India Joins UN Panel on Big Data | 15 Jan 2025

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

India has become a member of the United Nations (UN) Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD) after its recent induction into the United Nations Statistical Council (UNSC), signaling its growing influence in global statistical frameworks. 

What is the United Nations Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD)? 

• About:  
  • UN-CEBD is a specialized body under the United Nations, established to leverage Big Data and data science for strengthening global statistical systems. 
  • It was established in 2014, under the aegis of the United Nations Statistical Commission (UNSC). 
• Members: 
  • It has 31 member states (including India) and 16 international organizations.  
• Objectives: 
  • Explore the role of big data in monitoring and reporting progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 
  • Address challenges associated with utilizing non-traditional data sources for official statistics. 
• Governance: 
  • Advisory Board: Serves as the principal management body of the UN-CEBD and convenes around 4 times a year to review the committee's work and provide strategic guidance. 
  • UN Bureau: It oversees the day-to-day operations and administrative functions. 
• Key Functions: 
  • Strategic Coordination: Provides vision, direction, and coordination for a global program on utilizing big data in official statistics, including for tracking indicators of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 
  • Promotion of Big Data Use: Encourages practical applications of big data, including cross-border data, while addressing associated challenges and leveraging existing frameworks. 
    • Encourage innovative utilization of non-conventional data sources, including satellite imagery, IoT, and private-sector data. 
  • Capacity Building: Focuses on enhancing capabilities through training, experience-sharing, and building technical expertise and offering technical assistance to member nations for modernizing their statistical systems. 
  • Building Public Trust: Works towards establishing public confidence in the use of big data for official statistical purposes. 

What is Big Data? 

• About: 
  • Big data refers to large, complex datasets that traditional data management systems cannot efficiently store, process, or analyze.  
  • It enables improved processes, better decision-making, and enhanced product/service development. 
• India's Big Data Initiatives: 
  • National Data & Analytics Platform (NDAP)  
  • Big Data Management Policy  
  • National Data Warehouse on Official Statistics 
• Drivers: There are 6Vs that drive big data are: 

• Applications: