Context:
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), celebrated World Telecommunication and Information Society Day on 17th May 2024, with the theme “Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development”.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
About World Telecommunication and Information Society Day
Historical Significance
- The day commemorates the anniversary of the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on 17th May 1865, marked by the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in Paris.
Key Announcements by DoT
Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) Initiatives
- NIDHI & STAR Program: These initiatives focus on developing indigenous telecom solutions and technologies.
- STAR Program: Provides scholarships and mentorship from C-DOT research leaders to PhD students.
Telecom Industry in India
- Global Standing: India has the 2nd largest telecom industry in the world.
- Subscriber Base: As of August 2023, India has a subscriber base of 1.179 billion (including both wireless and wireline subscribers).
- Economic Impact: The telecom sector is crucial to the digital economy, projected to reach around USD 1.5 billion by 2025-26, contributing approximately 15% to the GDP.
