In News:

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has declared 2025 as the "Year of Artificial Intelligence" (AI), aiming to empower over 14,000 AICTE-approved colleges and benefit 40 million students. This initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision to make India a global leader in AI and technology.

Key Objectives and Features of the AICTE AI Initiative:

• Positioning India as a Global AI Leader:
  • Empowering students with AI skills to drive innovation and lead in the emerging AI-driven economy.
  • Preparing India’s workforce for the technological advancements of the future.
• Core Elements of the AICTE AI Initiative:
  • AI Affirmation Pledge: Institutions will adopt and display an AI Affirmation Pledge, focusing on innovation, ethics, and education in AI.
  • Comprehensive AI Integration:
    • Introducing interdisciplinary AI courses and research programs.
    • Setting up AI labs in collaboration with industries to meet global standards.
    • Promoting ethical AI practices with societal benefits in focus.
  • AI Awareness Campaign:
    • “AI for All: The Future Begins Here” campaign includes workshops, hackathons, and guest lectures.
    • Formation of student-driven AI chapters to foster innovation and research.
  • Faculty Development & Industry Partnerships:
    • Workshops and certification programs for faculty to improve AI teaching.
    • Collaboration with companies like Adobe, CISCO, and IBM for student exposure through internships and mentorships.
  • Recognition of Excellence: Institutions excelling in AI integration will be recognized, serving as role models for others.
• Action Plan for Institutions:
  • All institutions are required to submit AI Implementation Plans by December 31, 2024. These plans will be evaluated by the AICTE Approval Bureau and exemplary submissions will be highlighted as benchmarks.
• Shaping India as a Global AI Leader:
  • AICTE aims to revolutionize India’s education system and enhance its position in the global AI race, focusing on building a self-reliant workforce.

Additional Context on AICTE and its Role:

• AICTE Overview:
  • A statutory body and national-level council under the Ministry of Education.
  • Established in November 1945 as a national-level apex advisory body for technical education in India.

Government Initiatives to Support AI and Consumer Protection:

• AI and Consumer Protection:
  • AI-driven tools launched to enhance consumer protection, such as the National Consumer Helpline, e-MAAP Portal, and Jago Grahak Jago mobile application.
  • New guidelines for regulating deceptive marketing in e-commerce to ensure consumer confidence in the digital market.
  • Tools like the e-Daakhil Portal for online complaint filing.

Impact:

• This initiative will have a far-reaching impact, involving more than 14,000 institutions and 40 million students nationwide, preparing them for leadership roles in AI and technology, and helping India secure its future in the global AI-driven economy.