Context:

The Indian government decided to build a domestic Large Language Model (LLM) of its own as part of the Rs 10,370 crore IndiaAI Mission.

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This foundational model will compete with Global AI giants like ChatGPT and DeepSeek. 

The timeline for developing the foundational model is estimated to be between 4 to 8 months. 

The government has selected 10 companies to provide Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). 

• These high-end chips are crucial for building machine learning tools necessary for AI development.

The initiative will be supported by the India AI Compute Facility, which has procured 18,693 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) to aid in developing this LLM, specifically designed for India.

The government has made nearly 10,000 GPUs ready for installation and will create a common computing facility for startups and researchers.

The cost of accessing high-end GPUs will be Rs 150 per hour while using lower-end GPUs will be priced at Rs 115.85 per hour. 

To make these resources more accessible, the government will offer a 40% subsidy on the total cost, effectively lowering the price for end users to about $1 per hour, compared to the global rate of $2.5-$3 per hour.

Significance

• This model is designed to cater specifically to India’s unique cultural, linguistic, and social contexts, addressing biases and ensuring inclusivity in AI systems.
• India would soon have a "world-class" foundational AI model, underscoring the country’s aspirations to become a leader in the global AI race. 

About India AI Mission

• The IndiaAI Mission is a government-led effort to create a thriving ecosystem for artificial intelligence innovation in India. 
• Its main goals are to encourage the use of AI in key sectors like healthcare and agriculture and develop homegrown AI technologies that can serve India’s unique needs.
• Through this mission, the government aims to build a strong foundation for AI innovation by partnering with both public and private organizations.