Second India - ASEAN Digital Ministers' (ADGMIN) Meeting

India ASEAN digital ministers' meeting

Second India - ASEAN Digital Ministers' (ADGMIN) Meeting

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• The story: The second ASEAN Digital Ministers' (ADGMIN) Meeting held with India virtually on 27 and 28 January of 2022. ASEAN is the Association of South-East Asian Nations.
• Key points: The two sides finalized India-ASEAN Digital work plan 2022 for future collaboration in the field. The member-countries of ASEAN are - Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The ADGMIN is an annual meeting of telecom ministers of ten ASEAN countries and dialogue partner countries—Australia, Canada, China, EU, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Russia, UK and US. Other similar groups are - ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) Plus, ASEAN Regional Forum, East Asia Summit (EAS).
• India-ASEAN Digital Work Plan 2022: A system to combat use of stolen and counterfeit mobile handsets will be developed. Wifi access network interface for nationwide public internet will be developed. Emphasis will also be given on the capacity building and knowledge sharing in emerging areas in the field of information and communication technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, advanced satellite communication, cyber forensics.
• Significance: Technology has emerged as a powerful tool to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic which is not just a challenge for the public health system but is also adversely impacting the economy and social order of the countries.
• Steps taken by India: The telecom ministry in December 2019 had launched a portal to help people in Delhi-NCR block and trace their stolen or lost mobile phones. The project is backed by the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) system. The CEIR system was undertaken by the telecom department for addressing security, theft and other concerns including reprogramming of mobile handsets.
• Summary: Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) enables and strengthens democratic systems and institutions through enhanced engagement between citizens and the state. It has potential to promote free speech, human rights and the free flow of information besides expanding citizens' opportunities to participate in decision-making processes and have potential to transform lives of people living in rural areas.
• EXAM QUESTIONS: (1) What role will technology play in the development of democractic institutions? Critically analyse. (2) Considering the rapid technological developments in the field of digital communication, outline the challenges perceived in its effective implementation.

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