**1. Define E-Commerce.**
E-Commerce, or electronic commerce, refers to the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet. It involves online transactions between businesses, consumers, or both. E-Commerce platforms enable digital payments, order processing, and product delivery. This model has revolutionized traditional retail by providing global reach and 24/7 accessibility.
**2. What is the key difference between B2B and B2C E-Commerce?**
B2B (Business-to-Business) E-Commerce involves transactions between businesses, such as manufacturers and wholesalers, often dealing with bulk orders and long-term contracts. B2C (Business-to-Consumer) focuses on selling directly to individual consumers through online retail platforms. B2B transactions typically have higher order values and complex negotiations, while B2C emphasizes convenience, marketing, and quick transactions.
**3. Name any two advantages of E-Commerce for consumers.**
Consumers benefit from the convenience of shopping anytime and anywhere without visiting physical stores. They gain access to a wider variety of products, competitive pricing, and detailed product information. Additionally, features like customer reviews and easy price comparisons empower informed decision-making.
**4. What is E-Governance?**
E-Governance involves using information and communication technology (ICT) to enhance government service delivery, transparency, and citizen engagement. It aims to make administrative processes efficient, reduce paperwork, and provide round-the-clock access to services. Examples include online tax filing, digital land records, and e-passport applications.
**5. State the full form of G2C and G2G.**
G2C stands for Government-to-Citizen, which refers to interactions where the government provides services directly to citizens, such as issuing certificates or processing complaints. G2G stands for Government-to-Government, involving digital exchanges between different government departments or agencies to improve coordination and data sharing.
**6. What is the primary purpose of a 'Shopping Cart' in an E-Commerce website?**
A shopping cart temporarily stores items selected by users for purchase, allowing them to review, modify, or remove products before checkout. It calculates the total cost, including taxes and shipping charges, and streamlines the payment process. This feature enhances user experience by enabling seamless order management.
**7. Why is 'SSL Certificate' important for an E-Commerce site?**
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate encrypts data transmitted between the user’s browser and the website, protecting sensitive information like credit card details. It builds customer trust by displaying a padlock icon and "HTTPS" in the address bar. Without SSL, websites are vulnerable to data breaches and phishing attacks.
**8. What is 'Phishing'?**
Phishing is a cybercrime where attackers impersonate legitimate entities to steal sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers. This is often done through deceptive emails or fake websites that mimic trusted organizations. Victims may unknowingly provide personal data, leading to financial loss or identity theft.
**9. Name any two popular Digital Wallets used in India.**
Paytm and PhonePe are widely used digital wallets in India. Paytm offers services like mobile recharges, bill payments, and money transfers. PhonePe enables UPI-based transactions, insurance purchases, and investments, both contributing to India’s digital payment ecosystem.
**10. What is the role of the 'Payment Gateway'?**
A payment gateway authorizes and processes online payments by encrypting transaction data between the customer, merchant, and bank. It ensures secure transfer of funds and supports multiple payment methods like credit cards, UPI, and digital wallets. This technology is crucial for completing E-Commerce transactions efficiently.
**11. Define M-Governance.**
M-Governance (Mobile Governance) leverages mobile devices to deliver government services and information to citizens. It uses SMS, mobile apps, and USSD codes to provide real-time access to schemes, alerts, and utilities. This approach bridges accessibility gaps in remote areas with limited internet infrastructure.
**12. What is the 'Digital Divide'?**
The Digital Divide refers to the gap between individuals or regions with access to digital technologies (e.g., internet, devices) and those without. This inequality limits opportunities for education, employment, and services in underserved communities. Addressing it requires infrastructure development and digital literacy initiatives.
**13. State one objective of the Digital India programme.**
Digital India aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society by ensuring high-speed internet connectivity in rural areas. It focuses on providing digital infrastructure, promoting e-governance, and enabling citizens to participate in the digital economy. The program also emphasizes digital literacy and inclusive growth.
**14. What is Aadhaar?**
Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identity number issued to Indian residents based on biometric and demographic data. It serves as proof of identity and address, simplifying access to government subsidies, banking, and other services. The system uses fingerprints and iris scans for authentication, ensuring security and reducing fraud.
**15. How does E-Governance help in reducing corruption?**
E-Governance minimizes human intervention by automating processes like license issuance or benefit transfers, reducing opportunities for bribery. Transparent online systems allow citizens to track applications and report discrepancies. Digital records also make it harder to manipulate data for fraudulent purposes.
