PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2018] In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to this situation?
Linkage: This question explicitly links “escalating tensions between Iran and Israel” to oil prices “spiralling upwards” due to fears of “potential disruption in oil supplies globally”. The article talks about the Iran’s threats to close the Strait of Hormuz as the “primary reason” for rising prices, as this chokepoint is crucial for transporting a significant portion of global petroleum liquids and oil supply from the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. |
Mentor’s Comment: Oil prices have jumped sharply due to rising tensions between Iran and Israel, mainly because of fears that the Strait of Hormuz — a key route for global oil supply — could be blocked. Brent crude prices rose by 9%, showing how sensitive global markets are to such conflicts. Although prices eased slightly after news of diplomatic talks through Gulf countries, the threat of disruption still remains. For India, which buys over 80% of its oil from abroad, this is a serious concern. It affects not just fuel availability, but also inflation, economic stability, and business investments, making it a major challenge for India’s economy.
Today’s editorial analyses the impact of tensions between Iran and Israel on crude oil prices. This content would help in GS Paper II (International Relations) and GS Paper III (Indian Economy) in the mains Paper.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Recently, oil prices have risen a lot because of increasing tension between Iran and Israel, mainly due to worries that the Strait of Hormuz — a major route for global oil transport — might be closed.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz vital for global oil trade?
- Major Oil Transit Chokepoint: The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, through which nearly 20 million barrels per day (mb/d) of oil passed in 2024 — about one-fifth of global consumption. Eg: The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that the strait handled the world’s largest oil tankers transporting oil from Gulf nations.
- Exports from Key Producers: It serves as the primary export route for major oil-producing countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE, Kuwait, Iraq, and Qatar. Eg: According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), about one-fourth of the global oil supply exits the Gulf through this strait.
- Dependency of Asian Markets: A significant portion of oil transiting the Strait goes to Asian economies, which are heavily dependent on West Asian oil. Eg: In 2024, 84% of crude oil and 83% of liquefied natural gas (LNG) transported via the Strait was destined for countries like India, China, Japan, etc.
What are the economic implications of the Israel-Iran conflict on India’s growth and inflation?
- Rising Crude Oil Prices Increases Import Costs: A spike in global oil prices due to the conflict raises India’s import bill, as the country imports over 80% of its crude oil needs. Eg: Brent crude surged to $78.50/barrel in June 2024 amid Israel-Iran tensions, directly increasing India’s energy costs and widening the current account deficit.
- Pressure on Inflation and Input Costs: Higher oil prices translate into increased transportation and production costs, leading to inflationary pressure on goods and services. Eg: Experts like Amit Kumar of Grant Thornton noted that global price shocks could affect India Inc’s profitability and raise inflation even though India doesn’t import oil directly from Iran.
- Threat to GDP Growth Projections: Prolonged geopolitical instability may lead to delayed private investments and lower industrial output, affecting economic growth. Eg: ICRA’s Chief Economist, Aditi Nayar, warned that a sustained oil price rise could prompt a downward revision of India’s 6.2% GDP growth forecast for FY25.
How has India reduced its vulnerability to oil price shocks amid West Asian tensions?
- Diversification of Crude Oil Import Sources: India has expanded its import basket beyond traditional Gulf suppliers to include countries like the U.S., Russia, and Latin American nations. Eg: Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stated that India is “comfortably placed” due to diversified crude sourcing, reducing overdependence on West Asia.
- Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR): India has built strategic oil reserves to buffer against short-term supply disruptions or price spikes. Eg: The Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPRL) manages reserves that can support 9–10 days of crude demand, offering resilience during crises.
- Promoting Renewable Energy and Domestic Production: India is ramping up solar, wind, and ethanol-blended fuels to lower long-term reliance on imported oil. Eg: Initiatives like PM-KUSUM and National Bio-Energy Mission aim to reduce fossil fuel dependence and enhance energy security.
What are the key drivers of the recent oil price surge?
