UPSC ESE GS
SERIES
INFORMATION
AND
COMMUNICATION
TECHNOLOGY
(ICT) NOTES
PrepFinity
Where preparation meets possibility
Computers & Information Technology
1. Basics of Computing
Hardware: Physical parts like CPU, RAM, motherboard, storage.
Software: Operating systems (e.g., Windows, Linux), applications (e.g., MS Word,
web browsers).
Binary Language: Computers process data in 0s and 1s.
Programming Languages: Python, Java, C++ used to develop software.
2. Types of Computing
Cloud Computing: Delivery of computing services (storage, processing) over the
internet. Eg: AWS, Google Cloud.
o Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
Edge Computing: Processes data near its source to reduce latency (used in IoT).
Quantum Computing: Uses qubits to perform advanced computations (still in
development stage).
3. Cybersecurity
Cyber Threats:
Phishing: Fraudulent emails or messages that trick users into revealing sensitive info.
Ransomware: Malware that locks access to files and demands ransom.
Malware: Software designed to harm systems (includes viruses, worms, trojans).
Identity Theft: Misuse of personal data for fraud.
DoS/DDoS Attacks: Disrupts access to services by overwhelming them with traffic.
Spyware: Covert software that gathers user information.
Rootkit: A rootkit is a type of malware that gives cybercriminals access to a
computer or network.
Tools & Practices:
Firewalls: Block unauthorized access to networks.
Antivirus Software: Scans and removes malware.
Encryption: Secures data by converting it into unreadable format.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds extra verification steps.
VPN: Encrypts internet activity and hides IP address.
Patch Management: Regular updates to fix software vulnerabilities.
Institutional Framework:
CERT-IN: Nodal agency under MeitY for cybersecurity.
Cyber Surakshit Bharat: MeitY initiative to enhance cyber hygiene.
NCSP (National Cyber Security Policy): Framework to secure cyberspace.
I4C (Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre): Under MHA, monitors and
investigates cybercrimes.
4. Digital India Initiatives
Launched in 2015 to transform India into a digitally empowered society.
DigiLocker: Online platform to store digital documents.
UMANG App: Single app for availing government services.
BHIM-UPI: Mobile-based real-time payment system.
MyGov: Citizen-government engagement platform.
5. Information Technology Act, 2000
Provides legal recognition to electronic documents and transactions.
Covers cyber crimes, data breaches, and digital signatures.
Administered by: MeitY
6. Emerging Technologies
AI & Machine Learning: Smart systems that learn and adapt.
Blockchain: Distributed ledger used for secure digital transactions.
Big Data: Handling large and complex datasets.
IoT (Internet of Things): Devices connected to the internet (e.g., smart homes).
7. India’s Supercomputing Mission
PARAM Series: Indigenous supercomputers by C-DAC.
National Supercomputing Mission (NSM): Jointly by MeitY and DST.
8. E-Governance & Digital Infrastructure
Aadhaar: Biometric-based identity system.
SWAN: Provides secure state-wide networks.
e-Hospital: Online health services (appointments, reports).
e-NAM: Platform for transparent agricultural marketing.
9. AI in Governance
Uses: Predictive policing, citizen grievance systems, traffic control.
Responsible AI: Promotes fairness, transparency, and human oversight.
National AI Portal: www.indiaai.gov.in – AI resources and policy info.
10. Global Developments
5G Networks: High-speed internet, low latency – enabler for automation and IoT.
Cyber Diplomacy: India’s collaboration with other countries for cybersecurity
norms.
Electronics & Telecommunication
1. Fundamentals of Electronics
Semiconductors: Materials like silicon that partially conduct electricity.
Diodes: One-way valves for electric current.
Transistors: Switch or amplify signals; key in all electronics.
ICs (Integrated Circuits): Chips containing thousands of miniaturized components.
2. Mobile Network Evolution
2G to 5G Evolution:
o 2G: Voice calls
o 3G: Internet
o 4G: High-speed streaming
o 5G: Ultra-low latency for smart cities, IoT
o 6G (Future): Under research
3. Optical Fiber Technology
Uses light to transmit data.
High bandwidth and low signal loss.
Backbone of broadband and telecom services.
4. Microwave & Satellite Communication
Microwave Communication: Used in radar and mobile networks.
Satellite Communication: Useful for remote and inaccessible areas.
5. Telecom Governance
DoT (Department of Telecommunications): Policy and licensing.
TRAI: Regulates service providers, tariffs, and QoS.
TEC: Standards and testing for telecom tech.
6. Key Government Schemes
BharatNet: Rural broadband under DoT.
PM-WANI: Free public Wi-Fi via small providers.
PLI Scheme for Telecom: Incentivizes domestic telecom manufacturing.