**16. What is a 'Common Service Centre' (CSC)?**
Common Service Centres (CSCs) are rural internet access points that deliver digital government services to citizens. They assist with tasks like Aadhaar enrollment, bill payments, and application submissions. CSCs also promote digital literacy and entrepreneurship in underserved areas, bridging the urban-rural divide.
**17. Name any two E-Governance services available to citizens.**
The Passport Seva Portal allows online application and tracking of passport services. The e-Filing portal enables taxpayers to submit income tax returns and access refunds digitally. Both services save time and reduce the need for physical visits to government offices.
**18. What does 'URL' stand for?**
URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator, which is the web address used to access resources on the internet. It consists of a protocol (e.g., HTTPS), domain name, and path to specific pages. URLs help browsers locate and retrieve websites, documents, or multimedia content.
**19. Why is 'Cash on Delivery (COD)' an important payment option in India?**
COD addresses low trust in online payments and limited digital literacy in semi-urban and rural areas. It allows customers to pay only after verifying the product’s condition. This flexibility encourages first-time buyers to shop online, boosting E-Commerce adoption.
**20. What is the function of a 'Firewall'?**
A firewall monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predefined security rules. It acts as a barrier between trusted internal networks and untrusted external networks (e.g., the internet), blocking unauthorized access and cyber threats like hackers or malware.
**21. Differentiate between E-Commerce and E-Business.**
E-Commerce specifically involves online buying and selling of goods and services. E-Business encompasses a broader range of activities, including supply chain management, customer support, and online collaboration. While E-Commerce is transactional, E-Business focuses on end-to-end digital integration of business processes.
**22. What is 'Drop Shipping' in E-Commerce?**
Drop shipping is a retail model where the seller does not stock inventory but transfers customer orders to a third-party supplier. The supplier then ships the product directly to the customer. This reduces overhead costs and inventory risks for the seller, who earns a profit margin on each sale.
**23. Name the act that governs E-Commerce transactions in India.**
The Information Technology Act, 2000, provides legal recognition to electronic records and digital signatures. It addresses cybercrimes, data privacy, and outlines penalties for violations. The Act also facilitates E-Commerce by validating online contracts and transactions.
**24. What is 'Search Engine Optimization' (SEO)?**
SEO involves optimizing websites to rank higher in search engine results for relevant keywords. It includes techniques like keyword research, content creation, and link building. Improved visibility drives organic traffic, enhances brand credibility, and increases sales opportunities for E-Commerce businesses.
**25. How does E-Governance improve transparency?**
E-Governance platforms publish real-time data on government projects, budgets, and service delivery. Citizens can track application statuses, file RTI requests online, and report grievances. Automated workflows reduce discretion and ensure accountability in administrative processes.
**26. What is the UMANG app?**
UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) is a government app that integrates central and state services like Aadhaar, PAN, and utility bill payments. It offers multilingual support and enables citizens to access schemes, documents, and alerts through a single platform.
**27. State one challenge faced in the implementation of E-Governance.**
Limited internet penetration in rural areas hinders citizens’ ability to access digital services. Additionally, low digital literacy levels and resistance to change among officials slow down adoption. Ensuring cybersecurity and data privacy also remains a critical concern.
**28. What is the significance of the 'HTTPS' protocol in a website's address?**
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) encrypts data exchanged between the user and the website, preventing interception by hackers. It authenticates the website’s identity, builds user trust, and is essential for securing sensitive transactions like payments or logins.
**29. What are 'Cookies' in the context of web browsing?**
Cookies are small text files stored on a user’s device by websites to remember preferences, login sessions, and browsing behavior. They personalize user experiences but can also track activity for advertising. Users can manage or delete cookies through browser settings.
**30. How does the C2C model work? Give an example.**
In the C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer) model, individuals sell products or services directly to other consumers via online platforms. For example, OLX or eBay allow users to list pre-owned items, negotiate prices, and arrange payments and deliveries without business intermediaries.
**31. What is the purpose of the 'DigiLocker' initiative?**
DigiLocker provides citizens with secure cloud storage for official documents like driving licenses, academic certificates, and PAN cards. It reduces the need for physical documents, enables easy sharing with authorized entities, and minimizes the risk of loss or forgery.
**32. Name the four stages of the E-Governance maturity model.**
The four stages are:
1. **Presence**: Basic information published online.
2. **Interaction**: Citizens can download forms and communicate with departments.
3. **Transaction**: Full online services like payments and applications.
4. **Transformation**: Integrated services across departments for seamless governance.
