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GS Paper: GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.

  • Open access is crucial for self-reliance in science

    Why in the News?

    As per Nature Index” India’s scientific prowess is rising but lacks essential research infrastructure. Initiatives like I-STEM aim to bridge this gap by democratizing access to advanced facilities.

    The Indian Science Ecosystem:

    • Growth in Research: India ranks third globally in research output and eleventh in research quality according to the “Nature Index”.
    • Infrastructure Shortfalls: Despite an increase in the number of universities from 760 in 2014 to 1,113 in 2021, many lack essential resources such as advanced labs, instrumental access, and research literature.

    Why is the Open Access Crucial for Self-Reliance in Science?

    • Open Access (OA) ensures that scientific knowledge is freely available to all, regardless of geographical or financial barriers.
    • It promotes inclusivity and allows researchers from diverse backgrounds to access the latest research findings, fostering collaboration and innovation.

    Initiatives to Address Gaps:

    • I-STEM: Catalogues all publicly funded research facilities nationwide and makes them available to researchers based on need.
    • One Nation, One Subscription (ONOS): Proposes a centralized model of subscription to scientific journals to make them universally available to all publicly funded institutions, addressing the high cost of accessing commercial journals.

    What is the Optimal Solution?

    • The optimal solution lies in prioritizing Open Access (OA) initiatives. With a global shift towards OA and increasing mandates from major funding bodies, India should leverage this trend to reduce dependency on costly subscriptions and ensure widespread access to scientific literature.
      • Major funding bodies and countries are pushing for OA, with the U.S. mandating immediate open accessibility of publicly funded research by 2025.
    • Challenges with ONOS: The high cost and oligopolistic academic publishing market make negotiation difficult. OA reduces the necessity of a costly unified subscription. ONOS does not ensure long-term access or global accessibility of Indian research.
    • The Green Open Access: Green Open Access allows authors to deposit a version of their work in a university repository, making it freely accessible globally. Ensures long-term preservation and accessibility of research funded by taxpayer money.

    Limitations:

    • Indian funding agencies have mandated green OA, but it has not been enforced effectively.
    • Recent issues should catalyze a stronger push for green OA.

    Conclusion: India should enhance its journal system, avoiding payment burdens on authors or readers. Utilise digital technology capabilities to create and share low-cost, high-quality scientific publishing infrastructure for the global south.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q  India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) which has a database containing formatted information on more than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a powerful weapon in the country’s fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pro and cons of making the database available publicly available under open-source licensing. (UPSC IAS/2015)

  • Genetic Mysteries of Microcephaly: The Role of SASS6 Gene

    Why in the News?

    A gene called SASS6 (Spindle Assembly Abnormal Protein 6) and its variants have been found to play a key role in a developmental process that causes “Microcephaly”.

    What is Microcephaly?

    • Microcephaly is a condition where a baby’s head is much smaller than normal.
    • It is associated with a smaller brain, poor motor skills, poor speech, abnormal facial features, and intellectual disabilities.
    • Developmental Roots:
      • The condition is believed to start during the peak phase of brain development in the embryo. Cells that are supposed to become neurons fail to divide normally.
    • Diagnosis:
      • Microcephaly can be diagnosed before birth using foetal ultrasound and MRI.

    Role of SASS6 gene 

    • Since 2014, the SASS6 gene and its variants have been linked to microcephaly.

    A recent study in China:(On March 19, 2024)

    • The study of a consanguine couple revealed microcephaly and fetal growth issues. Confirming the SASS6 gene’s role in microcephaly, findings suggest embryo survival requires at least one functional gene copy.

    The University of Cologne Study (February 2024):

    • Researchers removed all functional SASS6 genes from mouse embryo-derived cells.
    • Even without the genes, cells could make abnormal but passable centrioles (structures needed for cell division).
    • When these cells were prompted to become neurons, the centrioles disappeared, preventing the cells from becoming neurons.

