Digital Infrastructure Development
Science & Technology
- PYQs8
- Articles1
Background
Critical for India's digital economy, national security (data sovereignty), regional development, and global strategic positioning. It links to economic growth, technology policy, and international relations.
Digital infrastructure refers to the foundational physical and virtual components that enable the flow and processing of digital information, including data centers, high-speed internet networks, and subsea communication cables. It is crucial for a nation's digital economy, data sovereignty, and global connectivity.
Facts & tables
- Strategic Shift
- India is moving from providing IT services to owning critical digital infrastructure.
- Connectivity Hub
- Visakhapatnam is emerging as a major gateway for international subsea cables, enhancing eastern seaboard connectivity.
- Economic Impact
- Strengthens demand for high-end computing hardware and supports semiconductor manufacturing under PLI schemes.
- Geopolitical Significance
- Reduces India's dependence on geopolitically sensitive routes (e.g., Red Sea) for data flow.
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Emerging Information Technologies |
| Conceptual area | Geopolitics & International Conflicts |
| Conceptual area | External Sector & Capital Flows |
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| Google Cloud India | Developer |
| Andhra Pradesh State Government | Facilitator |
Prelims angle
Prelims angle: Factual recall
Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis
- Shift from IT services to infrastructure ownership.
- Vizag as a new eastern gateway for subsea cables.
- Enhances data connectivity, reduces geopolitical risks.
- Boosts domestic semiconductor ecosystem.
- Promotes regional economic redistribution.
| Year | Framing tags |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2019 | Conceptual understanding, Multi-statement analysis |
| 2019 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2018 | Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall |
| 2018 | Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures |
| 2017 | Statement-based questions, Policy measures |
| 2017 | Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis |
| 2016 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
Timeline
-
Emerging Information Technologies
Conceptual area
-
Geopolitics & International Conflicts
Conceptual area
-
External Sector & Capital Flows
Conceptual area
-
Prelims 2016
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2017
Statement-based questions, Policy measures
-
Prelims 2017
Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis
-
Prelims 2018
Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2018
Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures
-
Prelims 2019
Conceptual understanding, Multi-statement analysis
-
Prelims 2019
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2022
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Vizag data centre is a major challenge
India's push for digital infrastructure, exemplified by the Vizag AI Hub, signifies a strategic shift towards owning critical digital assets like data centres and subsea cables, enhancing connectivity, fostering domestic tech manufacturing, and strengthening data sovereignty.
See also
No related topics linked yet.
Past papers
2016–2022 · 8 questions
In the news
Vizag data centre is a major challenge
India's push for digital infrastructure, exemplified by the Vizag AI Hub, signifies a strategic shift towards owning critical digital assets like data centres and subsea cables, enhancing connectivity, fostering domestic tech manufacturing, and strengthening data sovereignty.
Try these PYQs
In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cybersecurity incidents?
1. Service providers
2. Data centres
3. Body corporate
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
In India, section 70-B of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (the IT Act) gives the Central Government the power to appoint an agency of the government to be called the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team. Further, it is legally mandatory for service providers, data centres and body corporates to report on cybersecurity incidents as outlined in the Information Technology (The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team and Manner of Performing Functions and Duties) Rules, 2013, which were notified under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Smart India Hackathon 2017?
1. It is a centrally sponsored scheme for developing every city of our country into Smart Cities in a decade.
2. It is an initiative to identify new digital technology innovations for solving the many problems faced by our country.
3. It is a programme aimed at making all the financial transactions in our country completely digital in a decade.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Smart India Hackathon (SIH) is not a scheme for developing Smart Cities. Instead, it is a nationwide initiative aimed at identifying innovative digital technology solutions to solve real-world challenges across various sectors. Statement 2 is correct: The Government of India launched the Smart India Hackathon to encourage students and professionals to develop innovative digital solutions for challenges in agriculture, health, education, energy, environment, and other domains. It serves as a platform for young minds to engage in problem-solving and contribute to technological advancements. Statement 3 is incorrect: While the hackathon focuses on digital technology innovations, it is not specifically centered on digital financial transactions. Instead, it covers a wide range of sectors where technology can drive efficiency and innovation. Hence, correct answer is option (B).
