What is the news?

 

• • A Global Platform for AI Collaboration: From December 12th to 14th, 2023, India held the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit in the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

• • As the current Chair of the GPAI, India has not only highlighted its own emerging AI ecosystem, but has also promoted a worldwide discourse on the responsible and equitable development of this transformative technology.

• • A Summit with Meaning: The three-day event was more than just talks and presentations. It was a vibrant arena for knowledge exchange, policy discussions, and collaboration formation. Delegates from 29 GPAI countries and members, as well as 150+ worldwide AI specialists, attended the summit; 22,000+ attended the meeting, with 15,000+ AI enthusiasts participating digitally.

 

Aim of GPAI’s New Delhi Declaration 2023:

 

• • The GPAI New Delhi Declaration stressed the need of advancing safe, secure, and trustworthy AI, as well as the commitment to supporting the long-term viability of GPAI initiatives.

 

Summit highlights include:

 

• • The summit underlined the significance of creating and implementing AI ethically and responsibly, as well as guaranteeing inclusion and addressing any biases. The topics of Explainable AI (XAI) and algorithm fairness were prominent.

• • Showcasing India’s AI Prowess: The summit gave an opportunity for India to showcase its advances in AI research, applications, and startups. An AI Expo included breakthroughs from Indian startups and major tech giants, highlighting India’s potential as a worldwide AI hub.

• • The summit facilitated Global Collaboration and Partnerships between India and other nations, paving the path for collaborative research projects, knowledge exchange efforts, and cooperative AI development enterprises.

• • The conference culminated with the acceptance of the “Delhi Declaration on Responsible AI,” which outlines a set of principles and commitments for the future of AI development and deployment. This proclamation provides an important road map for ensuring that AI benefits mankind as a whole.

 

How many member countries and entities were there when the GPAI was established?

 

• • Delegates from 29 member countries and various international organizations such as OECD, UNESCO, ISO, WEF, World Bank, UNDP, Commonwealth, and others, as well as GPAI experts, industry and startup veterans, AI practitioners, academicians, students, and officials from Central and State Governments, attended the event.

 

The following are the significant outcomes of the GPAI summit 2023:

1. The GPAI New Delhi Declaration established GPAI members’ agreement on the importance of advancing safe, secure, and trustworthy AI, as well as their commitment to supporting the long-term viability of GPAI initiatives.

2. The Prime Minister issued a clarion call for collaboration in developing a global framework for the ethical use of AI.”

3. India was singled out as a key player in the field of AI talent and AI-related ideas.

4. India Shines as a Global AI Innovation Hub.

5. At the GPAI New Delhi Summit, India gathered together all key AI efforts, including the UN Advisory Group on AI and the UK AI Safety Summit.

6. The AI Research Analytics and Knowledge Dissemination Platform (AIRAWAT) and the National Program on Artificial Intelligence, as well as their roles in building the AI ecosystem in India, were highlighted.

7. A platform was made available to the research community to display their fundamental and applied research.

8. The startup community was given the opportunity to demonstrate their AI products and services at the expo.

9. The AI propose Fest gave prospective entrepreneurs the opportunity to propose their innovative and value-added goods and services.

10. The summit highlighted the multi-stakeholder approach to bringing AI to the public, particularly among youths and students, as well as the most recent breakthroughs in AI from technological, policy, regulatory, industrial, ethical, business, and academic perspectives.

 

• • India’s AI Leadership: The successful hosting of the GPAI Summit demonstrates India’s growing importance in the global AI environment. The country is quickly establishing itself as a prominent participant in AI research, development, and deployment, and its participation in the GPAI demonstrates its commitment to responsible and inclusive AI development.

• • Looking ahead: The GPAI Summit has established a solid platform for future international AI collaboration. As India relinquishes the GPAI Chair to another country, the impetus generated by this event should propel us towards a future in which AI is harnessed for the benefit of all.

• • This summit is a critical step forward in India’s journey to become a worldwide leader in artificial intelligence. India can ensure that AI becomes a force for good in the world by harnessing its capabilities, facilitating international collaboration, and emphasizing responsible development.

 

About the Global Partnership for Artificial Intelligence (GPAI):

 

• • In AI Advancements: A Bridge Between Theory and Practice: The Evolution of GPAI

 

How did the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) come to be?

• • The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) was established in June 2020, but its roots may be traced back to prior talks and projects. Here is a chronology of its evolution:

 

Initial Consultations:

 

• • 2018-2019: As worldwide interest in AI ethics and responsible development grew, international talks among governments, industry executives, and academia took place. G7 summits, such as the Hiroshima AI Process in 2019, were essential in launching these talks.

• • May 2020: France proposed a worldwide AI collaboration to address shared issues and prospects.