- Geopolitical Tensions Between Iran and Israel: The escalation in Israel-Iran conflict, including threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, triggered fears of significant supply disruptions, sending oil prices sharply upward. Eg: Brent crude shot up nearly 9% on June 13, reaching $75.65 per barrel, after heightened tensions.
- Strait of Hormuz Chokepoint Risk: As a critical maritime chokepoint, any threat to close the Strait could drastically affect global oil flow and increase shipping and insurance costs, contributing to higher prices. Eg: Iran’s repeated threats to disrupt transit through the Strait instilled market anxiety, pushing Brent to an intraday high of $78.50 per barrel.
- Supply Constraints Due to Sanctions and Regional Export Bottlenecks: U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil exports and potential disruptions to routes via the Suez Canal or Red Sea limit available global supply, exacerbating price volatility.
Who ensures safe oil transit through Hormuz?
- United States Navy – Fifth Fleet: The U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain, regularly patrols the Strait to deter threats like piracy or military aggression, especially from Iran. Eg: In 2019, after Iranian threats, the U.S. deployed additional naval assets to escort commercial tankers through Hormuz.
- International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC): A coalition of Western and Gulf nations, including the UK, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, established the IMSC to protect freedom of navigation in the Gulf region. Eg: The UK Royal Navy has deployed warships like HMS Montrose to escort oil tankers through Hormuz during periods of heightened tension.
What global actions can reduce related risks? (Way forward)
- Strengthening Multilateral Naval Patrols: Enhancing joint maritime security through coalitions like the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) can deter potential blockades and ensure safe passage. Eg: The U.S. and UK-led naval missions in 2019 escorted oil tankers after Iran’s threats, maintaining uninterrupted oil flow.
- Diversifying Global Oil Supply Routes: Investing in alternative pipelines and trade routes (e.g., via Red Sea or land-based pipelines) reduces overdependence on chokepoints like Hormuz. Eg: The UAE’s Habshan-Fujairah pipeline bypasses the Strait and delivers oil directly to the Arabian Sea, reducing exposure to disruption.
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Why in the News?
The controversy over the 2024 Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha elections and how Election Commissioners are appointed has sparked a major debate about the Constitution and democracy in India.
Why is the ECI appointment process seen as favouring the executive?
- Majority Control by the Executive in the Selection Committee: The 2023 Election Commissioners Appointment Act provides a 2:1 majority to the executive in the selection committee — comprising the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition. Eg: The Leader of the Opposition can always be outvoted, effectively giving the ruling party full control over appointments.
- Exclusion of the Chief Justice of India (CJI): Despite a Supreme Court directive in March 2023 recommending the inclusion of the CJI to ensure neutrality, the Act excluded the judiciary, reducing checks and balances. Eg: The SC judgment established a temporary mechanism including the CJI until Parliament enacted a law, but the law ignored this safeguard.
- Conflict of Interest: The executive, being an election contestant, is involved in selecting the very institution that is supposed to referee the elections, raising concerns about institutional bias. Eg: The same political leadership responsible for contesting elections now appoints the “umpires” (Election Commissioners).
- Lack of Public Consultation or Parliamentary Debate: The 2023 Act was passed with minimal debate and without bipartisan consensus, reinforcing the perception of executive overreach. Eg: Opposition parties and civil society groups raised concerns about non-consultative law-making affecting the ECI’s independence.
- Pending Legal Challenge on Constitutional Grounds: The Act’s constitutionality is under challenge in the Supreme Court, suggesting broader concern that it violates the principles of free and fair elections under Article 324. Eg: Petitions argue that the current process undermines the ECI’s autonomy and may violate the basic structure doctrine.
How does limited access to Form 17C affect poll transparency?
- Restricts Independent Verification of Votes: Limited access to Form 17C, which contains vote counts and voter turnout data, prevents candidates and citizensfrom verifying the accuracy of polling results. Eg: Only candidates or their polling agents receive the form, and not all candidates—especially independents or smaller parties—can afford agents at every booth.
