UPPSC PCS - 2021

PM VANI Yojna is related with

Year Asked: 2021

A
Censorship in Print and Digital Media
B
Development of Lok Sangeet
C
Audio-Visual Release of Lok Sabha
D
Availability of Wi-fi in Public places

Correct Answer

D. Availability of Wi-fi in Public places

Detailed Explanation

The correct answer is D. PM-WANI (Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) was approved by the Union Cabinet in December 2020 and is run by the Department of Telecommunications. It creates an open framework in which Public Data Offices (PDOs) set up Wi-Fi hotspots in public places, and PDO Aggregators (PDOAs) connect them to a central registry. Any user can then log in and get access without a long-term subscription. Private players can enter as PDOs, so it is not a purely government-run free service.

Why the others are wrong:

  • A: Censorship of print and digital media is a content-regulation matter. Print is governed by the Press and Registration of Books Act and digital content by the IT Rules, 2021, under the Information and Broadcasting and MeitY ministries. PM-WANI has nothing to do with content.
  • B: Lok Sangeet promotion is a cultural function handled by bodies such as the Sangeet Natak Akademi and the Ministry of Culture.
  • C: Telecast of Lok Sabha proceedings is handled by the Lok Sabha secretariat through Sansad TV. No such release is connected to PM-WANI.

Core concept: digital inclusion and last-mile connectivity under the Digital India agenda. For Mains, PM-WANI is a good example when discussing the digital divide, ease of entry for small providers, and how public broadband can complement fibre-based initiatives like BharatNet.

Trap: aspirants mix PM-WANI up with BharatNet or the Digital India broadband mission, which are wired infrastructure projects. PM-WANI is about Wi-Fi access points run by PDOs.

This question appeared in UPPCS 2021 General Studies Paper I.

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