Subject: Polity – Consumer Protection; CCPA; Misleading Advertisements; Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

Why in News?

• The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) imposed a penalty of ₹7 lakh on Vajiram and Ravi IAS Study Centre for publishing misleading advertisements claiming credit for candidates who cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023.

About Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)

Establishment

• Established under Section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
• Consumer Protection Act, 2019, replaced the 1986 Act; notified on August 9, 2019; came into force on July 20, 2020.

Nodal Ministry

• Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.

Composition

• Chief Commissioner (heads the CCPA)
• Two Commissioners:
  • One deals with goods-related issues.
  • One handles service-related complaints.

Head Office

• New Delhi.

Functions and Powers of CCPA

• Protects, promotes, and enforces the rights of consumers as a class under the Act.
• Prevents unfair trade practices and curbs false or misleading advertisements.
• Can initiate class-action suits, including recall, refunds, and cancellation of licenses.
• Can conduct inquiries and investigations through its Investigation Wing, headed by a Director-General.
• Can order discontinuation of unfair practices, impose penalties on errant businesses, and enforce consumer welfare measures.

Consumer Protection Act, 2019 – Key Provisions (Context)

Key Terms for Prelims

• CCPA: Central Consumer Protection Authority – established under Consumer Protection Act, 2019
• Consumer Protection Act, 2019: Replaced 1986 Act; notified August 9, 2019; effective July 20, 2020
• Misleading Advertisement: Ad that conceals important information or gives false impression (Section 2(28))
• Unfair Trade Practice: Deceptive practice harming consumer interests
• Class-action suit: Lawsuit filed by a group of consumers with similar grievances

Possible Prelims MCQs

Q1: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) was established under which Act?

• Consumer Protection Act, 2019

Q2: The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 came into force on:

• July 20, 2020

Q3: Which section of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 defines “misleading advertisement”?

• Section 2(28)

Source/Reference:

https://www.telegraphindia.com/amp/india/central-consumer-protection-authority-imposes-rs-7-lakh-penalty-on-vajiram-and-ravi-ias-study-centre-for-false-success-claims/cid/2163204

Subject: Polity – Central Armed Police Forces; Internal Security – Coastal Security; CISF; Maritime Security; ISPS Code.

Why in News?

• Around 1,200 fishing harbours and fishing landing sites are all set to be brought under the oversight of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as part of the Union Home Ministry’s plan to fortify and secure India’s coastline.
• The CISF also organised the Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon 2026 – the second edition – to strengthen coastal security awareness, national unity, and community participation.

About CISF

Establishment

• Came into existence in 1969 under the CISF Act, 1968 with a sanctioned strength of only three battalions.
• The idea gained urgency after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.
• The Act was amended in 1983, declaring CISF as an Armed Force of the Union.

Nodal Ministry

• Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)

Type

• Central Armed Police Force (CAPF)

Headquarters

• New Delhi

Motto

• “Protection and Security”

Organisation Structure

• Headed by a Director-General (IPS officer), assisted by an Additional Director-General (IPS).
• Divided into seven sectors (Airport, North, North-East, East, West, South, and Training).
• Has a Fire Service Wing – the only CAPF with a customised and dedicated fire wing.
• Seven training institutes – six Recruit Training Centers and the National Industrial Security Academy (NISA).

Functions of CISF

• Provides security to India’s most critical infrastructure facilities:
  • Nuclear installations
  • Space establishments (ISRO)
  • Airports
  • Seaports
  • Power plants
• Protects important government buildings, iconic heritage monuments, Delhi Metro, Parliament House Complex.
• Trained in disaster management techniques – actively responds to natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and cyclones.
• One of the largest Fire Protection Service providers in the country.

International Recognition

• CISF has been designated as a recognised security force under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

Key Terms for Prelims

• CISF: Central Industrial Security Force – CAPF under MHA (established 1969)
• CAPF: Central Armed Police Forces (7 forces: BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, NSG, AR)
• CISF Act, 1968: Parent legislation for CISF; amended 1983 to declare CISF as Armed Force of the Union
• NISA: National Industrial Security Academy – premier training institute of CISF
• ISPS Code: International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (under IMO – International Maritime Organization)
• Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon: CISF’s coastal awareness cyclothon; theme “Surakshit Tat, Samridh Bharat”
• Lakhpat Fort: Gujarat (starting point for western team)
• Bakhali: West Bengal (starting point for eastern team)
• Surakshit Tat, Samridh Bharat: Secure Coast, Prosperous India

Possible Prelims MCQs

Q1: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) was established in which year?

