The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) recently adopted India’s proposal on digital public infrastructure (DPI) during a meeting, highlighting its significance in fostering inclusive growth and the effective deployment of digital technology among member states. This essay examines the concept of DPI, India’s proposal to the SCO, and the importance of DPI in the context of international relations, specifically for the IAS exam.
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
Digital public infrastructure refers to platforms or blocks developed by private or government agencies with government support. Its primary objectives include delivering essential services in the digital space, promoting digital inclusion and accessibility, and serving as a foundation for the deployment and utilization of digital technologies. DPI ensures the democratization of technology by expanding access to digital services and resources, facilitating online, paperless, cashless, and privacy-respecting digital access to public and private services.
Notable examples of DPI services in India include Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, and Cowin. DPI is considered crucial for achieving digitally inclusive growth, providing equal opportunities, and enabling efficient service delivery, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
India’s Proposal on DPI to the SCO
India proposed the development of DPI as a means to effectively deploy digital technology within SCO member states. The objective of this proposal is to ensure the completion, democratization of technology, and digitally inclusive growth among member nations. As the chair of the meeting, India emphasized the need for creating a suitable regulatory environment for artificial intelligence, stressing the importance of responsible and ethical AI practices. The adoption of India’s DPI proposal by SCO members signifies recognition of its significance and potential to drive digital development and inclusivity in the region.
Importance of DPI for the SCO and International Relations
- Inclusive Growth and Digital Development:
- DPI promotes inclusive growth by expanding access to digital services and bridging the digital divide among member states.
- It fosters economic growth, innovation, and social development by providing a catalyst for technological advancements.
- Enhancing Efficiency and Service Delivery:
- DPI facilitates efficient delivery of public services, ensuring continuity even during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
- It enables seamless integration and collaboration among different platforms and services through the establishment of common standards for interoperability.
- Support for Vulnerable Populations:
- DPI plays a crucial role in providing support to vulnerable populations, ensuring their access to essential services and resources.
- It helps in addressing social inequality by ensuring equal opportunities for marginalized communities in the digital realm.
- Cooperation and Collaboration:
- The adoption of India’s DPI proposal by the SCO demonstrates the commitment of member nations to cooperate and collaborate in the field of digital technology.
- The exploration of establishing an organization to establish common standards for digital system interoperability further strengthens cooperation among member states.
Important Points:
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI):
- 🌐 Platforms or blocks built by private or government agencies with government support.
- 🏦 Deliver essential services in the digital space and promote digital inclusion.
- 💡 Provide a foundation for the effective deployment and utilization of digital technologies.
- 🌍 Ensure democratization of technology and broader access to digital services.
- 💻 Enable online, paperless, cashless, and privacy-respecting digital access to public and private services.
- 🚀 Examples: Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, Cowin (India).
- India’s Proposal to the SCO on DPI:
- 🤝 Aims to deploy digital technology effectively and ensure inclusive growth.
- 🌟 Emphasizes completion, democratization of technology, and digitally inclusive growth.
- 🤖 Highlights the need for a suitable regulatory environment for artificial intelligence (AI).
- 🌐 Recognized by SCO members, demonstrating its importance for digital development and inclusivity.
- 🤝 Agreement to explore establishing an organization for common standards in digital system interoperability.
- Importance of DPI for the SCO and International Relations:
- 📈 Promotes inclusive growth, economic development, and social advancement.
- ⏱️ Enhances efficiency and delivery of public services, even during crises like COVID-19.
- 🌟 Supports vulnerable populations and ensures equal access to essential services and resources.
- 🤝 Encourages cooperation and collaboration among member states in digital technology.
- 🔬 Catalyst for innovation, economic growth, and social development in the digital era.
Why In News
During a recent meeting, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) embraced India’s proposal on digital public infrastructure (DPI) with unanimous support, recognizing its significance in fostering inclusive growth and promoting the effective utilization of digital technology among member states. This collaborative adoption highlights the commitment of the SCO to leverage DPI as a catalyst for enhancing digital connectivity, enabling socioeconomic progress, and fostering innovation within the region.
MCQs about Digital Public Infrastructure
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What is the primary objective of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)?
A. Promoting digital inclusion and accessibility
B. Driving economic growth and social development
C. Ensuring privacy-respecting digital access
D. Democratizing technology and expanding access to digital services
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What is the significance of India’s DPI proposal adoption by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)?
A. Recognition of India’s technological advancements
B. Collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence (AI)
C. Strengthening digital development and inclusivity in the region
D. Enhancing cooperation among SCO member states
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What role does DPI play during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic?
A. Ensuring privacy-respecting digital access
B. Supporting vulnerable populations and continuity of services
C. Fostering economic growth and innovation
D. Establishing common standards for interoperability
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What does the exploration of establishing an organization for interoperability standards imply?
A. A focus on AI regulations among SCO member states
B. Strengthening cooperation and collaboration in the digital realm
C. Driving economic growth and social development
D. Ensuring privacy-respecting digital access
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