Question 11 from UPSC CSE 2017 - Current
Affairs

Question

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Smart India Hackathon 2017?
1. It is a centrally sponsored scheme for developing every city of our country into Smart Cities in a decade.
2. It is an initiative to identify new digital technology innovations for solving the many problems faced by our country.
3. It is a programme aimed at making all the financial transactions in our country completely digital in a decade.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. 2 only

Strategy: Define the term "Hackathon" as a competitive event for technological problem-solving. Evaluate each statement against this definition, eliminating those that incorrectly link the initiative to other government programs or mischaracterize its scope. The correct statement will accurately describe the hackathon's purpose.

Key Info: ### Smart India Hackathon (SIH)
Smart India Hackathon is a nationwide initiative launched by the Ministry of Education's Innovation Cell (formerly MHRD). Its primary objective is to provide a platform for students to solve pressing problems faced by government ministries, departments, industries, and other organizations.

- Nature: It is not a scheme but a competitive event, a 36-hour non-stop digital product development competition.
- Objective: To foster a culture of innovation, problem-solving, and out-of-the-box thinking among young minds.
- Process: Government departments and private sector organizations post problem statements, and student teams develop innovative digital solutions.
- Editions: SIH is conducted in two formats: a Software Edition and a Hardware Edition.

### Smart Cities Mission
The Smart Cities Mission is a distinct urban renewal and retrofitting program launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in 2015. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.

- Objective: To develop 100 cities across the country, making them citizen-friendly and sustainable. The focus is on providing core infrastructure, a clean environment, and a decent quality of life through the application of 'smart' solutions.
- Implementation: It is implemented through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) at the city level and operates on a competitive selection basis.

### Digital Financial Transactions
The goal of making financial transactions completely digital is a key component of the broader 'Digital India' programme. It is driven by initiatives like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS), and the promotion of digital literacy.

- Objective: To create a 'less-cash' or 'cashless' economy, enhance transparency, and curb black money.
- Agencies: Key players include the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). This objective is separate from the Smart India Hackathon, though problem statements related to fintech may be included in the hackathon.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 and 3 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: 3 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: 2 and 3 only