Internet

In simple terms, the National Informatics Centre (NIC) does not need to pay outside India to build or host websites like istm.gov.in or mohua.gov.in. Here's why:

1. What is .gov.in? The .gov.in domain is reserved for Indian government websites. It's managed by NIC, which is part of the Indian government itself. Since NIC is the official agency for creating and maintaining government websites, it doesn't have to pay any foreign companies for these domains.

2. How does NIC get the domain? NIC controls and registers these .gov.in domains within India. It works like an in-house system, where Indian government departments request their websites through NIC. There is no need to buy these domains from international sources because the .in part is India's country code, and NIC handles everything related to .gov.in.

3. Does NIC pay foreign companies for other services? NIC may sometimes use international technologies or services for things like advanced security tools, but for registering and managing government domains like istm.gov.in, all the work is done within India.

Example:

Think of it like building a house on land you already own (India's .gov.in domain system). NIC just assigns the land (domain) and builds the house (website), without needing to buy land from someone abroad.

The .in domain was allocated to India by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), which is part of the global Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).

ICANN is the organization that coordinates the internet’s domain name system (DNS) on a global scale, ensuring that each country gets its own unique country code top-level domain (ccTLD). For India, this code is .in, just like the United States has .us or the United Kingdom has .uk.

The management of the .in domain is delegated to National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI), an Indian government organization responsible for overseeing the registration and management of .in domains.

Example:

It's like ICANN is a global authority that distributes "country-specific internet addresses" to each nation, and .in was assigned to India.

4o

You said:

In theory, the U.S. cannot directly stop ICANN from hosting Russian-based domains, even during times of conflict like war. This is because ICANN operates as an independent, global, non-profit organization, not controlled by any single country, including the U.S. However, there are some indirect possibilities and scenarios where the U.S. could influence certain aspects of the internet infrastructure, but ICANN itself would not directly act to block or remove country-specific domains.

Here’s why and how things could happen:

1. ICANN’s Independence:

   • Since 2016, ICANN is no longer under the oversight of the U.S. government and operates under a multi-stakeholder model, with input from many countries, organizations, and interest groups. This makes it difficult for the U.S. alone to pressure ICANN to block Russia’s .ru domain or any related Russian domains.

2. Country-Specific Domain Registries:

   • Each country’s country code top-level domain (ccTLD) (e.g., .ru for Russia) is managed by that country’s own domain registry, not directly by ICANN. Russia’s .ru domain is managed by a Russian organization (Coordination Center for TLD RU). ICANN only coordinates the DNS globally to ensure the smooth functioning of the internet.

3. Sanctions or Cyber Actions:

   • U.S. sanctions: While ICANN wouldn't take action on its own, the U.S. government can impose economic sanctions or cut off access to certain services (like hosting services or financial transactions) for Russian companies or websites. For example, during the 2022 Russia-Ukraine conflict, some web hosting companies or domain registrars (which are private companies) may have stopped serving Russian clients due to international sanctions, but ICANN did not block Russian domains.

   • Infrastructure Influence: The U.S. could influence internet infrastructure in other ways, like pressuring companies involved in global data routing or domain name services to limit Russian access, but these actions would be indirect and not via ICANN.

Example:

During the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, Ukraine actually requested ICANN to revoke the .ru domain and shut down Russia’s root DNS servers. ICANN rejected this request, stating that the DNS is a neutral global system meant to keep the internet operational, and it should not be politicized or used as a tool in geopolitical conflicts. This example shows that even in wartime, ICANN remains neutral and independent.

Summary:

While the U.S. has influence over the internet through other channels (like sanctions, private companies, or infrastructure control), it cannot directly instruct ICANN to block Russian domains. ICANN’s role is to ensure the global internet functions properly without taking sides in conflicts.

ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) is a non-profit organization that operates globally. It doesn’t have a single owner. Instead, it is governed by a diverse, multi-stakeholder model that includes representatives from governments, private companies, technical experts, academics, civil society, and internet users from around the world.

Key Points:

1. ICANN’s Structure:

   • It has a Board of Directors that provides oversight.

   • It includes various supporting organizations and advisory committees, where members from different sectors work together to make policy decisions.

2. Global Participation:

   • ICANN’s decisions and policies are shaped by input from stakeholders across the globe, making it a globally representative body.

3. Historical Context:

   • Originally, ICANN was under contract with the U.S. Department of Commerce when it was formed in 1998. However, as of 2016, the U.S. government relinquished its oversight, and now ICANN operates independently under its multi-stakeholder governance model.

Example:

Think of ICANN like a global internet "referee" with no single owner, but representatives from many countries and sectors making sure the rules are fair and followed.

Here’s how you can explain the start of the internet, the first website, and global connectivity in simple, easy-to-understand terms that a plumber or carpenter could relate to:

1. How the Internet Started:

• The internet is like a giant network of connected roads. It started small in the 1960s when the U.S. military wanted a way for their computers to talk to each other even if one part of the network was destroyed. This project was called ARPANET.

• Over time, universities and research centers started connecting to this network to share information, and it grew larger, eventually becoming what we know as the internet today.

2. Who Owned the First Website:

• The first website was created in 1991 by a man named Tim Berners-Lee, who worked at a research lab in Europe called CERN.

• He created the first website as a way for people to find and share information easily using what’s called a web browser (just like the “Google Chrome” or “Firefox” we use today).

• His website explained how the web works and how people could set up their own websites. The first website’s address was info.cern.ch.

