AI a "big opportunity", essential to ensure its benefits reach all: President Murmu
New Delhi (PTI): Describing Artificial Intelligence as a "big opportunity" for ushering in positive change, President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday said it is essential to ensure that its benefits reach all sections of the society, especially the underprivileged.
Addressing a programme organised by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, she observed that AI is emerging as a critical growth driver for India's economy and will contribute significantly towards the country's GDP, employment and productivity in the coming decades.
AI should be utilised for reducing societal, economic and technological barriers, said the President.
She pointed out that skills including data science, AI engineering and data analytics will play an influential role in developing the country's AI talent pool.
"Artificial intelligence is emerging as a growth driver for India's economy. India is rapidly progressing towards becoming the world's third largest economy," she said.
In the coming decades, AI will play a significant role in contributing towards the country's GDP, job-creation and overall productivity, Murmu added.
She stated that the government in collaboration with industry partners and academia is ensuring that India not just embraces technology but also shapes a responsible future through it.
The President exhorted the citizens to commit to working towards the goal of Viksit Bharat and transform India into a knowledge superpower and a tech- driven inclusive and prosperous nation through the New Education Policy.
She highlighted that the government is promoting the use of Artificial Intelligence in schools and preparing children for technological leadership.
Through AI labs and AI models, innovative thinking and future ready skills are being inculcated in children, the President said.
She observed that the objective of the Skill the Nation Challenge launched on the occasion is to promote AI learning and innovation on a large scale.
These initiatives will prove significant in uplifting lakhs of learners, improving their capabilities and readying a future-ready workforce in India, said the President.
She observed that AI is providing a new direction to the economy and society across the globe.
For a young India, AI is not just a technique but a big opportunity for ushering in positive change, she said.
The President asserted that AI should be utilised for reducing societal, economic and technological barriers. It is essential to ensure that its benefits reach all sections of the society, especially the underprivileged ones, she said in her address.
She emphasized that the government is strengthening digital public infrastructure, and the India AI Mission is being implemented to establish country as a global AI leader.
President Murmu was speaking while participating in a special programme under SOAR -- Skilling for AI Readiness, an initiative of the Skill India Mission.
She conferred Artificial Intelligence (AI) certificates upon learners, including students and Members of Parliament, and launched the national awareness campaign #SkillTheNation Challenge, aimed at encouraging more youth participation in future-ready skilling programmes.
The President also virtually inaugurated the IGNOU Regional Centre at Rairangpur, serving as a key hub for northern Odisha for strengthening employability through skill-oriented programmes and training support.
Artificial Intelligence is transforming the nature of work and skill requirements across sectors.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
