Jaish al-Adl tries to storm IRGC headquarters in Iran Ethnic rebels stage drone attacks on several targets in Myanmar's capital & North Korea test fires a solid fuelled Hypersonic missiles Mohammed Saleh gets you an in-depth analysis of the world's biggest warzones of the week in #worldatwar

Israel uses AI 'Lavender' to choose Hamas targets to bomb in Gaza

Watch in Top Headlines of the hour: - China may use AI to hit elections, says Microsoft - 111-year-old Briton World's Oldest Man - Iran, Hezbollah turn up heat on Israel - Fresh peace talks in Cairo

China may use AI to hit elections, says Microsoft | 111-year-old Briton world's oldest man

Illegal fishing which is a pertinent issue across the globe threatens the Marine ecosystems and puts food security and Regional stability at risk. According to the UN food and agriculture organization every year illegal fishing leads to a loss of around $23 billion. Watch in for more details!

How AI and satellites help combat illegal fishing?

How tech helps deal with illegal fishing?

Google is considering charging for cutting-edge "premium" features supported by artificial intelligence (AI), marking this as a watershed moment, as Google has never before placed any of its core offerings behind a paywall.<o:p></o:p>

Insiders, speaking on condition of anonymity to the Financial Times, disclosed some of Google's deliberations. <o:p></o:p>

According to them, Google is considering over several options, including bundling AI-powered search functionalities into premium subscription packages. <o:p></o:p>

While the engineers are currently developing this, Google's executives are yet to provide clarity regarding the plan being materialised. <o:p></o:p>

Interestingly, even if Google does roll out these premium perks, the search engine will remain still remain free for all along with ads, even for subscribers.<o:p></o:p>

"We're constantly enhancing our product to cater to evolving user needs. However, an ad-free search experience is not on our radar. Like we've done countless times in the past, we'll continue innovating new premium features and services to enrich our suite of subscription offerings,” a spokesperson from Google said, according to the FT report.<o:p></o:p>

This move may be indicative of the fact that Alphabet&nbsp;still has not figured out how to use the rapidly emerging new technologies without endangering its core advertising business.

Google’s shares slid less than 1 per cent in extended trading after the news broke out.

With the launch of ChatGPT by OpenAI in late 2022, Google has been forced to defend itself against the popular chatbot.

Because ChatGPT can respond to searches in a conversational manner, Google has been compelled to reconsider its customary list of blue links to websites and the profitable advertisements that show up next to them.

Meanwhile, a fresh wave of search businesses has surfaced in recent years.

In order to improve privacy protections or gain access to generative AI search tools, some search engines have attempted to convince users to join up for premium memberships.

Google started developing its own AI-powered search engine last year, which includes links to websites and advertisements along with a tailored, in-depth story.

However, the integration of characteristics from its experimental "search generative experience" into the primary search engine has been slow.

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

Google is considering charging for cutting-edge "premium" features supported by artificial intelligence (AI), marking this as a watershed moment, as Google has never before placed any of its core offerings behind a paywall.

Google is considering charging for cutting-edge "premium" features supported by artificial intelligence (AI), marking this as a watershed moment, as Google has never before placed any of its core offerings behind a paywall. Insiders, speaking on condition of anonymity to the Financial Times, disclosed some of Google's deliberations. According to them, Google is considering over several options, including bundling AI-powered search functionalities into premium subscription packages. While the engineers are currently developing this, Google's executives are yet to provide clarity regarding the plan being materialised. Interestingly, even if Google does roll out these premium perks, the search engine will remain still remain free for all along with ads, even for subscribers. "We're constantly enhancing our product to cater to evolving user needs. However, an ad-free search experience is not on our radar. Like we've done countless times in the past, we'll continue innovating new premium features and services to enrich our suite of subscription offerings,” a spokesperson from Google said, according to the FT report. This move may be indicative of the fact that Alphabet still has not figured out how to use the rapidly emerging new technologies without endangering its core advertising business. Google’s shares slid less than 1 per cent in extended trading after the news broke out. With the launch of ChatGPT by OpenAI in late 2022, Google has been forced to defend itself against the popular chatbot. Because ChatGPT can respond to searches in a conversational manner, Google has been compelled to reconsider its customary list of blue links to websites and the profitable advertisements that show up next to them. Meanwhile, a fresh wave of search businesses has surfaced in recent years. In order to improve privacy protections or gain access to generative AI search tools, some search engines have attempted to convince users to join up for premium memberships. Google started developing its own AI-powered search engine last year, which includes links to websites and advertisements along with a tailored, in-depth story. However, the integration of characteristics from its experimental "search generative experience" into the primary search engine has been slow.

