Current Affairs SSC

Category : SSC

Indian Online

Key Points:

Introduction 

• Growing internet penetration
• Wooed by companies

Positive aspects

• Simplicity and ease of access
• Connectivity
• Education and health care
• E-wallet services

Negative aspects

• Lack of infrastructure
• NOFN project
• Cyber securities and cyber laws
• Threat to privacy

Way ahead

• Closing digital divide
• Right infrastructure
• Efficient utilization

THE ESSAY BEGINS..,

Every second three more Indians experience the internet for the first time. With the crown of the fastest growing economy in the world, no wonder it is wooed by the likes of Facebook and Google.

Digitalization has changed the world for better. Reduction in red tapism and corruption has resulted in greater transparency and accountability. Educational opportunities in rural areas have increased with e-schooling initiatives, and medical support is also being given through the same infrastructure. E-wallet services have given a boost to the economy, and this will only increase with the present policy of demonetization. Ease of access, connectivity, and simplicity can be said to be the overall result.

The delay in creating public infrastructure is slowing down the process. Even though the NOFN (National Optical Fiber Network) project has been approved in 2011, it's progressing at a snail's pace, thus hampering the prospects of an internet-tethered India .The internet penetration of India stands at 30%, which raises questions about the preparedness. With the country lacking effective cyber security and strong cyber laws, information collected by the government also stands at peril, with the privacy of people put at risk.

With developing countries adopting the digital model as a way of life, the government has put more focus on closing the digital divide and creating a conducive environment. Digitalization is here to stay. Right infrastructure and efficient utilization can lead to true democratization of the world's largest democracy.