Syllabus :GS 2/IR
In News
- India hosted a Virtual Capacity Building Session on Digital Transformation in BRICS.
Digital Transformation in BRICS
- BRICS countries have significantly advanced their digital economies by adopting new technologies, fostering digital services, and enacting supportive policies.
- They now account for 40% of global internet users and contribute substantially to global ICT goods (30%) and digitally deliverable services (11%).
- The expansion of BRICS has increased its global share of exports and internet users.
- The group now represents 45.2% of the world’s population, 36.7% of global GDP, and 23.3% of global merchandise trade.
- As a result, digital cooperation has become a key part of the BRICS agenda.
- The group now represents 45.2% of the world’s population, 36.7% of global GDP, and 23.3% of global merchandise trade.
India’s Role
- India showcased its flagship Sanchar Saathi initiative aimed at protecting mobile users from fraud, enhancing transparency, and ensuring equitable access to mobile services.
- India and Brazil led presentations on their national approaches to cyber resilience.
- India presented AADHAAR as a foundational Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) that has revolutionized public service delivery through identity-based digital inclusion.
- China also shared insights on its digital infrastructure journey.
- India introduced its ambitious Sangam Digital Twin initiative, aimed at using AI-native, federated platforms to enable scenario-based infrastructure planning and real-time governance solutions.
- China also shared its experiences with Digital Twin technology.
Importance
- BRICS has made the integrated implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development a key priority, focusing on its economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
- Digital technologies are seen as essential tools to promote inclusive growth and achieve the SDGs.
- BRICS recognises the role of the internet and ICTs in advancing e-governance, financial inclusion, service delivery, and global partnerships.
- Technologies such as AI and big data are especially valued for their development potential.
- Agritech and digital agriculture are key focus areas.
- It acknowledges digital solutions’ role in boosting agricultural productivity and farmer incomes.
Challenges
- BRICS recognises the challenges of rapid digitalisation, including the digital divide, cybersecurity threats, privacy concerns, and the misuse of technologies.
- Rotating leadership and differing priorities
- Overcoming to internal disagreements
| Know About BRICS – BRICS is an acronym for five major emerging economies — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — that came together to promote multilateralism, & inclusive global governance. – The grouping originally began as BRIC, coined by the economist Jim O’Neill in 2001, and was formalised through the first BRIC summit in 2009 at Yekaterinburg, Russia. – Brazil, Russia, India, China (these are founding members); South Africa joined in 2010; Iran, UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia joined in 2024. Argentina was initially expected to join in 2024 but later opted out. – BRICS represents over 41% of the world’s population, about 32% of global GDP (PPP), and nearly 18% of global trade. – A major institutional achievement of BRICS is the establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB) in 2015, headquartered in Shanghai. The NDB aims to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other developing countries. |
Source :BS
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