Overview

The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has relaxed certain provisions related to the procurement of computing capacity for artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. This decision is part of the Rs 10,370 crore IndiaAI Mission, aimed at enhancing the country’s AI capabilities.

Key Relaxations

Annual Turnover Requirements

• Primary Bidders: Turnover requirement reduced from ?100 crore to ?50 crore.
• Non-Primary Consortium Members: Requirement halved from ?50 crore to ?25 crore.

Computing Capacity Adjustments

• The performance threshold for successful bidders has been revised:
  • FP16 Performance: Reduced from 300 TFLOPS to 150 TFLOPS.
  • AI Compute Memory: Reduced from 40 GB to 24 GB.

Importance of the Changes

These adjustments respond to concerns raised by smaller companies about exclusionary requirements that favored larger firms. The aim is to create an inclusive environment that allows start-ups to participate in the AI landscape.

AI Mission Goals

• Establish a computing capacity of over 10,000 GPUs.
• Develop foundational models with capacities exceeding 100 billion parameters.
• Focus on priority sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and governance.

New Technical Criteria

• Companies must demonstrate experience in offering AI services over the past three financial years.
• Minimum billing of ?10 lakh required for eligibility.

Local Sourcing Requirements

• Components for cloud services must be procured from Class I or Class II local suppliers as per the ‘Make in India’ initiative:
  • Class I Supplier: Domestic value addition of at least 50%.
  • Class II Supplier: Local content between 20-50%.

Data Sovereignty and Service Delivery

• All AI services must be delivered from data centres located in India.
• Data uploaded to cloud platforms must remain within India's sovereign territory.

Implementation Strategy

• The Rs 10,370 crore plan will be implemented through a public-private partnership model.
• 50% viability gap funding has been allocated for computing infrastructure development.

Conclusion

The relaxations in AI compute procurement norms aim to support the growth of start-ups in India, fostering an environment conducive to innovation in artificial intelligence. With these changes, smaller companies are better positioned to contribute to the country's ambitious AI goals.

Introduction

India stands at the forefront of an AI revolution, poised to leverage its unique position for unprecedented growth and innovation. With a robust economic outlook, the nation is ready to transform its AI capabilities.

Economic Landscape

Projected Growth

• Nomura estimates India's economy will grow at an average rate of 7% over the next five years, surpassing the IMF's global growth forecast of 3.2% for 2024.
• Hosting the G20 and Global Partnership on AI meetings in 2023 has created a favorable geopolitical environment.

Market Potential

• India’s AI market is expected to reach $17 billion by 2027, with a growth rate of 25-35% annually from 2024 to 2027 (Nasscom).
• The country leads Asia Pacific in the use and adoption of Generative AI, with significant engagement from students and employees.

The Role of Industry

Driving Transformation

• Similar to historical industrial leaders, India Inc has the potential to drive significant change across various sectors.
• The goal is to transition from participation to leadership in the global AI ecosystem.

Sector-Specific Strategies

• Industries must align AI capabilities with specific sectoral goals by mapping challenges, opportunities, and ambitions.

Case Study: Logistics Sector

Historical Inefficiencies

• A decade ago, the logistics sector in India faced significant inefficiencies.

AI Integration

• Traditional AI introduced automation and basic forecasting. Companies like PandoAI have leveraged AI to consolidate supply chain data and provide valuable analytics.
• The integration of Generative AI can further enhance predictive capabilities and innovative solutions.

Infrastructure and Investment

Current Challenges

• India generates 20% of the world’s data but has only 2% of global data centers, limiting technological advancement.

Government Initiatives

• Plans to procure 10,000 GPUs in the next 18-24 months and a National Semiconductor Mission to establish a domestic chip industry.

Need for Industry Investment

• Collaboration between government and industry is crucial to meet the growing demands for computing power.

Talent Development

Workforce Dynamics

• Hiring of AI talent increased by 16.8% in 2023, indicating a rising focus on AI capabilities.
• Many Indian-origin AI professionals work for international companies, highlighting the need for local opportunities.

Educational Initiatives

• Programs like FutureSkills PRIME should be expanded to enhance talent development in AI.

Ethical Standards and Governance

Importance of Trust

• Establishing trustworthy AI standards is essential for consumer confidence and sustainable operation.
• Challenges such as bias and data security require robust governance frameworks.

