Daily Current Affairs : 24-December-2024
India is set to launch two new high-capacity undersea cable systems in the coming months: India Asia Xpress (IAX) and India Europe Xpress (IEX). These systems are designed to enhance India’s global connectivity, improving internet speed and reliability for users across the country and internationally.
IAX and IEX Cable Systems
- India Asia Xpress (IAX): This system will connect Chennai and Mumbai to key locations in Asia, including Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia. The IAX aims to provide faster and more efficient data transfer between India and these important Asian markets.
- India Europe Xpress (IEX): The IEX will link India with several countries in Europe and the Middle East, including France, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Djibouti. This system is expected to improve communication and data exchange between India and these regions.
These new cables will significantly boost India’s internet infrastructure, offering better connectivity for businesses, governments, and consumers. They will help India meet the growing demand for faster, more reliable digital services.
Importance of Undersea Cables
Undersea cables, also known as submarine cables, are crucial for global internet connectivity. These cables are laid on the ocean floor and are made of high-capacity optical fiber. They are responsible for transmitting large amounts of data over long distances with minimal delay.
Key features of undersea cables include:
- Fiber Optic Technology: These cables use light pulses to transfer digital information, which is faster and more reliable than traditional electrical signals.
- Protection Layers: The optical fibers are wrapped in plastic and sometimes steel wire to protect them from damage.
- Low Latency: Unlike satellites, undersea cables offer low latency (minimal delay) and are not affected by space weather, radiation, or debris.
Compared to satellite communication, undersea cables provide virtually unlimited bandwidth and very low latency, making them the preferred option for global data transmission.
India’s Growing Role in Global Connectivity
As of 2023, India has 17 international subsea cables, landing in 14 stations across five cities. The total capacity of these cables is 138.55 terabits per second (tbps), with an activated capacity of 111.11 tbps. With the addition of IAX and IEX, India will further strengthen its position as a key player in global digital connectivity.
Important Points
- India’s New Cable Systems: India will launch two new undersea cable systems, India Asia Xpress (IAX) and India Europe Xpress (IEX), aimed at enhancing global connectivity.
- IAX System: Connects Chennai and Mumbai with Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, boosting data exchange between India and these Asian countries.
- IEX System: Links India with France, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Djibouti, improving communication with Europe and the Middle East.
- Undersea Cables (Submarine Cables):
- High-capacity fiber optic cables laid on the ocean floor.
- Transmit data using light pulses, which travel faster and more efficiently than electrical signals.
- Wrapped in protective layers, including plastic and sometimes steel wire.
- Advantages of Undersea Cables:
- Low Latency: Minimal delay in data transmission compared to satellites.
- Unlimited Bandwidth: Provides faster, more reliable internet with high data capacity.
- Resilience: Less affected by space weather, radiation, or debris, unlike satellite communication.
- India’s Subsea Cable Infrastructure:
- As of 2023, India has 17 international subsea cables landing in 14 stations across five cities.
- Total cable capacity of 138.55 terabits per second (tbps), with 111.11 tbps activated capacity.
- Impact on India’s Digital Infrastructure:
- IAX and IEX will strengthen India’s position as a key player in global digital connectivity.
- These new cables will improve internet speed, reliability, and global communication for businesses, governments, and consumers.
Why In News
India is set to launch two new high-capacity undersea cable systems in the coming months, namely India Asia Xpress (IAX) and India Europe Xpress (IEX), which will significantly enhance the country’s digital infrastructure and global connectivity. These advanced systems are designed to cater to the growing demand for faster and more reliable data exchange between India and key regions in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
MCQs about India’s New Cable Systems: A Step Towards Improved Global Connectivity
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What is the primary purpose of the *India Asia Xpress (IAX)* and *India Europe Xpress (IEX)* cable systems?
A. To increase satellite communication
B. To enhance global digital connectivity for India
C. To reduce internet prices in India
D. To connect India with North America and Africa
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What technology do undersea cables like IAX and IEX use to transmit data?
A. Radio waves
B. Electrical signals
C. Laser pulses through optical fibers
D. Microwave signals
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How does the IAX system benefit India?
A. By connecting India to Australia and New Zealand
B. By connecting India to Southeast Asian countries like Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia
C. By connecting India to South American countries
D. By connecting India to African countries like Kenya and Nigeria
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As of 2023, what is the total lit capacity of India’s international subsea cables?
A. 50 terabits per second
B. 111.11 terabits per second
C. 138.55 terabits per second
D. 200 terabits per second
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