- Blocks Public Scrutiny and Research: Without public access to Form 17C data from all polling stations, researchers, media, and civil society cannot conduct independent audits or identify discrepancies in vote tallies. Eg: Voters and watchdog groups are unable to cross-check vote counts with final results, undermining transparency.
- Raises Suspicion of Electoral Manipulation: The opaque handling of Form 17C can fuel doubts about the integrity of the electoral process, especially in close contests or in regions with a history of irregularities. Eg: In the absence of uniform disclosure, accusations of mismatched vote counts or tampering are harder to disprove, affecting public trust in the Election Commission.
Why is the Supreme Court’s role in ECI appointments significant?
- Upheld Democratic Values and Institutional Neutrality: The Supreme Court’s March 2023 judgment ensured a balanced selection committee by including the Chief Justice of India (CJI), reducing the risk of executive control over the Election Commission of India (ECI).
- Acted as a Constitutional Corrective in Legislative Vacuum: In the absence of a law under Article 324, the Court stepped in to lay down norms for appointments, reinforcing the judiciary’s role as guardian of the Constitution. Eg: The SC cited Parliament’s inaction despite multiple committee recommendations and exercised its powers to protect the integrity of electoral democracy.
What reforms can enhance transparency in India’s electoral system? (Way forward)
- Reform the ECI Appointment Process for Institutional Neutrality: Include the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in the selection committee for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners, ensuring independence from executive influence. Eg: The Supreme Court’s 2023 judgment proposed a panel of the PM, Leader of Opposition, and CJI, but the 2023 ECI Act excluded the CJI, raising concerns over impartiality.
- Ensure Public Access to Form 17C for Vote Transparency: Mandate that Form 17C, which records total votes polled, be made publicly accessible through an official digital portal, enabling citizens and researchers to verify poll data. Eg: Currently, only candidates or polling agents receive Form 17C, and many independent or low-budget candidateslack agents at all booths, limiting access to crucial data.
- Introduce Independent Audits of Electoral Rolls and EVMs: Conduct regular third-party audits of voter rolls and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to detect errors, manipulation, or malfunction, and improve public confidence in electoral integrity. Eg: In past elections, reports of missing names or duplicate entries in voter lists have led to allegations of disenfranchisement, especially among marginalised groups.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2018] In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India?
Linkage: This article explicitly calls for the Election Commission of India (ECI) to “disclose the entire truth that is known only to the Election Commission of India. The 2018 question, by asking about the “challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India” amidst EVM controversy, directly aligns with the broader call for transparency.
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Why in the News?
India-U.S. ties, once seen as strong and promising, now face a quiet shift. Recent U.S. actions like engaging Pakistan’s military and economic warnings to India have caused concern in Delhi.
Why does the India-U.S. relationship face a strategic drift despite deep convergence?
- Transactional Approach Undermines Long-term Trust: The Trump administration’s focus on short-term, deal-based diplomacy contrasts with India’s strategic and civilisational outlook, causing mistrust. Eg: Trump’s unpredictable style — praising one day, criticising the next — makes it difficult for India to navigate the partnership confidently.
- Return of “India-Pakistan Hyphenation”: The revival of outdated strategic equivalence between India and Pakistan has offended Indian diplomatic efforts to de-hyphenate its rise. Eg: Trump’s offer to mediate on Kashmir post-Operation Sindoor and remarks equating both nations reignited diplomatic concerns in New Delhi.
- Contradictory Economic and Strategic Signals: Despite promoting Indo-Pacific cooperation, U.S. actions have undermined India’s manufacturing ambitions and H-1B visa interests. Eg: Trump reportedly discouraged Apple from expanding in India, clashing with India’s China-plus-one strategy and investment goals.
What key factors are straining India-U.S. ties under the Trump administration?
