installation of the Sanchar Saathi app aims to curb cybercrime but raises serious concerns under the privacy framework.” Examine. (250 words, 15 marks)   Source: The Hindu