    Consanguinity and Genetic Risk of Microcephaly

    • Expert Insight:
      • Researchers explained that over 70% of congenital microcephaly cases come from consanguineous marriages.
      • Such marriages increase the risk of inheriting mutated genes from both parents.
    • Genetic Causes:
      • Mutations in 30 genes cause microcephaly.
      • 10 of these genes create proteins needed for centrioles, which are crucial for cell division.

    Ile62Thr Mutation

    • 2004 Discovery: The SASS6 gene was discovered in the roundworm C. elegans, showing its conserved function across animals.
    • Gene Suppression in C. elegans:
      • Suppressing the SASS6 gene halted new centriole assembly, stopping development.
    • 2014 Study on a Pakistani Family: Researchers found four family members with microcephaly due to the Ile62Thr mutation in the SASS6 gene.
    • The Ile62Thr mutation was introduced into the C. elegans SASS6 gene.
    • The mutation alone did not significantly impair centriole function but became deadly when combined with another mutation.
    • In humans, this mutation causes microcephaly due to its impact on centriole function.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016]  In the context of the developments in Bioinformatics, the term ‘transcriptome’, sometimes seen in the news, refers to-

    (a) a range of enzymes used in genome editing

    (b) the full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism

    (c) the description of the mechanism of gene expression

    (d) a mechanism of genetic mutations taking place in cells

  • NASA’s PREFIRE Mission to study Earth’s Polar Regions

    Why in the News?

    NASA launched the ” PREFIRE mission”, deploying twin CubeSats to study heat emissions in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, aiming to enhance climate research.

    What are CubeSats?

    • CubeSats are essentially miniature satellites whose basic design is a 10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm (which makes up for “one unit” or “1U”) cube — just a little bigger than a Rubik’s cube.
    • weight not more than 1.33 kg.

    • These satellites were first developed in 1999 by California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) and Stanford University as educational tools. 
    • However, owing to their low cost and less mass in comparison to traditional satellites, they began to be put in orbit for technology demonstrations, scientific research, and commercial purposes.

    About PREFIRE Mission

    • Jointly developed by NASA and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 
    • It aims to investigate and comprehend the intricate dynamics of heat emissions from Earth’s Polar Regions, specifically focusing on the Arctic and Antarctica.

    Components:

    • CubeSats: PREFIRE employs shoebox-sized CubeSats, each measuring around 6U (6 units), equipped with advanced instrumentation to facilitate data collection.
      • They measure around 90 cm in height and nearly 120 cm in width when the solar panels, which will power the satellite, are deployed.
      • The two satellites will be placed in a near-polar orbit (a type of low Earth orbit) at an altitude of about 525 kilometres.
    • Thermal Infrared Spectrometers (TIRS): Each CubeSat is outfitted with a Thermal Infrared Spectrometer, meticulously engineered to measure far-infrared radiation emitted by the Polar Regions.

    Mission Objectives:

    1. Investigate heat radiated from Earth’s Polar Regions into space and its impact on climate.
    2. Employ thermal infrared spectrometers to measure far-infrared energy emitted by Earth’s surface and atmosphere.
    3. Improve understanding of the greenhouse effect at the poles and its implications for climate change.
    4. Enhance climate and ice models to predict changes in sea level, weather, snow, and ice cover in a warming world.

    Why study heat budget of the Poles?

    • A large amount of the heat radiated from the Arctic and Antarctica is emitted as far-infrared radiation wavelengths of 3 μm to 1,000 μm within the infrared range of electromagnetic radiation.
    • However, there is currently no way to measure this type of energy.
    • As a result, there is a gap in knowledge about the planet’s energy budget.

    Significance of PREFIRE

    • PREFIRE’s observations will enhance predictions of climate and environmental changes, aiding in mitigating the effects of global warming.
    • Data collected will contribute to updating climate models and improving understanding of Earth’s atmospheric dynamics.

    PYQ:

    [2017] What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)’ project?

