08 February 2025 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis

1. Technology and the challenge of equitable education

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6)

Education Trends in the 1990s and Early 2000s

• The 1990s and early 2000s saw a large-scale expansion of education in India.
• Reports from ASER surveys of that time showed increased enrolment and infrastructure development.
• However, learning levels remained unchanged despite more children going to school.
• Meanwhile, digital technology, mobile phones, and computers were gaining prominence.

Impact of COVID-19 on Digital Learning

• The digital revolution in rural India truly gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• ASER data reflects this shift, showing an increase in smartphone usage in rural households.
• Before the pandemic, in 2018, about 36% of rural households had smartphones.
• By 2022, this figure rose to 74%, and by 2024, it reached 84%.
• The proportion of children aged 14 to 16 who personally own a smartphone increased from 19% to 31% in just one year.

Smartphone Usage for Education

• Smartphones were mainly used during the pandemic to access worksheets, videos, and online classes.
• Virtual training sessions became common for students and teachers.
• Even after the pandemic, the digital skills learned during that time have continued to be useful.
• However, it remains unclear whether mothers of young children own smartphones, which is important for supporting children’s learning.

Opportunities for Digital Education in India

• A significant opportunity lies in open and continuing education for underprivileged communities.
• Many mothers of schoolchildren have little formal education:
  • Over 40% have either no schooling or have studied less than Class 5.
  • Another 40% have completed between Class 6 and Class 10.
  • The remaining have finished Class 10.
• Educating mothers would enhance their ability to support their children’s learning, making this a valuable investment.

Challenges in Digital Learning for the Underprivileged

• Despite multiple technological advancements, education for the underprivileged has not significantly improved.
• A major barrier has been the availability of personal devices.
• However, ASER 2024 data suggests that smartphone ownership is increasing, reducing this limitation.
• More families may find it easier to purchase a second phone in the near future.

Breaking Language Barriers in Education

• Hardware has become more accessible, and language barriers are decreasing.
• Local language dictation and translation tools now make learning easier.
• The challenge remains in guiding students on what, where, and how to access learning resources.

Issues with School Attendance and Learning Quality

• While most children have access to schools, attendance remains inconsistent.
• Villages have a mix of children attending private schools, government schools, or private classes, while some do not attend school at all.
• This results in uneven learning outcomes.
• During the pandemic, villages in Maharashtra broadcast learning programs to students.
• A similar model could be used to organize group learning in rural communities.

Evolution of Education Systems

• Historically, each civilization developed its own education system.
• Colonialism and globalization integrated these systems.
• Today, technology and science further connect education systems across countries.
• However, technological advancements are often driven by profit, limiting their availability to underprivileged groups.

Conclusion

• While hardware has become cheaper, AI and new technologies require higher-order devices.
• Philanthropic investments might help expand access to educational technology.
• India needs a well-planned strategy to ensure that technology benefits those who need it most.

2. India’s voice must resonate in global AI conversations

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6)

Global AI Safety Efforts

• AI is spreading worldwide, affecting industries, economies, and security.
• In November 2024, an International Network of AI Safety Institutes was launched in the U.S.
• This network aims to create global standards for AI safety and prevent risks.
• Many countries are part of this effort, but India is not yet involved.

Why India Must Act Now

• Being part of global AI safety efforts will help protect India’s AI ecosystem.
• India can influence international AI policies and make sure they suit its needs.
• If India stays out, it may struggle to keep up with AI regulations and lose its edge in technology.

AI and Geopolitics

• AI is also a political issue between countries.
• The U.S. has restricted AI exports to China, affecting global AI development.
• India is not targeted now, but future restrictions could impact its access to advanced AI tools.
• To avoid being left behind, India must engage in global AI safety initiatives.

India’s Strengths in AI

• India has a strong IT industry and skilled workforce in AI.
• India’s success with Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) like Aadhaar and UPI shows its ability to manage large-scale technology.
• These experiences can help India play a key role in developing fair and inclusive AI systems.

The Need for a National AI Safety Institute

• India does not yet have a national AI safety institute.
• Establishing one will allow India to lead discussions on AI safety.
• Without proactive action, India may struggle to protect its interests in global AI developments.

Conclusion

• AI is rapidly changing the world, and India must secure its place in global AI governance.
• If India does not engage in international AI safety discussions, it risks being left out.
• By acting now, India can shape AI rules, protect its tech industry, and become a global AI leader.