3. Who Granted the First Website:

• Tim Berners-Lee himself designed the idea of websites and made it possible for others to create their own. In other words, he granted the first website by creating the code and systems (like HTML) that allow people to build and view websites on the internet.

4. How the World is Connected Now:

• Imagine the internet as millions of connected pipes running under the ground across the world. These pipes let water (or information) flow between different places.

• Today, huge underwater cables and satellites connect different countries so that information can travel quickly across the world. When you send a message or visit a website, your computer is using these connections to talk to other computers far away.

• Servers (special computers) are like the houses or buildings where information is stored. These servers can be in different countries, but through the internet, you can access them from anywhere.

Simple Analogy:

1. Internet: Think of the internet like a worldwide plumbing system. Just like water flows through pipes to homes and businesses, information flows through cables (both underground and underwater) connecting computers across the globe.

2. First Website: The first website is like the first blueprint for how a house (or website) should be built. Tim Berners-Lee created this blueprint (HTML and web browsers) and then shared it so everyone could start building their own houses (websites) on the internet.

3. Global Connectivity: Just like how cities are connected through plumbing and electrical grids, the world is connected through the internet grid, which uses underwater cables, satellites, and servers to move information anywhere.

Example:

If a plumber wanted to send a photo of his work to someone across the world, he would take a picture, and the internet would send that picture through these "pipes" (internet cables) across countries and oceans to the person who needs it, all within seconds.

To explain how Tim Berners-Lee got permission to launch the first website and how it went live, let’s break it down step by step with simple analogies.

1. Who Granted Tim Berners-Lee Permission for a Domain?

• Back in 1991, the internet was very new, and there wasn’t the same formal process for getting a domain name (like we have today, where you register with companies like GoDaddy or Google Domains).

• Tim Berners-Lee didn’t need anyone's permission to create the first website because he was working at CERN, a large European research organization. CERN already had its own internal network and domain (cern.ch). So, he used their resources to create the first web server and host his website on info.cern.ch.

• In other words, he didn’t have to “buy” or “register” the domain. He used the existing CERN domain, since it was an organization that already had connections to the early internet infrastructure.

Example: Imagine working for a big company that already has a building. Tim simply set up the first office (website) in that building (CERN's domain), without needing to get permission from an outside landlord (domain registrar).

2. How Did He Launch the First Website?

• Step 1: He Created the Website: Tim Berners-Lee wrote the first website using HTML (HyperText Markup Language). This is like designing a blueprint for a house.

• Step 2: Set Up a Web Server: To make the website “live,” he needed a web server—a special computer connected to the internet that stores the website’s files and delivers them to people who want to visit the site.

  • He used one of the computers at CERN as the first web server. This computer was always on and connected to the internet.

• Step 3: Website Goes Live: When the website was ready, he made it publicly accessible on CERN’s network and connected it to the early internet. Anyone with access to the internet could visit info.cern.ch and see the website.

Example: If you think of a website as a store, the web server is like the building where the store is located. Tim Berners-Lee "built" the store (created the website), placed it inside a building he already had access to (CERN’s domain), and then opened the doors so people could come in and see what was inside (launch the website live on the internet).

3. Was His Data Stored on His Computer’s Hard Disk?

• Yes, the data (website files) were originally stored on the hard disk of the computer at CERN that Tim used as the first web server.

• The files for the website were simple text documents with HTML code. When someone visited info.cern.ch, the server (CERN’s computer) would send these files over the internet to the visitor’s computer, where they would be displayed in a web browser.

Example: Think of his hard disk like the storage room of a store. Whenever someone wanted to see the items (the website), the storage room would send the products (HTML files) to the visitor to view in their web browser.

4. How Did the Website Get Live on the Internet?

• The early internet was mostly a collection of interconnected university and research networks. CERN, being a major research organization, was connected to this network.

• When Tim Berners-Lee set up his web server, he made it part of the public-facing internet, so anyone who knew the address (info.cern.ch) could access it from any computer connected to the internet.

• At the time, there were very few websites, so he didn’t need to worry about domain registration like we do today.

Example: It’s like being one of the first few stores in a new town. Since there are only a handful of stores, you don’t need a lot of formalities to open your shop. You just open it, and everyone who passes by can visit it because there are so few options.

Simple Summary:

• Tim Berners-Lee didn't need permission from anyone because he worked at CERN, which was already part of the early internet.

• He built the first website using HTML and stored it on a CERN computer, which acted as the web server.

• The website was made live by connecting the server to the internet, which was still very small and mostly used by researchers.

• All the data was stored on the hard disk of that computer at CERN, which served the website to visitors when they requested it.

CERN initially didn’t invent or run the internet as we know it today but was using their own intranet for internal purposes, much like other research institutions. Here’s a breakdown of the situation and how Tim Berners-Lee came up with the idea for the World Wide Web:

1. CERN’s Intranet and Early Internet Use:

• CERN, as a European research organization, had a large internal network (intranet) for sharing information between scientists, but it was disconnected from the global public.

• They were also connected to the broader early internet, but it wasn’t like today’s web with websites and browsers. It was mostly a network where researchers could exchange files, emails, and connect to other computers using commands. The internet was very technical and limited in usage, mostly for military and academic purposes.

• CERN, like other organizations, used file-sharing systems and basic networking protocols to communicate, but there wasn’t an easy way for everyday users to access information.