• 1969

Q2: CISF operates under which ministry?

• Ministry of Home Affairs

Q3: The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code is under which international organisation?

• IMO (International Maritime Organization)

Source/Reference:

https://newsonair.gov.in/central-industrial-security-force-organises-vande-mataram-coastal-cyclothon-2026/

Subject: Environment – New Species Discovery; Amphibian Diversity; Indo-Burma Hotspot; Meghalaya; Khasi Culture.

Why in News?

• A new species of toad recorded in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district has been named Duttaphrynus dhara – after “Dhara”, the traditional Khasi women’s attire.
• The discovery was made during field surveys in the Mawphlang landscape at an altitude of 1,854 metres above mean sea level.

About Duttaphrynus dhara

Etymology (Name Meaning)

• “Dhara” – traditional attire worn by Khasi women.
• Named to honour the Khasi community’s long-standing relationship with forests, hills, and biodiversity of Meghalaya.

Scientific Classification

• Genus: Duttaphrynus
• Family: Bufonidae (true toads)

Type Locality

• Mawphlang (East Khasi Hills district), Meghalaya.
• Mawphlang is better known for its sacred grove.

Habitat

• Prefers forest-edge and semi-natural habitats.
• Found on ground among low vegetation and leaf litter in fallow agricultural fields close to montane forest.
• Unlike the common Asian toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus), which is abundant around villages and disturbed human settlements, this species avoids heavily disturbed areas.

Physical Features

Genetic and Morphometric Analysis

• Integrative taxonomic approach used: external morphology + morphometric analysis + mitochondrial 16S rRNA genetic data.
• Genetic analysis showed that the Khasi Hills population forms a distinct and well-supported lineage within the genus Duttaphrynus.
• Genetic divergence from closest relatives (Duttaphrynus stuarti and Duttaphrynus chandai): 4.4% to 6.7%.
• Morphometric analysis confirmed that the new species forms a separate cluster from related species.

Conservation Significance

• Currently known only from its type locality (Mawphlang).
• Species with restricted known distributions may be vulnerable to:
  • Habitat change
  • Land-use transformation
  • Climate-related shifts in montane ecosystems
• Highlights the Meghalaya plateau as an important centre of amphibian diversity and endemism within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.

Key Terms for Prelims

• Duttaphrynus dhara: New toad species discovered in Meghalaya (2026)
• Dhara: Traditional Khasi women’s attire (after which the species is named)
• Mawphlang: Type locality in East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya; known for sacred grove
• Bufonidae: Family of true toads (genus Duttaphrynus)
• Keratinised warts: Pointed, hardened skin projections on toad’s back
• Tympanum: External hearing structure in amphibians (eardrum)
• 16S rRNA: Mitochondrial gene used for genetic analysis (molecular taxonomy)
• Integrative taxonomy: Combining morphology, genetics, and ecology to identify species
• Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot: One of 36 global biodiversity hotspots; covers Northeast India, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, parts of China
• Sacred grove: Traditionally protected forest patches with religious/cultural significance (Mawphlang is famous for its sacred grove)

Possible Prelims MCQs

Q1: The new toad species Duttaphrynus dhara has been named after:

• The Khasi women’s attire (Dhara)

Q2: Duttaphrynus dhara was discovered in which Indian state?

• Meghalaya

Q3: The type locality of Duttaphrynus dhara is:

•  Mawphlang

Q4: To which family does Duttaphrynus dhara belong?

• Bufonidae

Q5: Which genetic marker was used for molecular analysis of the new species?

• 16S rRNA

Q6: Duttaphrynus dhara prefers which type of habitat?

• Forest-edge and semi-natural habitats

Q7: The Meghalaya plateau is part of which biodiversity hotspot?