 

Formalization and Publication:

 

• • June 2020: The GPAI is formally founded by 15 countries, including Canada, France, Germany, India, and Japan. They agreed on a set of principles and objectives centered on responsible artificial intelligence, international collaboration, and inclusive growth.

• • The GPAI formed working groups on specific topics such as explainable AI, data governance, and the future of employment. It also created the “AI for Good” Global Action Plan to use AI to address global issues such as climate change and healthcare.

 

Expansion and Development:

 

• • 2021-2023: The GPAI membership grew to 29 countries, reflecting a varied variety of AI development ideas.

• • December 2023: India held the GPAI Summit in New Delhi, a landmark event that resulted in the adoption of the “Delhi Declaration on Responsible AI” and highlighted India’s expanding leadership role in the organization.

 

The following are the founding principles: GPAI was founded with the support of 15 member countries, and its core principles focused on:

 

• • Responsible AI Development: The emphasis in AI research and deployment on ethical considerations, transparency, and accountability.

• • Inclusive AI Governance: Promoting diverse participation in the development of AI rules and regulations.

• • Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Accelerating AI developments by facilitating worldwide cooperation and knowledge exchange.

 

Early Milestones: Despite its infancy, GPAI accomplished major milestones in its early years, including:

 

• • Creating a “AI for Good” Global Action Plan: Outlining clear methods for using AI to address global issues such as climate change, healthcare, and sustainable development.

• • Introducing the “Expert Groups” Initiative, which will bring together prominent experts to collaborate on certain AI-related topics such as Explainable AI (XAI), data governance, and the future of work.

• • Regional Workshops and Conferences: Facilitating discourse and knowledge exchange between stakeholders from various countries and areas.

 

Recent Advances and Expanding Impact:

 

In 2023, the GPAI membership grew to 29 countries, cementing its position as the main worldwide forum for AI governance and collaboration. Among the significant developments and achievements during this time period are:

 

• • The “Delhi Declaration on Responsible AI,” a major declaration detailing principles and commitments for ethical and inclusive AI research, was adopted at the December 2023 GPAI Summit in New Delhi.

• • The emphasis is on AI for All: Initiatives such as the “AI for All” Working Group and the “Bridging the Global AI Divide” program seek to ensure fair access to AI advantages while also addressing the digital divide.

• • AI Application Collaboration: The “Innovation and Commercialization” Working Group is dedicated to facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange in order to speed the development and deployment of practical AI solutions across multiple industries.

 

GPAI’s Future: Creating a Responsible and Inclusive AI Ecosystem:

 

As AI continues to grow at a rapid pace, GPAI’s role in influencing its future trajectory becomes increasingly important. Priorities for the organization in the coming years include:

 

• • Increasing international collaboration by expanding membership and encouraging greater participation among stakeholders worldwide.

• • Creating AI governance frameworks: Working together to create comprehensive and adaptive AI policies and laws to handle new concerns.
• • Promoting responsible AI development: Continuing its work on XAI, bias mitigation, and other ethical AI development issues.
• • Accelerating AI for Good: Assisting in the development and deployment of AI solutions to address social and environmental concerns.
• • By successfully achieving these goals, GPAI can play a critical role in ensuring that AI developments benefit humankind as a whole and contribute to a more fair and sustainable future.

 

Conclusion:

 

• • The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) has emerged as a critical force in connecting the theoretical and practical applications of AI. GPAI is crafting a future in which AI serves as a strong tool for good, benefiting all of mankind, through its commitment to ethical AI development, worldwide collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

 

What role did India play?

 

• • India is a founding member of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), which was formed in June 2020. This reflects its early and important commitment to the creation and launch of this worldwide project.

• • India was instrumental in developing the GPAI’s principles and objectives, highlighting its commitment to responsible and inclusive AI development.
• • India remains an active and leading member of the GPAI, participating in working groups, hosting events like as the 2023 Summit, and giving financial and resource support.

QuizTime:

 

Mains Questions:

 

1. Critically analyze India’s hosting of the GPAI Summit in December 2023, highlighting its significance for responsible and inclusive AI development on a global scale. Discuss the key takeaways from the “Delhi Declaration on Responsible AI” and its potential impact on shaping the future of AI. (250 words)

 

Model Answer:

 

India’s successful hosting of the GPAI Summit in December 2023 marked a pivotal moment in the global discourse on responsible and inclusive AI development. The summit brought together over 1500 delegates from 80 countries, fostering crucial dialogue on ethical considerations, policy frameworks, and collaborative initiatives for harnessing AI’s potential for good.

The “Delhi Declaration on Responsible AI” emerged as a key deliverable, outlining principles and commitments for ensuring AI development and deployment adhere to ethical standards, transparency, and accountability. It emphasizes:

• • Human-centric AI: Prioritizing human well-being and ensuring AI serves humanity.
  • Non-discrimination and fairness: Eliminating bias and promoting inclusivity in AI algorithms and applications.
  • Explainability and transparency: Enabling understanding of how AI decisions are made and fostering trust in AI systems.
  • Accountability and responsibility: Establishing clear frameworks for addressing potential harms and ensuring responsible development and deployment.