Operationalizing Ethics

1. Develop AI governance frameworks addressing ethical concerns and data security.
2. Ensure transparency in AI algorithms and decision-making processes.
3. Promote inclusive AI development by engaging diverse perspectives.
4. Invest in ethical AI research through collaborations with academic institutions.

Conclusion

India’s commitment to a strategic vision, substantial investment, and adherence to trustworthy AI practices can position it as a global leader in the AI landscape. This is a pivotal moment for India to harness AI's transformative power, paving the way for a new era of economic prosperity.

In News:

Farmers in Bhagthala Khurd, Kapurthala, and Amritsar are increasingly using drones to apply pesticides to their maize and moong crops. Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are advanced flying machines that can be operated either autonomously or via remote control.

Drone Technology in Agriculture

While the use of drones in Indian agriculture is still emerging, it shows great potential. In Punjab, 93 out of the 100 drones provided to farmers by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) under the Centre’s ‘NAMO Drone Didi’ scheme are already in operation. Each drone, costing Rs 16 lakh, is equipped with a 12-litre water tank.

Benefits

• Health Protection:  Drones minimize farmers' direct exposure to harmful pesticides, reducing the risk of health issues like cancer and kidney problems.
• Efficiency:  Drones can spray an acre in just 5-7 minutes, significantly faster than the several hours required for manual application. They ensure a uniform application, which can enhance crop yields.
• Data Collection: Drone data helps pinpoint areas requiring attention, leading to better crop management and increased profits.
• Nano Fertilisers: Drones effectively handle nano fertilisers, ensuring even distribution of these small quantities that are difficult to spread manually.
• Pest Control: Drones enable timely application of pesticides during infestations of pests such as pink bollworms, locusts, and whiteflies.
• Environmental Benefits:  Drones improve nutrient absorption from nano fertilisers by up to 90%, reducing runoff and pollution. Leaf-based application is also less polluting than soil-based methods.
• Water Conservation:  Drones reduce water usage by up to 90% compared to traditional methods.
• Cost Reduction: They decrease the need for manual labor and reduce pesticide and chemical use, lowering overall costs.
• Additional Uses:  Drones are also used to drop seed balls (a mix of soil and cow dung with seeds) for potential reforestation projects.

Challenges

• Job Loss:  The use of drones may reduce demand for manual labor, affecting job opportunities for laborers.
• Knowledge and Training: Farmers may lack the necessary skills and training to operate drones effectively.
• Cost: The high cost of drones can be a significant barrier for many farmers.
• Regulatory Barriers: Regulatory challenges may complicate the adoption of drones in agriculture.

Initiatives

• Digital India Campaign: Aims to enhance digital infrastructure and provide training.
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR):  Promotes precision agriculture technologies, including drones.
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme:  Offers Rs. 120 crore (US$ 14.39 million) to incentivize domestic drone manufacturing and reduce import reliance.
• Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM):  Provides financial aid to farmers purchasing drones, making technology more accessible.
• NAMO Drone Didi Scheme: Launched to empower women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and provide access to modern agricultural technology.
• Support and Training:  Efforts are underway to offer training and support to farmers to overcome adoption barriers.

Conclusion and Way Forward

Drone technology holds the promise of transforming agriculture by boosting efficiency, yields, and cost-effectiveness. In Punjab, where traditional manual methods have prevailed, drones offer a new approach to pesticide and fertiliser application. It is essential for farmers and policymakers to work together to address challenges and ensure that the benefits of drones are fully realized while mitigating any potential drawbacks.

In News:

• On August 24, 2023, NASA announced that Boeing’s Starliner crew capsule was deemed unsafe for the return of astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore from the International Space Station (ISS).
• Williams and Wilmore’s stay onboard the ISS has been extended until February 2025, with their return planned via a SpaceX crew capsule in September 2024.
• Starliner will undock and return uncrewed.

Understanding Space

Definition and Characteristics

• What is Space?
  • Space is defined as the area above the Karman line (100 km above sea level), transitioning from ‘earth-like’ to ‘space-like’ conditions.
• Microgravity Explained
  • Astronauts experience microgravity due to the diminishing force of gravity, not complete absence, leading to various physiological effects.

Environmental Challenges

• Radiation in Space
  • The Van Allen radiation belts, located above the Karman line, pose a significant challenge, exposing astronauts to charged particles.
  • Historical research during the Apollo program determined that exposure levels in these belts are not harmful.