• Indo-Burma

Source/Reference:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/new-toad-species-recorded-in-meghalaya-named-after-khasi-womens-attire/article71027776.ece

Subject: Economy – Agricultural Value Chain; GI Tag; North East Development; Mission Queen Pineapple; Tripura.

Why in News?

• The Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) , Jyotiraditya Scindia, launched Mission Queen Pineapple, Tripura – a transformative three-year project with an outlay of ₹236 crore.

About Mission Queen Pineapple

Objective

• Promote Tripura’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP) – the GI-tagged Queen Pineapple.
• Establish an integrated pineapple value-chain ecosystem in the state.
• Address structural gaps and unlock premium market potential.
• Transform discarded pineapple leaves into wealth (estimated worth nearly ₹1,483 crore).

Time Period

• Three-year implementation roadmap from Q2 FY2026 to Q4 FY2028.

Nodal Ministry

• Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) .

Three Major Components

1. Cultivation Management
2. Post-Harvest Management and Processing
3. Branding and Marketing

Multi-ministerial coordination model proposed for successful implementation.

About Queen Pineapple

Export History

• First export to Dubai on June 3, 2018.
• Subsequently exported to Qatar, Oman, and Bangladesh.
• Canned pineapple exported to Germany and Russia.

Tripura’s Pineapple Landscape

• Nearly 70% of Tripura’s geographical area covered by hills and hillocks (locally known as “Tilla”).
• Unique agro-climatic conditions make Tripura one of India’s leading pineapple-producing regions.
• Primarily cultivates ‘Queen’ and ‘Kew’ varieties, mostly by tribal growers.

Leaf Waste Value

• Discarded pineapple leaves are worth nearly ₹1,483 crore – scheme aims to transform waste into wealth.

Key Terms for Prelims

• Mission Queen Pineapple: ₹236 crore, 3-year project for Tripura’s GI-tagged pineapple
• Queen Pineapple: Spiny, golden-yellow variety; state fruit of Tripura; GI tag (2015)
• DoNER: Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (nodal ministry)
• APEDA: Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
• ICAR: Indian Council of Agricultural Research
• GI Tag (Geographical Indication): Protects products with specific geographical origin (Queen Pineapple GI tag 2015)
• TSS (Total Soluble Solids): Measure of sweetness (degrees Brix)
• Kew variety: Another pineapple variety grown in Tripura (less premium than Queen)
• Tilla: Local term for hillocks in Tripura

Possible Prelims MCQs

Q1: The “Queen” variety of pineapple is the state fruit of which state?

• Tripura

Q2: Queen pineapple from Tripura received the GI tag in which year?

• 2015

Q3: The nodal ministry for Mission Queen Pineapple is:

• Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER)

Q4: The sweetness of Queen Pineapple, measured in degrees Brix, ranges from:

• 13-17.2° Brix

Source/Reference:

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/rs-236-crore-mission-queen-pineapple-launched-to-boost-tripura-farmers-income/articleshow/131357302.cms?from=mdr

Subject: Art & Culture – Buddhist Architecture; Sanchi Stupa; Ashoka; Relics of Sariputra and Maudgalyayana.

Why in News?

• On a special initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sacred relics belonging to Sariputra and Maudgalyayana (two of Lord Buddha’s most prominent disciples) are being sent from Sanchi Stupa to Mongolia.
• The relics will be kept for public viewing in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, with over ten lakh devotees and tourists expected to visit.
• The initiative aims to strengthen cultural and spiritual ties between India and Mongolia.

About Sanchi Stupa

Location

• Sanchi town, Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh.

Built By

• Mauryan Emperor Ashoka in the third century BC (c. 3rd century BCE).

Construction Oversight

• Overseen by Ashoka’s wife Devi (daughter of a merchant from Vidisha).

Patronage

• Supported by patronage from Vidisha’s mercantile community.

Rediscovery

• Found in abject ruins by British officer Henry Taylor in 1818.
• First formal survey and excavations led by Alexander Cunningham in 1851 (founder of Archaeological Survey of India).

UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989.

