PIB Summary- 22th March, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

International Telecommunication Union elects India as co-chair of its Digital Innovation Board

Context

The news highlights Dr. Neeraj Mittal leading India’s delegation to ITU, where India assumes leadership in the Digital Innovation Board and fosters collaborations with Japan and Bahrain in ICT sectors.

Additional information on this news:

• Neeraj Mittal led a delegation to ITU Headquarters focusing on telecommunications and ICT collaboration.
• India leads the Digital Innovation Board under ITU, with Dr. Mittal as Co-Chair, aiming to foster innovation and entrepreneurship globally.
• ITU’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance includes Digital Transformation Lab, Acceleration Centres, and the Digital Innovation Board.
• India to host the next Digital Innovation Board meeting alongside WTSA 2024, highlighting increased participation in ITU activities.
• Bilateral meetings with Japan and Bahrain emphasized collaboration on AI, 5G, cybersecurity, and development of Data Embassy.
• India proposed sharing TEC standard on Fairness Assessment of AI with Bahrain, showcasing proactive global engagement.

International Telecommunication Union:

• The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for issues related to information and communication technologies (ICTs).
• Established in 1865, it is the oldest international organization in its field.
• ITU coordinates the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promotes international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, works to improve telecommunication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishes global standards for technologies and services.
• Its membership includes 193 Member States and over 900 private-sector entities and academic institutions.
• ITU’s work encompasses a wide range of areas, including telecommunications policy, cybersecurity, digital inclusion, broadband development, and emergency communications.
• The ITU organizes conferences, forums, and workshops to address emerging ICT issues and foster collaboration among stakeholders.
• It also publishes research reports, guidelines, and recommendations to assist countries in leveraging ICTs for socio-economic development.
• Through its efforts, ITU aims to ensure that ICTs contribute to sustainable development and global connectivity.

4th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Startup Forum organized in New Delhi

Context

The news highlights India’s hosting of the fourth Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Startup Forum, focusing on fostering innovation and collaboration among SCO Member States’ startup ecosystems.

Additional information on this news:

• The fourth edition of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Startup Forum took place on March 19, 2024, in New Delhi, focusing on enhancing startup interactions among SCO Member States and fostering innovation.
• The plenary session saw participation from SCO Member States, delegations of SCO startups, nodal agencies, senior officials, and diplomats.
• Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of DPIIT, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the role of startups in economic growth.
• Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary of DPIIT, discussed India’s startup journey and government initiatives.
• Over 15 SCO startups showcased their products and services at the SCO Pavilion, providing networking opportunities.
• A workshop conducted by Startup India on establishing seed funds offered insights into supporting early-stage startups.
• The creation of a Special Working Group for Startups and Innovation (SWG) was agreed upon at the SCO Heads of State Summit in 2022.
• India proposed the SWG in 2020 to foster cooperation among SCO Member States, aiming to accelerate regional economic development.
• India will host the second SWG meeting in November 2024 and SCO Startup Forum 5.0 in January 2025.
• Previous initiatives include SCO Startup Forums, virtual mentorship programs, and the first SWG meeting in 2023, chaired by India.
• These efforts aim to empower local startup ecosystems within SCO Member States and enhance collaboration in innovation and entrepreneurship.

Shanghai Coperation Organisation:

• The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance founded in 2001 in Shanghai, China.
• Member states include China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
• Observer states and dialogue partners include Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia, among others.
• The primary goals of the SCO are to enhance cooperation on security-related issues such as counter-terrorism, separatism, and extremism.
• Economic cooperation within the SCO aims to promote trade, investment, and infrastructure development among member states.
• The SCO holds regular summits, ministerial meetings, and joint military exercises to strengthen collaboration among member states.
• The organization operates through various mechanisms, including the Council of Heads of State, the Council of Heads of Government, and the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs.
• China and Russia are influential members, with the SCO serving as a platform for their cooperation in regional affairs.
• The SCO’s influence extends beyond its member states, playing a significant role in shaping regional security and economic dynamics in Central Asia and beyond.
• The organization provides a forum for member states to address common challenges and pursue shared interests in the Eurasian region.