    (a) To detect neutrinos

    (b) To detect gravitational waves

    (c) To detect the effectiveness of missile defence system

    (d) To study the effect of solar flares on our communication systems

  • What is Zero Debris Charter?

    Why in the News?

    • The Zero Debris Charter was signed by twelve nations and the European Space Agency (ESA) at the ESA/EU Space Council.

    Zero Debris Charter

      • The Zero Debris Charter was unveiled at the ESA Space Summit in Seville, Spain, in November 2023.
      • The Charter was facilitated by ESA’s “Protection of Space Assets” Accelerator and developed through extensive collaboration among various space actors.
    • Objectives:
    • To achieve debris neutrality in space by 2030.
    • Long-term sustainability of human activities in Earth orbit.
    • Members:
      • The signatory countries are Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
      • The ESA signed as an International Organization.

    Community Support and Leadership

    • Over 100 organizations are expected to sign the Charter in the coming months.
    • This includes national space agencies, satellite manufacturers, space startups, and astronomical societies.

    Space Debris Challenges

    • ESA estimates over one million pieces of space debris larger than 1 cm in Earth orbit.
    • These debris pieces pose significant risks to satellites and astronauts.

    Threats posed by Space Debris

    Space debris also leads to two major risks:

    1. It creates unusable regions of the orbit due to excessive debris, and
    2. Leads to the ‘Kessler syndrome’ – the creation of more debris due to cascading collisions resulting from one collision.

  • [pib] Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) launches PRAGATI-2024

    Why in the news?

    • The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) is hosting “PRAGATI-2024” at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, to promote collaboration and research opportunities between CCRAS and the Ayurveda drug industry.

    About Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS)  

      • The CCRAS is an autonomous body of the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy), Government of India.
      • It was established in 1978 to formulate, coordinate, develop, and promote research on scientific lines in the Ayurveda and Sowa-Rigpa system of medicine.
    • Primary Objectives:
      • Research: To undertake research to scientifically establish the efficacy of Ayurvedic practices.
      • Development: To develop and promote Ayurveda science through research and education.
      • Integration: To integrate traditional Ayurvedic methods with modern medicine for more comprehensive healthcare.

    Functions of CCRAS

    • Research Studies: Conducting various types of research studies like drug research, fundamental research, clinical research, literary research, and medicinal plant research.
    • Publication: Publishing scientific journals, research papers, and other documentation to disseminate knowledge.
    • Medicinal Plant Development: Focusing on the cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants used in Ayurveda.
    • Public Health Initiatives: Implementing public health programs and providing training to practitioners.

    Achievements of CCRAS:

    • Development of Ayurvedic Formulations: CCRAS has developed several notable Ayurvedic formulations and technologies, which have been patented and commercialised.
    • National Ayurveda Morbidity Codes: CCRAS has developed morbidity codes and standard terminologies to standardise the practice of Ayurveda.
    • AYUSH Research Portal: A comprehensive database of research on Ayurveda, which includes information on drugs, case studies, and clinical trials.

    Notable Projects:

    • Golden Triangle Partnership: A collaborative project with CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) and ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) for enhancing the scientific validation of Ayurveda.
    • Tribal Health Care Research Program: Aimed at documenting ethno-medical knowledge and validating it for scientific purposes.

    PYQ:

    [2019] How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies?

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids and its Health Impacts

    Why in the News?

    • Fish oil supplements, highly regarded for their high omega-3 fatty acid content, have long been associated with heart health benefits.
      • A recent study has caused controversy by raising the possibility that these supplements may be as harmful as previously thought.

    What are Fatty Acids?


    Fatty acids are crucial lipids (fats and oils) essential for various biological functions (Fatty Acid + Glycerol = Fats). They are carboxylic acids with a long aliphatic chain, either saturated or unsaturated.

    • Basic Structure: Consists of a hydrocarbon chain with a terminal carboxyl group (-COOH). The length and degree of saturation of the hydrocarbon chain can vary.
    • Roles in the Body: Serve as energy sources, components of cell membranes, and precursors for bioactive lipids.