Google considers charging for AI-powered search features, FT reports

Amid concern that autonomous AI-driven 'slaughterbots' or 'killer robots' can go rogue on the battlefield, the US Pentagon is actively working to address vulnerabilities in its Artificial Intelligence systems.

As per the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), AI systems could be exploited by attackers using visual tricks or manipulated signals.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/boeing-faces-production-slowdown-as-quality-checks-faa-audits-intensify-707581">Boeing faces production slowdown as quality checks, FAA audits intensify</a>

Researchers have identified that adversarial AI can be tricked by tiny alterations to its Machine learning (ML) inputs. For example, using tricks and manipulation of data, AI, which is devoid of human discretion, can be fooled into thinking anything is a tank and launch an attack.

Such manipulation can potentially lead to disastrous results on the battlefield.

<h2>Guaranteeing AI Robustness Against Deception (GARD)</h2>

Pentagon's answer to such a scenario is its Guaranteeing AI Robustness Against Deception or GARD research programme.

"GARD seeks to establish theoretical ML system foundations to identify system vulnerabilities, characterize properties that will enhance system robustness, and encourage the creation of effective defences," states the DARPA website.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/human-depravity-really-knows-no-depths-teacher-that-filmed-herself-raping-schoolgirl-banned-from-teaching-707594">'Human depravity really knows no depths': Teacher that filmed herself raping schoolgirl banned from teaching</a>

"GARD seeks to develop defences capable of defending against broad categories of attacks," it adds.

Dr&nbsp;Hava Siegelmann, program&nbsp;manager in DARPA's Information Innovation Office (I2O) explained, "There is a critical need for ML defence as the technology is increasingly incorporated into some of our most critical infrastructure."

"The GARD programme seeks to prevent the chaos that could ensue in the near future when attack methodologies, now in their infancy, have matured to a more destructive level. We must ensure ML is safe and incapable of being deceived," he added.&nbsp;

<h2>How will GARD&nbsp;accomplish this?</h2>

As per the DARPA website, GARD's novel response to adversarial AI will focus on three main objectives:&nbsp;

1) The development of theoretical foundations for defensible ML and a lexicon of new defence mechanisms based on them.

2) The creation and testing of defensible systems in a diverse range of settings.

3) The construction of a new test bed for characterising ML defensibility relative to threat scenarios. Through these interdependent program&nbsp;elements, GARD aims to create deception-resistant ML technologies with stringent criteria for evaluating their robustness.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid concern that autonomous AI-driven 'slaughterbots' or 'killer robots' can go rogue on the battlefield, the US Pentagon is actively working to address vulnerabilities in its Artificial Intelligence systems.

Amid concern that autonomous AI-driven 'slaughterbots' or 'killer robots' can go rogue on the battlefield, the US Pentagon is actively working to address vulnerabilities in its Artificial Intelligence systems. As per the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), AI systems could be exploited by attackers using visual tricks or manipulated signals. Also read | Boeing faces production slowdown as quality checks, FAA audits intensify Researchers have identified that adversarial AI can be tricked by tiny alterations to its Machine learning (ML) inputs. For example, using tricks and manipulation of data, AI, which is devoid of human discretion, can be fooled into thinking anything is a tank and launch an attack. Such manipulation can potentially lead to disastrous results on the battlefield. Guaranteeing AI Robustness Against Deception (GARD) Pentagon's answer to such a scenario is its Guaranteeing AI Robustness Against Deception or GARD research programme. "GARD seeks to establish theoretical ML system foundations to identify system vulnerabilities, characterize properties that will enhance system robustness, and encourage the creation of effective defences," states the DARPA website. Also read | 'Human depravity really knows no depths': Teacher that filmed herself raping schoolgirl banned from teaching "GARD seeks to develop defences capable of defending against broad categories of attacks," it adds. Dr Hava Siegelmann, program manager in DARPA's Information Innovation Office (I2O) explained, "There is a critical need for ML defence as the technology is increasingly incorporated into some of our most critical infrastructure." "The GARD programme seeks to prevent the chaos that could ensue in the near future when attack methodologies, now in their infancy, have matured to a more destructive level. We must ensure ML is safe and incapable of being deceived," he added. How will GARD accomplish this? As per the DARPA website, GARD's novel response to adversarial AI will focus on three main objectives: 1) The development of theoretical foundations for defensible ML and a lexicon of new defence mechanisms based on them. 2) The creation and testing of defensible systems in a diverse range of settings. 3) The construction of a new test bed for characterising ML defensibility relative to threat scenarios. Through these interdependent program elements, GARD aims to create deception-resistant ML technologies with stringent criteria for evaluating their robustness. (With inputs from agencies)