- Revival of India-Pakistan Equivalence: The U.S. has reverted to “hyphenating” India and Pakistan as strategic concerns, undermining India’s diplomatic efforts to decouple its rise. Eg: Trump’s comments post-Operation Sindoor—offering mediation on Kashmir and warning of nuclear escalation—were seen as diplomatically regressive.
- Economic Mixed Signals: The Trump administration sent conflicting signals on India’s role in global supply chains, affecting investor confidence. Eg: Trump reportedly discouraged Apple from expanding manufacturing in India, undermining India’s China-plus-one strategy.
- Restrictive Immigration Stance: The H-1B visa policy, critical to U.S.-India tech ties, has become vulnerable to protectionist rhetoric and political posturing. Eg: Curtailing H-1B visas strains the Silicon Valley–India innovation ecosystem, weakening a pillar of bilateral cooperation.
How can India manage uncertainties in its U.S. engagement strategy?
- Pursue Calibrated and Persistent Diplomacy: India must avoid overreaction and focus on quiet, sustained engagement to preserve strategic alignment. Eg: Continued cooperation in defence, Quad, and intelligence sharing can reinforce long-term trust despite short-term irritants.
- Broaden Strategic Outreach in the U.S: India should strengthen its influence beyond traditional diplomacy by engaging Congress, think tanks, and the Indian-American diaspora. Eg: Leveraging support from Indian-origin U.S. lawmakers helps build bipartisan consensus for stronger ties.
- Accelerate Domestic Economic Reforms: India must boost its manufacturing, regulatory clarity, and infrastructure to reinforce its attractiveness as a global partner. Eg: Advancing Make in India and supply chain resilience makes India indispensable to U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy.
Why does the U.S. tilt towards Pakistan concern India’s strategic interests?
Revival of India-Pakistan Diplomatic Parity (Hyphenation): By treating India and Pakistan as strategic equals, the U.S. threatens to undo India’s efforts to decouple its global risefrom the South Asian rivalry. Eg: Trump’s offer to mediate in Kashmir and mention of India and Pakistan in the same context post-Operation Sindoor reflect regressive diplomacy. |
What steps must India and the U.S. take to revive their strategic partnership? (Way forward)
- Strengthen Institutional and People-to-People Engagement: Both countries must go beyond government-to-government ties and deepen connections through think tanks, academia, diaspora, and legislative forums. Eg: India leveraging the Indian-American diaspora and policy institutions in Washington can build long-term bipartisan support.
- Reframe Economic and Immigration Cooperation: Economic reforms in India and predictable immigration policies in the U.S. can boost mutual trust in trade and talent exchange. Eg: Reframing the H-1B visa regime as a tool for mutual innovation rather than political leverage strengthens tech cooperation.
- Reinforce Shared Strategic Values and Regional Vision: India and the U.S. must revive the moral and strategic purpose of their partnership — promoting a rules-based, democratic, Indo-Pacific order. Eg: Joint initiatives through the Quad and coordination in maritime security reinforce their shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2019] What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s National self-esteem and ambitions” Explain with suitable examples.
Linkage: This article explicitly highlights a “perceptible drift; subtle yet serious” in the relationship, indicating “uncertain times”. It calls for a “reset, not of fundamentals, but of tone, clarity, and mutual commitment”.
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Why in the News?
Reasi is set to become J&K’s second district after Srinagar to implement the Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) Scheme for marginalised individuals’ dignity and livelihood.
About the SMILE Scheme:
- Launch: It was launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- Type: It is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at the rehabilitation of beggars and empowerment of transgender persons.
- Core Focus: It promotes rehabilitation, livelihood creation, skill development, and social inclusion for the most marginalised individuals.
- Approach: It merges earlier schemes for transgender persons and those engaged in begging to provide a cohesive welfare framework.
- Key Features and Components:
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- Shelter Provision: Uses existing shelter homes run by states/UTs; new homes are set up where needed for secure accommodation.
