Daily Current Affairs : 21-December-2024
India is boosting its digital infrastructure by launching two new undersea cables: India Asia Xpress (IAX) and India Europe Xpress (IEX). These cables will enhance global connectivity by connecting India with key regions in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Let’s dive deeper into the significance of these new cables.
What Are Undersea Cables?
Undersea or underwater cables are fiber-optic cables that are laid on the ocean floor. These cables are used to transmit data across vast distances, allowing for high-speed internet and communication globally. They are a critical part of the internet’s backbone, connecting continents and enabling fast data transmission.
New Cables Launched: IAX and IEX
- India Asia Xpress (IAX): This cable connects Chennai and Mumbai with countries in Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia.
- India Europe Xpress (IEX): This cable links Chennai and Mumbai with various locations in Europe and the Middle East, including France, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Djibouti.
These new cables will significantly improve India’s digital connectivity, facilitating faster data exchanges and providing a reliable infrastructure for both businesses and individuals.
How Do Undersea Cables Work?
Undersea cables use fiber-optic technology to transmit data. Here’s how they function:
- Data Transmission: Data is sent as light signals through thin glass fibers inside the cables.
- Protection: These cables are protected by several layers of insulation, plastic, and steel wires to ensure durability and prevent damage.
- Placement: Cables are buried near shores and laid directly on the seabed in deep ocean waters.
Key Features of the New Cables
- Depth and Placement: Cables are buried near shorelines and placed on the seabed in deeper waters to protect them from damage.
- Data Capacity: The new cables can carry up to 224 Tbps (terabits per second), allowing for faster data transmission and higher volumes of data.
- Durability: Multiple protective layers safeguard the cables from damage. They are also routed to avoid fault-prone zones and areas with high fishing or anchoring activity.
- Speed: Undersea cables offer faster and more cost-efficient data transfer compared to satellites, especially for large-scale data movements.
Why Choose Undersea Cables Over Satellites?
- Higher Capacity: Undersea cables can carry much more data than satellites, making them suitable for heavy data usage.
- Cost-Effective: Transmitting data through undersea cables is cheaper on a bit-for-bit basis compared to satellite communication.
- Reliability: Cables offer more stable connections, ensuring consistent high-speed data transfer, unlike satellites, which can experience interference or disruptions.
Important Points
- Undersea Cables: Fiber-optic cables laid under the ocean to transmit data globally at high speeds.
- New Cables Launched:
- India Asia Xpress (IAX): Connects Chennai and Mumbai with Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia.
- India Europe Xpress (IEX): Connects Chennai and Mumbai with France, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Djibouti.
- How They Work:
- Data is transmitted through thin glass fibers using light signals (laser beams).
- The cables are protected by layers of insulation, plastic, and steel wires.
- Cables are buried near shorelines and placed directly on the ocean floor in deep waters.
- Key Features:
- Data Capacity: New cables can carry up to 224 Tbps (terabits per second).
- Durability: Protected from damage, routed to avoid fault zones and areas with heavy fishing or anchoring.
- Speed: Faster and more cost-efficient than satellites for large-scale data transfer.
- Advantages Over Satellites:
- Higher Capacity: Undersea cables can handle far more data than satellites.
- Cost-Effective: Cheaper on a bit-for-bit basis compared to satellite communication.
- Reliability: More stable, consistent connections than satellite-based systems, especially for high-volume data.
- Significance for India:
- Enhances India’s global digital connectivity and strengthens its position in the digital economy.
- Provides faster and more reliable internet and communication, benefiting both businesses and individuals.
Why In News
India is significantly strengthening its digital connectivity by launching two new undersea cables, India Asia Xpress (IAX) and India Europe Xpress (IEX), which will enhance global data exchange, support economic growth, and position India as a key player in the digital landscape.
MCQs about India Strengthens Digital Connectivity with New Undersea Cables
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What is the primary function of undersea cables like IAX and IEX?
A. To provide wireless communication
B. To transmit data globally at high speeds
C. To offer satellite communication
D. To store internet data
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Which countries are connected by the India Asia Xpress (IAX) cable?
A. France, Greece, Saudi Arabia
B. Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia
C. United States, Canada, Mexico
D. Egypt, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia
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How are undersea cables protected from damage?
A. By being buried in the ocean
B. By being covered with steel wires, insulation, and plastic
C. By using satellite technology for monitoring
D. By being constantly monitored by drones
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Why are undersea cables preferred over satellites for large-scale data transfer?
A. They are more expensive than satellites
B. They have lower data capacity
C. They are more reliable, faster, and cost-effective for large-scale data transfer
D. They require more maintenance than satellites
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