The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) & International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) have jointly launched International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience. 

About International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience

• Aim: To strengthen the resilience of submarine cables.
  • Damage to submarine cables is a frequent occurrence, with an average of 150 to 200 faults happening globally each year.
• Functions: It will promote best practices among governments & industries to improve cable resilience reduce damage risks etc. 
  • It will also provide strategic guidance to address issues like growing traffic, aging infrastructure, & environmental threats.
• Members: 40 (include Ministers, Heads of Regulatory Authorities, industry executives, experts etc.) and co-chaired by Nigeria & Portugal.
  • It will meet at least twice a year.

What is Submarine Cable?

• About: Submarine Cable is a fiber optic cable laid in the ocean, connecting 2 or more landing points. 
• India is a key player in global submarine cable network: India hosts 17 international submarine cables across 14 landing stations in Mumbai, Chennai etc.
• Significance: Submarine cables form the backbone of global digital economy. 
  • It carries over 99 % of international data exchange & enables critical services like commerce, financial transactions across the globe.