Perspective – AI: The Road Ahead | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

Significant Advances and Applications of AI:

Overcoming Limitations

• AI holds the potential to transcend the constraints of capital and labor, unlocking new avenues for value and growth.

Driving Growth

• Intelligent automation facilitates the automation of complex physical tasks, propelling innovation diffusion throughout the economy.

Industries and Space

• AI enables the complete automation, control, and maintenance of manufacturing processes, including tasks in heavy industries and space exploration.

Finance

• Banks utilize intelligent software applications to analyze financial data, with predictive stock market trend analysis surpassing human capabilities.

Aviation

• Expert systems in planes monitor atmospheric conditions and system status, handling tasks such as managing hazardous materials.

Social Development and Inclusive Growth

AI contributes to inclusive growth by improving access to quality healthcare, overcoming location barriers, providing real-time advisory services to farmers, and enhancing productivity.

Data-Driven Growth

The exponential growth of data continually fuels advancements in AI, with applications spanning healthcare, education, smart cities, environment, agriculture, and smart mobility.
Examples in India:

• Collaborations such as the NITI Aayog and IBM's Precision Agriculture initiative showcase AI applications in addressing developmental challenges.

Lack of R&D on AI in India:

Focus on Applications:

• Both government and companies in India prioritize AI applications over research and development.

Global Standing:

• India lags in AI research, not ranking among the top 10 nations, while the competition is led by the US, China, and the EU.

Risk of Techno-Colonialism:

• India faces the risk of being left behind in the global technological landscape, akin to past general-purpose technology revolutions, emphasizing the need for long-term plans and investments in R&D.

Need for Government Action:

• Urgent measures are required, including budget allocation for R&D, incentives to attract research talent, and involvement of major corporations.

Way Forward:

Ensuring Trust:

• Algorithm transparency is crucial to establishing trust in AI usage, emphasizing the collective responsibility to manage its impact.

Preventing Weaponization:

• Vigilance is necessary to prevent the weaponization of AI by non-state actors, ensuring responsible and ethical use.

Economic Vision:

• Riding on the capabilities of data and AI, India aims to achieve a US$5 trillion economy by 2025, requiring extensive AI utilization across sectors from agriculture to healthcare.

Long-Term Planning:

• A comprehensive, long-term plan is imperative, involving government commitment, expenditure reallocation, and incentives to position India as a leader in AI technology rather than a dependent player.