Why in NEWS
The Internet of Things (IoT) has become a transformative force, infusing intelligence into everyday objects and revolutionizing homes, industries, agriculture, transportation, and healthcare. From smart refrigerators and wearables to predictive maintenance in factories, IoT is shaping a more efficient, connected, and data-driven world.
Key Terms and Concepts
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Internet of Things (IoT) | A network of physical objects embedded with sensors and software that connect and exchange data via the internet. |
| Sensors | Devices that detect changes in the environment, like temperature, motion, light, or moisture. |
| Actuators | Components that perform actions based on sensor data, like unlocking a door or turning on a fan. |
| Edge Computing | Processing data near the source (device) to reduce time and cloud load. |
| IoT Gateway | A bridge between devices and cloud servers, handling data filtering and security. |
| Smart Cities | Urban spaces that use IoT to improve infrastructure, efficiency, and citizen services. |
| 5G | The fifth generation of mobile networks, offering high speed, low latency — essential for IoT scalability. |
| DPDP Act 2023 | India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act to secure individual data in digital platforms including IoT devices. |
| Interoperability | The ability of different systems and devices to work together using common protocols and standards. |
IoT: Simplified News Summary
How IoT Works:
- Devices collect data through sensors (e.g., temperature or motion).
- Data is sent via networks (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G) to cloud systems.
- Cloud or edge servers analyze the data using AI algorithms.
- Based on results, actuators perform tasks (e.g., adjust room temp, alert doctors).
- Users interact through apps or voice assistants (e.g., Alexa).
Major Applications:
- Smart Cities: Traffic sensors, smart bins, streetlights.
- Homes: Smart thermostats, security cameras.
- Healthcare: Remote monitoring, wearable fitness trackers.
- Agriculture: Soil sensors, livestock trackers.
- Industry: Predictive maintenance, hazard alerts.
- Transport: Fleet tracking, self-driving cars.
Challenges:
- Cyberattacks (e.g., Mirai botnet).
- Privacy breaches.
- Lack of global standards.
- High infrastructure and energy needs.
India’s Push:
- Draft IoT Policy 2015
- 5G rollout
- BharatNet rural internet
- DPDP Act 2023 for data privacy
Visual Summary of IoT Ecosystem
csharpCopyEdit[IoT Device]
↓ Senses
[Sensors + Actuators]
↓ Communicates
[Wi-Fi / 5G / Bluetooth]
↓ Processes
[IoT Gateway → Cloud / Edge AI]
↓ Analyzes & Acts
[Data Insights → Automation]
↓ User Interaction
[Apps, Alerts, Voice Assistants]
In a Nutshell: I-SCURE
I-SCURE – Memory Code for IoT Ecosystem
- I: Interconnected Devices
- S: Sensors & Actuators
- C: Cloud/Edge Processing
- U: User Interfaces
- R: Real-time Monitoring
- E: Enhanced Automation
Prelims Questions (MCQs)
- Which of the following is NOT a component of the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem?
A. Sensors
B. Actuators
C. Typewriter
D. IoT Gateway - Which of the following best explains ‘Edge Computing’ in the context of IoT?
A. Processing data at central servers only
B. Processing data near the source to reduce latency
C. Transferring data via cables only
D. Storing data in offline hard drives - Consider the following statements about the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023:
- It applies only to government agencies.
- It aims to protect the privacy of individuals’ data.
- It is India’s first data protection law.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 2 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 1, 2, and 3
D. 2 and 3 only
Mains Questions
1. Discuss how the Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing traditional sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and urban governance in India.
2. “The growth of IoT must be accompanied by robust regulatory frameworks and data protection mechanisms.” Critically examine with reference to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
Previous Year Mains Question:
“Discuss the potential of Internet of Things (IoT) in the context of smart cities in India.” – UPSC GS Paper 3, 2015
Answers to Prelims Questions
| Q. No. | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | A typewriter is not a smart or connected device, unlike other IoT components. |
| 2 | B | Edge computing processes data near the device, reducing delay. |
| 3 | D | The DPDP Act applies to all entities and is aimed at securing individual data; it’s not India’s first attempt at data protection, but it’s the most comprehensive. |