Structure of Sanchi Stupa (Great Stupa – Stupa No. 1)

Sacred Relics Being Sent

Relics of

• Sariputra (one of the two chief disciples of the Buddha, known for wisdom)
• Maudgalyayana (the other chief disciple, known for psychic powers)

Significance

• Sanchi Stupa enshrines religious relics or remains of the Buddha and his most revered disciples.

Key Terms for Prelims

• Sanchi Stupa: UNESCO World Heritage Site (1989); built by Ashoka (3rd century BCE)
• Sariputra and Maudgalyayana: Two chief disciples of Lord Buddha
• Anda: Hemispherical dome (symbolises dome of heaven)
• Harmika: Square rail unit (symbolises world mountain)
• Yashti: Mast (symbolises cosmic axis)
• Chatras: Umbrellas (symbolise heavens)
• Toranas: Four gateways with elaborate carvings (Sanchi sculpture)
• Alexander Cunningham: Founder of ASI; excavated Sanchi in 1851
• Henry Taylor: British officer who “discovered” Sanchi in 1818
• Vidisha: Ancient city near Sanchi; mercantile community patronised Sanchi complex

Possible Prelims MCQs

Q1: Sanchi Stupa was built by which Mauryan emperor?

• Ashoka

Q2: Sanchi Stupa is located in which district of Madhya Pradesh?

• Raisen

Q3: Which British officer first “discovered” the ruins of Sanchi Stupa in 1818?

• Henry Taylor

Q4: The hemispherical dome of the stupa is known as:

• Anda

Q5: The four gateways of Sanchi Stupa are known as:

• Toranas

Q6: The sacred relics sent to Mongolia belong to:

• Sariputra and Maudgalyayana

Source/Reference:

https://newsonair.gov.in/sacred-relics-from-sanchi-stupa-to-be-sent-to-mongolia-on-pm-modis-initiative/

GS Paper II – Governance (Social Justice) | GS Paper III – Economy (Agriculture; Public Distribution)
National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013; PDS Modernisation; Technology Integration; Supply Chain Efficiency

Introduction

The CCEA has approved the ₹25,530 crore SARTHAK PDS scheme for 2026–31 to modernise and strengthen the Public Distribution System under the NFSA, 2013. It integrates foodgrain transport support with technology-driven PDS reforms under a single framework to improve efficiency, transparency, and implementation of food security programmes.

Main Body

Objectives of SARTHAK PDS

Primary Objectives:

• Create a single administrative structure for improving foodgrain distribution.
• Strengthen implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
• Use advanced technologies (AI, ML, NLP, Blockchain) to streamline PDS operations.
• Create unified databases and standardised digital architecture for real-time monitoring.
• Introduce ISO-certified process frameworks for transparency, security, and operational sustainability.

What SARTHAK Does NOT Do:

• Does NOT replace the existing PDS system.
• Instead, ensures structural reform across the delivery of foodgrains, logistics, transportation, material handling, and grievance redressal.

Components and Financial Outlay

Umbrella Scheme Integration:

• Merges two ongoing initiatives:
  • Assistance to State Agencies for intra-State movement of foodgrains and FPS dealers’ margin under NFSA.
  • Scheme for Modernisation and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System (SMART PDS).

Financial Outlay:

• Total central outlay: ₹25,530 crore for five years (until March 31, 2031).

Coverage:

• Entire PDS value chain: from beneficiary selection to movement of foodgrains, proactive citizen feedback, reducing transportation distance.
• Financial support for intra-State movement and handling of PDS goods, and FPS dealers’ margin.

Beneficiary Commitment:

• Works towards fulfilling Government of India’s commitment to 81.35 crore persons covered under NFSA.

Technology Integration

Advanced Technologies to be Used:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): For analytics, predictive modelling, and real-time monitoring.
• Machine Learning (ML): For pattern recognition and anomaly detection (leakages, diversions).
• Natural Language Processing (NLP): For citizen feedback analysis and grievance redressal.
• Blockchain: For tamper-proof record-keeping and supply chain traceability.

Digital Infrastructure:

• Unified databases and standardised digital architecture for real-time monitoring.
• AI-enabled analytics and grievance redressal systems.
• State Command Control Centres for data-based oversight and monitoring.