    Types of Fatty Acids

    Fatty acids are classified based on the presence and number of double bonds in their hydrocarbon chain:

    1. Saturated Fatty Acids (SFA)
      • Structure: Contain no double bonds between carbon atoms; the hydrocarbon chain is saturated with hydrogen atoms.
      • Properties: Typically solid at room temperature.
      • Sources: Animal fats, coconut oil, palm oil, dairy products.
      • Examples: Palmitic acid, stearic acid.
    2. Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA)
      • Structure: Contain one double bond in the hydrocarbon chain.
      • Properties: Generally liquid at room temperature but solidify when chilled.
      • Sources: Olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil, avocados, nuts.
      • Examples: Oleic acid.
    3. Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA)
      • Structure: Contain two or more double bonds in the hydrocarbon chain.
      • Properties: Liquid at room temperature and in the refrigerator.
      • Sources: Fish, flax seeds, walnuts, sunflower oil, corn oil.
      • Examples:
    1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
    2. Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Linoleic acid, arachidonic acid.
    1. Trans Fatty Acids
      • Formation: Produced by the industrial process of hydrogenation of unsaturated fats, or naturally in the guts of some animals.
      • Properties: Similar to saturated fats, solid at room temperature.
      • Health Impact: Associated with negative cardiovascular effects.
      • Sources: Margarine, partially hydrogenated oils, and some baked goods.

    What are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

    • Omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3s) are polyunsaturated fats that perform important functions in the human body.
    • There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids:
      • EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). EPA is a “marine omega-3” because it’s found in fish.
      • DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). DHA is also a marine omega-3 found in fish.
      • ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). ALA is the form of omega-3 found in plants.
      • When we get ALA from food, the human body can turn some of the ALA into EPA and subsequently to DHA. However, this process provides just a small amount of EPA and DHA. So, dietary sources of EPA and DHA (like fish) are essential.

    Functions of Omega-s fatty acids:

      • They help to provide structure and supporting interactions between cells.
      • Omega-3s are concentrated in high levels in cells in human eyes and brain.
      • They provide the human body with energy (calories) and support the health of many body systems.  These include the human cardiovascular system and endocrine system.

    Significance of Omega-3 fatty acids:

    • Omega-3 fatty acids have many potential benefits for human cardiovascular health.
    • One key benefit is that they help lower human triglyceride levels.
      • Too many triglycerides in human blood (hypertriglyceridemia) raise human risk of atherosclerosis, and through this, can increase human risk of heart disease and stroke. So, it’s important to keep triglyceride levels under control.
    • Omega-3s may help us by raising human HDL (good) cholesterol and lowering human blood pressure.
      • Some studies show omega-3s may lower human risk for Cardiovascular disease (CVD), and hence lowering the sudden death caused by an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), and blood clots.
    • Beyond heart health, omega-3s may help lower the human risk of developing some forms of cancer, including breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), research continues to investigate these and other possible benefits.

    PYQ:

    [2011] A company marketing food products advertises that its items do not contain trans-fats. What does this campaign signify to the customers?

    1. The food products are not made out of hydrogenated oils.
    2. The food products are not made out of animal fats/ oils.
    3. The oils used are not likely to damage the cardiovascular health of the consumers.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Ferroptosis Cases in Severe Covid Patients

    Why in the News?

    Columbia University study on COVID-19 fatalities found ferroptosis as the main cause of lung cell death, advancing understanding of lung disease development.

    What is Ferroptosis?

    • Ferroptosis is a type of regulated cell death characterized by the iron-dependent accumulation of lipid peroxides to lethal levels.

    Other forms of cell death: 

    1. Apoptosis (highly regulated process that occurs in multicellular organisms to eliminate unwanted or damaged cells without causing inflammation),
    2. Necrosis (cell death characterized by rapid and uncontrolled cell lysis, often accompanied by inflammation and tissue damage).
    3. Autophagy (involves the degradation and recycling of cellular components through lysosomal machinery).