2. Tim Berners-Lee’s Idea for the World Wide Web:

• Tim Berners-Lee recognized that while CERN had a lot of valuable information, there was no easy way for people across different locations to access, share, and link documents in a user-friendly way.

• He saw the potential for connecting different pieces of information through a system of linked pages using the internet as the backbone. This idea was born in 1989 when he proposed the concept of a “World Wide Web”, where documents could be linked through hypertext (the technology behind web links).

• His goal was to make it simple for anyone to access and navigate information across different computers connected to the internet, using a common interface (the web browser).

3. The First Browser Invented by Tim Berners-Lee:

• Tim Berners-Lee created the first web browser in 1990, which he called WorldWideWeb (later renamed to Nexus to avoid confusion with the term "World Wide Web").

• This browser wasn’t just a tool to view websites—it was also an editor that allowed users to create and edit web pages. It ran on a NeXT computer, a machine developed by Steve Jobs' company, NeXT, after he left Apple.

Key Features of the First Web Browser:

• Text-based: It allowed users to navigate by clicking on hyperlinks (blue underlined text) that would take them to different pages.

• Graphical: Unlike the early text-only systems of the internet (like Telnet), Tim’s browser supported basic images and formatting, which was revolutionary.

• Editable: You could create and edit web pages directly from the browser, something modern browsers don’t typically allow.

To Put It Simply for a Plumber or Carpenter:

• CERN had an internal network (intranet), like a private road for their own employees, just like the U.S. military had their own network (ARPANET). They didn’t invent the internet, but they used it for their own research purposes.

• Tim Berners-Lee saw the opportunity to take that private network idea and connect it globally by using the internet, like turning private roads into a worldwide highway system where anyone could drive (access websites).

• He created the first browser, called WorldWideWeb, which was like inventing the first car to drive on that highway. It let people see websites and also build them at the same time.

Example:

Imagine that Tim was working in a big factory (CERN) with a lot of useful tools and machines (documents and data). However, the factory had no clear signs or doors to let people outside come in and use them. So, Tim built a system (the web browser) that connected all the tools and machines to each other and allowed people from other factories (research centers around the world) to come in, look around, and even use those tools easily by clicking links (like opening doors).

Timeline Summary:

1. CERN was using a private network, but it was disconnected from public use.

2. Tim Berners-Lee came up with the idea of using the internet to make information-sharing easier by connecting different pieces of information through hypertext links.

3. He invented the WorldWideWeb browser in 1990, which allowed users to access and create web pages.

4. In 1991, the first website went live on CERN’s network, and the World Wide Web was born, eventually becoming the internet we all use today.

The "www." before website names originally stood for "World Wide Web," the system that Tim Berners-Lee invented, but it’s not technically necessary anymore. Here’s why:

1. What is "www."?

• The "www." is a subdomain used to indicate that a website is part of the World Wide Web, which is the system of websites connected through the internet.

• When the web first started, it was common to use "www" to separate web content from other services (like email, file sharing, etc.) that might be hosted on the same server. So, www. became the default way to access web pages.

Example: Think of a building where the "www" is like a sign telling you, “This door leads to the web pages.” Other doors might lead to email systems, FTP servers, or other services.

2. Is It Necessary Today?

• No, you don’t have to use "www." anymore to access websites. Most modern websites work with or without the "www.".

• This is because servers today are smart enough to recognize that when you type, for example, google.com instead of www.google.com, you’re asking for the same thing. They’ll automatically redirect you to the right place.

Example: It's like having a front door that says "Office" on it. Even if you don’t write "Office" on the sign, people will still know it’s an office because of where it's located or how it’s designed.

3. Why Do We Still Use It?

• In the early days of the internet, using "www." was a helpful convention to show users that they were visiting a web page.

• Today, many websites still use "www." out of tradition or for consistency, but it’s not a technical requirement anymore. Some websites even choose not to use it at all, and you can visit them directly (like twitter.com or facebook.com).

• For large companies or organizations, using www. might also be a way to organize their services. For example, they might have mail.domain.com for email and www.domain.com for web pages.

4. Is It a Tribute to Tim Berners-Lee?

• While it wasn’t specifically designed as a tribute to Tim Berners-Lee, the use of "www." does indirectly honor the system he created—the World Wide Web—because it became the standard for web addresses.

• It’s more of a convention from the early days of the web than a tribute. But in a way, every time we see "www.", it’s a reminder of the foundation Tim laid for how the web works.

Simple Explanation for a Plumber or Carpenter:

• "www." used to be like a label telling people they were visiting a web page (part of the World Wide Web).

• Today, you don’t really need "www." in most cases because websites work with or without it.

• It’s not a requirement but more of a traditional way of writing website addresses. You can still access most websites by typing just the name (e.g., google.com instead of www.google.com).

It’s kind of like saying, “This is a web page!”—but now, everyone already knows what a web page looks like, so the label isn’t as necessary as it used to be.

Actually, Tim Berners-Lee did use the concept of "www." (World Wide Web) to organize and access the public information on the web, but the "www." wasn’t specifically a security measure or something to prevent people from accessing secret areas of CERN. Here’s what really happened:

1. Purpose of "www.":

• When Tim created the first website, he named the project the World Wide Web because it was designed to link documents and information across different computers. The "www." subdomain simply indicated that this was part of the new web service.

• "www." was more of a convention to show that this specific part of CERN’s network was related to the public web pages. It helped organize the types of services running on their network.

