Why in News ? 

India has climbed 11 positions to secure the 49th rank in the 2024 Network Readiness Index (NRI), improving from 60th in 2023 with a higher score of 53.63. This advancement highlights the nation’s increasing emphasis on digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, mobile networks, and broadband connectivity. 

About 

• Published by the Portulans Institute, the NRI assesses 133 economies using 54 variables across four pillars- Technology, People, Governance, and Impact. 

India's Achievements 

• India's score improved from 49.93 (2023) to 53.63 (2024), showcasing progress in digital innovation. 
• Global rankings in key sectors: 
  • 1^st rank: AI scientific publications, AI talent concentration, ICT services exports. 
  • 2^nd rank: FTTH Internet subscriptions, mobile broadband traffic, international internet bandwidth. 
  • 3^rd rank: Domestic market scale. 
  • 4^th rank: Annual telecom investments. 

Telecom Advancements of India 

• Tele-density reached 84.69%, with 119 crore wireless connections and 94.4 crore internet subscribers (up from 25.1 crore). 
• 5G launch in 2022 propelled India's mobile broadband speed ranking from 118^th to 15^th. 
• Bharat 6G Vision positions India as a future telecom leader.