    Mechanism of Ferroptosis:

    The precise molecular mechanism underlying ferroptosis is still being elucidated, but it involves the deregulation of iron metabolism and lipid peroxidation. Here’s a simplified overview of how ferroptosis occurs:

    1. Iron Accumulation: Ferroptosis is characterized by the accumulation of iron within cells, particularly in the form of labile iron pools. Excess iron can lead to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through Fenton chemistry.
    2. Lipid Peroxidation: ROS generated from excess iron promotes lipid peroxidation, particularly of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) within cell membranes. Lipid peroxides accumulate and propagate, leading to membrane damage and loss of membrane integrity.
    3. Glutathione Depletion: Glutathione (GSH) is an antioxidant that helps to neutralize ROS and prevent lipid peroxidation. In ferroptosis, there is a depletion of cellular GSH levels, which impairs the cell’s ability to counteract oxidative stress.
    4. GPX4 Inhibition: Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) is an enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of lipid hydroperoxides to their corresponding alcohols, thereby protecting cells from lipid peroxidation. In ferroptosis, GPX4 activity is inhibited, leading to the accumulation of lipid peroxides and cell death.
    5. Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Ferroptosis is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, including alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential and morphology, as well as disruption of mitochondrial metabolism and bioenergetics.
    6. Cellular Consequences: The accumulation of lipid peroxides and mitochondrial dysfunction ultimately leads to cellular damage, loss of cell membrane integrity, and cell death by ferroptosis.

    Significance of the Study

    • Targeting and preventing ferroptosis could offer novel treatment avenues for COVID-19 lung disease and its possible future mutations.
    • Inhibiting this form of cell death may help improve the treatment outcomes for severe cases of COVID-19.

    PYQ:

    [2020] COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid management of the pandemic.

  • Xenotransplantation: Prospects and Challenges

    Why in the News?

    The recent passing away of Richard Slayman, the first recipient of a modified pig kidney transplant, has drawn attention to xenotransplantation—an innovative medical procedure with the potential to revolutionise organ transplantation.

    What is Xenotransplantation?

    • It involves transplanting live cells, tissues, or organs from nonhuman animal sources into human recipients.
    • It seeks to address the critical gap between organ demand and supply.
    • Xenotransplantation, pioneered in the 1980s with heart transplants, has emerged as a promising solution to alleviate the organ shortage crisis, particularly prevalent in kidney transplantation.

    Examples:

    • Chimpanzee-to-Human Transplants: In the 1960s, there were attempts at chimpanzee-to-human kidney transplants, heart transplants, and liver transplants.
    • Pig-to-Human Heart Transplant: In 2022, a groundbreaking milestone was achieved with the first successful transplantation of a pig heart into a human with end-stage heart disease

    Procedural Details

    • Xenotransplantation involves genetic modifications to animal organs, like 69 CRISPR-Cas9 edits to a pig kidney, removing pig genes and adding human genes for compatibility.

    Why is the Pig a Preferred Source?

    • Anatomical Resemblance: Pigs are favoured for xenotransplantation due to their physiological similarities to humans, facilitating successful integration. Pig organs, like heart valves, have been used in human medicine for over 50 years.
    • Breeding Advantages: Extensive pig farming ensures a readily available and cost-effective supply of organs, with diverse breeds offering size-matching opportunities.

    Challenges associated

    • The main challenge is preventing organ rejection. Innovative methods, such as embedding the pig’s thymus gland under the kidney’s outer layer, help manage immune responses.
    • There are also significant concerns regarding potential infections from both recognised and unrecognised infectious agents that could affect not only the recipient but also the wider population.
    • Retroviruses present in the animal organs pose a risk of cross-species infection, which could remain latent and cause diseases years after the transplantation.

    PYQ: 

    [2017] With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of ‘genome sequencing’, often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future?

