Countries today want to be strong in AI (artificial intelligence), just like they want to be strong in defence. But the truth is, only a few countries can fully control their AI systems because they depend on things like special computer chips, huge data centres, and cloud services that come from other nations. Recently, the…
In Nicobar or in Aravalis, narrow approach to measure environmental impacts is a serious problem The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has said that the big development project planned for Great Nicobar does not break environmental rules. But many people believe this decision will be challenged in the Supreme Court of India. The project is huge….
As New Delhi hosts the AI Impact Summit, conversations about artificial intelligence are intensifying. We are repeatedly told that AI is on the brink of surpassing human intelligence, that so-called “superintelligence” is just around the corner, and will soon transform every dimension of society. Read full story on TOI+ Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views…
AI summits’ are the great international exposition event of the decade, as nuclear arms control summitry was the primary form of international theatrical exhibition in the Cold War era. Amid all the hyperventilation and commercial puffery, the most serious issues are being, at least partially, addressed. So, where are we at? Read full story on…
By Jaggrat N Taneja Artificial Intelligence has entered our lives not like a storm but like a subtle shift in the air, quiet, constant, and irreversible. It writes our emails, curates our news, predicts our purchases, and even listens to us through customer care bots. It diagnoses illnesses, anticipates natural disasters, and manages systems far…
World’s largest bird and we have something in common Does the ostrich, the large flightless bird native to Africa, have a behaviour pattern in common with us? Popular lore has it that the ostrich, the largest bird in the world, has a curious response when it feels it might face a disagreeable situation: it buries…
India should be realistic about AI sovereignty. Given where it is, 50% of the job done will be creditable The year opened with Trump capturing Maduro, underscoring the extent to which even a major state’s sovereignty can be constrained by US military reach. When it comes to AI, however, almost every nation except US is…
In Nicobar or in Aravalis, narrow approach to measure environmental impacts is a serious problem NGT’s dismissal of concerns over the environmental cost of the Great Nicobar project is almost certain to be challenged in Supreme Court. The scale of the project – a port, power plant, airport and township – has deeply alarmed conservationists…
Maoist movement is not over yet but the state has already started accelerating new mining projects in Central India. And people are protesting aggressively. Maoists or not, it should be amply clear to everyone now that mining is not possible here without violence any more. But if India still needs to mine can we think…
Holidays are about breakfasting like a champion Holidays are a boon. Especially when one stays in places that offer complimentary buffet breakfasts. To me, that is the ultimate luxury. Imagine just rolling out of bed and walking across to a hall where the most tantalising spread is laid out. All mine for the asking. Effortless….