Effects of Space on the Human Body

Physiological Changes

• Bone Health: Microgravity leads to bone weakening, potentially causing renal stones due to excess mineral deposition.
• Digestive Issues: Food movement slows, contributing to potential weight gain.
• Eye Health: Spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) affects about 20% of astronauts, with 70% of long-duration astronauts affected, causing vision impairment.
• Cardiovascular Effects: Reduced workload on the heart can result in muscle shrinkage.
• Muscle and Blood Changes: Muscle mass and strength decline; increased loss of red blood cells necessitates dietary adjustments.

Cognitive and Psychological Factors

• Balance and Orientation: Altered signals in microgravity challenge the brain's ability to maintain balance.
• Psychological Impacts: Isolation, fatigue, and stress from family separation contribute to mental health challenges.

Mitigating the Effects of Space

Strategies and Research

• Exercise and Routines: Strict exercise regimens and predictable routines are critical for maintaining astronaut health during missions.
• Nutritional Adjustments: Research is ongoing into how nutrients and drugs are metabolized in space.
• Monitoring and Countermeasures: Development of portable optical coherence tomography machines for SANS detection is underway, alongside potential countermeasures like lower body negative pressure and artificial gravity exposure.

Ongoing Research Initiatives

• Understanding Spaceflight Effects: The "space omics" studies aim to identify how space environments affect human biology, exemplified by NASA’s Twins Study.
• International Collaboration: Programs like Japan’s KAKENHI and Europe’s Space Omics Topical Team, along with U.S. research protocols, are exploring biological responses to space conditions.

Duration of Human Space Missions

Historical Context and Current Trends

• Increased Duration: The average time spent in space has risen from one month in the 1960s to six months in the 2020s.
• Current Missions
  • Williams and Wilmore will potentially spend 256 days in orbit.
  • Record holders: Valeri Polyakov (437 days), Frank Rubio (370 days), and Oleg Kononenko (over 1,000 days across missions).

Future Aspirations

• Long-Duration Missions: The shift from lunar missions to potential permanent moon bases and human missions to Mars presents new challenges in safety and health for astronauts.

Introduction

India is actively pursuing the establishment of a domestic semiconductor ecosystem to lessen dependence on imports and tackle global supply chain vulnerabilities. This initiative, launched under the Semiconductor Mission in 2021 with a USD 10 billion investment, is vital for national security, particularly in defense and telecommunications.

Current Status of the Semiconductor Industry in India

Market Overview

• 2022 Market Size: USD 26.3 billion
• Projected Growth: Expected to reach USD 271.9 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 26.3%.

Import-Export Dynamics

• Imports: USD 5.36 billion in 2021; efforts are underway to reduce this reliance.
• Exports: USD 0.52 billion in 2022, marking the highest level to date.

Government Initiatives

• India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): Part of the Digital India Corporation, focused on developing a strong semiconductor ecosystem.
• Financial Support: Covers 50% of project costs for semiconductor and display manufacturing facilities.
• Semicon India Programme: Launched in December 2021 with ?76,000 crore (around USD 9.2 billion) dedicated to semiconductor manufacturing.
• FY24 Budget Increase: Allocated ?6,903 crore (approximately USD 833.7 million) for further development.

International Collaborations

• MoU with the European Commission: Aims to enhance semiconductor ecosystems.
• MoC with Japan: Focused on improving supply chain resilience in the semiconductor sector.

Importance of Semiconductors for India

Economic Growth and Industrial Development

• Semiconductors are crucial for enhancing India's electronics manufacturing, targeting a notable share of the projected USD 1 trillion global semiconductor market by 2030.
• The Semiconductor Mission is projected to generate 35,000 direct jobs and 100,000 indirect jobs, potentially raising electronics manufacturing to USD 300 billion by 2026.

National Security and Strategic Autonomy

• Essential for defense and telecommunications, semiconductors ensure reliable supplies for critical defense systems and secure communication networks.

Technological Self-Reliance and Innovation

• With around 65-70% of electronic components currently imported, primarily from China, initiatives aim to foster domestic innovation and reduce this reliance.

Global Supply Chain Integration

• The objective is to position India as a key player in the global electronics supply chain, increasing its current 3% share of the global electronics manufacturing value.