AI's Achilles' heel: Pentagon developing tech to avoid rogue machines, slaughterbots in battle

The US and the UK have signed an MOU which will see the two Nations work together in testing for the most advanced AI models. Watch in for more details!

US & UK announce partnership on safety testing AI models

Foreign investors are flooding the South Korean equity markets. This surge, largely driven by bets on artificial intelligence, has propelled Kospi's foreign ownership to a record high. This report tells us more...

AI drives record foreign investment in South Korean stocks

A new AI tool from Oxford University is stepping in to help doctors avoid mistakes while prescribing drugs called Drug GPT. Watch in for more details!

Drug GPT: New AI tool for medication safety & patient understanding

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- Oxford University researchers have created an innovative artificial intelligence tool, DrugGPT, aimed at assisting doctors in prescribing medicines. The tool is also designed to improve patients' understanding of their medication regimen.

New AI tool to assist Doctors in prescribing medicines | Trending on WION

The battle for AI dominance is all set to heat up in Asia. Japan and the US are all set to announce closer cooperation in artificial intelligence, when President Joe Biden will host prime minister Fumio Kishida next month. According to Japanese media reports, the joint statement will advocate stronger cooperation in AI and semiconductors.

Japan & the US set to announce closer cooperation in AI

Microsoft and OpenAI are embarking on a $100 billion project known as Stargate. This ambitious initiative aims to revolutionize AI by introducing an advanced supercomputer capable of handling the most complex tasks. With demand for AI infrastructure skyrocketing, Stargate represents a significant leap forward in meeting industry needs.

Microsoft & OpenAI partner on $100 billion AI data center

The Biden administration on Friday revised rules&nbsp;aimed at making it harder for China to access US&nbsp;artificial intelligence (AI) chips and chipmaking tools, part of an effort to hobble Beijing's chipmaking industry over national security concerns.

The rules, released in October, seek to halt shipments to China of more advanced&nbsp;AI&nbsp;chips designed by Nvidia and others as Washington cracks down on Beijing over concerns its advancing tech sector could help boost China's military.

The new rules, which run 166 pages in length, go into effect on Thursday. They clarify, for example, that restrictions on chip shipments to China also apply to laptops containing those chips.

The Commerce Department, which oversees export controls, has said it plans to continue updating its restrictions on technology shipments to China as it seeks to bolster and fine-tune the measures. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Biden administration on Friday revised rules aimed at making it harder for China to access US artificial intelligence (AI) chips and chipmaking tools, part of an effort to hobble Beijing's chipmaking industry over national security concerns.

The Biden administration on Friday revised rules aimed at making it harder for China to access US artificial intelligence (AI) chips and chipmaking tools, part of an effort to hobble Beijing's chipmaking industry over national security concerns. The rules, released in October, seek to halt shipments to China of more advanced AI chips designed by Nvidia and others as Washington cracks down on Beijing over concerns its advancing tech sector could help boost China's military. The new rules, which run 166 pages in length, go into effect on Thursday. They clarify, for example, that restrictions on chip shipments to China also apply to laptops containing those chips. The Commerce Department, which oversees export controls, has said it plans to continue updating its restrictions on technology shipments to China as it seeks to bolster and fine-tune the measures. (With inputs from agencies)

US updates export curbs on AI chips and tools to China

Chinese state media's use of AI reveals how Beijing is sowing divisions abroad, to manipulate voters in rival countries. Could China use AI to meddle in Indian polls?

Gravitas: China uses AI to sow divisions abroad | Beijing using AI to manipulate voters in US, India

We already know Artificial Intelligence can be biased, a number of recent incidents have shown as much. But, exactly how biased can technology be?

As per a new study: Very. A study used AI to analyse social media to see whether the technology can pick up signs of depression from posts made online. The results speak volumes.