- Livelihood and Skilling: Offers education, identity documentation, vocational training, and economic linkages to ensure self-reliance.
- Target Group Size: The scheme aims to benefit approximately 60,000 marginalised individuals, especially transgender persons and urban beggars.
- Implementation and Funding:
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- Pilot Launch: The first phase started in 30 cities and later expanded to 50 more cities under Phase 2.
- Survey Mechanism: Local authorities conduct field surveys, with each unit aiming to rehabilitate at least 25 individuals.
- Financial Allocation: A total of ₹100 crore was allocated for 2023–26, with ₹14.71 crore spent by December 2024 on rehabilitation efforts.
| [UPSC 2016] ‘Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is a national campaign to:
(a) rehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood*
(b) abolish the Child Labour
(c) salvage the marshy lands and wetlands in the coastal areas and cultivate crops in them
(d) rehabilitate the manual scavengers and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood |
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Why in the News?
The Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) has approved construction of 2.35 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0).
About Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY):
- It is a Centrally sponsored housing scheme launched by the Government of India in 2015 with the aim of providing “Housing for All” by ensuring access to pucca (permanent), all-weather houses with basic amenities to all eligible beneficiaries.
- The scheme has two major components:
- PMAY-Gramin (PMAY-G) for rural areas, implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.
- PMAY-Urban (PMAY-U) for urban areas, implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
- PMAY follows a targeted and inclusive approach, prioritizing Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Low Income Groups (LIG), Middle Income Groups (MIG), and other vulnerable sections like SCs, STs, women, transgenders, and minorities.
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About Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0:
- PMAY-U 2.0 is the revamped version of PMAY-Urban, launched in 2024, with a renewed target to provide 1 crore additional pucca houses in urban India by 2028.
- It builds on the progress made under the original PMAY-U (2015), under which over 93 lakh houses have been constructed.
- The scheme supports house construction, purchase, and rental housing for eligible urban families under EWS, LIG, and MIG categories.
- The total investment for PMAY-U 2.0 is ₹10 lakh crore, with ₹2.3 lakh crore committed by the Centre as financial assistance or subsidies.
- CSMC (Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee) oversees approvals, with recent approvals including 2.34 lakh houses for nine states.
Key Features of PMAY-U 2.0:
- Four Implementation Verticals:
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- Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC): Support for building houses on owned land.
- Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP): Houses built with public/private sector collaboration.
- Affordable Rental Housing (ARH): Rental units for migrants, workers, and urban homeless.
- Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISS): Interest subsidy on housing loans for EWS, LIG, MIG.
- Target Beneficiaries:
- Families with annual income up to ₹3 lakh (EWS), ₹3–6 lakh (LIG), and ₹6–9 lakh (MIG).
- Must not own a pucca house anywhere in India in the name of any family member.
- Adult earning members are treated as separate households.
- Central Assistance:
- Up to ₹2.5 lakh per housing unit under BLC and AHP.
- Up to ₹1.8 lakh interest subsidy under ISS for home loans up to ₹25 lakh.
- Technology Innovation:
- Support for disaster-resistant, sustainable construction using Technology Innovation Grants (TIG).
- Real-time tracking with geo-tagging, BHUVAN platform, and PMAY-U portal.
- Inclusive Allocation:
- Special allocations for women, SC/ST/OBC, and transgender individuals.
- Focus on gender and social equity in housing distribution.
- Robust Governance and Monitoring:
- Implementation through Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and Management Information System (MIS) for transparency.
- Coordination with Smart Cities, AMRUT 2.0, Swachh Bharat, and other schemes.
| [UPSC 2015] Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana’ has been launched for:
Options: (a) providing housing loan to poor people at cheaper interest rates (b) promoting women’s Self-Help Groups in backward areas (c) promoting financial inclusion in the country (d) providing financial help to the marginalized communities |
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Why in the News?
The Government of India has mandated the use of Indian Standard Time (IST) across all legal, commercial, digital, and administrative sectors.
