Artificial Intelligence (AI) Appreciation Day is annually observed on July 16 across the globe to recognise the transformative impact of AI on society, economy, and innovation.
- In 2025, India observed this day as a moment to celebrate AI’s impact and reflect on the importance of using it responsibly and ethically.
Background:
AI Appreciation Day was established in May 2021 by the United States of America (USA)-based A.I. Heart LLC to promote awareness on the ethical use of AI and its potential in addressing complex human challenges.
Evolution of AI:
i.The origins of AI research date back to the 1950s, with the following major milestones:
- 1943: Introduction of the first artificial neurons by McCulloch & Pitts.
- 1956: The term “Artificial Intelligence(AI)” was coined during the Dartmouth Workshop.
ii.Debates on AI ethics emerged through early literature like Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, and in computing theories such as Alan Turing’s Church–Turing Thesis, which suggested that machines can perform logical operations using binary code.
India’s AI Journey:
i.India’s AI journey began in the 1960s with early computer science initiatives. A major milestone was the launch of the Knowledge-Based Computer Systems (KBCS) Project in 1986.
ii.In the 1990s, the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology(MeitY), significantly advanced AI and supercomputing efforts. In the 2000s, major Information Technology (IT) companies like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, and Wipro started investing in AI.
iii.The Digital India programme (2015) and National Strategy for AI (2018) by National Institution for Transforming India(NITI) Aayog accelerated AI adoption in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, education, smart cities, and governance.
iv.To foster this growth, the Government of India(GoI) introduced initiatives such as the Skill India AI Portal, National AI Skilling Programme, and AI Youth Bootcamp.
- These programs provide training, certifications, and practical project experience for students and workers, while vocational centers are increasingly integrating AI tools to enhance traditional industries.
IndiaAI Mission & Future Outlook:
i.In March 2024, the MeitY, through Digital India Corporation, and in collaboration with the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), launched the IndiaAI Mission with a total budget of Rs. 10,371.92 crore for a period of five years (2024–2029).
ii.The mission aims to build advanced AI computing systems, create a national AI dataset platform (AI Kosha), support AI startups and innovation centres, and ensure the safe and responsible use of AI.
Note: As of 2025, India hosts over 500 AI startups, with Hyderabad (Telangana) emerging as a major AI hub. India’s AI market is expected to reach USD 17 billion by 2027, growing at 25–35% annually.