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 tourist centres
Select the correct answer using the code given below
* Statement 1 is not correct: The formation of India’s own internet companies, similar to China’s approach, is not an aim of the Digital India programme. The initiative focuses on creating digital infrastructure, providing digital services, and promoting digital literacy — not establishing government-backed internet firms. * Statement 2 is not correct: The Digital India plan does not include any policy framework to attract foreign multinational corporations to build data centres in India. While data localisation and data centre policies have emerged later under different frameworks, they are not part of the original Digital India objectives. * Statement 3 is correct: One of the key aims of Digital India is to connect villages through broadband and to provide Wi-Fi access in schools, public places, and tourist centres. This is part of its core pillars like Broadband Highways, Public Internet Access Programme, and Early Harvest Programmes.
Regarding ‘DigiLocker’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a digital locker system offered by the Government under Digital India Programme.
2. It allows you to access your e-documents irrespective of your physical location.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
Statement 1 is correct: DigiLocker is a cloud-based digital locker system launched by the Government of India under the Digital India Programme. Its primary objective is to reduce reliance on physical documents by providing secure digital storage and access to e-documents issued by government departments, educational institutions, and other entities. Statement 2 is correct: DigiLocker enables users to access their electronic documents (e-documents) anytime, anywhere, provided they have an internet connection. This enhances convenience, eliminates the need to carry physical documents, and ensures secure and verifiable digital storage. Therefore, both statements are correct.
With reference to Web 3-0, consider the following statements :
1. Web 3-0 technology enables people to control their own data.
2. In Web 3-0 world, there can be blockchain based social networks.
3. Web 3-0 is operated by users collectively rather than a corporation.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Statement 1 is correct. A key aspect of Web 3.0 is the concept of decentralization, where users have more control and ownership over their personal data, rather than having it stored and controlled by centralized platforms. Statement 2 is correct. Blockchain technology is a core component of Web 3.0, and it can enable the creation of decentralized, user-owned social networks and platforms. Statement 3 is correct. The decentralized nature of Web 3.0 means that it is not controlled by a single corporation or entity, but rather operated and maintained collectively by the users and participants in the network. Therefore, all three statements regarding Web 3.0 are correct.
Show 3 more PYQs
Consider the following statements:
A digital signature is
1. an electronic record that identifies the certifying authority issuing it
2. used to serve as a proof of identity of an individual to access information or server on Internet
3. an electronic method of signing an electronic document and ensuring that the original content is unchanged
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is incorrect. A digital signature doesn't directly identify the certifying authority that issued it. It uses a complex cryptographic process involving a public-key infrastructure (PKI) where a trusted third party (Certificate Authority) verifies the signer's identity and issues a digital certificate used for creating the signature. Statement 2 is incorrect. While digital signatures can be used for authentication purposes in certain scenarios, they are not the primary method for user identification when accessing information or servers on the internet. Usernames, passwords, and other credentials are more commonly used. Statement 3 is correct. It ensures the integrity of an electronic document by creating a unique digital fingerprint that is linked to the content. Any alteration to the document would invalidate the signature.
"3D printing" has applications in which of the following?
1. Preparation of confectionery items
2. Manufacture of bionic ears
3. Automotive industry
4. Reconstructive surgeries
5. Data processing technologies
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. It is used in a wide range of industries and has various applications. It can be used to create intricate and customized shapes in confectionery items like chocolates, candies, and other desserts. It has been used to create customized bionic ears for people with hearing impairments. It is used in the automotive industry for rapid prototyping, manufacturing of customized parts, and even some production of vehicle components. It is used in reconstructive surgeries to create patient-specific implants, prosthetics, and surgical guides. It can be used to create specialized components and parts for data processing technologies, such as computer hardware. Therefore, all the five statements are correct.
With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference/differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)?
1. LTE is commonly marketed as 3G and VoLTE is commonly marketed as advanced 3G.
2. LTE is data-only technology and VoLTE is voice-only technology.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Statement 1 is incorrect: LTE is actually marketed as 4G, not 3G. VoLTE is not marketed as advanced 3G, but rather as an advancement over 4G LTE, allowing for voice calls over the 4G network. Statement 2 is incorrect: LTE does primarily focus on providing high-speed data services, but it's not a data-only technology. VoLTE, on the other hand, is not a voice-only technology. It allows for voice calls to be made over the 4G LTE network, but it doesn't exclude data services. Therefore, both statements are incorrect.