India's Zoho wins prize for new web browser Ulaa

The Indian government is promoting the development of a local web browser called Ulaa, created by Zoho Corporation. Zoho won a prize of ₹1 crore for this project, aimed at increasing India's digital independence. A key requirement for Ulaa is to use India's root certificate for encryption. This certification is essential for establishing secure internet connections, represented by the “https” in web addresses. Most major browsers stopped recognizing India's root certificate after a 2014 security breach involving fake certificates. Currently, only one Indian company, eMudhra, is recognized globally for its certification authority. The government believes that Ulaa will help India manage internet stability and security better. Arvind Kumar, head of the certifying authority, emphasized the need for a browser built with strong local authentication to enhance cyber security. IT Secretary S. Krishnan stated that having a domestic browser is critical for ensuring the country’s internet resilience. He suggested that if India faces disruptions like undersea cable cuts, Ulaa would keep the country connected. Overall, the initiative seeks to bolster India's ability to manage its internet infrastructure independently.