<h2>Biased AI</h2>

The analyses found that while artificial intelligence (AI) can detect signs of depression in white Americans through social media use, it may not be as effective for Black individuals. In fact, it was three times less predictive when applied to Facebook posts by Black people, as compared to those by White people.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/delving-deep-earths-crust-holds-more-water-than-its-ice-caps-reveals-study-705110">Delving deep: Earth's crust holds more water than its ice caps, reveals study</a>

"Race seems to have been especially neglected in work on language-based assessment of mental illness," wrote the authors of the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

<h2>Research methodology: 'I' talk</h2>

For their research, they used an "off the shelf" AI toll to analyse the language of 868 volunteers, including equal numbers of Black and white adults with similar demographics like age and gender.

Participants were also asked to complete a depression screening questionnaire commonly used by healthcare providers.

As per previous research on social media posts, those individuals who frequently use first-person pronouns like I, me and mine, and certain words or terms that can be considered self-deprecating are more at risk of depression.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-neuralink-patient-learns-about-brain-implant-through-drunken-phone-call-from-friend-704925">First Neuralink patient heard about brain implant through drunken phone call from friend</a>

Interestingly, the study revealed that the use of first-person pronouns and self-deprecating language was linked to depression only in white individuals.&nbsp;

Study co-author Sharath Chandra Guntuku said that they "were surprised that these language associations found in numerous prior studies didn't apply across the board."

While he acknowledged that social media data alone cannot diagnose depression, he said it could aid in risk assessment for individuals or communities.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

We already know Artificial Intelligence can be biased, a number of recent incidents have shown as much. But, exactly how biased can technology be? As per a new study: Very.

We already know Artificial Intelligence can be biased, a number of recent incidents have shown as much. But, exactly how biased can technology be? As per a new study: Very. A study used AI to analyse social media to see whether the technology can pick up signs of depression from posts made online. The results speak volumes. Biased AI The analyses found that while artificial intelligence (AI) can detect signs of depression in white Americans through social media use, it may not be as effective for Black individuals. In fact, it was three times less predictive when applied to Facebook posts by Black people, as compared to those by White people. Also read | Delving deep: Earth's crust holds more water than its ice caps, reveals study "Race seems to have been especially neglected in work on language-based assessment of mental illness," wrote the authors of the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Research methodology: 'I' talk For their research, they used an "off the shelf" AI toll to analyse the language of 868 volunteers, including equal numbers of Black and white adults with similar demographics like age and gender. Participants were also asked to complete a depression screening questionnaire commonly used by healthcare providers. As per previous research on social media posts, those individuals who frequently use first-person pronouns like I, me and mine, and certain words or terms that can be considered self-deprecating are more at risk of depression. Also read | First Neuralink patient heard about brain implant through drunken phone call from friend Interestingly, the study revealed that the use of first-person pronouns and self-deprecating language was linked to depression only in white individuals. Study co-author Sharath Chandra Guntuku said that they "were surprised that these language associations found in numerous prior studies didn't apply across the board." While he acknowledged that social media data alone cannot diagnose depression, he said it could aid in risk assessment for individuals or communities. (With inputs from agencies)

New study reveals AI's hidden bias in screening depression in Black people

Artificial intelligence is not just a buzzword. With its various uses, the technology could become a key engine of economic growth in India. On Pollnomics, we tell you how AI will be shaping India's economy.

How will AI reshape India's Economy?

Artificial intelligence could become a key engine of economic growth

According to a recent report by the Institute for Public Policy (IPPR), there could be a "jobs apocalypse" in the United Kingdom due to artificial intelligence (AI). It warns that nearly 8 million jobs are at risk of being replaced by AI.

<h2>Who is at the most risk?</h2>

Women, younger workers, and those on lower wages face the highest risk of losing their jobs to AI. It includes entry-level, part-time, secretarial, customer service, and administrative roles.

<h2>Two waves of AI adoption</h2>

According to the report, there will be two waves of AI adoption: the first wave, already underway, and a second wave where AI tech will be deeply integrated into workplace processes.&nbsp;

The think tank analysed over 22,000 tasks done manually by workers, covering almost every type of job, and deduced that 11% of tasks such as database management, scheduling, and stocktaking could be automated. Not only that, the study predicted that during the second wave, up to 59% of tasks done by the workers manually could be replaced by AI.

