6 July 2024 : PIB Summary For UPSC

1. The Telecommunications Act 2023: Ushering in a New Era of Connectivity

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2031057 )

Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity

Context

The Indian government has enforced key sections of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, aiming to modernise laws governing telecommunication services and spectrum management. Guided by principles of inclusion, security, growth, and responsiveness, the Act replaces colonial-era laws to align with India’s vision of technological advancement and regulatory efficiency.

Overview of the Telecommunications Act, 2023:

• Purpose: The Act aims to modernise and consolidate laws governing telecommunication services, networks, and spectrum management in India, replacing outdated colonial-era legislations like the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and Indian Wireless Telegraph Act, 1933.
• Guiding Principles: Guided by the principles of Samavesh (Inclusion), Suraksha (Security), Vriddhi (Growth), and Tvarit (Responsiveness), it seeks to align India’s telecommunications sector with the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India).

Salient Features of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 (Effective July 05, 2024):

1. Optimal Spectrum Utilisation:
   • Facilitates efficient use of spectrum through secondary assignment, sharing, trading, leasing, and surrender mechanisms.
   • Enables flexible, liberalised, and technologically neutral spectrum utilisation.
   • Empowers the Central Government to establish robust enforcement and monitoring mechanisms.
2. Prohibition on Telecommunication Blocking:
   • Prohibits the use of equipment that obstructs telecommunication services, except under permissions granted by the Central Government, ensuring uninterrupted communication channels.
3. TRAI Governance Reforms:
   • Amends Section 4 of the TRAI Act, 1997, via Section 59(b) of the Telecommunications Act, setting forth specific criteria for the appointment of Chairperson and Members of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

Implementation and Impact:

• The Act received parliamentary approval in December 2023, presidential assent on December 24, 2023, and was officially gazetted the same day.
• Sections 1, 2, 10-30, 42-44, 46, 47, 50-58, 61, and 62 were previously enforced from June 26, 2024, enhancing regulatory clarity and operational frameworks.
• The recent gazetted notification on July 04, 2024, enforces additional crucial sections, focusing on enhancing spectrum efficiency and governance reforms within TRAI.

Strategic Focus:

• The latest notification underscores the government’s strategic emphasis on optimising spectrum utilisation through various modes such as secondary assignment and sharing/trading, ensuring enhanced operational efficiency and regulatory effectiveness in the telecommunications sector.

This overhaul marks a significant stride towards modernising India’s telecommunications laws, fostering growth, security, and inclusivity in the digital era while supporting the vision of a Developed India.

PYQ: The emergence of Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated eGovernance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2020)

Practice Question:  How does the Telecommunications Act, 2023, signify a historic shift in India’s regulatory framework? Discuss its key provisions and implications for the telecommunications sector. (150 Words /10 marks)

2. Atal Innovation Mission Celebrates Community Innovator Fellows Graduation

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2031064 )

Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government Initiatives

Context

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) celebrated the graduation of its second batch of Community Innovator Fellows (CIFs) on July 5, 2024, emphasising grassroots innovation’s role in societal progress. The event also launched ‘Stories of Change Edition 2’, highlighting impactful initiatives and collaborations driving sustainable development goals across India.

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM):

• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), launched by the Government of India in 2016, promotes a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship nationwide.
• AIM aims to create an ecosystem supporting innovation at various levels: school, university, research institutions, MSMEs, and industries.
• NITI Aayog oversees and implements AIM’s initiatives, utilizing real-time Management Information Systems (MIS) and dynamic dashboards for monitoring.
• Key AIM programs include Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs), Atal Incubation Centres (AICs), Atal New India Challenge, Mentor of Change Program, Atal Community Innovation Center, and Atal Research & Innovation for Small Enterprises (ARISE).
• Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) are state-of-the-art spaces established in schools nationwide, targeting students from grades 6 to 12.
• ATLs nurture curiosity and innovation through cutting-edge technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, rapid prototyping, and robotics.
• AIM’s holistic approach aims to foster a future-ready workforce equipped with critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation capabilities essential for India’s socio-economic development.

Practice Question:  Discuss the role and impact of Atal Tinkering Labs in fostering innovation and entrepreneurial skills among school students in India. (150 Words /10 marks)