Daily Current Affairs : 4-July-2023

The Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) is a significant framework that promotes collaboration between India and the United States in critical and emerging technology fields. Launched in January 2023, iCET signifies a major milestone in enhancing bilateral ties between the two nations. This essay explores the key aspects and focus areas of iCET and its importance in the field of international relations, specifically for the IAS exam.

What is iCET?

iCET was initially announced in May 2022 and is a collaborative effort between India and the US to advance cooperation in critical and emerging technologies. It aims to foster the sharing of core technologies between the two countries, focusing on areas such as wireless telecommunication, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and quantum computing.

Key Focus Areas of iCET:
  1. Strengthening Innovation Ecosystems:
    • Research Agency Partnership: Establishing a partnership between the National Science Foundation (US) and Indian science agencies to foster collaboration in AI, quantum technologies, and advanced wireless.
    • Joint Indo-U.S. Quantum Coordination Mechanism: Facilitating joint efforts in the field of quantum technology.
    • Trustworthy AI: Developing common standards and benchmarks to ensure the reliability and ethical use of AI.
    • High-Performance Computing (HPC): Promoting collaboration and reducing barriers to export HPC technology and source code from the US to India.
  2. Defense Innovation and Technology Cooperation:
    • Defense Industrial Cooperation Roadmap: Accelerating technological cooperation in the defense sector through joint development and production.
    • Jet Engine Production: Reviewing applications for joint production of jet engines to empower India’s indigenous aircraft manufacturing.
    • R&D Cooperation: Strengthening long-term cooperation and identifying operational use cases in maritime security and intelligence surveillance reconnaissance (ISR).
    • Innovation Bridge: Facilitating connections between American and Indian defense startups.
  3. Resilient Semiconductor Supply Chains:
    • Task Force Partnership: Establishing a task force to assess industry opportunities and develop complementary semiconductor ecosystems.
  4. Space:
    • Human Spaceflight Cooperation: Enhancing cooperation on human spaceflight, including training for Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) astronauts at NASA facilities.
    • Professional Engineer and Scientist Exchange Program (PESEP): Encouraging participation of ISRO in NASA’s biannual International Program Management Course.
    • Bilateral Commercial Space Partnership: Strengthening collaboration in the commercial space sector.
  5. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Talent:
    • Research and University Partnerships: Forming a task force of leading Indian educational institutions and the Association of American Universities to promote research and partnerships.
  6. Next Generation Telecommunications:
    • Public-Private Dialogue: Launching a dialogue on telecommunications and regulations to foster cooperation.
    • 5G and 6G Advancement: Promoting research and development in 5G and 6G technologies.
    • Open RAN Deployment: Facilitating the adoption of Open Radio Access Network (RAN) technology in India.

Important Points:

  • The Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) is a framework for cooperation between India and the US in critical and emerging technology areas.
  • iCET was announced in May 2022 and launched in January 2023, elevating the bilateral strategic relationship between the two countries.
  • Key focus areas of iCET include AI, quantum technologies, advanced wireless, defense technology, semiconductors, space, STEM talent, and telecommunications.
  • Strengthening innovation ecosystems through research agency partnerships and joint efforts in quantum technology.
  • Developing common standards and benchmarks for trustworthy AI.
  • Promoting collaboration in high-performance computing and reducing barriers to export HPC technology from the US to India.
  • Accelerating technological cooperation in the defense sector through joint development and production.
  • Reviewing applications for joint production of jet engines to support India’s indigenous aircraft manufacturing.
  • Strengthening long-term R&D cooperation in maritime security and intelligence surveillance reconnaissance (ISR).
  • Facilitating connections between American and Indian defense startups.
  • Establishing a task force partnership to assess industry opportunities and develop complementary semiconductor ecosystems.
  • Enhancing cooperation on human spaceflight and providing training for ISRO astronauts at NASA facilities.
  • Strengthening collaboration in the commercial space sector.
  • Forming a task force for research and university partnerships in STEM fields.
  • Launching a public-private dialogue on telecommunications and regulations.
  • Advancing cooperation in 5G and 6G technologies and facilitating the adoption of Open RAN in India.
Why In News

The Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies, or iCET, represents a landmark agreement between India and the United States, fostering collaboration in crucial domains including wireless telecommunication, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and quantum computing. By establishing this framework, both nations have taken a significant stride towards bolstering their bilateral relations and advancing technological advancements on a global scale. This collaboration holds immense potential for driving innovation and addressing pressing challenges through joint research, development, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

MCQs about The Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies

  1. What is the main focus of the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET)?
    A. Agricultural technologies
    B. Renewable energy
    C. Critical and emerging technologies
    D. Healthcare advancements
    Correct Answer: C. Critical and emerging technologies
    Explanation: The iCET focuses on critical and emerging technologies such as wireless telecommunication, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and quantum computing. Therefore, the correct answer is option C.
  2. Which area of cooperation is NOT mentioned as a part of iCET?
    A. Defense innovation and technology cooperation
    B. Resilient semiconductor supply chains
    C. Ocean exploration
    D. Strengthening innovation ecosystems
    Correct Answer: C. Ocean exploration
    Explanation: The various areas of cooperation under iCET, but ocean exploration is not mentioned as one of the specific areas of focus. Therefore, the correct answer is option C.
  3. What is the purpose of the joint Indo-U.S. Quantum Coordination Mechanism under iCET?
    A. Developing common standards for AI
    B. Promoting collaboration in quantum technologies
    C. Enhancing defense industrial cooperation
    D. Advancing research and development in 5G and 6G
    Correct Answer: B. Promoting collaboration in quantum technologies
    Explanation: The joint Indo-U.S. Quantum Coordination Mechanism aims to facilitate joint efforts in the field of quantum technology. Therefore, the correct answer is option B.
  4. What is the goal of the “Innovation Bridge” under iCET?
    A. Strengthening maritime security
    B. Facilitating connections between defense startups
    C. Developing a semiconductor ecosystem
    D. Training ISRO astronauts at NASA facilities
    Correct Answer: B. Facilitating connections between defense startups
    Explanation: The establishment of an “Innovation Bridge” to connect American and Indian defense startups as part of the iCET framework. Therefore, the correct answer is option B.

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