The Delhi Declaration’s potential impact is significant:

• • Global standard-setting: It sets a precedent for international collaboration and harmonization of AI policies, potentially paving the way for a more ethical and inclusive global AI landscape.
  • Building trust and confidence: By addressing concerns around bias and opacity, the declaration can foster public trust in AI and encourage wider adoption.
  • Guiding responsible AI development: It provides a framework for governments, developers, and users to navigate the ethical complexities of AI development and deployment.

India’s leadership in this initiative showcases its commitment to responsible AI and positions the country as a key player in shaping the future of AI. To capitalize on this momentum, India needs to:

 

• • Strengthen its domestic AI infrastructure: Invest in research, talent development, and robust data governance frameworks.
  • Foster innovation and collaboration: Encourage partnerships with diverse stakeholders like academia, industry, and civil society.
  • Promote AI literacy and awareness: Educate citizens about responsible AI principles and empower them to participate in shaping the future of this technology.
  • By actively contributing to the global conversation and leading by example, India can ensure AI serves as a force for good and unlocks its true potential for addressing global challenges and improving lives for all.

 

2. Discuss the challenges India faces in its AI development journey and how it can overcome them to become a global leader in responsible AI. (250 words)

 

Model Answer:

 

While India has made strides in AI research and development, it faces several challenges in its quest to become a global leader in this field:

• • Limited access to advanced computing resources: India currently relies heavily on foreign technology, hindering its ability to develop its own cutting-edge AI solutions.
  • Skill gap and talent shortage: The country needs to invest in training a skilled workforce capable of designing, developing, and deploying AI applications across various sectors.
  • Data infrastructure and governance: Robust data collection, storage, and security systems are crucial for AI development, and India needs to establish clear and efficient data governance frameworks.
  • Public perception and trust: Concerns around bias, job displacement, and privacy need to be addressed through open communication and public education initiatives.

To overcome these challenges, India can adopt a multi-pronged approach:

 

• • Invest in domestic R&D: Allocate resources for research in core AI areas like machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.
  • Strengthen public-private partnerships: Collaborate with industry leaders, academic institutions, and research labs to develop innovative AI solutions for real-world problems.
  • Develop a skilled workforce: Invest in training programs and educational initiatives to create a pipeline of AI talent across diverse disciplines.
  • Establish robust data infrastructure: Build secure data storage and sharing platforms while ensuring data privacy and ethical considerations are addressed.
  • Promote public education and awareness: Organize campaigns to educate citizens about AI’s potential and foster trust in its responsible development and application.
  • By actively addressing these challenges and adopting a comprehensive strategy, India can leverage its strengths in talent, innovation, and a large domestic market to become a global leader in responsible AI development. This leadership can further its economic growth, address critical social issues, and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

 

These are just a few examples, and you can tailor your answers to your specific strengths and areas of focus. Remember to support your arguments with relevant data, examples, and insights to showcase your critical thinking and analytical skills.

 

Relevance to the Prelims and Mains syllabus under the following topics:

UPSC Prelims:

• • Current Affairs Question: The summit itself might appear as a factual question, for example: “India hosted the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit in December 2023. In which city was the summit held?” (Answer: New Delhi)
  • Science & Technology Question: The editorial’s focus on responsible AI could be tested in a question like: “The ‘Delhi Declaration on Responsible AI’ was adopted at the recent GPAI Summit. What is the main objective of this declaration?” (Answer: To promote ethical and inclusive development of AI)
  • International Relations Question: The summit’s global nature and India’s leadership role could be assessed through a question like: “India’s hosting of the GPAI Summit signifies its growing importance in the global AI landscape. What are some potential benefits of India’s leadership in this domain?” (Answer: Fostering international collaboration, setting ethical standards, promoting responsible AI development)

UPSC Mains:

• • General Essay: The editorial’s broader themes of AI development, responsible technology, and India’s role in the global landscape could be explored in an essay topic like: “Discuss the ethical considerations and potential challenges associated with the development and deployment of Artificial Intelligence. How can countries like India contribute to shaping a responsible future for AI?”
  • International Relations Essay: The editorial’s focus on international collaboration and the Delhi Declaration could be the basis for an essay like: “Analyze the significance of the ‘Delhi Declaration on Responsible AI’ in terms of promoting global cooperation and setting ethical standards for AI development. Discuss the potential challenges and opportunities for implementing its principles.”
  • Science & Technology Essay: The editorial’s discussion of India’s AI ambitions could be the starting point for an essay like: “Evaluate India’s potential to become a global leader in Artificial Intelligence. Discuss the key strengths, challenges, and strategies that India needs to focus on in its pursuit of AI leadership.”