Indian Web Browser Development

• The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) introduced the Indian Web Browser Development Challenge (IWBDC) at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi.
• The aim is to encourage technology enthusiasts and developers across India to create an indigenous web browser with advanced features and heightened security.
• It is a collaborative iniatiative of MeitY, the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA), and C-DAC Bangalore.

Features of this Challenge

• Ideation, shortlisting, and the final round are the three rounds of IWBDC.
• Browser features should encompass cutting-edge functionalities, robust security, data privacy, accessibility, and user-friendliness.
• The proposed browser envisions incorporating the ability to digitally sign documents using a crypto token, thereby enhancing secure transactions and digital interactions.
• The IWBDC inspires developers to create a homegrown web browser equipped with its trust store containing a Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) India root certificate.

India Root Certificate

• The India Root Certificate is a digital certificate issued by a trusted authority in India. It serves as a foundational element for establishing secure digital communications and transactions within the country’s online ecosystem. 
• This certificate verifies the authenticity of websites, software, and digital signatures, contributing to enhanced security and trust in online interactions.
• Top browsers like Chrome and Firefox do not include CCA in their root stores. Due to this, for digital certificates or Security Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates, India has depended on SSL certificates issued by Roots of Foreign Entities.
• The controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) was appointed under the Information Technology (IT) Act 2000 of MeitY, to issue certificates only to Certifying Authorities (CAs).
• Digital Signatures are valid under IT Act 2000. For identifying and verifying CAs, CCA established the Root Certifying Authority of India (RCAI) under IT Act.

Significance

• The IWBDC launch signifies a significant step toward fostering local innovation, ensuring data security, and achieving digital self-sufficiency for India.
• The challenge aligns with the  Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative, aiming to achieve self-sufficiency and bolster India’s digital sovereignty.
• Championing Digital India: Recognizing web browsers’ critical role in shaping online experiences, the challenge contributes to the ongoing Digital India transformation by fostering indigenous innovation.

Practice Questions for Prelims

Consider the following statements:
1. Indian Web Browser Development Challenge (IWBDC) was introduced by The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY)
2. It is a collaborative iniatiative of MeitY, the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA), and C-DAC Bangalore.

Which of the above given statements is/are incorrect?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans. d)

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