<h2>What is the 'worst-case scenario'?</h2>

In the worst-case scenario, the second wave of AI adoption could cause 7.9 million job losses without any GDP gains. Carsten Jung, senior economist at IPPR told the Guardian, “Already existing generative AI could lead to big labour market disruption or it could hugely boost economic growth. Either way, it is set to be a gamechanger for millions of us.”

“But technology isn’t destiny and a jobs apocalypse is not inevitable – government, employers and unions have the opportunity to make crucial design decisions now that ensure we manage this new technology well. If they don’t act soon, it may be too late.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-unanimously-adopts-first-global-resolution-on-artificial-intelligence-702840">United Nations unanimously adopts first global resolution on artificial intelligence</a>

However this could be controlled by proper intervention if workers are augmented to work alongside AI, it could lead to an economic boost of up to 13% to GDP, around £306 billion a year.

The IPPR report urged&nbsp;the government to implement a job-centric industrial strategy for AI. This includes tax incentives, subsidies for AI training, and regulatory changes. The government last month announced plans to invest £90 million in AI research hubs across the UK to explore responsible AI use in various sectors. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

According to a recent report by the Institute for Public Policy (IPPR), there could be a "jobs apocalypse" in the United Kingdom due to artificial intelligence (AI).

According to a recent report by the Institute for Public Policy (IPPR), there could be a "jobs apocalypse" in the United Kingdom due to artificial intelligence (AI). It warns that nearly 8 million jobs are at risk of being replaced by AI. Who is at the most risk? Women, younger workers, and those on lower wages face the highest risk of losing their jobs to AI. It includes entry-level, part-time, secretarial, customer service, and administrative roles. Two waves of AI adoption According to the report, there will be two waves of AI adoption: the first wave, already underway, and a second wave where AI tech will be deeply integrated into workplace processes. The think tank analysed over 22,000 tasks done manually by workers, covering almost every type of job, and deduced that 11% of tasks such as database management, scheduling, and stocktaking could be automated. Not only that, the study predicted that during the second wave, up to 59% of tasks done by the workers manually could be replaced by AI. What is the 'worst-case scenario'? In the worst-case scenario, the second wave of AI adoption could cause 7.9 million job losses without any GDP gains. Carsten Jung, senior economist at IPPR told the Guardian, “Already existing generative AI could lead to big labour market disruption or it could hugely boost economic growth. Either way, it is set to be a gamechanger for millions of us.” “But technology isn’t destiny and a jobs apocalypse is not inevitable – government, employers and unions have the opportunity to make crucial design decisions now that ensure we manage this new technology well. If they don’t act soon, it may be too late.” Also read | United Nations unanimously adopts first global resolution on artificial intelligence However this could be controlled by proper intervention if workers are augmented to work alongside AI, it could lead to an economic boost of up to 13% to GDP, around £306 billion a year. The IPPR report urged the government to implement a job-centric industrial strategy for AI. This includes tax incentives, subsidies for AI training, and regulatory changes. The government last month announced plans to invest £90 million in AI research hubs across the UK to explore responsible AI use in various sectors. (With inputs from agencies)

AI could displace nearly 8 million jobs in UK, says report: Here's what you need to know

India elections: India anncounces $1.25 billion mission for Artificial Intelligence

An AI artist reimagined Disney princesses as real-life South Asian women belonging to the era of the 1950s. Watch to know more.

AI-generated photos show Disney Princesses with a South Asian twist

Researchers in Kenya are developing an artificial intelligence app which they hope will accurately diagnose tuberculosis and possibly other chest infections. They're seeing whether the software can distinguish between coughs of people with the disease, and those without.

AI app trialled to detect tuberculosis cough

Researchers in Denmark are developing a new AI system that can make forecasts about people's lives. Can it be believed? Do you want a personal doomsday calculator?

Your personal doomsday calculator: Can AI predict when you'll die?

According to a study by Macro Polo a think tank run by The Paulson Institute in the United States, China is the biggest producer of a talent of AI talent in the world. Watch to know more!

China produces almost 50% of world's top AI researchers: Study

In an effort to increase public awareness of the potential benefits and risks of technology, researchers in Denmark are using artificial intelligence and data from millions of people to predict a person's life events from the beginning to the end.

Predicting life and death through AI

Italy PM Giorgia Meloni is seeking 100,000 euros in damages over deepfake videos. Pornographic deepfake videos of Meloni were made and uploaded online. She wants to donate the compensation to support victims of male violence. WION's Molly Gambhir tells you more!

