UPSC Prelims 2022 Question:

Consider the following:

1. Aarogya Setu
2. COWIN
3. DigiLocker
4. DIKSHA
   
   

Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms?

Learn more about open source digital platforms from the given explanation below.

Explanation:

Open-source software is software with source code that anyone can inspect, modify, and enhance. "Source code" is the part of software that most computer users don't ever see; it's the code computer programmers can manipulate to change how a piece of software—a "program" or "application"—works. Programmers who have access to a computer program's source code can improve that program by adding features to it or fixing parts that don't always work correctly. Arogya Setu, COWIN, Digilocker and DIKSHA are built on open-source digital platforms. So, points 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct.

Advantages of Open Source Software

Open-source software offers several advantages over proprietary software, including:

• Democratization: Open-source software prevents the digital economy from being dominated by a few large tech companies.
• Affordability: Open-source software is typically more affordable than proprietary software.
• Accelerated innovation: Open-source software benefits from crowdsourcing, which leads to faster development and more effective troubleshooting.
• Technological advancements: Open-source software fosters innovation in areas such as 5G/6G, microprocessor technology, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things.
• Cloud integration: Companies like Amazon and Google release open-source code to make it easier for other companies to integrate with their cloud services.
• Alignment with cloud, big data, and analytics technologies: Open-source software's flexibility and modularity align well with the needs of cloud, big data, and analytics technologies.
• Reduced development costs: Open-source software eliminates the need to reinvent the wheel, allowing companies to focus on innovation.
• Increased privacy and transparency: Open-source software allows users to see what's happening with their data,reducing privacy concerns.
• Enhanced trust among users: Users are more likely to trust open-source software, leading to wider adoption.
• IoT growth: Open-source software and hardware developers play a significant role in the growth of the Internet of Things.
• Democratization of AI and machine learning: Open-source software makes AI and machine learning more accessible to a wider community.
• Improved governance structure: Open-source software can be used to create Digital Public Goods and Digital Public infrastructure, which can lead to more accountable and responsive governance.
• Real-world impact: Open-source software has been used to create valuable projects such as COVID19India.org, which provides real-time updates on COVID-19 cases, testing, and vaccination.

Therefore, option (4) is the correct answer.