About Indian Standard Time (IST):
- It is the official time zone of India, set at Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) +5:30 and based on the 82.5° E longitude passing through Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh.
- Neighbouring countries such as Sri Lanka also use the same UTC+5:30 offset.
- IST meridian passes through 5 Indian states: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.
- It was established in 1906, replacing older regional time zones like Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras Time.
- It is maintained by the National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) using ultra-precise atomic clocks, which lose only one second in millions of years.
- India does NOT observe daylight saving time; IST remains constant throughout the year.
Back2Basics:
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT):
- GMT is the mean solar time at the Prime Meridian (0° longitude) located at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London.
- It was established in 1884 during the International Meridian Conference as the world’s time standard.
- It is based on astronomical observations, specifically the mean position of the Sun over time.
- It does not change with the seasons and does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST).
- Although now largely replaced by UTC in scientific and civil contexts, GMT is still used in some regions (e.g., the UK during winter months).
Coordinated Universal Time (UTC):
- UTC is the primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time.
- It was established in 1960 and is maintained by a network of high-precision atomic clocks worldwide.
- UTC is adjusted periodically by leap seconds to compensate for the Earth’s irregular rotation speed.
- It is used in aviation, computing, space science, and by international organisations like the UN and ITU.
- Unlike GMT, which is purely solar-based, UTC combines atomic time (TAI) with occasional corrections for Earth’s rotation.
IST in Context:
- IST = GMT + 5:30
- IST = UTC + 5:30
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Steps to Implement One Nation, One Time:
[1] Time Dissemination Project:
- It is a government initiative to ensure accurate, synchronised, and secure timekeeping across India.
- It is led by the Department of Consumer Affairs, in collaboration with CSIR-NPL and ISRO.
- Five Regional Reference Standard Laboratories (RRSLs) are being established in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Faridabad, and Guwahati.
- These labs use atomic clocks and protocols like Network Time Protocol (NTP) and Precision Time Protocol (PTP) to maintain accuracy within microseconds.
[2] Legal Metrology (IST) Rules, 2025: Key Provisions
- Mandatory Use of IST: IST, as maintained by CSIR-NPL, becomes the sole legally recognized time standard in India.
- Prohibition of Foreign Time Sources: Use of foreign systems like GPS time will be banned unless specifically approved by the government.
- Sync Requirements: All government bodies, financial institutions, power grids, and telecom operators must synchronize their systems with IST.
- Audit and Compliance: The system will be monitored through periodic audits and penalties will be imposed for violations.
- Special Exemptions: Activities such as scientific research, astronomy, and national security operations may use alternative time sources after government approval.
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| [UPSC 2025] Consider the following countries:
I. United Kingdom II. Denmark III. New Zealand IV. Australia V. Brazil How many of the above countries have more than four time zones?
(a) All the five (b) Only four * (c) Only three (d) Only two |
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Why in the News?
The TRAI ordered that public Wi-Fi hotspot operators under PM-WANI programme should not be charged more than twice what a residential broadband user paid for setting up a hotspot.
What is the PM WANI Scheme?
- Overview: PM Modi launched the Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM WANI) in December 2020.
- Nodal agency: It is an initiative under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
- Objective: To democratize internet access, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
- Goals: It takes forward the goal of the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018 (NDCP) of creating a robust digital communications infrastructure.
- 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:
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- Public Data Office (PDO): It establishes the Wi-Fi Hotspots and provides internet access to users
- Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA): It provides authorisation and accounting services to PDOs.
- App Provider: It displays the available hotspots in the phone’s proximity.
- Central Registry: This overseen by the Centre for Development of Telematics maintains details of App Providers, PDOs, and PDOAs.
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- 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.
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.
[2018] Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of “Digital India” Plan of the Government of India?
- Formation of India’s own Internet companies like China did.
- Establish a policy framework to encourage overseas multinational corporations that collect Big Data to build their large data centres within our national geographical boundaries.
- 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 |
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