    1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants.
    2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants.
    3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 and 3 only
    (c) 1 and 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • EU activated Copernicus EMS to Locate Crashed Iranian Helicopter

    Why in the News?

    • In response to the helicopter crash involving Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the European Union had activated its Copernicus Emergency Management Service (EMS) to aid in search and rescue efforts.

    About the Copernicus Programme

    • This Programme was launched in 1998 by the European Union’s earth observation
    • Named for Copernicus, it uses satellites and ground systems for environmental data.
    • It is implemented by EU member states with support from entities like the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Environment Agency (EEA).

    Utility of GMES: Rapid Response Mapping Service

    • The Copernicus EMS offers rapid response mapping, a crucial component activated during emergencies like natural disasters or accidents.

    How Rapid Mapping Works?

    • Rapid mapping involves acquiring, processing, and analyzing satellite images and relevant data to provide timely information.
    • It offers several products, including pre-event reference and post-event assessments like first estimates, delineation, and grading of the impacted area.

    Application in the Iranian President’s Case

    • In the case of the Iranian President’s helicopter crash, the EU activated the rapid response mapping service to aid search and rescue operations.
    • This technology helps locate the crash site and assess the extent of the impact, facilitating swift response efforts.

    PYQ:

    [2018] With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements:

    1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits.
    2. IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. km beyond its borders.
    3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2021.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 1 and 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) None

  • PM WANI Wi-Fi Scheme: All you need to know

    Why in the News?

    • Under the PM-WANI scheme, India witnesses a swift rise in public Wi-Fi hotspots, reaching approximately 1,99,896 hotspots nationwide, according to government data.

    What is the PM WANI Initiative?

    • PM Modi launched the Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM WANI) in December 2020.
    • It is an initiative under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
    • It takes forward the goal of the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018 (NDCP) of creating a robust digital communications infrastructure.
      • Objective: To democratize internet access, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
      • Implementation: Leverages Public Data Offices (PDOs) established in public spaces like railway stations, banks, post offices, and more. Users can access the internet via Wi-Fi at these locations without requiring a SIM card.

    PM-WANI ecosystem consists of four parts: 

    1. Public Data Office (PDO): It establishes the Wi-Fi Hotspots and provides internet access to users
    2. Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA):  It provides authorisation and accounting services to PDOs.
    3. App Provider: It displays the available hotspots in the phone’s proximity.
    4. Central Registry: This overseen by the Centre for Development of Telematics maintains details of App Providers, PDOs, and PDOAs.

    How to Utilize PM WANI?

    • To access PM WANI services, users must install the Data PM WANI app on their smartphones.
    • Through the app, users can connect to nearby public Wi-Fi PDOs.
    • This application facilitates seamless connectivity to PM-WANI-compliant Wi-Fi hotspots, empowering users to access broadband services conveniently.

    Data Plans Offered

    PM WANI offers various data plans to suit different usage needs:

    • Rs 6 plan: 1GB data for 1 day
    • Rs 9 plan: 2GB data for 2 days
    • Rs 18 plan: 5GB data for 3 days
    • Rs 25 plan: 20GB data for 7 days
    • Rs 49 plan: 40GB data for 14 days
    • Rs 99 plan: 100GB data for 30 days

    Role of Public Data Offices (PDOs)

    • The PM-WANI scheme includes a provision for establishing Public Data Offices (PDOs) by rural entrepreneurs in remote regions.
    • These PDOs procure internet bandwidth from telecom service providers or ISPs to offer Wi-Fi services at minimal charges.
    • This model enables individuals to access the internet even in areas with limited or no data connectivity.

    PYQ:

    [2018] Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of “Digital India” Plan of the Government of India?

    1. Formation of India’s own Internet companies like China did.
    2. Establish a policy framework to encourage overseas multinational corporations that collect Big Data to build their large data centres within our national geographical boundaries.
    3. Connect many of our villages to the Internet and bring Wi-Fi to many of our school, public places and major tourists.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3