Unit-7 : COMMUNICATION & CONTENT
Mass Communication
- Transmitting information to a large audience through media channels (radio, TV, film, press, digital platforms).
- Shapes public opinion, disseminates news, fosters cultural exchange.
Media Regulation
- Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI):Oversees newspaper registration and circulation claims (Press & Registration of Books Act, 1867).
Film & Television Education
- Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) (1960):Premier institute for film education in India.
Press Freedom
- Press Council of India:Quasi-judicial authority preserving press freedom and journalistic standards.
E-Governance
- Using electronic systems and technology to improve government processes (efficiency, accessibility).
Chapter-25 : Communications & Information Technology in India
Short Notes or Revision Notes
GIST of India Year Book 2024
Ministry of Communications
- Manages postal services (Department of Posts) and telecommunications.
Department of Posts
- Established in 1766.
- Divided into 23 Postal Circles.
- Over 1 lakh post offices in rural areas.
Services
- Financial Services:
- Small Savings Schemes.
- India Post Payments Bank (IPPB).
- Rural Services: RB Division provides financial and postal services.
- Post Office Common Service Centre (POCSC): Provides G2C and B2C services in rural areas.
International Relations
- Universal Postal Union (UPU) and Asian Pacific Postal Union (APPU).
- International Speed Post & Packet Service.
- Philately (Stamp Collection).
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
- Promotes e-governance and IT industry growth.
Policy Framework
- IT Act, 2000: Governs cyberspace, e-governance, and e-commerce.
- Aadhaar Act, 2016: Enables Aadhaar for service delivery.
Digital India Programme
- Aims for a knowledge-based and digitally empowered society.
- Focuses on infrastructure, services, skilling, payments, manufacturing, promotion, R&D, and cybersecurity.
Digital Infrastructure Initiatives
- Aadhaar, National Knowledge Network (NKN), National Data Centres: Support e-governance initiatives.
- Cloud Computing (MeghRaj), NICNET: Facilitate ICT services and interconnectivity.
Mobile Governance Initiatives
- UMANG: Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance (government services).
- Mobile Seva: Platform for web and mobile-based services.
E-Governance Initiatives
- eSign, DigiLocker, OpenForge: Enhance e-signatures, document storage, and app development.
- API Setu: Facilitates data sharing among government departments.
Transformative Technological Initiatives in India
Government Initiatives:
- PRAGATI 2.0:Advanced video conferencing for enhanced collaboration and decision-making at the highest levels (Prime Minister’s Office).
- eWay Bill System:Revolutionized trade facilitation and tax collection post-GST (self-service platform for streamlined movement of goods).
- eCourts:Efficient, transparent, and accessible justice delivery system (covers 695 districts).
- eTransport Automation:Simplified operations and efficient management in Regional Transport Offices (RTOs).
- eCounselling:Hassle-free admission process for academic institutions (processed over 89 lakh applications, engaged over 4,500 institutions).
- National Scholarship Portal:Streamlined scholarship disbursement (104 schemes from 14 ministries).
- eOffice:Transparent and responsive government operations (over 4 crore eFiles and 22.48 crore receipts processed).
- Public Financial Management System (PFMS):Real-time monitoring of fund utilization for efficient and accountable financial management.
Digital Skilling:
- Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan & FutureSkills PRIME:Enhance digital literacy and reskill workforce in emerging technologies.
Financial Inclusion:
- Digital Payments Revolution:Transactions grew from 1,004 crore in 2016-17 to 13,462 crore in 2022-23, promoting a transparent and accessible digital economy.
Language Accessibility:
- National Language Translation Mission:Leverages natural language technologies for easy translation among Indian languages and English (Bhashini platform).
Semiconductor & Chip Design:
- Semiconductor Program & India Semiconductor Mission:Builds a resilient and sustainable ecosystem for research, development, and global collaborations.
- National Supercomputing Mission & Digital India RISC-V Program:Positions India as a global hub for Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (28 supercomputers installed, DIRV Program launched).
Cybersecurity:
- Jump to 10th position in ITU Global Cybersecurity Index.
- Initiatives:Cyber Surakshit Bharat, National Cyber Coordination Centre.
Telecom Growth:
- Second-largest telecom sector globally.
- Initiatives:PM WANI, Universal 4G Saturation Coverage, PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.
Global Recognition:
- Improved Network Readiness Index ranking (2022).
Overall Impact:
- India’s technological initiatives propel the nation into a digital future, fostering innovation, inclusivity, and economic resilience.