Opening Paragraph
The Prime Minister of India recently inaugurated the Bengaluru Tech Summit, a prominent event showcased via video conference. This inaugural ceremony was joined by the Prime Minister of Australia. The main objective of this flagship event is to deliberate on the primary challenges that have emerged following the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular emphasis on the impact of influential technologies.
Understanding Disruptive Technology
A key factor for discussion during this event is disruptive technology. This refers to an innovation that significantly changes the way consumers, industries, or businesses operate, often replacing previous systems or habits due to its recognizably superior attributes. Examples of disruptive technology include e-commerce platforms, online news websites, ride-sharing apps, and the Global Positioning System (GPS).
2020 Theme and Focus Areas
The theme for the 2020 summit is ‘Next is Now’. Its focus will be on the innovations in the domains of information technology, electronics, and biotechnology. The organizers of this event include the Government of Karnataka, Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), the Karnataka government’s Vision Group on Information Technology Software, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), and MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications.
Addressing Key Concerns
Important concerns raised during the summit revolve around data protection and cybersecurity as technology becomes increasingly incorporated into governance and other areas. There is now a pressing need for robust cybersecurity solutions capable of safeguarding digital products against cyber attacks and viruses.
Importance of Technology in Governance
It was noted at the summit that India’s governance model follows a ‘technology first’ approach. A significant display of this approach includes the PM-KISAN Mobile App, which enables direct transfers to farmers and digitizes their complete database. Another crucial development discussed was the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, a scheme that utilises fintech and digital technology for efficient transfers to beneficiaries via direct benefit transfers (DBT).
Healthcare Technology Innovations
During the summit, the potential of technology in healthcare was emphasized. It was highlighted how innovative applications of technology can reduce healthcare costs. Certain AI-powered mobile applications can offer high-quality, low-cost, patient-centric smart wellness solutions.
COVID-19 and Technology
The Aarogya Setu App—the first Indian contact tracing app—was developed as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This application enables Bluetooth-based contact tracing, identifies possible hotspots of the virus, and disseminates relevant information.
India and Australia’s Technological Collaboration
Both India and Australia are exploring joint opportunities in space research, critical minerals, 5G, Artificial Intelligence, and quantum computing. A significant collaboration includes the India-Australia Virtual Summit held in June 2020, where the landmark Australia-India Technology Framework on cyber and cyber-enabled technology was signed.
Government Initiatives to Promote Technology
The Digital India Mission, launched in 2015, aims to prepare India for a knowledge-based future by leveraging technology as a central enabling factor for change. Other significant technology initiatives include the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which allows smartphone-based money transfer between any two bank accounts, and the National Digital Health Mission, which provides a comprehensive digital health ecosystem.