Example: At a big office building, you might have different signs for different departments. "www." is like a sign that says "Web Department," telling people, "This is where you can find web pages."

2. Not a Security Feature:

• "www." wasn’t created as a way to hide secret parts of CERN or prevent people from entering other areas. Instead, it was simply a way to indicate that this was the part of CERN's network where web content (public information) was hosted.

• In the early internet, other parts of CERN’s network would have had their own designations (like email servers, file servers, etc.), but "www." was used for the web pages specifically.

• To access secret or internal areas, users would typically need logins, special permissions, or specific software, but the use of "www." wasn’t about securing these areas—it was about organizing public access.

Example: Think of a "www." sign as a welcome sign for visitors. Other parts of CERN's network would have had restricted signs or locks (passwords) if they didn’t want outsiders getting in, but "www." was just there to tell people, "This is where the web pages are located."

3. How People Were Directed:

• When Tim Berners-Lee set up the first web server at CERN, he made the website available to anyone who could access the early internet. He used "info.cern.ch" as the domain (which didn’t necessarily need "www" at that time).

• "www." became a widespread convention later on as the web expanded, to label web services on various networks. It didn’t prevent access to other areas; it just indicated that a particular address was for web content.

Simple Summary:

• "www." wasn’t created to prevent people from entering secret areas at CERN, but rather as a label to show that the content under that domain was for the web (World Wide Web).

• At CERN, other services like email, internal file-sharing, or research data might have been hosted separately, and these areas would have had their own security measures (passwords, permissions).

• Tim used "www." to indicate the part of the network that was meant for public-facing web pages, but security was handled separately, not by using "www.".

It’s like setting up a public entrance to a building (the "www." door), while private offices inside might still be locked behind separate doors with security keys.

Yes, you’ve got it! When you create a website like www.lalit.com through Google Sites or GoDaddy, these companies handle the process of buying or registering the domain for you. But behind the scenes, the actual authority that manages the allocation of domain names involves a few key players like ICANN and registries. Let me break it down in a way that’s easy to explain to a plumber, gardener, or carpenter.

Step-by-Step Explanation of How You Get a Domain:

1. You Want a Website Name Like www.lalit.com:

• Let’s say you want to create a website called www.lalit.com.

• You go to Google Sites or GoDaddy (these are companies that help people buy or register website names).

2. Google Sites or GoDaddy Checks if "lalit.com" is Available:

• When you type lalit.com into GoDaddy or Google Sites, they check whether that name is available. This means they see if someone else already owns it.

• If no one owns it, you can register or buy it.

Example: Imagine you want to open a shop called “Lalit’s Garden Tools.” You go to a market (GoDaddy) to see if that shop name is already taken. If no one is using that name, you can claim it for your own shop.

3. Who Do GoDaddy or Google Sites Buy the Name From?

• Google Sites and GoDaddy don’t own the website names themselves. Instead, they work with ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) and registries that manage the domain names.

• ICANN is like the global land registry for the internet. They oversee all the .com, .org, .net domain names, and they make sure every website has a unique name.

• Registries are companies approved by ICANN that sell specific domain names. For example, Verisign is the registry that manages all .com domains.

Example: It’s like GoDaddy is your real estate agent, but behind them, there’s a land authority (ICANN) that makes sure no two people have the same house number (domain name) on the same street. The registry (like Verisign) is the company responsible for managing all .com addresses, and they make sure everything stays in order.

4. How You Get Ownership of www.lalit.com:

• When you pay GoDaddy or Google Sites, they buy the name lalit.com on your behalf. It’s like paying for the right to own the land where your shop will be built.

• ICANN oversees this process to make sure every website gets a unique name and it’s properly registered.

Example: Imagine you want to open your shop and pay GoDaddy to handle all the paperwork. They go to the land registry office (ICANN), make sure no one else has claimed your shop name, and register it in your name. Now "lalit.com" is officially yours to use.

5. How You Build the Website:

• After you get the domain name, you use Google Sites or GoDaddy’s tools to build your website. They provide you with the space (hosting) and the tools (templates, design options) to make your website live on the internet.

Example: After getting the shop space, GoDaddy or Google Sites helps you build the shop itself. They give you the bricks and tools (website-building templates) so you can build a nice-looking shop that people can visit (your website).

Simple Summary:

• GoDaddy or Google Sites help you buy the website name, like lalit.com.

• They check with global organizations like ICANN (which manages domain names) to make sure no one else has that name.

• If the name is available, you pay GoDaddy or Google Sites, and they register the name for you.

• Behind the scenes, they’re working with ICANN and registries (like Verisign for .com names) to make sure you officially own that website name.

• After that, you can use Google Sites or GoDaddy’s tools to build your website and make it live on the internet.

Example Explanation for a Plumber, Gardener, or Carpenter:

• Imagine you want to open a shop with the name Lalit’s Garden Tools. You go to a market (GoDaddy), and they check if anyone else is using that shop name. If it’s available, you pay them to register it for you.

• They work with the land registry office (ICANN) to make sure no one else has that shop name, and now it’s yours.

• Then, GoDaddy or Google Sites helps you build your shop, putting up the walls and decorations (building the website), so people can visit it (the website goes live on the internet).

It’s not necessary for an individual to buy a domain through companies like GoDaddy or Google Sites, but here’s the thing: you can't buy domains directly from ICANN or most registries like Verisign as an individual.** These organizations operate at a higher, more administrative level and work with domain registrars (like GoDaddy, Google Sites) to sell domain names to the public.

