CONTENTS
- India Advances in Blockchain Technology with New Frameworks and Portals
- Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Initiative
India Advances in Blockchain Technology with New Frameworks and Portals
Context:
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has recently introduced the National Blockchain Framework (NBF) to enhance digital infrastructure across the nation. Alongside this, several key initiatives such as the Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack, National Blockchain Framework Lite (NBFLite), Praamaanik, and the National Blockchain Portal were also launched. These platforms are designed to bolster blockchain’s integration into various sectors, promoting transparency, efficiency, and security in public and private operations.
Relevance:
GS III: Science and Technology
Dimensions of the Article:
- National Blockchain Framework Overview
- Blockchain as a Service (BaaS) Explained
National Blockchain Framework Overview
- Purpose: The National Blockchain Framework (NBF) is an online platform created to enhance digital governance through blockchain technology, emphasizing transparency and trust in public services.
- Initiatives Linked:
- Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack: Provides Blockchain-as-a-Service with geographically distributed support for various blockchain applications.
- NBFLite: A blockchain sandbox designed for startups and academia to foster rapid prototyping and research.
- Praamaanik: An innovative solution for verifying the origins of mobile apps.
- National Blockchain Portal: Created to streamline access and integration with diverse blockchain resources.
- Benefits:
- Promotes security, trust, and transparency in citizen-centric services, aligning with governmental digital service delivery goals.
- The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) advocates for the expansion of NBF applications across different states and departments, encouraging the incorporation of new applications.
Challenges Addressed by NBF
- Focuses on overcoming common issues such as the need for skilled labor to develop blockchain-based applications and challenges associated with security, interoperability, and performance.
Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack Components
- Infrastructure: Hosted across National Informatics Centre (NIC) Data Centers in Bhubaneswar, Pune, and Hyderabad.
- Services Provided:
- Basic blockchain operations.
- Development and management of smart contracts and application interfaces.
- Emphasizes data integrity and secure communications.
- Development Support: Offers Blockchain as a Service (BaaS) to aid in the development and deployment of blockchain applications.
Blockchain as a Service (BaaS) Explained
- Definition: BaaS is a third-party cloud-based service that supports companies in building and managing blockchain applications.
- Advantages:
- Simplification: Allows companies to develop and deploy blockchain applications swiftly without the need to manage intricate infrastructure.
- Cost Efficiency: Facilitates economical and efficient blockchain usage, promoting secure and transparent innovation.
- Flexibility and Scalability: Ensures the blockchain infrastructure is adaptable and scalable, catering to evolving application and user demands.
Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Initiative
Context:
Recently, the Prime Minister launched the ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari’ initiative from Surat, Gujarat.
Relevance:
GS II: Government Policies and Interventions
Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Initiative
- Focus and Goals: The initiative prioritizes water conservation through the construction of about 24,800 rainwater harvesting structures across Gujarat.
- Collaborative Approach: Emphasizes a comprehensive involvement of both society and government in effective water management.
Water Challenges in India
- Water Scarcity: Despite housing 18% of the global population, India possesses only 4% of the world’s water resources.
- Groundwater Depletion: Reports indicate that 256 out of 700 districts face critical to over-exploited groundwater levels.
- Accessibility Issues: Rural women frequently travel over 2.5 kilometers to access water sources.
- Health Impact: Around 163 million Indians lack access to safe drinking water, correlating to 21% of communicable diseases.
Additional Water Conservation Efforts
- Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Expanded piped water connections dramatically, from 3 crore to over 15 crore households, covering more than 75% of the rural population.
- Amrit Sarovar Construction: Over 60,000 water bodies have been created to improve water storage and management.
- Catch The Rain Campaign: Encourages the development of Rain Water Harvesting Structures (RWHS) across various states to bolster water conservation efforts.