Quality Assurance:

• ISO-certified process frameworks to strengthen transparency, security standards, and operational sustainability.

Key Features

Citizen-Centric Design:

• Interoperable PDS architecture for last-mile service delivery.
• Proactive feedback from citizens.
• Minimising leakages through technology and oversight.

Logistics and Transportation:

• Reduces transportation distance for foodgrain movement.
• Streamlines intra-State movement and handling of PDS goods.

Grievance Redressal:

• AI-enabled grievance redressal systems.
• NLP for analysing citizen feedback in multiple languages.

Transparency and Security:

• Blockchain for tamper-proof records.
• ISO-certified frameworks for security standards.

Significance of SARTHAK PDS

For PDS Modernisation:

• The existing PDS system (under NFSA) serves over 81 crore beneficiaries.
• Leakages, diversion, and inefficiencies in transportation and handling have been persistent challenges.
• SARTHAK aims to address these through technology integration and unified administration.

For NFSA Implementation:

• Strengthens implementation of NFSA, 2013 under a single administrative framework.
• Retains and streamlines financial assistance components while embedding them within a modern, technology-driven ecosystem.

For States and FPS Dealers:

• Provides financial support for intra-State movement and handling.
• Provides FPS dealers’ margin (remunerative compensation).
• State Command Control Centres will enable data-based oversight.

For Citizens:

• Real-time monitoring should reduce leakages and ensure timely delivery.
• AI-enabled grievance redressal (NLP) will allow feedback in multiple languages.
• Interoperable architecture should improve last-mile service delivery.

Challenges:

• Technology integration (AI, Blockchain) requires significant capacity building at the state and district levels.
• FPS dealers (ration shops) may not have the digital infrastructure or literacy to fully utilise the system.
• State Command Control Centres need trained personnel and reliable connectivity.
• Interoperability across states (different PDS systems, languages, databases) is a major challenge.
• ₹25,530 crore over five years is substantial, but technology implementation often faces cost overruns.

Conclusion

The ₹25,530 crore SARTHAK PDS scheme (2026–31) seeks to modernise the Public Distribution System through a unified framework integrating logistics support and technology-driven reforms. Using AI, ML, NLP, Blockchain, and State Command Control Centres, it aims to improve transparency, monitoring, grievance redressal, and foodgrain delivery for 81.35 crore NFSA beneficiaries. Its effectiveness, however, will depend on efficient implementation by States and districts.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

1. SARTHAK PDS seeks to modernise India’s food distribution system through AI-driven real-time monitoring. Critically examine its potential to reduce leakages and inefficiencies in the PDS. What are the key implementation challenges? (250 words, 15 marks)

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cabinet-approves-extension-of-sarthak-pds-scheme-with-central-outlay-of-25530-crore/article71028748.ece#google_vignette

GS Paper III – Science & Technology (Cyber Security) | GS Paper III – Security
Quantum Computing; Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC); Quantum Key Distribution (QKD); Digital Infrastructure Protection

Introduction

The DST Task Force has warned that quantum computing could undermine current encryption systems and enable “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks. To secure India’s digital infrastructure, it recommends adopting post-quantum cryptography (PQC), deploying quantum key distribution (QKD) for high-security sectors, and allocating at least ₹5,000 crore for a quantum-safe transition.

Main Body

The Threat: What Quantum Computing Means for Cryptography

Public-Key Cryptography (Currently Used):

• Secures HTTPS (web browsing), email, banking, telecommunication networks, digital signatures.
• Relies on mathematical problems (factoring large numbers, discrete logarithms) that conventional computers cannot solve efficiently.
• A sufficiently capable quantum computer using Shor’s algorithm could break this in minutes or hours.

Symmetric Cryptography (AES encryption):

• Less threatened by quantum computers (Grover’s algorithm provides only quadratic speedup, easily countered by doubling key length).
• The existential exposure is concentrated in public-key infrastructure.

The “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” Problem:

• Adversaries can harvest encrypted data today (e.g., intercepted communications, stored backups).
• When quantum computers mature, they can decrypt this data retroactively.
• This makes the threat urgent even if “Q-day” is a decade away.