**33. What is 'Electronic Data Interchange' (EDI)?**
EDI is the electronic exchange of business documents (e.g., purchase orders, invoices) between organizations in a standardized format. It automates supply chain processes, reduces manual errors, and speeds up transactions, commonly used in B2B E-Commerce.
**34. How does UPI simplify digital payments?**
UPI (Unified Payments Interface) enables instant money transfers using a Virtual Payment Address (VPA) instead of bank details. It consolidates multiple bank accounts into one app, supports 24/7 transactions, and facilitates peer-to-peer payments, bill splits, and merchant transactions.
**35. What is the 'Last Mile' problem in E-Governance?**
The "Last Mile" refers to the challenge of delivering services to remote or marginalized communities with limited internet access or digital skills. Solutions include CSCs, mobile vans, and offline services to ensure inclusivity in E-Governance initiatives.
**36. Why is customer review important in E-Commerce?**
Customer reviews build trust by providing social proof about product quality and seller reliability. They help potential buyers make informed decisions, reduce return rates, and offer valuable feedback for businesses to improve their offerings.
**37. What is the full form of ERP and what is its use in E-Commerce?**
ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning. It integrates core business processes like inventory, sales, finance, and customer management into a single system. In E-Commerce, ERP automates order processing, stock updates, and supply chain coordination.
**38. Name any two security threats in online banking.**
Phishing attacks trick users into revealing login credentials through fake emails or websites. Malware, such as keyloggers, can steal sensitive data by infecting devices. Both threats compromise financial security and require vigilance from users and banks.
**39. What is the role of the 'India Stack' in digital transformation?**
India Stack is a set of APIs including Aadhaar, UPI, and DigiLocker that enable paperless, presence-less, and cashless service delivery. It underpins digital identity, payments, and data sharing, fostering innovation in fintech, E-Governance, and E-Commerce.
**40. How does the G2B model benefit businesses?**
The G2B (Government-to-Business) model simplifies licensing, tax filing, and compliance through online portals like MCA21. It reduces bureaucratic delays, increases transparency in tenders, and provides access to government schemes, boosting ease of doing business.
**41. What is 'Personalization' in E-Commerce?**
Personalization tailors user experiences by recommending products based on browsing history, past purchases, or demographics. It increases engagement, conversion rates, and customer loyalty through targeted emails, dynamic content, and AI-driven suggestions.
**42. State one advantage of using E-Office in government departments.**
E-Office digitizes file movements, approvals, and documentation, reducing processing time from weeks to days. It minimizes paperwork, enhances tracking, and ensures accountability, leading to efficient and transparent administration.
**43. What is the 'e-Kranti' pillar under Digital India?**
e-Kranti (Electronic Delivery of Services) focuses on leveraging technology to provide government services in sectors like education, healthcare, and farming. It aims to ensure inclusivity, scalability, and integration of E-Governance projects nationwide.
**44. How do 'Affiliate Marketing' models work in E-Commerce?**
Affiliates promote products through blogs, social media, or websites using unique tracking links. They earn commissions for every sale or lead generated through their referrals. This performance-based model helps businesses expand their reach cost-effectively.
**45. What is the importance of a 'Privacy Policy' on a website?**
A Privacy Policy informs users about how their personal data is collected, stored, and used. It ensures compliance with laws like the IT Act, builds trust, and outlines users’ rights regarding data access, correction, and deletion.
**46. What is 'Net Neutrality'?**
Net Neutrality is the principle that internet service providers must treat all data equally, without blocking, throttling, or prioritizing specific content. It ensures a level playing field for startups, innovators, and consumers, fostering fair access to information.
**47. How does GIS technology aid in E-Governance?**
GIS (Geographic Information System) maps spatial data for urban planning, disaster management, and resource allocation. It helps governments visualize infrastructure gaps, monitor projects, and deliver targeted services based on geographic needs.
**48. What is the difference between a 'Digital Signature' and an 'Electronic Signature'?**
A Digital Signature uses cryptographic encryption to verify the authenticity and integrity of an electronic document. An Electronic Signature is a broader term for any symbol or process used to sign documents digitally, without necessarily involving encryption.
**49. Why is logistics management critical for E-Commerce?**
Efficient logistics ensure timely delivery, lower shipping costs, and better customer satisfaction. It involves inventory management, order fulfillment, and reverse logistics for returns, directly impacting a business’s reputation and profitability.
**50. What is the goal of the 'One Nation One Ration Card' scheme?**
The scheme enables migrant workers to access subsidized food grains from any fair price shop in India using their Aadhaar-linked ration cards. It ensures food security, reduces leakage, and promotes portability of benefits across states.