Context
India has taken the first step toward addressing a major gap in its ability to capitalize on potential in generative artificial intelligence (AI) – computing hardware.
Why in News?
- Recently The Union Cabinet authorized the India AI Mission, which would cost Rs 10,372 crore over the next five years.
- The funds will be used to subsidise private enterprises wanting to establish AI computer capacity in the country, among other things.
India AI Computing capacity plan
- Objective: Establish a computing capacity exceeding 10,000 GPUs under the India AI Mission.
- Foundational Models: Develop models with over 100 billion parameters trained on datasets encompassing major Indian languages for priority sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and governance.
- Infrastructure Prioritization: Emphasize the selection of the most advanced GPUs during infrastructure setup.
- Public-Private Partnership: Implement AI compute infrastructure through a public-private partnership model with 50% viability gap funding.
- Budget Allocation: Allocate Rs 4,564 crore for building computing infrastructure out of the total outlay of Rs 10,372 crore.
- Tender Process: Initiate a tender inviting companies to set up data centers, with potential for seeking viability gap funding from the government.
- Viability Gap Funding: Companies may request funding for a portion of the data center costs, with the obligation to expand compute capacity within the budgeted amount if compute prices decrease.
- Government Support: Aim to foster innovation and advancement in AI technology by facilitating private sector participation in establishing robust computing infrastructure.
India’s Holistic Approach to AI Development: Beyond Hardware
- Support for Deeptech Startups: Government financing for deeptech startups at various growth stages, with approximately Rs 2,000 crore allocated.
- India AI Datasets Platform: Establishment of a platform to enhance the quality, accessibility, and utilization of non-personal datasets for AI innovation. This platform will host identified high-quality AI-ready datasets.
- India AI Innovation Research Centre: Creation of a research center dedicated to the development and deployment of large foundational models, emphasizing indigenous Large Multimodal Models and domain-specific foundational models. Close to Rs 2,000 crore has been earmarked for this initiative.
- Educational Support: Financial support for 4,000 BTech, 400 Mtech, and 600 PhD candidates focusing on AI in premier educational institutions.These proposals signify a comprehensive approach to AI development, encompassing not only hardware infrastructure but also data accessibility, research, and talent cultivation, crucial for fostering innovation and advancement in the AI sector.
Navigating AI Regulations: A Global Perspective
- India’s Advisory on Generative AI:The Indian IT Ministry issued an advisory urging generative AI companies deploying “untested” systems to seek government permission. However, criticism and concerns about its legal basis prompted clarification that the advisory doesn’t apply to startups.
- EU’s AI Act: The European Union negotiated an AI Act with member states, incorporating safeguards for AI use within the EU. It includes clear regulations on adoption by law enforcement agencies and empowers consumers to file complaints for perceived violations.
- US Executive Order on AI: The White House issued an Executive Order on AI, offering a comprehensive template for AI regulation. A blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights, released prior, serves as a foundational document for the subsequent order.
- These regulatory developments highlight the global effort to establish legislative frameworks around AI, aiming to balance innovation with safeguards against potential risks and misuse.
People also ask
Q1: What is the purpose of AI regulations?
Ans: AI regulations aim to establish guidelines and frameworks for the ethical and safe development, deployment, and use of artificial intelligence technologies. These regulations address concerns such as data privacy, algorithmic transparency, accountability, and potential societal impacts.
Q2. Why are lawmakers grappling with AI regulations?
Ans: Lawmakers worldwide are facing the challenge of regulating AI due to its rapid advancement and diverse applications across various sectors. Balancing innovation and economic growth with the need for ethical considerations and risk mitigation poses complex challenges for policymakers.
Q3: What is India’s stance on AI regulations?
Ans: India’s approach to AI regulations involves issuing advisories and guidelines to address specific concerns, such as generative AI systems. However, there are debates and discussions regarding the legal basis and applicability of such advisories, particularly concerning startups and emerging technologies.