Job Creation and Skill Development

• The semiconductor industry is anticipated to drive job creation and skill development, enhancing STEM education and research in advanced technologies.

Challenges Facing India's Semiconductor Aspirations

Infrastructure Issues

• India faces significant infrastructure challenges, including unreliable power supply and water shortages that impact semiconductor production.

Talent Shortage

• There is a projected need for 250,000 to 300,000 skilled professionals in semiconductor fields by 2027.

High Manufacturing Costs

• Semiconductor manufacturing is capital-intensive, and operational costs in India are generally higher compared to established hubs like Taiwan and South Korea.

Global Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

• Global supply chain disruptions, exacerbated by events such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, present risks to India's semiconductor goals.

Environmental Challenges

• The energy-intensive nature of semiconductor manufacturing raises concerns about its environmental impact, particularly regarding greenhouse gas emissions.

Competition from Other Emerging Markets

• India faces competition from countries like Vietnam and Malaysia, which are successfully attracting semiconductor investments with favorable conditions and incentives.

Strategies for Advancing India's Semiconductor Vision

Enhance Education and Training

• Expand semiconductor engineering programs and collaborate with global companies to develop relevant curricula and hands-on training.

Develop Domestic Chip Design Capabilities

• Invest in chip design by establishing dedicated centers in technology hubs to encourage innovation.

Build a Comprehensive Supply Chain

• Create a robust domestic supply chain by attracting investments across all segments, from raw materials to advanced packaging.

Establish a Sovereign Semiconductor Fund

• Launch a dedicated fund for semiconductor projects to provide long-term investment and reduce reliance on foreign funding.

Implement a "Chip Diplomacy" Approach

• Use India's geopolitical position to negotiate technology transfers and partnerships with leading semiconductor nations.

Launch a "Green Semiconductor" Initiative

• Aim to become a leader in sustainable semiconductor manufacturing by minimizing environmental impacts.

Create a National Semiconductor Commons

• Establish shared infrastructure for research and prototyping to lower barriers for startups and promote innovation.

Conclusion

To fulfill its semiconductor aspirations, India must enhance education and training, develop a strong supply chain, and foster strategic collaborations. By addressing infrastructure challenges and skill gaps while promoting sustainable practices, India can secure its position as a significant player in the global semiconductor industry and strive for technological self-reliance.

Why is it in the News?

As India remoulds its scientific establishment, the utility of scientists being given administrative tasks needs to be questioned.

Context:

• Sustained economic progress which can satisfy national ambition is invariably fuelled by scientific advances translated into deployable technologies.
• This has been the inevitable global experience since the onset of the Industrial Revolution.
• The government is overhauling India’s science establishment, which includes setting up the new National Research Foundation (NRF) and restructuring the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• In this scenario, a frank assessment of the current administrative ability to simultaneously optimise Indian science’s efficiency and resilience is necessary.

What are the Problems with India’s Scientific Advancement?

India has a long and rich history of scientific innovation. However, in recent years, the country's science management has come under increasing scrutiny. There are several problems with India's science management including:

• Lack of Funding in Research and Development (R&D): One of the most pressing issues is a lack of funding.
  • India spends a relatively small percentage of its GDP on research and development, compared to other developed countries.
    • For instance, India allocates only about 0.7% of its GDP to R&D, a considerably lower figure compared to global leaders like the United States (3.5%) and China (2.4%).
  • This lack of funding has led to a brain drain of talented scientists, who are leaving India in search of better opportunities.
• Budgetary Challenges: The modest commitment to R&D stems from broader budget constraints, competing priorities, and a historical emphasis on immediate socio-economic needs.
  • This presents a challenge in fostering a robust scientific ecosystem on a limited budget.
• Lack of Coordination: Another problem with India's science management is a lack of coordination.
  • There are many different government agencies and departments that are involved in science and technology, but there is often a lack of communication and cooperation between them.
  • This can lead to duplication of effort and a waste of resources.
• Inadequacies in Budget Allocation by Scientific Administration: The current scientific administration struggles to identify and invest in high-impact projects.
  • For instance, in 2022, the Indian Space Research Organisation ranked eighth in space launches, lagging in key technologies.
  • Similar setbacks are evident in nuclear energy, genomics, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
• Lack of Strategic Planning and Execution: Beyond expenditure, the challenge extends to strategic planning and execution of scientific projects.
  • Failure to adapt swiftly to emerging technologies and allocate resources judiciously has resulted in India falling behind in crucial fields.
• Inconsistent Long-Term Funding: A major concern is the absence of consistent long-term funding for vital projects, especially when faced with occasional setbacks.
  • Steady funding, despite occasional failures, is crucial for a resilient and effective scientific management system.
• Finally, India's science management is often criticized for being too bureaucratic. The process of getting funding for research projects can be long and complex, and it can be difficult for scientists to get the support they need to succeed.

