Archive

1. India’s internet subscriber base reached 1,092.79 million in March 2026, with average wireless data consumption of 25.51 GB per subscriber per month. Total wireless data usage reached 285,376 petabytes during FY 2025–26.

2. Cloud Computing provides internet-based access to servers, storage, software and processing resources without requiring organisations to maintain their own physical infrastructure. Its major benefits include scalability, lower infrastructure costs, faster service deployment, data backup, disaster recovery and operational continuity.

India’s New-Age Space Technologies and Space Sector Development

India’s space programme is moving beyond traditional applications such as telecommunications, weather forecasting, and satellite-based services towards advanced space exploration, reusable launch vehicles, human spaceflight, and commercial space activities. The development of new technologies by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), along with increasing private sector participation, is strengthening India’s technological capabilities, strategic independence, and position in the global space economy.

1. Extended Reality (XR) is a collective term for immersive technologies that combine physical and digital environments through computer systems and wearable devices. Its three principal forms are Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR). These technologies support interactive applications in education, healthcare, tourism, cultural heritage, gaming, entertainment, retail and infrastructure planning.

2. Virtual Reality (VR) creates a completely digital environment in which users interact with simulated surroundings, primarily through sight and sound. Augmented Reality (AR) overlays digital information and objects onto the existing physical environment while keeping it visible. Mixed Reality (MR) combines physical and digital environments, allowing virtual objects to interact with real-world surroundings. Related technologies include 360-degree video, which allows viewing in every direction, and Haptic Technology, which uses vibrations, pressure and physical sensations to simulate touch.

1. India’s indigenous supercomputing journey began with PARAM 8000, developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and unveiled in 1991 with a computing speed of 1 gigaflop; the PARAM series later included systems such as PARAM Yuva with a capacity of 54 teraflops.

2. The National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) was launched in April 2015 with an outlay of about ₹4,500 crore to strengthen India’s High-Performance Computing (HPC) capabilities and build self-reliance in supercomputing.

1. A data centre is a secure facility that houses computing, storage and networking equipment for processing, managing, storing and distributing digital information.

2. Data centres support services such as online banking, digital payments, e-Governance, cloud computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

1. Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) integrate computation, communication networks and physical processes through sensors, software and real-time data exchange.

2. CPS enables machines to sense their surroundings, analyse information and respond automatically to changing physical conditions.

1. India operates 24 nuclear power reactors with a total installed capacity of 8.78 gigawatts (GW).

2. Nine reactor units with a combined capacity of 7.5 GW are under construction.

1. India’s nuclear power programme began commercial operation with the Tarapur Atomic Power Station in 1969.

2. India operates 24 nuclear power reactors at seven sites, with a total installed capacity of 8.78 gigawatts (GW).

1. A smart energy grid combines physical electricity infrastructure with digital communication and control systems to improve efficiency, reliability and real-time power management.

2. Its physical layer includes power-generation plants, transmission lines, substations, transformers, smart meters and distribution networks.

1. Navigation with Indian Constellation, or NavIC, is India’s autonomous regional satellite navigation system. It provides Position, Navigation and Timing services over India and about 1,500 km beyond its borders.

2. NavIC strengthens India’s technological and strategic autonomy because it reduces dependence on foreign satellite-navigation systems for civilian, commercial and military needs.