RAS question
Which system did the Ministry of Communications launch on 2 May 2026 to send geo-targeted disaster alerts directly to mobile users?
Correct answer: (A) Cell Broadcast System.
On 2 May 2026, the Ministry of Communications launched the indigenous Cell Broadcast System to send near real-time, geo-targeted disaster alerts directly to mobile users.
Explanation
The PIB release identifies the launch as the Cell Broadcast System, an indigenous technology developed by C-DOT under the Department of Telecommunications, with NDMA and the Ministry of Home Affairs. Its purpose matches the question exactly: it is a telecom-enabled public warning system that lets authorities broadcast simultaneous alerts to mobile devices in a defined area. The release also explains why this matters for disaster response: CBS supports near real-time, geo-targeted messaging, can reach mobile users within seconds without queuing delays, and is designed to work even when networks are congested. Because the question asks for the system launched for direct, location-based disaster alerts to mobile users, only the Cell Broadcast System fits.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) National Digital Health Mission is a health-sector option, while the cited release concerns a telecom-enabled public warning system for disaster alerts.
- (C) Unified Payments Interface Lite relates to payments, not the disaster-alert system launched by the Ministry of Communications in the PIB release.
- (D) National Agriculture Market is an agriculture-related option, whereas the launch described in the source is a mobile-based public warning system for emergencies.
Concept
This tests current-affairs awareness of disaster-management communication systems and digital governance. Such questions recur in RAS because they link a named government launch with its practical administrative purpose.