India’s AI Strategy and Need for Foundational Models
- Government’s AI Mission: India launched an AI Mission in 2019, but COVID-19 delayed its progress. The mission aims to develop India-specific foundational AI models.
- Computing Infrastructure Development:
- The government has floated tenders for the private sector to establish compute facilities.
- Plans are in place for 18,000 GPU worth of computing resources.
- Seven to eight private players are investing in AI infrastructure.
Relevance : GS 3(Technology , Science)
- Need for Indigenous AI Models:
- India’s demographic and linguistic diversity necessitates AI models trained on localized datasets.
- Open-source models may not align with India’s cultural and linguistic complexities.
- Both approaches—custom models and adaptations of existing open-source ones—are essential.
DeepSeek and India’s AI Preparedness
- DeepSeek’s Breakthrough:
- Achieved efficiency by processing data sector-wise and linking it in parallel.
- Claims of development at $5 million are likely underestimated.
- Assembled 15,000–20,000 GPUs, indicating significant resource investment.
- India’s Readiness:
- Government-led initiatives and private-sector collaboration provide foundational AI capabilities.
- Compute infrastructure expansion is a priority to develop and train AI models domestically.
AI’s Role: Supportive, Not Replacing Humans
- AI as an Enhancer: Should automate routine tasks to allow humans to focus on higher-order cognitive functions.
- Explainability of AI Models: Essential for trust and accountability. AI outputs should be interpretable, ensuring transparency.
- Government’s Role: The Ministry of Electronics and IT is addressing AI ethics and explainability in policy frameworks.
India’s Approach to Quantum Computing
- Majorana 1 and Topological Qubits:
- Microsoft’s breakthrough in quantum computing could enable more stable and scalable qubits.
- Topological qubits are more resilient to disturbances than superconducting qubits.
- India’s Position in Quantum Computing:
- Indian research groups are engaged in quantum computing but need to transition research into practical applications.
- Long-term commitment is required, similar to Microsoft’s 15-year effort in Majorana-based quantum computing.
Future Prospects: Quantum AI and Next-Gen Computing
- Quantum AI: The intersection of AI and quantum computing could revolutionize machine learning models.
- Potential for India: Developing quantum computing capabilities will be crucial to staying competitive in future AI advancements.
- Global Scientific Paradigm Shift: Quantum computing and AI advancements mark the beginning of a transformative era in technology.
