17 June 2024 PIB
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. US National Security Advisor calls on Prime Minister 2. DoT announces two significant calls for proposals 3. Prelims Facts
1. US National Security Advisor calls on Prime Minister
Syllabus: GS-2, International Relations
Mains: India – US Relations
Context:
US National Security Advisor called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Details:
- The US National Security Advisor Mr. Jake Sullivan called on the Prime Minister.
- Mr. Sullivan briefed the Prime Minister on the progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation, particularly under the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) such as semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence, telecom, defence, critical minerals, and space, among others.
- The PM expressed satisfaction at the speed and scale of the growing bilateral partnership in all areas and the convergence of views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Read more on India – US relations in the linked article.
2. DoT announces two significant calls for proposals
Syllabus: GS-3, Science and technology
Prelims: Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF)
Mains: Telecom sector initiatives, 5G
Context:
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) announced two significant calls for proposals to catalyse innovation and technological advancement in the telecommunications sector.
Details:
- These proposals are under the following categories:
- ‘5G Intelligent Village’
- ‘Quantum Encryption Algorithm’
- The department has invited participants from industry, MSMEs, Start-ups, academia and government departments involved in technology design, development and commercialisation of telecommunication products and solutions.
- Funding: These proposals shall be funded under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme of the DoT.
5G Intelligent Village:
- This initiative is for acquiring equitable technological advancement by harnessing the transformative power of 5G technology to uplift rural communities.
- The Call for Proposals -“From Connectivity Gaps to Smart Solutions: Designing 5G Networks for Rural Innovation- 5G Intelligent Villages”- aims to address critical pillars such as agriculture, education, healthcare, governance, and sustainability.
- Ten village locations across different states have been identified for this initiative.
Quantum Encryption Algorithm (QEA):
- This is for developing an India-specific Quantum Encryption Algorithm (QEA) that will represent a cutting-edge approach to securing digital communication channels by leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics.
- The algorithm should ensure Unparalleled Security; Advanced Encryption Capabilities; Ultrafast and Efficient Encryption, etc.
About Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF):
- The TTDF was set up under the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF) of the Department of Telecom (DOT), Government of India to promote the ecosystem for research, design, prototyping, proof of concept testing, IPR creation, field testing, security, certification and manufacturing of products, etc. in the telecommunication field.
3. Prelims Facts
Mercury Island
- It is a small rocky island off The Diamond Coast, Namibia.
- It is recognised by BirdLife International and other global conservation groups as an Important Bird Area (IBA) for its significant coastal seabird breeding.
- The island is only 750 metres long (North-South) and about 270 metres wide, reaching a height of 38 metres above sea level.
- The island is covered in a thick layer of bird guano (accumulated excrement of seabirds).
- The island has a permanent population in the form of a two-person bird research station.
- The island houses 16000 penguins, 1200 gannets and 5000 cormorants.
Chakshu Portal:
- It facilitates citizens to report suspected fraud communication received over call, SMS or WhatsApp with the intention of defrauding like KYC expiry or update of bank account/payment wallet/SIM/gas connection/electricity connection, sextortion, impersonation as a government official/relative for sending money, disconnection of all mobile numbers by Department of Telecommunications, etc.
Read previous PIB articles here.
| Related Links | |||
| Commercial Mining Policy | PM-KISAN | ||
| Namami Gange Programme | Tele-MANAS | ||
| Index of Industrial Production | Skill India Mission | ||
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