Artificial Intelligence - Boon or Bane

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Artificial Intelligence – Boon or Bane

Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands as a cornerstone of human progress, transforming every facet of our lives. It empowers humanity with far greater efficiency, precision, and innovation. The course of history has been shaped by four industrial revolutions. The first began with the steam engine and power loom, revolutionizing production and transport systems. The second introduced electricity, mass production, and assembly lines. The third saw the rise of computers, automation, and robotics. Today, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is driven by AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, Blockchain, 5G connectivity, Quantum Computing, Robotics, and Biotechnology. The adoption of AI will define the pace of national progress, creating a digitally empowered society with improved living standards and more efficient, transparent systems for the future. Undoubtedly, Artificial Intelligence is the transformative technology of the 21st century.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AS BOON

1) AI in Innovation

In the 21st century, it is frequently said that time is money. Technology is considered cutting-edge when it accomplishes tasks quickly and with precision. AI significantly saves time for innovation and strategic priorities. It challenges the long-held belief that creativity is exclusive to humans. A striking example is the viral AI-generated images in the style of Studio Ghibli, created within seconds, which sparked concern in Japan’s art community. Many adopted these images as profile pictures, reflecting AI’s growing creative impact.

2) AI in Education

AI can revolutionize education through digital classes, immersive learning, and subject-specific online sessions. In Assam, the government’s Shiksha Setu app uses AI-powered facial recognition, geo-fencing, and real-time online attendance—requiring teachers to be within 750 meters of the campus to log in. With the government providing tablets to schools and training teachers and principals in digital tools, efficiency has improved significantly. This has helped eliminate ghost students and proxy attendance, saving government resources on textbooks, uniforms, and the PM-POSHAN scheme. Predictive analysis through a single-window system can detect frequent absenteeism, send alerts, and identify potential dropouts. Timely interventions like counselling or support from school authorities can ensure retention, making education smarter, more accountable, and inclusive.

AI can also enhance the conduct of competitive exams by ensuring security, efficiency, and fairness. AI helps prevent paper leaks through secure encryption, biometric access, anomaly detection, and geo-fencing. AI-powered proctoring monitors candidates using facial recognition, eye tracking, and behavior analysis, preventing cheating in real time. This smart system reduces human error and protects the integrity of examinations effectively.

3) AI in Transportation and Communication

AI is playing a vital role in the transportation and communication sectors through smart traffic management, predictive maintenance, automated booking apps, and real-time navigation. It ensures efficient mobility, enhanced safety, and seamless connectivity for users.

4) AI in Weather Prediction and Agriculture

AI plays a critical role in accurate weather forecasting, including monsoon and rainfall prediction. This helps farmers make informed agricultural decisions and plan their activities accordingly. By processing vast meteorological data in real-time, AI provides early warnings, supports disaster preparedness, and contributes to environmental conservation by optimizing resource utilization and promoting sustainable practices.

5) AI in Good Governance

AI is transforming governance through digitization. It enables financial inclusion (e.g., JAM Trinity), digitization of services, and a shift towards paperless administration, contributing to environmental protection by reducing paper usage. AI-powered data analytics support informed policymaking and data-driven governance. This fosters citizen-centric, transparent, and technology-enabled governance, ensuring trust and transformation at all levels of administration.

6) AI in Healthcare

AI plays a vital role in the healthcare sector. Complex operations like neurosurgery and cardiac surgery can now be performed with greater accuracy using AI-powered robotic systems. AI also enables early disease detection, allowing for timely interventions and improved patient outcomes.

7) AI in Defence

AI is revolutionizing modern defense systems by enhancing precision, intelligence, and real-time decision-making. During Operation Sindoor, AI-enabled technologies were used to neutralize terrorist base camps in Pakistan with surgical precision.

In another instance Addressing the 21st BSF Investiture Ceremony in May 2024, NSA Ajit Doval said: "Some days ago, there were a series of missile attacks on Israel from Iran. Out of 1500 missiles, 99 per cent of missiles were stopped while only two to three could hit its territory. This is the strength of technology." This highlights the shifts of traditional combat to teachnologically advanced warfare.


8) AI in Employment Generation

AI is expected to generate employment in emerging and sunrise sectors by creating demand for new skill sets. It will open opportunities for roles such as software developers, data analysts, MIS staff, and big data engineers. Though it may replace some traditional jobs, it will also create many new ones in tech-driven industries.

9) AI in Research

AI is becoming an integral part of scientific research by helping validate hypotheses through accurate data analysis. It increases the speed, precision, and efficiency of research across various domains, including novel drug discovery, genomics, climate modeling, and material science.

10) AI for Divyangjan

AI-assisted, user-friendly technologies offer great support for Divyangjan (persons with disabilities). Smart wheelchairs, AI-powered Braille readers, advanced hearing aids, and voice-assisted communication tools are making their daily task easier and promotes greater social inclusion.



Despite its numerous benefits, AI poses several challenges:

AI AS BANE

1) Bias and Misinformation: AI may reflect biases present in its training data, produce incorrect or misleading information, and impact decision-making. Without proper regulation, such issues could lead to unfair or even dangerous outcomes.

2) Deepfakes and Ethics: The ethical use of AI is crucial, especially with the rise of deepfakes that can manipulate reality, spread misinformation, and damage reputations.

3) Digital Silos - Algorithms often reinforce user biases by showing content aligned with their views and preferences. This echo chamber effect limits exposure to diverse perspectives, hampers critical thinking, and weakens democratic discourse.

4) Virtual Medical Risks: AI, when acting as a virtual doctor or advisor, may offer misleading or harmful health suggestions, posing serious risks to physical and mental well-being if not properly supervised.

5) Job Displacement: Automation powered by AI is gradually replacing conventional jobs, leading to workforce displacement and a shift in traditional employment patterns. While new jobs are created, the transition can be challenging.

6) Cybersecurity Threats: Disruptive technologies pose significant risks with increasing cyberattacks, online frauds, and data breaches. The Pegasus spyware case underscored the threat to privacy and national security. As digital dependence grows, so do concerns around data sovereignty and protection. Strong cybersecurity frameworks and legal safeguards are urgently needed.


Conclusion

Artificial Intelligence is undeniably a powerful tool that holds immense potential to shape a better future. From governance to healthcare, education to defense, its applications are wide-ranging and transformative. However, the responsible, ethical, and inclusive use of AI must be prioritized to mitigate its risks. With balanced policies, continuous innovation, and human oversight, AI can truly be a boon rather than a bane.

REFERENCES 


Chavez, M. R., Butler, T. S., Rekawek, P., Heo, H., & Kinzler, W. L. (2023). Chat generative pre-trained transformer: Why we should embrace this technology. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 228, 706–711. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2023.03.010

Stojanovic, L., Radojcic, V., Savic, S., Cvetkovic, A. S., & Sarcevic, D. (2023). The influence of artificial intelligence on creative writing: Exploring the synergy between AI and creative authorship. International Journal of Engineering Inventions, 12, 70–74.

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/nsa-ajit-doval-praises-israels-response-to-iran-attack-cites-chanakya-5738728








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