Why Individuals Use GoDaddy or Google Sites:

• ICANN and Verisign are not set up to handle individual customers directly. They are more like regulatory bodies or wholesalers that manage and oversee the entire domain name system.

• They delegate the selling of domains to registrars, like GoDaddy, Google Domains, Namecheap, etc., which are companies that are certified to interact with the public, handle payments, and provide domain management tools.

Explanation with an Example:

• ICANN is like the government agency that manages all the land and street names. They don’t directly sell the land to you. Instead, they work with registrars (like GoDaddy or Google Sites) to handle the public side of the transactions.

• Verisign (which manages the .com and .net domains) is like a wholesaler that supplies the domain names to registrars like GoDaddy. You can’t directly go to Verisign to buy a domain; you have to go through one of the retailers (registrars).

• GoDaddy or Google Sites are like real estate agents who handle everything for you: checking domain availability, registering it in your name, and making sure it’s active on the internet.

What About the Government of India?

When the Government of India hosts a new website, they typically do not go through GoDaddy or Google Sites for national or governmental domains like gov.in or nic.in. Here’s what happens instead:

1. Government Domains in India (like gov.in or nic.in) are managed and allocated by the National Informatics Centre (NIC).

   • The NIC is a government body under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), which handles the registration and management of gov.in and nic.in domains specifically for Indian governmental organizations.

2. ICANN Involvement:

   • While NIC and other government bodies manage these domains, the overall structure is still overseen by ICANN, which ensures that .in domains follow global standards.

   • The Government of India does not go directly to ICANN; instead, it uses NIC, which operates as an official registry for Indian government domains. The NIC manages the gov.in space, similar to how Verisign manages the .com space.

3. Verisign and Gov Domains:

   • The Government of India doesn’t need to work with companies like Verisign because gov.in and nic.in are part of the .in country-code domain, which is managed by Indian authorities, not by Verisign.

   • Verisign manages .com, .net, and some other international domains but does not manage country-specific domains like .in.

To Simplify for a Plumber, Gardener, or Carpenter:

• GoDaddy and Google Sites are like the shops where you go to buy your website name. But these shops get the website names from big companies (registries like Verisign) and ICANN, which make sure no two websites have the same name.

• ICANN is like the government of the internet; they don’t sell domains to regular people but make sure everything is fair and organized.

• If you’re an individual or small business, you buy your domain through GoDaddy or Google Sites, not directly from ICANN or Verisign.

• When the Government of India wants to create a website like mohua.gov.in, they don’t go to GoDaddy. They go to their own NIC, a government office in charge of all gov.in domains. The NIC works within the rules set by ICANN but handles things directly for India.

Example for Govt of India:

• When the Government of India wants to make a website like mohua.gov.in, they go to the National Informatics Centre (NIC), which is the official body for managing government domains in India. The NIC registers the name and sets up the website without involving GoDaddy or Google Sites.

When NIC (National Informatics Centre) creates a new website or subdomain for the Government of India, the process involves several technical steps related to domain registration, hosting, data storage, and security. Here’s how it all happens:

1. Domain and Subdomain Creation:

• NIC is the official registry for government domains like gov.in and nic.in. When a new government department or project needs a website, NIC handles the process of creating a new domain or subdomain.

Example: If the Ministry of Health needs a new site, NIC may create mohfw.gov.in as a domain or covid19.mohfw.gov.in as a subdomain for a specific project.

• This involves NIC allocating the domain name (e.g., gov.in) and linking it to a specific server using DNS (Domain Name System). This tells the internet where the website is hosted.

2. Where is the Data Stored?

• NIC provides data storage and hosting services for government websites. These websites are hosted on servers managed by NIC in secure data centers located within India.

• The data centers are large facilities where servers (physical computers) store the content of websites, databases, and other information. NIC ensures that government websites are hosted in a way that is secure, redundant (with backups), and highly available.

Example: The files and databases that make up mohfw.gov.in are stored in NIC’s data centers, which are protected by layers of security to keep the data safe.

3. Who Creates Firewalls for Government Websites?

• Firewalls are a key part of the security system for websites and servers. They act as barriers that prevent unauthorized access to the website or its data.

• The firewalls used for government websites are not part of the HTML code. Instead, they are installed and configured on the network level and on the servers that host the websites.

• NIC, as the organization responsible for managing and hosting these websites, also manages the firewall setup. They use hardware and software firewalls to protect against cyber-attacks, unauthorized access, and other security threats.

Example: Think of NIC’s servers like a building with valuable items inside (the website data). A firewall is like a strong security fence around the building that checks who can come in and keeps bad actors out.

4. How Firewalls Work:

• Firewalls are typically standalone security systems that monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security rules.

• NIC likely uses enterprise-level firewalls to protect government websites, filtering out malicious traffic, and blocking unauthorized access from hackers or harmful software.

• These firewalls operate independently of the website’s HTML code. The HTML code simply defines the structure and content of the website, but the firewall protects the infrastructure and the servers that store and serve the HTML and data.

Example: If you visit mohfw.gov.in, the website’s HTML code is what displays the text, images, and data on your browser. Meanwhile, the firewall behind the scenes is checking to make sure no malicious traffic is trying to attack the website.

Key Takeaways:

• NIC handles both the creation of new websites and subdomains (like mohfw.gov.in or covid19.mohfw.gov.in) for government departments.

