Current Affairs Question - 28 December 2019

Explanation :

• Microdot Technology involves spraying thousands of the small dots laser etched with a PIN (Personal Identification Number) number, linked to the Vehicle Number, throughout the vehicle. As the polymer dots are 1mm by 1mm it is impossible to locate them.
• These can be read physically with a microscope and identified with an ultraviolet light source.
• The microdots and adhesive fix permanently and cannot be removed without damaging the vehicle itself.

Advantages

• A vehicle, which has microdots sprayed on its body, if stolen, can be easily identified with the help of this technology.
• Similarly, the use of fake spare parts can also be prevented as counterfeit ones can be singled out easily.

Explanation :

• On 17^th December, 2019, the government launched the National Broadband Mission(NBM) which aims to fast track growth of digital communications infrastructure, bridge the digital divide and provide affordable and universal access of broadband for all.
• The Mission is part of the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018.

Objective

• To provide broadband access to all villages by 2022.

Key Points of NBM

• The ambitious project will involve laying down around 30 Lakhs kilometre route Optical Fiber Cable, increase tower density from 0.42 to 1.0 tower per thousand of population by 2024 and significantly improve quality of services for mobile and internet.
• The mission envisages Rs 7 lakh crore investments in next 4 years.
• Developing a Broadband Readiness Index (BRI) to measure the availability of digital communications infrastructure and conducive policy ecosystem within a State/UT.
• Creation of a Digital Fiber Map of the Digital Communications network and infrastructure, including Optical Fiber Cables and Towers, across the country.

Impact

• It will help government to fast-track digital connectivity and bridge the digital divide as well as facilitate digital empowerment and inclusion.
• The mission by providing internet connectivity to 1 lakh villages, will push the economy to 5 trillion dollar milestone.