- It’s simply fascinating to note how, from time to time, revolutionary innovations are introduced,much to the merriment of humanity embracing them welcomingly. Has humankind benefited from some of these innovations? Absolutely, you bet it. The 20th century consistently produced a slew of new developments that completely altered how we pursue humankind, which had hitherto been under the firm grip of traditionally conservative practices. The cutting-edge technologies unearthed would go on to prove to be such gamechangers that human ingenuity went on to explore better solutions with renewed vigour and intent. As the popular adage says, the old must pave way for the new, as is amply demonstrated with the advent of new technologies perennially.
PC: Digital Science
- The global community is amazed by the overarching benefits that the latest cutting-edge technology in the form of generative artificial intelligence is promising to unleash in the next few years. Of course, India was on the button when it comes to information-technology services, having grabbed a place in the head table with great aplomb. However, the same cannot be said about AI, though. While AI is hitting headlines across the most advanced nations with unparalleled excitement, one aspect can surely be deduced: there’ll be no global cooperation in the most happening technology. As such, Indian entrepreneurs can pick their niches. For context, around this time six years ago, the world was waking up to the dangers of a brand-new virus.
PC: State Affairs
- The question arises, was Covid a manmade pandemic? We still don’t know. What we do know is that AI, which is in its infancy, already has, or is close to acquiring, the knowledge to create and release biological weapons. In an essay titled ‘The Adolescence of Technology’, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei warned last month that AI could guide someone of average knowledge and ability to do so. That’s why, as the India AI Summit wound down, PM Modi’s call for AI to be guided by clear human values is significant. Every global AI summit, starting with Bletchley Park in 2023, has closed with a declaration of guiding values. And safety has been a running theme. India’s latest mantra for AI development is MANAV – Moral, Accountable, National, Accessible, and Valid.
PC: News Arena
- Undoubtedly, it’s a laudable goal, but the reality of the AI market makes it hard to practice. That reality was on display on the Summit floor when Amodei and rival Sam Altman refused to hold hands for the camera. Let’s be clear, AI is evolving amid cut-throat competition. None of the big names has revenues to justify its stratospheric valuation. It’s a winner-takes-all game, so everyone is intent on outrunning everyone else. Cooperation? That’s a three-legged race. Ethics? They require slowing down sometimes and even changing course. India doesn’t compete with the likes of ChatGPT and Gemini yet, because we don’t have hundreds of billions of dollars to do so. Indian firms will need to pick their niche and excel sooner. Private investments will be welcome.