5Gi: Indian version of 5G tailored for rural access.
7. Challenges
Spectrum Scarcity: Limited bandwidth availability.
Infrastructure Cost: High setup cost, especially in rural areas.
Cybersecurity: Risks due to increased digital penetration.
Digital Divide: Inequality in internet access.
8. Indigenous Innovations
C-DOT: R&D for indigenous telecom solutions.
SANDES App: Secure messaging app by NIC for official use.
NaVIC: India’s regional satellite navigation system.
OTHER IMPORTANT TECHNOLOGIES
1. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)
What is RFID
A wireless system used for identifying and tracking objects using radio waves.
Components:
RFID Tag/Transponder: Attached to object. Has a microchip (data) + antenna.
RFID Reader/Interrogator: Emits radio waves and receives signals from the tag.
Antenna: Helps in communication between tag and reader.
Types of RFID Tags:
Type Power Source Range Cost
Passive No battery (uses reader’s energy) Short (up to 10m) Cheap
Active Has a battery Long (up to 100m) Expensive
Semi-passive Battery for chip, not transmission Medium Moderate
Applications:
Toll booths (FASTag)
Inventory management
Animal tracking
Passport chips (e-passports)
Contactless cards (like Metro smart cards)
2. NFC (Near Field Communication)
Subset of RFID but allows two-way communication.
Operates at 13.56 MHz, range < 4 cm.
Used in: Google Pay, Apple Pay, contactless payments, file transfer between phones.
3. QR Code (Quick Response Code)
A type of 2D barcode.
Scanned via camera or QR scanner.
Static (fixed data) or dynamic (data can be edited).
Used in: Payments (UPI), ticketing, ads.
4. Barcode
1D visual code (black and white lines).
Needs line-of-sight scanner.
Less data capacity than QR codes or RFID.
Common in retail and library systems.
5. Bluetooth & BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy)
Wireless tech for short-range data exchange.
BLE used in health trackers, beacons, smart homes.
Comparison
Feature RFID NFC Barcode QR Code Bluetooth
Wireless Range Up to 100m < 4cm Line-of-sight Line-of-sight ~10m
Data Storage Moderate Moderate Low Moderate High
Directionality No line-of-sight No line-of-sight Yes Yes No line-of-sight
Cost Moderate Low Very low Low
CURRENT AFFAIRS
1. Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023
o Enacted to regulate how personal digital data is collected, stored, and
processed.
o Replaces older provisions of the IT Act.
o Overseen by Data Protection Board of India.
2. IndiaAI Mission (2024)
o ₹10,000 crore allocation approved for IndiaAI Mission under MeitY.
o Includes: AI computing infrastructure, datasets, skill-building, and R&D.
3. Launch of Bhashini 2.0
o Updated version of India’s AI-powered language translation platform.
o Supports 22+ Indian languages for digital inclusion.
4. CERT-IN Cybersecurity Guidelines Update (2023)
o Mandated 6-hour breach reporting timeline for critical sectors.
o VPNs and cloud providers must maintain customer logs for 5 years.
5. UPI Expansion & Integration
o UPI in France, UAE, and Singapore: Boost to India’s fintech diplomacy.
o Credit on UPI launched: Pay now, settle later feature for users.
6. AI-Based Initiatives by Govt
o AI for agriculture (crop mapping), judiciary (case backlog sorting), and health
(early diagnostics).
o Integrated with IndiaAI Portal.
7. Launch of Digital India FutureLABS (2024)
o MeitY initiative to promote R&D in emerging technologies like quantum, 6G,
AI, and robotics.
📡 Chapter 6: Electronics & Telecommunication
1. 5G Expansion in Rural India (2024)
o Over 100,000 villages covered under 5G as part of Digital India drive.
o Focus on integration with smart agriculture and rural health infrastructure.
2. Public 5G Testbeds Opened to Startups
o IITs and IISc host testbeds for startups to trial 5G solutions.
o Boosts Make in India in telecom tech.
3. 6G Vision Document 2.0 Released (2024)
o Sets roadmap for India’s 6G strategy by 2030.
o Focus: AI-powered networks, energy-efficient chips.
4. PLI 2.0 for Telecom Sector (2023-24)
o Extended incentives to satellite communication equipment and optical
modules.
o Promotes MSME participation.
5. BharatNet Phase 3 Launched
o Targets fiber connectivity to every gram panchayat by 2025.
o Partnership model with state governments.
6. NaVIC Chip Integration in Smartphones
o Mandatory for all GPS-enabled phones sold in India post-2025.
o Boosts self-reliance in navigation systems.
7. Lauch of "Sanchar Saathi" Portal
o Enables mobile users to track, block, and trace lost/stolen mobile devices.
o Integrated with IMEI and telecom operator database.
