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The BRICS countries have made significant progress in digital connectivity, with 1.3 billion internet users added since 2016. The Department of Telecommunications is responsible for the ICT agenda in India. India's foundational digital identity, Aadhaar, has enabled a near-universal digital pipeline and has made India home to nearly half of the world's real-time payments each month through UPI.
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Mains Practice Question
Critically examine the role of Aadhaar in enabling digital connectivity and financial inclusion in India.
250 words
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The Department of Telecommunications is responsible for the ICT agenda in which country?
The Department of Telecommunications is the nodal ministry for India's ICT agenda, overseeing the country's digital infrastructure and policies.
What percentage of the combined population of BRICS countries has 4G coverage?
BRICS countries have seen a significant expansion of 4G coverage, reaching 99% of their combined population since 2016.
Consider the following statements regarding BRICS countries' digital connectivity: 1. The BRICS countries have made significant progress in digital connectivity, with 1.2 billion internet users added since 2015, taking the total to 80% of the combined population. 2. The BRICS countries have made significant progress in digital connectivity, with 1.3 billion internet users added since 2016, taking the total to 82% of the combined population. 3. The BRICS countries have made significant progress in digital connectivity, with 1.4 billion internet users added since 2017, taking the total to 85% of the combined population. How many of the above statements are correct?
India has launched the BRICS ICT Track, focusing on digital cooperation, AI, and next-gen communications, under its Chairship in 2026.
The fact list supports the second statement, which matches the figure provided, but does not support the first and third statements, which have incorrect numbers or dates.
Consider the following two statements: Statement-I: Aadhaar has enabled a near-universal digital pipeline connecting over 1 billion digital identities with over 1 billion mobile phones and over 1 billion digitally linked bank accounts. Statement-II: The Aadhaar system's requirement of biometrics, name, gender, date of birth, and address ensures that biometrics are never shared with those providing digital services. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
The first statement is true because the fact list states that Aadhaar has enabled a near-universal digital pipeline with the specified numbers. The second statement is also true because the fact list states that Aadhaar enrolment requires biometrics, name, gender, date of birth, and address, and ensures that biometrics are never shared with those providing digital services. The second statement explains why the first statement is true, as the biometric and demographic information required for Aadhaar enrolment ensures that biometrics are not shared with service providers.