India has been making significant strides in addressing some of the most pressing issues in today’s world. From tackling the scam economy to cyber security threats and bridging the digital divide, the country has been at the forefront of finding solutions and implementing effective measures.
In a recent speech, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Liu Zhenmin, praised India for its efforts in addressing the scam economy. He specifically mentioned the country’s efforts in implementing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the demonetization drive as key steps towards curbing corruption and promoting transparency in the economy.
The GST, which was introduced in 2017, has replaced multiple indirect taxes with a single unified tax system. This has not only simplified the tax structure but also reduced the scope for tax evasion and corruption. Similarly, the demonetization drive in 2016, which involved the withdrawal of high-value currency notes, aimed at curbing the circulation of black money and counterfeit currency.
India’s efforts in addressing cyber security threats have also been commendable. With the rapid growth of technology and digitalization, the country has been facing an increasing number of cyber attacks. However, the government has taken proactive measures to strengthen its cyber security infrastructure and protect its citizens from such threats.
The establishment of the National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC) in 2017 and the launch of the Cyber Swachhta Kendra (Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre) in 2018 are some of the key initiatives taken by the government to combat cyber threats. These efforts have not only helped in preventing cyber attacks but also in creating awareness among the general public about the importance of cyber security.
Another area where India has made significant progress is in bridging the digital divide. Despite being one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, the country still faces a significant digital divide, with a large section of the population having limited or no access to digital technologies. However, the government has been working towards bridging this gap and ensuring that the benefits of technology reach every citizen.
The Digital India initiative, launched in 2015, aims to provide digital infrastructure and services to all citizens, especially those in rural and remote areas. Under this program, the government has been promoting the use of digital technologies in various sectors, such as education, healthcare, and agriculture, to improve the quality of life for its citizens.
In addition to government initiatives, the private sector has also played a crucial role in bridging the digital divide. Companies like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft have launched various programs and initiatives to provide digital literacy and skills training to people in rural areas.
India’s efforts in addressing the scam economy, cyber security threats, and the digital divide have not gone unnoticed. In fact, the country has been recognized globally for its achievements in these areas. The World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business report for 2020 ranked India 63rd out of 190 countries, a significant improvement from its 142nd rank in 2014. This is a testament to the country’s efforts in promoting transparency and ease of doing business.
Furthermore, India’s cyber security initiatives have been praised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the United Nations, which ranked the country 23rd out of 175 countries in its Global Cybersecurity Index for 2018. This is a significant improvement from its 47th rank in 2017.
India’s efforts in bridging the digital divide have also been recognized by the World Economic Forum, which ranked the country 91st out of 139 countries in its Networked Readiness Index for 2016. This is a significant improvement from its 120th rank in 2015.
In conclusion, India’s contribution in addressing the scam economy, cyber security threats, and the digital divide has been commendable. The country has shown great determination and commitment in finding solutions to these complex issues and has achieved significant progress in a relatively short period of time. With continued efforts and collaborations between the government and the private sector, India is well on its way to becoming a leader in these areas and setting an example for other countries to follow.
