Daily News Analysis

Cell Broadcast (CB) system

stylish_lining

India is testing an indigenous Cell Broadcast (CB) system developed by C-DOT to deliver real-time alerts during natural and man-made disasters. The system complements SMS alerts by broadcasting messages to mobile users in affected areas instantly. It’s based on the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) and is already active in all 36 States/UTs via the SACHET platform. Test messages in English and Hindi will be sent over the next 2–4 weeks; no action is needed by recipients

What is Cell Broadcast System for Disaster Alerts in India

  • The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) are testing an indigenous Cell Broadcast (CB) system developed by Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT).It is a technology used by mobile network operators to send text messages simultaneously to all mobile users in a specific geographic area.

    It aims to deliver real-time, geo-targeted emergency alerts during disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, lightning strikes, and industrial hazards.

Key Features:

  • CB technology broadcasts messages simultaneously to all mobile users in a specific geographical area.

    Faster and more reliable than SMS during network congestion.

    Supports multiple Indian languages, ensuring inclusive communication.

    Works alongside the existing Integrated Alert System (SACHET) which has sent over 6,899 crore SMS alerts across all 36 States and UTs.

    SACHET follows the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) recommended by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Purpose:

  • Rapid Dissemination of Alerts: To broadcast emergency and critical information instantly to all mobile users within a specific geographical area.

    Disaster Management: To provide timely warnings during natural disasters (earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones, lightning strikes) and man-made emergencies (chemical leaks, industrial hazards).

    Enhance Public Safety: To ensure citizens receive alerts promptly to take necessary precautions and reduce casualties and damages.

    Overcome Network Congestion: Unlike SMS, Cell Broadcast sends messages simultaneously to many users without overloading the network.

Significance:

  • Real-time Communication: Enables near-instantaneous transmission of alerts to targeted regions.

    Geographical Targeting: Alerts reach only those in the affected area, minimizing unnecessary panic elsewhere.

    Multilingual Support: Broadcasts messages in multiple Indian languages, making communication inclusive.

    Indigenous Development: Developed by India’s C-DOT, ensuring control, security, and customization to local needs.

    Complementary to Existing Systems: Works alongside SMS-based systems like SACHET to strengthen the country’s disaster response infrastructure.

    Network Efficiency: Broadcast mode avoids delays and message failures common in congested networks, especially during emergencies.


 

Elephant Conservation in India

World Elephant Day: A Global Conservation Effort On 12th August 2025, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) observed World Elephant Day in Coimbatore, with a focu
Share It

Flash Flood in Dharali Village

The flash flood in Dharali village, Uttarkashi, highlights the growing threat of disasters caused by extreme weather events in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). Factors Driving Frequent Disast
Share It

Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)

The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, completed a decade in 2025. Over this period, AMRUT has aimed to improve
Share It

India's Indigenous 5th-Generation Fighter Jet

India's defense sector has received a major boost with the approval of the execution model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a project aimed at producing India’s own 5th-ge
Share It

Agroforestry

The Indian Government has recently issued Model Rules 2025 aimed at promoting agroforestry and regulating the felling of trees on agricultural land. These rules are designed to facilitate the deve
Share It

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance's Recommendations: ESG Oversight Body

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has proposed the creation of a dedicated Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) oversight body within the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
Share It

Quick Commerce

According to a report by consulting firm Kearney, India’s quick commerce sector is set to witness significant growth, but it's also creating shifts in consumer behavior. What is Quick
Share It

Asset Monetization Strategy

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has outlined a structured framework to monetize public assets and increase public-private participation (PPP) for the development of road infrastruct
Share It

India's Groundwater Contamination Crisis

India's groundwater is facing significant contamination issues, with over 600 million Indians depending on it daily. The 2024 Annual Groundwater Quality Report from the Central Ground Water Bo
Share It

India’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Trends

India's net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows witnessed a dramatic fall of 96% in FY25 compared to FY24, as per the RBI Bulletin (June 2025). This sharp decline in net FDI, despite a ris
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS