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.