17 May 2025: PIB Summary For UPSC

1. IIFT Expands Global Footprint with First Overseas Campus in Dubai

(Source – PIB (Press Information Bureau), May 17, 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 3: Science & Technology

Context

The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has announced the establishment of its first overseas campus in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s emphasis on the internationalization of Indian education.

Content

• Strategic Expansion:

  • IIFT’s Dubai campus marks its first international presence, aiming to strengthen India’s role in global business education.

  • The initiative received approvals from the Ministry of Education and No Objection Certificates from the Ministries of External Affairs, Home Affairs, and the University Grants Commission.

• Alignment with NEP 2020:

  • The move reflects NEP 2020’s vision to internationalize Indian institutions and establish global learning hubs.

  • It underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its educational footprint globally.

• Strengthening India-UAE Relations:

  • The campus is a testament to the growing educational collaboration between India and the UAE.

  • It aims to cater to the Indian diaspora and global learners in the Gulf region.

• Leadership Remarks:

  • Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal highlighted the campus as a new chapter in the internationalization of Indian education.

  • Commerce Secretary Shri Sunil Barthwal emphasized it as a turning point in IIFT’s 62-year history, showcasing India’s emergence in providing world-class education.

Way Forward:
The establishment of IIFT’s Dubai campus is a significant step in India’s educational diplomacy, aiming to groom global business leaders and enhance India’s soft power.

Practice Question: Discuss the significance of Indian educational institutions establishing campuses abroad in the context of India’s soft power and the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020.

2. TRAI Releases Report on Independent Drive Tests Conducted in Eight LSAs

(Source – PIB (Press Information Bureau), May 17, 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 3 – Science and Technology; Infrastructure

Context

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released a report on Independent Drive Tests (IDT) conducted in eight Licensed Service Areas (LSAs) to assess the quality of voice and data services provided by telecom operators.

Content 

• Objective of the Drive Tests:

  • To evaluate the quality of service (QoS) for voice and data across various terrains, including cities, highways, railway routes, and coastal areas.

  • Assessments were conducted in March 2025 across regions like Maharashtra, UP East, Mumbai, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Jammu & Kashmir, and Madhya Pradesh.

• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Assessed:

  • Voice Services:

    • Call setup success rate

    • Drop call rate (DCR)

    • Speech quality using Mean Opinion Score (MOS)

    • Downlink & uplink packet drop rate

    • Call silence rate

    • Signal strength coverage percentage

  • Data Services:

    • Data throughput (downlink and uplink)

    • Packet drop rate

    • Video streaming delay

    • Latency

    • Jitter

• Telecom Operators Evaluated:

  • Bharti Airtel Ltd.

  • BSNL/MTNL

  • Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd.

  • Vodafone Idea Ltd.

Way Forward:
The IDT reports provide valuable insights into the performance of telecom services, aiding in regulatory decisions and encouraging operators to enhance service quality. Continuous monitoring and transparent reporting are essential for improving India’s digital infrastructure.

Practice Question: Evaluate the role of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in ensuring quality telecom services through initiatives like Independent Drive Tests. How do such measures contribute to India’s digital infrastructure development? (10 marks, 150 words)

Check this out 16 May 2025: PIB Summary For UPSC