Which one of the following best describes the key objective of India's 'Open Network for Digital Commerce' (ONDC) initiative?

1. A

   To allow government control over all digital commerce transactions

   This option claims ONDC establishes government control over digital commerce, which is incorrect as ONDC is a facilitator of open networks and not a state-controlled marketplace.

2. B

   To replace private e-commerce players

   This option suggests ONDC aims to replace private e-commerce players, which is false since it provides an open infrastructure for both small and large private enterprises to participate.

3. C

   To break the dominance of large e-commerce platforms by enabling interoperability across networks

   To break the dominance of large e-commerce platforms by enabling interoperability across networks. ONDC is an initiative of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to democratize digital commerce and enable buyers and sellers to transact regardless of the platform or application they use.

4. D

   To mandate UPI-based payments for all online transactions

   This option states ONDC mandates UPI-based payments for all online transactions, which is incorrect because while it integrates various payment methods, it is an open network for commerce protocols rather than a payment mandate. Summary. Official key is (c). ONDC leverages open protocols based on open-source specifications to enable buyers and sellers to connect and transact regardless of the specific app or platform they use, thereby promoting competition and reducing market concentration of major e-commerce monopolies.

Summary. Official key is (c). ONDC leverages open protocols based on open-source specifications to enable buyers and sellers to connect and transact regardless of the specific app or platform they use, thereby promoting competition and reducing market concentration of major e-commerce monopolies.