Improving Digital quality of life in India, cover story 18 September 2023

Improving Digital Quality of Life in India
News Kashmir
The Digital Quality of Life (DQL) Index by cyber-security company Surfshark is an annual study that ranks 121 countries by their digital wellbeing based on 5 core pillars — internet quality, internet affordability, e-security, e-infrastructure and e-government.
Digital life allows us to receive online education at any time and almost everywhere. Information for research can be easily found through search engines which can provide thousands of results for a single question.
India has been ranked 52nd out of 121 countries in Digital Quality of Life Index survey. The survey has been carried out by cybersecurity firm Surfshark. The annual survey by the Netherlands-based firm has ranked 121 countries on five factors: internet quality, internet affordability, e-infrastructure, e-government and e-security.
In many nations, ‘digital quality of life’ has merged into the broader concept of overall ‘quality of life’. There’s no other way to look at it now that so many daily activities, including work, education, and leisure, are done online. That’s why it’s crucial to pinpoint the areas in which a nation’s digital quality of life thrives and where attention is needed, which is the precise purpose of the DQL Index”, says Surfshark spokesperson Gabriele Racaityte-Karasauske.
India was ranked 59th last year. This means that it has jumped seven places this time. Surfshark has said that this jump is due to improvement in internet quality in the country. In terms of internet quality, India ranks 16th among 121 countries.
As a matter of fact,
From communication and transport to healthcare and connectivity, the digital technology has enhanced our lives for the better. The best part is that it is ever-evolving by facilitating more advanced features. For instance, we have come far from traditional audio calls to instant messaging and facetime.
We need to bear in mind that
Developing a digital mindset requires cultivating curiosity about technology and its potential. Embrace a mindset of exploration and experimentation. Be open to trying new digital tools, platforms, and software.
The improvements in Digital Quality of Life in India is a step in right direction.
On the otherhand of the spectrum, internet affordability remains a question for the majority of the population. India holds the 28th rank in terms of internet affordability. It considers the time spent working to afford the cheapest broadband and mobile internet. For fixed broadband and mobile internet, Indians must work for 1 hour, 48 minutes, and 44 minutes, 22 seconds each month, respectively.
 The Index highlights the gaps in the nation’s digital infrastructure and draws our attention to improving them. It holds the 91st rank in terms of e-infrastructure. Recently, the G20 forum revealed that the adoption of digital public infrastructure has been boosted. This parameter measures the number of active internet users and their smooth online experiences.
With every passing day Digital Quality of Life in India is improving.