About the News:

PM Modi inaugurated the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024 and the 8th edition of the India Mobile Congress at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• About ITU (Meaning, Objective, Functions)
• About IMC (Meaning, Objectives, etc.)
• News Summary (Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Speech)

About International Telecommunication Union (ITU):

• It 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):

• IMC 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:

• PM Modi inaugurated the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024 and the 8th edition of the IMC.
• 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.