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Source: This post has been created based on the article “The AI opportunity” published in “Business Standard” on 13th February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Science and Technology – Developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
News: The article discusses the advantages India possesses in the field of AI. It also highlights the positive prospects and challenges it entails.
Background:
Recently, Microsoft’s CEO gave a statement on skilling up 2 million Indians in the use of artificial intelligence (AI). This signals their desire to shape the Indian AI ecosystem in a big way.
What are the advantages India possesses in the field of AI?
AI Engineers: The Indian IT services sector is witnessing the lowest fresh hiring in decades. The surplus engineers could now migrate to the AI field as investment in this space is expected to increase.
Diversity of Languages: There are 8-10 Indian languages with over 50 million speakers each and a rich vernacular literature. These could lead to the development of many variations on ChatGPT set in various Indian languages.
Data Generation: Cheap data plans, high smartphone penetration, and a thrust towards providing services via the digital public infrastructure has led to India having the highest data consumption in the world. Thus, data is being generated at an ever-increasing pace.
5G Penetration: As 5G penetration increases, many internet of things (IoT) related applications that rely on high-speed and AI algorithms will increase. This availability of data makes India an ideal training ground for AI.
Favourable Government Policy: The government is also focusing on AI-related research and a significant increase in computing capacity.
Hardware and Chip Design: There is also a focus on building indigenous capacity in electronics hardware and semiconductor fabrication, with India already being a leading hub for chip design.
Collaborations with Academia: Several academic institutions such as IIT Madras already have testbeds and research labs focused on AI-related areas.
What are the prospects and applications of AI in India?
1) High Future Growth Prospects: AI could contribute around 10% of India’s GDP by the time the $5trillion mark is achieved.
2) Investment Opportunities: Given a vibrant startup ecosystem, private-sector research on AI is expected to lead to an increase in investment opportunities.
3) Application in Sectors: Experts believe it can transform sectors like agriculture, logistics, energy, healthcare, and financial services.
4) Job Creation: It is also likely to create jobs requiring sophisticated skills.
What are the challenges?
Threat to Job Creation: AI could replace the need for humans in various functions. Even large Indian IT firms working with labour cost advantages may suffer.
Such unintended consequences will need to be addressed.
Question for practice:
What are the advantages India possesses in the field of AI? How can AI be fruitful for India?