Giorgia Meloni seeking 100,000 euros in damages over deepfake videos

The gig economy, characterised by short-term, project-based work, is undergoing a significant transformation due to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI).

While some fear AI will displace workers, a closer look reveals a more nuanced picture.

AI is creating new opportunities alongside automating tasks, with the key lying in adaptation and acquiring new skills.

AI's impact on work in the gig economy

According to Madhav Krishna, CEO of Vahan Inc., an AI-powered recruitment platform for the gig economy, “A lot of gig economy platforms like Zomato and Swiggy use AI for better order assignment and route planning, making the delivery process more efficient. This makes workers do more deliveries and helps the platform in turn make more money.”

“That aside, we use AI to match people with more relevant jobs, to automatically validate their documents and also to automate parts of the recruitment process,” he adds.

Similarly, a report by the Association for Entrepreneurship (AFE) notes how AI algorithms are recruiting talent by analysing skills, experience, and qualifications and matching workers with suitable opportunities.

This benefits both parties: businesses can find qualified workers quickly, while workers can access gigs that align with their expertise.

Krishna also adds that they had recently built a platform called ‘Samwadini’ through which they could use voice bots and talk to job seekers on the phone.

He mentioned that the bots sounded completely human and were able to ask for basic qualifications and match job seekers with jobs.

“This makes the job search and job acquisition process a lot more efficient and scalable, which is required in a country like India,” he says.

Additionally, the AFE report mentions that AI-powered chatbots can handle customer service inquiries, freeing up human workers to focus on more complex tasks that require creativity, empathy, and critical thinking.

This can improve efficiency and productivity for businesses while potentially creating new opportunities for workers to manage and oversee these AI systems.

The Future of Blue-Collar Jobs: Upskilling is key

Although concerns regarding AI displacing blue-collar jobs are valid, analysts believe that AI will create more blue-collar jobs than it eliminates.

A report by The Secretariat noted that AI can assist companies in optimising efficiency and productivity, leading to a potential increase in demand for skilled blue-collar workers who can manage and maintain these AI systems.

Resonating with similar sentiments, Sashi Kumar, Head of Sales at Indeed India, says, “A significant number of employees do not expect much disruption in their work in the next year. As companies are gradually adopting AI technology, there are mixed feelings among workers about how it will affect their day-to-day activities.”

“While some are unsure about its consequences, many are optimistic,” he adds.

Kumar also notes that among the top three expected impacts, there has been a strong interest in exploring automation to increase efficiency and the opportunity to learn new skills.

Krishna mentions that as more technological advancements come in and automate jobs, upskilling was going to be critical.

“It (automation of blue-collar jobs) will perhaps happen in the next 10 years. Today, most of the white-collar jobs are being automated through AI,” he notes.

While AI is being integrated into several processes, the Indian government has also invested in several training and upskilling programs for blue-collar workers.

According to the report by The Secretariat, the central government has launched several schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, Jan Shikshan Sansthan, National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, and Craftsmen Training Scheme, to upskill and reskill blue-collar workers.

These initiatives can help bridge the gap between human and machine capabilities by equipping workers with the necessary skills to thrive in the AI-powered workplace.

On a separate note, Krishna highlights that the social security law for gig workers provides benefits like employees' state insurance (ESI) and provident fund (PF).

“It hasn’t come to force yet and is still a work in progress but I believe it is a very positive move."

AI as a partner, not a replacement

A YourStory report suggests that AI can help reduce unconscious bias in the recruitment process by evaluating candidates based on objective criteria like skills and experience.

This can ensure a more equitable hiring process for blue-collar workers.

However, it also noted that AI should be used to augment human judgment, not replace it.

“Combining AI’s data analysis and pattern recognition prowess with human expertise in assessing cultural fit can lead to the most effective hiring outcomes,” says the report.

The gig economy, characterised by short-term, project-based work, is undergoing a significant transformation due to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI).