The Role of Senior Scientists in India’s Science Administration:

• Diverse Responsibilities Impacting Focus: Senior scientists in India often juggle multiple responsibilities, including academic pursuits, administrative duties, and leadership positions.
  • This dispersion of focus can lead to inefficiencies and a lack of dedicated attention to critical administrative tasks.
• Lack of Administrative Skills: The assumption that successful scientists can seamlessly transition into effective administrators overlooks the distinct skills required for scientific work versus administration.
  • Managing institutions, allocating resources, and making organizational decisions demand specific skills not necessarily possessed by accomplished scientists.
• Insufficient Training for Administrative Roles: Inadequate training makes it challenging for scientists to excel in administrative roles.
  • Tasks like metric selection, conflict resolution, and setting priorities require skills not inherently developed through scientific training.
  • Administration involves translating policy into outcomes, a skill not typically prioritized in scientific training.
• Conflicts of Interest and Quality Control Issues: The dual roles of scientists as academics and administrators can result in conflicts of interest within institutions.
  • Academic rivalries, bureaucratic challenges, and compromised quality control may emerge, leading to issues like plagiarism, unethical publication practices, and compromised scientific outcomes.
• Nationwide Transfer System Absence: The absence of a nationwide transfer system for scientists and science administrators exacerbates issues such as competition and egotism.
  • The lack of mobility within the system can contribute to internal divisions and hinder the progress of scientific careers and projects.
• Internal Control Challenges: Allowing individuals within the system to regulate it can lead to clear drawbacks, impacting the impartiality and effectiveness of science administration in India.

Challenges in India's Science Administration: A Historical Perspective

• Concentration of High-End Equipment: Economic constraints post-independence led India to concentrate on high-end scientific equipment, notably in institutions like the IITs.
  • This concentration birthed gatekeepers, controlling access to critical resources and establishing a hierarchical structure where a few institutions wielded disproportionate influence.
• Gatekeepers and Institutional Captures Concept: Over time, these gatekeepers solidified their positions, accumulating power, government support, and institutional control.
  • This system created an environment where young scientists navigated a complex web of influence, paying tributes to those controlling vital resources.
• Impact on Scientific Careers: The gatekeeping system not only influenced resource access but also shaped career trajectories.
  • The nexus between institutional power and individual careers became pivotal, with appointments, awards, and international recognition often tied to maintaining favourable relations with gatekeepers.
• Normalization of Unethical Practices: The gatekeeping system has normalized unethical practices within Indian science.
  • High plagiarism rates, paid publications in questionable journals, and undisclosed dealings for government funding have become ingrained, compromising the ethical standards of scientific research.
• Stifling Genuine Scientific Outcomes: This erosion of ethical standards doesn't just compromise research quality but stifles genuine scientific outcomes.
  • Scientists in conflict with this system face hurdles, hindering promising careers and perpetuating a culture where personal connections often outweigh merit.

A Comparative Analysis of the U.S. Model and Indian Science Administration:

• U.S. Model: In the U.S., scientists chosen for administrative roles are identified early in their careers and undergo targeted training for managerial tasks.
  • The emphasis is on maintaining a distinct separation between scientific pursuits and administrative responsibilities.
• Indian Scenario: In contrast, India's science administration traditionally involves senior scientists taking up administrative roles without a clear separation between scientific and administrative functions.
  • This integrated approach poses challenges, as the skill sets needed for effective scientific research often differ significantly from those crucial for efficient administration.

Conclusion

As India pursues economic and strategic progress, challenges in science management hinder its research and development, causing a lag in innovation compared to other developed nations. To remedy this, increasing funding for research and development is crucial, along with enhancing coordination among government agencies and streamlining the funding process for research projects. By addressing these issues, India has the potential to emerge as a global leader in science and technology, bringing substantial benefits to its economy and society.