The uneven distribution of opportunities emerging out of information and communication technology based development represents:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Digital Divide
Option (1) Transportation and Communication Gap — Incorrect. The gap in the question is in access to information and communication technology, not in roads, railways or ships.
Option (2) Communication Revolution — Incorrect. It names the fast spread of telephones, satellites and the Internet, not the unequal reach of its benefits.
Option (3) Digital Revolution — Incorrect. It names the shift to computers and digital technology, not who is left out of it.
Option (4) Digital Divide — Correct. Opportunities from ICT-based development are unevenly distributed across the globe. Developed countries have surged ahead while developing countries have lagged behind, and the same divide exists inside a country, between well-connected metropolitan centres and peripheral rural areas.
Note: The concepts in Options (2) and (3), ‘Communication Revolution’ and ‘Digital Revolution’, are not in NCERT (2025-26); explained here for the benefit of the students.
NCERT (2025-26): “The Digital Divide … Opportunities emerging from the Information and Communication Technology based development is unevenly distributed across the globe. There are wide ranging economic, political and social differences among countries. How quickly countries can provide ICT access and benefits to its citizens is the deciding factor. While developed countries in general have surged forward, the developing countries have lagged behind and this is known as the digital divide. Similarly digital divides exist within countries. For example, in a large country like India or Russia, it is inevitable that certain areas like metropolitan centres possess better connectivity and access to the digital world versus peripheral rural areas.” |