In News:

• India has recently joined the United Nations Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD), marking a significant step in strengthening its role in global statistical frameworks.
• The inclusion is a result of India's recent membership in the United Nations Statistical Council (UNSC), signaling the nation's growing influence in global data governance.

Key Highlights

• India's Growing Influence: India’s entry into the UN-CEBD highlights its growing stature in the international statistical community, emphasizing its commitment to utilizing big data and data science for informed decision-making.
• Strategic Opportunity: This membership allows India to contribute to shaping global standards in leveraging big data for official statistical purposes, especially in tracking Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

What is UN-CEBD?

• UN-CEBD is a specialized body under the United Nations, formed in 2014 to explore the benefits and challenges of using big data and data science to strengthen global statistical systems.
• It was established under the United Nations Statistical Commission (UNSC).
• Members: The committee consists of 31 member states (including India) and 16 international organizations.

Key Objectives

• Monitor SDGs: Use big data to track progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Address Data Challenges: Overcome challenges in utilizing non-traditional data sources, such as satellite imagery, Internet of Things (IoT), and private sector data.
• Promote Big Data Use: Encourage practical applications of big data across borders while addressing associated challenges.

Governance and Functions

• Advisory Board: Provides strategic direction, convening four times a year.
• UN Bureau: Manages day-to-day operations.
• Key Functions:
  • Strategic Coordination: Vision and direction for utilizing big data in global official statistics.
  • Capacity Building: Enhance capabilities through training, technical assistance, and knowledge sharing.
  • Public Trust: Establish confidence in using big data for official statistics.

Big Data: Definition and Importance

What is Big Data?

• Big data refers to vast, complex datasets that cannot be processed by traditional data management systems.
• It enables enhanced decision-making and improved processes for policy formulation, product development, and governance.

India's Big Data Initiatives

• National Data & Analytics Platform (NDAP): Facilitates data-driven decision-making.
• Big Data Management Policy: Defines strategies for managing large datasets within government agencies.
• National Data Warehouse on Official Statistics: Centralizes official data for better access and analysis.

The 6Vs of Big Data

• Volume: Large amounts of data.
• Velocity: Speed of data generation and processing.
• Variety: Different types of data.
• Veracity: Accuracy of data.
• Value: Significance of the data.
• Variability: Fluctuations in data.

India’s Role in the UN-CEBD

Contribution to Global Standards

• India's initiatives such as the Data Innovation Lab and the use of satellite imagery and machine learning will be shared with other members, fostering global collaboration in statistical innovations.
• India will contribute to shaping international standards for the use of big data in monitoring SDGs.

Enhancing Statistical Processes

• Modernization of Data: India aims to modernize its statistical processes by incorporating IoT, satellite data, and private-sector data.
• Real-time Insights: Providing policymakers with timely and accurate data to address key socio-economic issues.
• Improving Estimates: Using big data to enhance the accuracy of official statistics, improving governance and policymaking.

Strategic Goals of India's Engagement

• Streamline Statistical Production: Innovation in data collection, processing, and analysis to reduce delays in data availability.
• Improve Decision-Making: Provide real-time, evidence-based insights to policymakers.
• Foster International Collaboration: Share India’s expertise and learn from global best practices to build future-ready statistical systems.