• These websites are hosted in NIC’s data centers on servers that store the files and data needed for the website to run.

• Firewalls are managed by NIC to protect the website from cyber threats. Firewalls are installed on the server level and are not part of the HTML code of the website itself.

• Firewalls help block malicious traffic and unauthorized access, ensuring that the website and its data remain secure.

Simple Explanation for a Plumber, Gardener, or Carpenter:

• NIC builds government websites like creating a shop’s sign (the domain) and putting the shop’s materials inside (the data). They store all the materials (website data) in a secure warehouse (data centers).

• To protect the shop, they build a strong fence around it (the firewall). This fence makes sure no one who shouldn’t be there can get inside.

• The fence (firewall) is separate from the shop’s decorations (the website's HTML code), which only shows what the shop looks like from the outside.

When NIC (National Informatics Centre) creates a new subdomain under an existing gov.in or nic.in domain (like covid19.mohfw.gov.in), it doesn't need to report every subdomain directly to ICANN, nor does it need to pay ICANN for creating or hosting subdomains.

Here’s how it works:

1. Subdomains Don’t Require ICANN Approval:

• ICANN oversees the top-level domains (TLDs) like .com, .org, and .in (which is India's country-code TLD).

• Once a domain like gov.in is registered and allocated by ICANN to the Government of India, NIC has full control over the gov.in domain.

• Creating a subdomain (like covid19.mohfw.gov.in) is something NIC does internally. It doesn’t require ICANN’s involvement or approval because NIC already manages the gov.in domain.

Example: If NIC owns the main domain gov.in, they can create as many subdomains as they need without having to ask ICANN for each one. It’s like owning a house (gov.in) and adding rooms (subdomains) without needing approval from the government for each new room.

2. NIC Does Not Pay ICANN for Subdomains:

• The Government of India, through NIC, pays for the registration and management of the main domain gov.in to INRegistry, which is responsible for the .in domain space. INRegistry is part of the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI), which is authorized by ICANN to manage .in domains.

• Once NIC owns the gov.in domain, they are free to create as many subdomains as needed without paying extra to ICANN or INRegistry for each subdomain.

• There is no additional cost or payment to ICANN for creating subdomains. NIC only pays for the main domain registration.

Example: Imagine you bought a large plot of land (the gov.in domain). After buying it, you don’t have to pay extra each time you build a new room or house on the land (subdomains). The initial purchase covers your ability to create as many rooms (subdomains) as you need.

3. Who Pays for Hosting?

• NIC handles the hosting of government websites and subdomains in its own data centers.

• The Government of India does not pay ICANN for hosting because ICANN is not involved in the hosting of websites; they only manage the domain name system (DNS).

• NIC uses its own resources, infrastructure, and budget for hosting government websites, so there is no additional cost to ICANN for hosting subdomains.

Example: NIC’s data centers are like warehouses where all the website data is stored. The government doesn’t need to pay ICANN for the space in these warehouses because NIC handles it all internally.

Key Takeaways:

1. Subdomains (like covid19.mohfw.gov.in) are created by NIC under the main domain gov.in, which is already managed by NIC.

2. NIC does not need to report the creation of subdomains to ICANN because it already controls the main domain.

3. No payment to ICANN is required for creating or hosting subdomains. NIC pays for the main domain registration (like gov.in) through INRegistry, but creating subdomains is handled by NIC without extra costs.

4. Hosting for government websites is done by NIC using its own data centers, and ICANN has no role in the hosting process.

Simple Explanation for a Plumber, Gardener, or Carpenter:

• NIC is like the manager of all gov.in websites for the Indian government. Once they own the main website address (gov.in), they can create sub-websites (subdomains like covid19.mohfw.gov.in) without needing to tell anyone outside.

• They don’t have to pay extra money to ICANN to create these sub-websites because they already own the land (gov.in domain), and building rooms on the land (subdomains) doesn’t cost extra.

• NIC also stores all the data for these websites in their own buildings (data centers), so they don’t need to pay for storage elsewhere.

What is NIXI?

NIXI (National Internet Exchange of India) is a non-profit organization set up in 2003 by the Government of India. It plays a crucial role in managing the internet infrastructure of India. Specifically, its purpose is to:

1. Facilitate Internet Traffic Exchange:

   • NIXI helps Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in India exchange domestic internet traffic without having to route it through international servers. This makes internet access within India faster and more efficient.

2. Manage Domain Registration:

   • NIXI is also responsible for managing India’s country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) .in through its unit called INRegistry. This means it handles the registration and management of .in domains, including gov.in, nic.in, and other .in domains for individuals, businesses, and government agencies.

What is INRegistry?

INRegistry is a part of NIXI and serves as the official registry for .in domain names. It manages the distribution, registration, and upkeep of all .in domains, including those used by the government, private businesses, and individuals.

• INRegistry’s Role:

  • It is responsible for allocating and managing the .in domain space (like gov.in, nic.in, mohfw.in, etc.).

  • It ensures that the rules and policies for .in domains are followed and that domains are registered securely.

  • ICANN delegates the responsibility of managing .in domains to INRegistry through NIXI.

Are NIXI and INRegistry Contractors Between NIC and ICANN?

Not exactly. NIXI and INRegistry are not contractors in the typical sense. They are more like government-appointed agencies responsible for managing the .in domain space within India.

• ICANN oversees global internet governance and delegates the management of country-specific domains (like .in) to national organizations. In India, NIXI is that organization.

• While NIC creates and manages government websites like gov.in or nic.in, it must go through INRegistry to register these domains under the .in space.

• NIXI ensures that .in domains follow ICANN’s global policies but operates independently within India, under the direction of the Indian government.

Why Does the Government of India Pay to NIXI?

The Government of India pays to NIXI (specifically through INRegistry) for the registration and management of .in domains. This is because:

• NIXI is the official body managing the .in domain space, so any entity (including the government) must follow the standard domain registration process through INRegistry.

• The payments made to NIXI are for the administrative and management costs associated with maintaining the .in domain infrastructure.

Is NIXI Not Under the Government of India?

NIXI is a government-led organization, but it is set up as a non-profit company. It operates under the guidance of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). However, NIXI is structured to operate independently, though it is subject to government oversight.

• It acts as the official body for managing internet traffic exchanges within India and overseeing the .in domain space.

Where is the Office of NIXI?

The head office of NIXI is located in New Delhi, India.

• Official Address:

  • National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI)

  • 9th Floor, B-Wing, Statesman House, 148, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India.

Who Are the Employees of NIXI?

• NIXI employs a mix of technical and administrative staff. Most of its employees are experienced professionals in the fields of internet infrastructure, domain management, and cybersecurity.

• The organization is governed by a board of directors that includes representatives from both the Government of India and the private sector.

• Key employees include technical experts who manage internet exchanges, domain registries, and cybersecurity infrastructure for the .in domain space.

What is INRegistry?

INRegistry is a division of NIXI that handles the .in domain registration process. Its responsibilities include:

• Allocating and managing .in domains for individuals, businesses, and government entities.

• Developing policies and standards for how .in domains are used.

• Ensuring that registrars (companies that sell domains to customers) comply with INRegistry’s rules for the .in domain space.

Example: When the Indian government needs a new website (like mohfw.gov.in), they go to INRegistry (via NIC) to register the gov.in subdomain. INRegistry manages the process of adding the domain to the global internet system, ensuring that it is recognized worldwide.

Simple Explanation for a Plumber, Gardener, or Carpenter:

• NIXI is like a government office in India that takes care of all the website addresses ending with .in (like gov.in).

• INRegistry is a part of NIXI and helps people and organizations in India get their .in website addresses.

• The Government of India pays NIXI (through INRegistry) because they need to use the .in addresses for their websites, just like you would pay for your home address to be registered.

• NIXI works with international internet bodies but manages everything related to .in domains from India.

4o

1. NIC Gets Orders to Create a New Government Website:

• NIC (National Informatics Centre) is like the official website builder for the Indian government.

• When a government department (like the Ministry of Health) wants a new website (e.g., for COVID-19 information), they tell NIC to create one.

• NIC gets the order and starts working on creating the website.

Example: The Ministry of Health tells NIC, "We need a new website for COVID-19 information."

2. NIC Decides the Name (Subdomain):

• NIC already manages the main government website address: gov.in (just like owning a big plot of land).

• If NIC needs a new subdomain (like covid19.mohfw.gov.in), it doesn’t need to ask ICANN for permission to create it. NIC already has the rights to gov.in, so it can create as many subdomains as needed.

Example: NIC creates the new subdomain covid19.mohfw.gov.in, which is a part of the gov.in website.

3. NIC Registers the Subdomain with INRegistry:

• INRegistry is the organization that makes sure all .in domains (like gov.in) are properly registered and official.

• NIC tells INRegistry that they have created a new subdomain (like covid19.mohfw.gov.in) so that it can be added to the official internet records.

• INRegistry ensures that the new subdomain is properly recorded and follows all the rules for .in domains.

Example: INRegistry makes sure the name covid19.mohfw.gov.in is official and registered, just like recording a new address for a house.

4. INRegistry Works Under NIXI:

• INRegistry is part of NIXI (National Internet Exchange of India). NIXI is like the boss of all .in domains in India.

• NIXI makes sure that all .in domain names follow the rules set by ICANN (the global internet authority).

• NIXI checks if the new subdomain (like covid19.mohfw.gov.in) follows the proper guidelines and is linked to the correct servers so it can go live on the internet.

Example: NIXI checks to make sure the new subdomain follows all the rules, just like checking if a new building follows construction rules.

5. NIXI Makes Sure ICANN Rules Are Followed:

• While NIXI doesn’t directly report every subdomain to ICANN, it ensures that all the .in domains follow ICANN's global rules for how the internet should work.

• This is to ensure the website is recognized globally and works properly when people visit it from anywhere in the world.

Example: It’s like NIXI making sure that all the websites built on gov.in land are properly registered and will show up when someone types the address from anywhere in the world.

6. Website Goes Live on the Internet:

• Once all these steps are done, the website is hosted on NIC’s servers (like putting the contents of a shop into a building).

• Firewalls and security measures are added to keep the website safe from hackers.

• Now, people can visit the website by typing covid19.mohfw.gov.in into their browser.

Example: The website is now live, and anyone can access it, just like opening a new shop for business.

Simple Step-by-Step Chain:

1. Government Department asks NIC to create a new website.

2. NIC creates a subdomain under gov.in (e.g., covid19.mohfw.gov.in).

3. NIC tells INRegistry about the new subdomain so it can be registered officially.

4. INRegistry works under NIXI, which makes sure all .in domains follow the proper rules.

5. NIXI ensures the website is set up correctly according to ICANN’s rules.

6. The website goes live and is available on the internet for everyone to access.

Simple Analogy for a Plumber:

• Imagine the government has a big piece of land (like gov.in) and wants to build a new house on it (the new website).