Solutions: Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)

Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC):

• Software that can run on conventional computers.
• Resistant to attacks from both conventional and quantum computers.
• Three post-quantum standards finalised in 2024 (by NIST, US) – recommended as a baseline.
• Can be deployed without replacing existing hardware.

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD):

• More technically demanding than PQC.
• Uses quantum mechanics to securely distribute encryption keys.
• Provides higher security assurances for critical environments.
• However, QKD engineers are rare today.

The Recommendation:

• Wider adoption of PQC as the primary path.
• QKD for environments requiring higher security assurances (defence, financial infrastructure, power grids).
• Migration must begin even if “Q-day” is pushed back (experts disagree on timing; mainstream view is at least a decade away).

The Migration Challenge: Not Just Technical

Cryptographic Dependencies Are Complex:

• Cryptography is spread across databases, legacy hardware, vendor software, authentication protocols, and control systems.
• A single ministry or organisation may have dozens of interdependent systems.
• The organisational transition challenge should not be underestimated.

Budgetary Requirement:

• Report recommends new budgetary allocation of at least ₹5,000 crore.

Other Requirements:

• Upgrading legacy infrastructure for interoperability.
• Rationalising vendor dependence (reducing reliance on single vendors for crypto components).
• Fostering and retaining human capital (QKD engineers are rare; PQC expertise also needs to be built).

Periodic Reassessment:

• Acute trade-off between security and operational efficiency with QKD.
• Needs must be periodically reassessed.

The Larger Threat Surface: AI + Quantum

Beyond Q-Day:

• Advanced AI can autonomously compromise the software layer today.
• Quantum computers threaten the mathematics of encryption tomorrow.
• The threat surface is much larger than what “Q-day” alone portends.

Implication:

• India must adopt PQC and QKD not just for future quantum threats but as part of a layered defence against current AI-driven attacks.

Priority Sectors for Migration

Critical Infrastructure:

• Power grids (vulnerable to disruption).
• Telecommunication networks.
• Financial services (banking, payment systems, stock exchanges).
• Defence and strategic infrastructure.
• Government databases and citizen services (Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, passport services).

The “Q-Day” Debate

Expected Timeline (DST Report):

• “Q-day” (when quantum computers practically endanger public-key cryptography) is expected around 2029.

Expert Disagreement:

• Mainstream view: both “Q-day” and migration will take at least a decade.
• Some experts believe it is further away; others believe it could arrive sooner.
• The report prudently advises migration to begin regardless of the exact timeline.

The Precautionary Principle:

• “Harvest now, decrypt later” makes migration urgent even if Q-day is 15 years away.
• Indian digital infrastructure (Aadhaar, UPI, banking, defence) cannot afford a decade of unpreparedness.

Challenges:

• Implementation is left to multiple ministries and agencies (coordination challenge).
• QKD engineers are rare; building human capital will take years.
• Legacy infrastructure in public sector banks, power grids, and government databases is decades old.
• Vendor dependence cannot be rationalised overnight.

The Core Reality:

• Public-key cryptography secures everything from HTTPS to telecommunication networks.
• A quantum computer using Shor’s algorithm could break it in minutes.
• Adversaries are harvesting encrypted data today for future decryption.
• India’s digital infrastructure (Aadhaar, UPI, banking, defence) is at risk.
• Migration to PQC and QKD must begin now, not when Q-day arrives.

Conclusion

Quantum computing threatens current public-key encryption systems that secure digital communications, banking, telecom, and critical infrastructure. The DST Task Force warns of “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks and recommends a transition to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) based on new NIST standards, along with QKD for high-security sectors. With “Q-day” expected around 2029, India must begin migration now despite challenges of legacy systems, vendor dependence, skill shortages, and high costs.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

1. Quantum computing poses serious risks to digital security through threats such as ‘harvest now, decrypt later’ attacks. Critically examine the implications for India’s digital infrastructure. What measures has the DST Task Force recommended, and what challenges remain in implementation? (250 words, 15 marks)

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/quantum-safe-thinking-on-the-new-dst-task-force-report/article71033634.ece#google_vignette