Daily Current Affairs : 28-November-2024

India has made remarkable strides in digital transformation, as evidenced by its significant improvement in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024. The country climbed 11 ranks, securing the 49th position globally, a significant leap from its 60th position in 2023. This achievement highlights India’s growing strength in digital technology and telecommunications.

About the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024

The NRI 2024 is a comprehensive global index published by the Portulans Institute, a non-profit research organization based in Washington, D.C. The NRI evaluates the performance of 133 economies on four key pillars:

  • Technology
  • People
  • Governance
  • Impact

These pillars are assessed using 54 variables, which measure a country’s readiness and ability to leverage digital technologies. The NRI serves as an important benchmark for understanding how prepared nations are to harness the potential of digital tools and technologies for sustainable development.

India’s Improvement in NRI 2024

India’s climb from 60th to 49th position in the NRI 2024 is a clear indication of the progress made in its digital landscape. The country’s NRI score improved from 49.93 in 2023 to 53.63 in 2024. This improvement reflects India’s commitment to advancing its digital infrastructure and policies.

India’s Leadership in Key Digital Areas

India’s performance in specific sectors has been particularly impressive, earning it top rankings globally in several categories:

  • 1st Rank: India leads in AI scientific publications, AI talent concentration, and ICT services exports.
  • 2nd Rank: India ranks second in FTTH (Fiber to the Home) and building internet subscriptions, as well as mobile broadband internet traffic.
  • 4th Rank: India stands fourth in investment in telecommunication services.

These rankings underscore India’s growing role as a leader in the digital economy, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence and telecommunications.

India’s Position in Global Context

India’s progress is also noteworthy when compared to other nations, particularly in the context of lower-middle-income countries. India ranks 2nd, just behind Vietnam, highlighting its relative success in digital transformation among emerging economies.

Important Points:
  • India’s Ranking: Climbed 11 positions from 60th (2023) to 49th (2024) in the Network Readiness Index (NRI).
  • NRI Scope: Evaluates 133 economies across four pillars—Technology, People, Governance, and Impact—using 54 variables.
  • India’s NRI Score: Increased from 49.93 (2023) to 53.63 (2024).
  • Leadership in Digital Areas:
    • 1st in AI scientific publications, AI talent concentration, and ICT services exports.
    • 2nd in FTTH/building internet subscriptions and mobile broadband internet traffic.
    • 4th in investment in telecommunication services.
  • Global Context: Ranked 2nd among lower-middle-income countries, after Vietnam.
  • Significance: India’s rise reflects advancements in digital infrastructure, AI, and telecommunications.
Why In News

India has climbed 11 ranks to secure the 49th position in the Network Readiness Index 2024 (NRI 2024), showcasing significant advancements in digital transformation and telecommunications. This improvement highlights the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance its digital infrastructure and strengthen its position in the global digital economy.

MCQs about India’s Digital Progress:49th in NRI 2024:What You Should Know
  1. What was India’s rank in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024?
    A) 50th
    B) 49th
    C) 60th
    D) 55th
    Correct Answer: B) 49th
    Explanation: India climbed 11 ranks in the NRI 2024, improving its position from 60th in 2023 to 49th in 2024.
  2. Which of the following is NOT one of the four pillars evaluated in the Network Readiness Index (NRI)?
    A) Technology
    B) Governance
    C) Sustainability
    D) Impact
    Correct Answer: C) Sustainability
    Explanation: The four pillars evaluated in the NRI are Technology, People, Governance, and Impact. Sustainability is not one of the core pillars.
  3. In which area did India secure the 1st rank in the NRI 2024?
    A) Mobile broadband internet traffic
    B) AI scientific publications and ICT services exports
    C) Investment in telecommunication services
    D) FTTH/building internet subscriptions
    Correct Answer: B) AI scientific publications and ICT services exports
    Explanation: India ranked 1st in AI scientific publications, AI talent concentration, and ICT services exports in the NRI 2024.
  4. Which country ranked 1st among lower-middle-income countries in the NRI 2024?
    A) India
    B) Vietnam
    C) China
    D) Bangladesh
    Correct Answer: B) Vietnam
    Explanation: India ranked 2nd among lower-middle-income countries, just behind Vietnam, in the NRI 2024.

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