World Telecommunications Day: Empowering Least-Developed Countries With Help Of ICTs
World Telecommunications Day is an annual United Nations observance that celebrates the importance of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in our lives. It is celebrated each year on May17, which marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865.
The theme for World Telecommunications Day, 2023, is ‘Empowering the Least-Developed Countries through Information and Communications Technologies’. This year’s theme focuses on the importance of ICTs in helping bridge the digital divide and empowering people in the least-developed countries.
ICTs can play a vital role in improving the lives of people in the least-developed countries of the world. They can be used to provide access to education, healthcare and other essential services. ICTs can also be used to promote economic development and create jobs. However, there are still many challenges that need to be addressed in order to ensure that everyone in the least-developed countries has access to ICTs. These challenges include:
1. High costs of access
2. Lack of infrastructure
3. Lack of skills
4. Lack of awareness
World Telecommunications Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of these challenges and to call for action to address them. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the progress that has been made in bringing ICTs to the least-developed countries.
Here, in a nutshell, are some things everyone should know about World Telecommunications Day:
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It is celebrated annually on May 17
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The theme for World Telecommunications Day, 2023, is ‘Empowering the Least-Developed Countries through Information and Communications Technologies’
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ICTs can play a vital role in improving the lives of people in the least-developed countries
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There are still many challenges that need to be addressed in order to ensure that everyone in the least-developed countries has access to ICTs
Infrastructure that a country requires to improve its information and communications systems includes:
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Reliable, affordable Net connection: This is the foundation of any ICT infrastructure. Without a reliable and affordable Internet connection, it is impossible to access and use other ICT services
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Robust telecommunications network: This includes a network of wired and wireless telecommunications infrastructure—such as cables, towers and routers. This network is essential for transmitting data and voice communications
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Adequate computing power: This includes computers, servers and other devices used to store, process and transmit data
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Knowledgeable and skilled workforce: This includes people with the knowledge and skills to design, build and maintain ICT infrastructure
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A supportive policy environment: This includes policies that encourage investment in ICT infrastructure and promote the use of ICTs
In addition to this infrastructure, there are a number of other factors that can contribute to the improvement of a country’s information and communications systems. These include:
a. Strong government commitment: The government can play a key role in promoting the development of ICT infrastructure and services. This can be done through investment, regulations and public awareness campaigns
b. Investments by private sector: The private sector can also play a major role in the development of ICT infrastructure. This can be done through the construction and operation of telecommunications networks, data centres and other ICT facilities
c. International cooperation: Countries can also cooperate to share expertise and resources in order to improve their ICT infrastructure. This can be done through bilateral agreements, multilateral initiatives and the work of international organizations
The improvement of a country’s information and communications systems can have many benefits. By investing in ICT infrastructure, countries can improve their economic growth, education, healthcare, government services and social cohesion.
1) Increased economic growth: ICTs can help to boost economic growth by improving productivity, efficiency and innovation
2) Improved education, healthcare: ICTs can help improve education and healthcare by providing access to information and resources that were previously unavailable
3) Enhanced government services: ICTs can help improve government services by making them more efficient, accessible and transparent
4) Strengthened social cohesion: ICTs can help to strengthen social cohesion by providing a platform for communications and collaboration
However complex and challenging a task the improvement of a country’s information and communications systems is, the benefits of doing so are significant.
(The author of this article is a Defence, Aerospace & Political analyst)
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Woman, 2 sons found dead in Delhi home; suicide suspected
New Delhi (PTI): Three members of a family were found dead inside their home in southeast Delhi's Kalkaji on Friday, with police suspecting it to be a case of suicide, officials said.
Police said the incident came to light around 2.47 pm when a police team reached the premises to execute a court order related to possession of the property. When repeated knocks went unanswered, the staff used a duplicate key to open the door.
Inside, officers found Anuradha Kapoor (52) and her sons, Ashish Kapoor (32) and Chaitanya Kapoor (27), hanging from the ceiling, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) Hemant Tiwari said in a statement. All three were declared dead.
A handwritten note was recovered from the room, suggesting the family had been struggling with depression.
"The handwritten note indicates emotional distress faced by the family due to which the family may have taken the extreme step," the officer said.
The bodies have been shifted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) mortuary for post-mortem and other legal formalities under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), police said.
Residents of the neighbourhood said they were shocked to learn about the deaths, adding that the family kept largely to themselves.
Pankaj Kashyap, a resident of Girinagar, said he learnt about the deaths while leaving for work. "I live and work here and was leaving for work when I saw many people standing outside and talking. That is how I got to know that three people had committed suicide. I also saw several police vehicles outside, but I do not know much beyond that," he said.
Baldev, another neighbour, said the family had been living in the newly constructed house for around two years. "We only knew that a mother and her two children lived there. They had moved into the newly built house around two years ago. We did not interact much with them. Today we heard that all three have committed suicide, and whatever we know is based on what people here are saying," he said.
Another neighbour, Ramesh Kumar, claimed the family had earlier attempted suicide.
"About fifteen to twenty days ago, the two sons in the family had attempted suicide and police and ambulances had come. That was when I first got to know who they were. I do not recognise them by face, but we saw the ambulances and police take the two sons that day. Today again we saw ambulances and police arriving, so everyone came out to see what had happened. I do not know how long they had been living here, but this is all we know," he said.
Police said they are examining the family's financial condition, social circumstances, and other factors that may have contributed to the incident. Further investigation is underway.
