Global Quality Infrastructure Index (GQII) 2021.

• The Global Quality Index Infrastructure was released for 184 world economies based on the quality of their infrastructure.
  • GQII program is an initiative to research and disseminate data on Quality Infrastructure (QI).
  • It is supported by Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) and Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Germany.
• Germany topped the list. It was followed by China, the USA.
• The rankings are calculated b ased on the standards, metrology and accreditation.
• India was ranked fifth in accredition parameter. The overall good infrastructure quality of India is being maintained by the Quality Council of India.
  • The standardization ranking was at the 9th spot and the credit goes to BIS.
  • The metrology system was ranked 21st and NPL-CSIR takes the credit.

Quality Council of India (QCI)

• It was established in 1997 by DPIIT.
• The major boards of QCI are NABCB and NABL.
  • NABCB is National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies.
  • NABL is National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories.
• Significance The QCI is the backbone of India’s international trade. The council receiving a good ranking at the international level is proof that India is gaining the trust of its international partners. QCI operates other national bodies such as NPL-CSIR, BIS, etc. They are all the custodians of the National Accreditation System.