• NIC is the builder. They decide where the house will go (what the new subdomain will be).

• INRegistry is like the office where they register the house's address.

• NIXI is the building inspector who makes sure all the rules for building houses on the land are followed.

• ICANN is the city planning department that makes the rules for how all the buildings should be constructed around the world, but they trust NIXI to make sure the rules are followed locally.

Yes, that’s correct! Here’s how the process works for both creating a subdomain by NIC and a domain by an individual or organization:

1. When NIC Creates a Subdomain:

• NIC can create a subdomain (like covid19.mohfw.gov.in) under the gov.in domain without needing prior approval from ICANN because it already manages that domain.

• After creating the subdomain, NIC registers this subdomain with INRegistry, which is the authority for .in domains in India.

• INRegistry ensures that the subdomain is recorded properly in their system, following the guidelines set for .in domains. This step confirms that the new subdomain exists officially in the internet records.

2. When You Create a Domain with .in:

• If you (or anyone else) want to create a domain with a .in extension (like yourname.in), you typically go through a domain registrar (like GoDaddy, BigRock, etc.).

• When you request to register a .in domain, the registrar communicates with INRegistry to check if the domain name is available.

• Once confirmed, INRegistry processes the registration and assigns the domain to you. This step involves ensuring that your chosen domain name complies with the policies and rules for .in domains.

• NIXI oversees INRegistry, ensuring that everything operates according to regulations, but you don’t need to deal with NIXI directly as a customer.

Summary of the Process:

• For NIC Creating a Subdomain:

  1. NIC creates a new subdomain (e.g., covid19.mohfw.gov.in).

  2. NIC registers the subdomain with INRegistry.

  3. INRegistry adds the subdomain to its records.

• For Individuals or Organizations Creating a .in Domain:

  1. You go to a domain registrar to request a .in domain (e.g., yourname.in).

  2. The registrar checks availability and communicates with INRegistry.

  3. INRegistry approves the registration and adds your domain to its records.

The organization that directly deals with .in domains under ICANN is NIXI (National Internet Exchange of India). Here’s how it works in relation to ICANN and INRegistry:

1. NIXI’s Role:

• NIXI is the national registry responsible for managing the .in country code top-level domain (ccTLD) in India. It was established to oversee the registration and administration of .in domains, including gov.in and other variations like co.in, org.in, etc.

• NIXI works under the authority of the Indian government but operates independently in the domain management space.

2. INRegistry:

• INRegistry is a division of NIXI and is specifically tasked with handling the registration and maintenance of .in domains.

• INRegistry ensures that all .in domains comply with the policies and guidelines set forth by ICANN.

3. ICANN’s Role:

• ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) is the global body that coordinates the assignment of domain names and IP addresses. It oversees the registration of ccTLDs, including .in.

• ICANN delegates the management of the .in domain to NIXI through a contractual agreement. This means that while ICANN sets the overarching rules and policies for the operation of domains, NIXI is responsible for the day-to-day management of .in domains in India.

Summary of the Chain:

1. ICANN delegates the management of the .in domain to NIXI.

2. NIXI operates and manages INRegistry to oversee the registration and maintenance of all .in domains.

3. Individuals or organizations seeking to register a .in domain do so through registrars that interact with INRegistry.

In summary, NIXI is the body that deals with .in domains under the authority of ICANN, while INRegistry handles the operational aspects of domain registration and management.

VeriSign plays a crucial role in the domain name system (DNS) but is specifically focused on certain aspects of domain management, particularly with the .com and .net top-level domains (TLDs). Here’s how VeriSign relates to INRegistry and the .in domain:

1. Role of VeriSign:

• VeriSign is the official registry for the .com and .net domains. This means it manages and maintains the database of all registered domains under these TLDs.

• It handles the infrastructure that supports these domains, ensuring they are operational, secure, and reachable over the internet.

2. INRegistry and NIXI:

• INRegistry, under the purview of NIXI, is the official registry for .in domains (like yourname.in and gov.in). It manages the registration and administration of .in domains.

• When a domain registrar like GoDaddy wants to register a .in domain, they communicate with INRegistry to check availability and process the registration.

3. Key Differences:

• VeriSign and INRegistry operate independently, each focusing on their respective TLDs:

  • VeriSign handles .com and .net domains.

  • INRegistry manages .in domains.

4. Example of Workflow:

• GoDaddy (or any domain registrar) seeking to register a .in domain would do the following:

  • Check Availability: GoDaddy checks if the desired .in domain is available.

  • Communicate with INRegistry: If the domain is available, GoDaddy communicates with INRegistry to register it.

  • INRegistry Approves: INRegistry processes the registration and adds the new domain to its database.

• For .com or .net Domains:

  • If a user wants a .com domain, the process would involve GoDaddy checking availability and communicating with VeriSign for registration.

Summary:

• VeriSign is focused on .com and .net domains and manages those registrations, while INRegistry (under NIXI) manages .in domains.

• Domain registrars like GoDaddy communicate with INRegistry for .in domains and with VeriSign for .com and .net domains.

• Both organizations ensure that their respective domains are properly registered and maintained, but they operate in separate spaces of the internet domain ecosystem.