The gig economy, characterised by short-term, project-based work, is undergoing a significant transformation due to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). While some fear AI will displace workers, a closer look reveals a more nuanced picture. AI is creating new opportunities alongside automating tasks, with the key lying in adaptation and acquiring new skills. AI's impact on work in the gig economy According to Madhav Krishna, CEO of Vahan Inc., an AI-powered recruitment platform for the gig economy, “A lot of gig economy platforms like Zomato and Swiggy use AI for better order assignment and route planning, making the delivery process more efficient. This makes workers do more deliveries and helps the platform in turn make more money.” “That aside, we use AI to match people with more relevant jobs, to automatically validate their documents and also to automate parts of the recruitment process,” he adds. Similarly, a report by the Association for Entrepreneurship (AFE) notes how AI algorithms are recruiting talent by analysing skills, experience, and qualifications and matching workers with suitable opportunities. This benefits both parties: businesses can find qualified workers quickly, while workers can access gigs that align with their expertise. Krishna also adds that they had recently built a platform called ‘Samwadini’ through which they could use voice bots and talk to job seekers on the phone. He mentioned that the bots sounded completely human and were able to ask for basic qualifications and match job seekers with jobs. “This makes the job search and job acquisition process a lot more efficient and scalable, which is required in a country like India,” he says. Additionally, the AFE report mentions that AI-powered chatbots can handle customer service inquiries, freeing up human workers to focus on more complex tasks that require creativity, empathy, and critical thinking. This can improve efficiency and productivity for businesses while potentially creating new opportunities for workers to manage and oversee these AI systems. The Future of Blue-Collar Jobs: Upskilling is key Although concerns regarding AI displacing blue-collar jobs are valid, analysts believe that AI will create more blue-collar jobs than it eliminates. A report by The Secretariat noted that AI can assist companies in optimising efficiency and productivity, leading to a potential increase in demand for skilled blue-collar workers who can manage and maintain these AI systems. Resonating with similar sentiments, Sashi Kumar, Head of Sales at Indeed India, says, “A significant number of employees do not expect much disruption in their work in the next year. As companies are gradually adopting AI technology, there are mixed feelings among workers about how it will affect their day-to-day activities.” “While some are unsure about its consequences, many are optimistic,” he adds. Kumar also notes that among the top three expected impacts, there has been a strong interest in exploring automation to increase efficiency and the opportunity to learn new skills. Krishna mentions that as more technological advancements come in and automate jobs, upskilling was going to be critical. “It (automation of blue-collar jobs) will perhaps happen in the next 10 years. Today, most of the white-collar jobs are being automated through AI,” he notes. While AI is being integrated into several processes, the Indian government has also invested in several training and upskilling programs for blue-collar workers. According to the report by The Secretariat, the central government has launched several schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, Jan Shikshan Sansthan, National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, and Craftsmen Training Scheme, to upskill and reskill blue-collar workers. These initiatives can help bridge the gap between human and machine capabilities by equipping workers with the necessary skills to thrive in the AI-powered workplace. On a separate note, Krishna highlights that the social security law for gig workers provides benefits like employees' state insurance (ESI) and provident fund (PF). “It hasn’t come to force yet and is still a work in progress but I believe it is a very positive move." AI as a partner, not a replacement A YourStory report suggests that AI can help reduce unconscious bias in the recruitment process by evaluating candidates based on objective criteria like skills and experience. This can ensure a more equitable hiring process for blue-collar workers. However, it also noted that AI should be used to augment human judgment, not replace it. “Combining AI’s data analysis and pattern recognition prowess with human expertise in assessing cultural fit can lead to the most effective hiring outcomes,” says the report.

AI and the Gig Economy: A transformative relationship with upskilling opportunities

In a landmark move, the United Nations has adopted the first global resolution on artificial intelligence. This resolution encourages member countries to safeguard human rights, protect personal data, and monitor AI for risks.

UN adopts first global resolution on artificial intelligence

In a world where Covid-19 still exists, AI tools play a key role in assisting and analysing lung ultrasound images. However, if not properly trained, these tools might misdiagnose Covid-19 cases.

AI-driven medical diagnostics for Covid in lungs, detects Covid-19 in ultrasound images

The United Nations General Assembly has unanimously adopted the first global resolution on artificial intelligence to encourage the protection of personal data, the monitoring of AI for risks, and the safeguarding of human rights.

UN adopts first global artificial intelligence resolution

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has signed off on legislation to protect artists in the music industry against the potential dangers of artificial intelligence. The legislation is called the Elvis Act.

Elvis Act: Tennessee adopts new law to protect artists

Ai, News on Ai, stories on Ai, articles on Ai, Ai stories at Wion, Ai news, Ai latest news