Mahalanobis in the era of Big Data and Al
Source: The Hindu
For Prelims: Big Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), P.C. Mahalanobis, Indian Statistical Institute, Kautilya’s Arthashastra
For Mains: Big Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Highlights of the Article:
- Professor P.C. Mahalanobis introduced statistics to India and founded the Indian Statistical Institute, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the field.
- Mahalanobis addressed the challenge of Big Data during his time by procuring the first two digital computers in India and South Asia, showcasing his ability to embrace technology for effective planning.
- Mahalanobis's background in physics and his affinity for technology suggest he would have recognized the power of AI in enhancing human productivity and analyzing Big Data in the context of COVID-19.
- Mahalanobis's expertise in survey dynamics and data analysis could have strengthened India's COVID-19 response and facilitated more accurate analyses.
- Given the global attempt to regulate AI's impact, Mahalanobis's statistical instinct and inspiration from Kautilya's Arthashastra could have played a role in regulating AI, similar to his introduction of cross-checks in his surveys for accuracy and reliability.
Context:
The context of the article revolves around Professor P.C. Mahalanobis, his contributions to the field of statistics in India, and his potential relevance in the era of Big Data and AI, particularly in the context of COVID-19.
UPSC EXAM NOTES EDITORIAL ANALYSIS:
1.Introduction:
- Professor P.C. Mahalanobis, a renowned scientist, and founder of the Indian Statistical Institute, is remembered for introducing statistics to India and leaving behind a lasting legacy in the field.
- The era of Big Data has brought about challenges in data analysis and leveraging its potential, similar to the issues faced by Mahalanobis during his time.
- Mahalanobis's proactive approach to address data challenges through the use of digital computers showcases his ability to embrace technology for effective planning.
- Mahalanobis faced a Big Data problem during his time when his large-scale surveys generated extensive amounts of data.
- The abundance of data, often considered junk, due to the internet and the Internet of Things, presents similar challenges in the modern era.
- Mahalanobis's solution to the data challenge was procuring the first two digital computers in India and South Asia, marking the beginning of the computer age and demonstrating his ability to adapt to technological advancements.
3.Mahalanobis's Potential Relevance in the Context of COVID-19:
- Mahalanobis's background in physics and his inclination towards embracing technology suggest that he would have recognized the potential of AI in enhancing human productivity and analyzing Big Data in the context of COVID-19.
- His expertise in survey dynamics and data analysis could have strengthened India's COVID-19 response by providing more accurate and informed analyses.
- Mahalanobis's ability to leverage technology and his statistical instincts would have been invaluable in harnessing the power of data to effectively combat the pandemic.
- The increasing prevalence of AI raises concerns about job displacement and the spread of disinformation, prompting a global attempt to regulate its impact.
- Mahalanobis, with his statistical instinct and inspiration from Kautilya's Arthashastra, could have played a crucial role in regulating AI, similar to his introduction of built-in cross-checks in his surveys for accuracy and reliability.
- His emphasis on data integrity and robust methodologies could have ensured responsible AI deployment and mitigated potential risks.
5.Conclusion:
- In the era of Big Data and AI, Mahalanobis's expertise in survey dynamics, data analysis, and his knack for embracing technology could have played a crucial role in leveraging data for human welfare and national development.
- Furthermore, his statistical instinct and commitment to accuracy make him a potential guiding force in regulating AI and ensuring responsible and beneficial use of this technology.
Practice Questions: 1. What are the benefits of using statistics to improve human welfare and national development? 2. What are the challenges of using statistics in the era of Big Data and AI?
3. What are the potential benefits and risks of using artificial intelligence to analyze Big Data?
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