PM Modi Pitches for Framing Global Digital Framework for Ethical Use of Technology

What’s in today’s article?

• About International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
• About India Mobile Congress (IMC)
• News Summary

About International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

• The International Telecommunication Union is a United Nations specialized agency for Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
• It was originally founded in 1865 to facilitate international connectivity in communications networks.
• Functions:
  • Allocates global radio spectrum and satellite orbits
  • Develops technical standards that ensure networks and technologies seamlessly interconnect
  • Strives to improve access to ICTs to underserved communities worldwide.
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland

About India Mobile Congress (IMC)

• The India Mobile Congress is one of the largest telecom, media, and technology forums in Asia, organized annually.
• It serves as a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and stakeholders to come together and discuss the future of digital communications and telecommunications in India and across the globe.
• The event focuses on advancements in areas like 5G technology, artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure.
• Key Objectives of IMC:
  • Showcase Technological Advancements: IMC highlights the latest innovations in the telecom and digital sectors, offering a platform for startups, companies, and innovators to showcase their solutions.
  • Global Collaboration: The event encourages collaboration between global and Indian telecom players, creating opportunities for cross-border partnerships in the technology and communications sector.
  • Policy Discussions: IMC serves as a space for discussions between government officials, industry leaders, and policymakers on telecommunication regulations, digital governance, and infrastructure development.
  • Enabling Digital India: IMC aligns with the Digital India vision by promoting advancements in digital communication and laying the foundation for future technologies like 6G, AI, and cloud computing.

News Summary

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024 and the 8th edition of the India Mobile Congress at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• The event aimed at setting global telecommunication standards and discussing the future of telecommunications as a global good.
• The Prime Minister emphasized India's significant role in the telecom sector, with 120 crore mobile users, 95 crore internet users, and 40% of global digital transactions being from India.
• Key Highlights of the PM’s Speech:
• India's Telecom Achievements:
  • PM Modi praised India's transformative journey in telecom, stating that telecom has bridged the urban-rural divide and created opportunities for millions.
  • India has rapidly adopted 5G technology, making it the second-largest 5G market globally, and is already progressing towards 6G technology.
• Digital Public Infrastructure:
  • PM Modi highlighted the success of the Digital India initiative, built on four pillars: affordable devices, extensive connectivity, accessible data, and a ‘Digital First’ approach.
  • Platforms like UPI, JAM Trinity, and ONDC have created millions of opportunities and contributed to the country's digital transformation.
• Women in Tech:
  • PM Modi stressed the importance of women-led development in technology and mentioned initiatives like Drone Didi and the Bank Sakhi program to empower women in rural areas.
  • He emphasized the rising role of women in India's tech sector, noting that 40% of STEM students are women and many women are leading startups.
• Global Governance of Technology:
  • PM Modi called for the establishment of global standards for ethical AI, data privacy, and cybersecurity, emphasizing that global collaboration is essential to build a secure and inclusive digital ecosystem.
  • He urged global institutions to create a framework similar to the aviation industry for governing digital tools and technologies.
• Responsible Innovation:
  • PM Modi underlined the need for human-centric, responsible innovation in the digital revolution, ensuring that no country or community is left behind.

Q1. What is the difference between Data Science & Artificial Intelligence?

Data science combines statistical tools, methods, and technology to generate meaning from data. Artificial Intelligence takes this one step further and uses the data to solve cognitive problems commonly associated with human intelligence, such as learning, pattern recognition, and human-like expression.

Q2. What do you mean by Digital Trade?

Digital trade refers to commerce enabled by electronic means – by telecommunications and/or ICT services – and covers trade in both goods and services.

Source: IMC: PM Modi pitches for framing do's, dont's for ethical use of technology