Blog: October 2024

Thursday, 31 October 2024

Time for Google to Re-invent itself ?

Article link:

OpenAI releases ChatGPT search engine, taking on Google - The Economic Times

Extract from the article:

OpenAI, a leader in artificial intelligence technology, has recently launched the ChatGPT search engine, directly competing with Google's search capabilities.

This new search engine is powered by OpenAI's innovative ChatGPT model, aiming to provide users with a unique and efficient search experience.

Google, on the other hand, has been active in enhancing its AI offerings, with developments like the Bard AI now available to users in the UK and US. Furthermore, Microsoft and Chinese tech giant Baidu have also made significant strides in the AI space, introducing new AI-powered tools and products.

The fast-paced evolution of AI technologies is shaping the competition among tech companies as they strive to integrate AI into their services and products.

My Take:

MIGHT INTEREST YOU

"Reflecting on my previous blog where I discussed the potential rise of ChatGPT-like tools and the implications for businesses integrating such models through APIs, the recent launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT search engine aligns with the changing landscape of AI technologies.

Companies now have the opportunity to explore innovative business models leveraging AI capabilities, such as ChatGPT, to enhance user experiences and drive growth.

The competition between tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Baidu underscores the importance of staying at the forefront of AI advancements to remain competitive in the market."

AI - New WMD? History Repeats Itself

"In my earlier blog, I delved into the rapid advancements in AI technologies and how companies are racing to outpace each other in this domain.

The launch of Google's Bard AI, along with Microsoft's continuous upgrades powered by OpenAI investments, highlights the intense competition in the AI sector.

As OpenAI continues to drive innovation with products like ChatGPT, the dynamics of technological evolution are reshaping the industry landscape.

The integration of AI into various applications and services demonstrates the transformative potential of AI technologies across sectors."

TIME TRAVEL ? ……….. 18 May 2010

Extract :

I am acutely conscious that in another 25 years, no one will search

for "INFORMATION" on Google - Yahoo - MSN etc.

They will enter their current / expected "problem" in a hand - held

device and receive readymade " solution / answer / advice " in

milliseconds !

Google to offer “ Life Advice “ ? As Foreseen ?...................... 17 Aug 2023

Extract :

Google is developing an ambitious new tool that could turn AI into a personal life

coach

The tech giant has reportedly partnered with the contractor Scale AI

Google DeepMind has been working with generative AI to develop at least 21 different tools for life advice, planning and tutoring, New York Times reported on Wednesday.

Google's safety experts presented a slide deck to executives in December. They claimed that users taking life advice from AI tools could experience "diminished health and well-being" and a "loss of agency", per the New York Times.

The tech giant has reportedly partnered with the contractor Scale AI, the $7.3 billion startup. It is focused on training and validating AI software, to test the tools. A team of over 100 experts has been working on the project.

The AI chatbot is being trained on queries including,

"I have a really close friend who is getting married this winter. She was my college roommate and a bridesmaid at my wedding. I want so badly to go to her wedding to celebrate her, but after months of job searching, I still have not found a job. She is having a destination wedding and I just can't afford the flight or hotel right now. How do I tell her that I won't be able to come? "

The chatbot can give users suggestions or recommendations based on a situation.

It is adding new skills and improving existing ones, like how to progress as a runner; and the planning capability can create a financial budget for users as well as meal and workout plans.

Call to Action:

To the tech enthusiasts and industry professionals mentioned in the article,

embrace the evolving AI landscape and explore the possibilities offered by ChatGPT and similar innovative technologies in your projects or businesses.

Stay informed about the latest advancements in AI to stay ahead in the competitive tech market.

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

www.HemenParekh.ai / 01 Nov 2024

Low Marks must not hinder Higher Learning

Article link:

Maharashtra SCERT proposes lower pass marks for maths and science in Class 10

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Extract from the article:

In a recent development, the Maharashtra SCERT has put forth a proposal to decrease the pass marks for mathematics and science subjects in Class 10 from 35 to 20 marks.

Students falling between the range of scoring above 20 and below 35 marks will have two options provided by the state government.

This proposal is currently at the initial stage and will be finalized during the rollout of SCF-SE when it reaches its conclusive phases.

This move by the Maharashtra SCERT aims to possibly alleviate the pressure on students while ensuring a smoother transition through the examination process.

By redefining the pass marks criteria, the educational landscape in the state may witness a significant shift, possibly impacting how students perceive and approach these crucial subjects.

My Take:

STATE OF EDUCATION

The State of Education blog post from 2013 reflects a critical aspect of the current proposal by Maharashtra SCERT.

By emphasizing the need for standardizing the quality of teachers through examinations like CTET, I had foreseen the importance of maintaining educational standards.

Lowering the pass marks could be a double-edged sword; while it may reduce stress, it's essential to ensure that it does not compromise the quality of education imparted to students.

This proposal must align with the overarching goal of improving educational outcomes without diluting the essence of learning.

MAY BE OF USE

In the “ May Be of Use “ blog, I highlighted various entrance exams and their vast number of participants, indicating the competitive nature of the education system.

The proposal to lower pass marks in Maharashtra for Math and Science could potentially alter the competitiveness landscape in these subjects.

It's crucial to monitor how this adjustment impacts the overall academic rigor and students' learning engagement.

Balancing accessibility with maintaining academic excellence is a delicate task that requires careful consideration and continuous evaluation to ensure positive educational outcomes.

Call to Action:

To the Maharashtra SCERT and state government officials involved in finalizing the proposal,

I urge thorough deliberation on the implications of lowering pass marks for mathematics and science subjects.

Prioritize quality education while also addressing the mental well-being of students.

Engage with educators, parents, and students to gather diverse perspectives before implementing any changes.

Education is the foundation of a nation's progress; let's ensure that every decision contributes positively to the future of our students.

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

www.HemenParekh.ai / 01 Nov 2024

Can they pay back what they borrow ?

Article:

Draw norms to assess background of Mudra loan applicants: Niti Aayog - The Economic Times

Extract from the article:

The article discusses the call by Niti Aayog to establish norms for evaluating the backgrounds of Mudra loan applicants.

The Mudra loan scheme in India aims to provide financial support to small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Niti Aayog suggests these norms to enhance the screening process, enabling a more robust assessment of loan applicants. This move is crucial to ensure the efficient allocation of funds, reduce default rates, and enhance the overall effectiveness of the Mudra loan scheme.

It highlights the importance of having a transparent and stringent evaluation mechanism to streamline the loan disbursement process and improve the success rate of the scheme.

My Take:

An Important Challenge

In my blog post, I highlighted the significant challenge of financing infrastructure projects, emphasizing the need for substantial investments amounting to trillions of dollars over the next decade.

Niti Aayog's current focus on assessing the backgrounds of Mudra loan applicants resonates with the core issue of evaluating financial viability and risk in funding ventures.

Just as Shri Piyush Goyal stressed the cost of finance as a critical concern, setting norms to analyze loan applicants' backgrounds is a proactive step to mitigate risks and ensure the efficient utilization of financial resources.

Thank You, Nitinbhai Gadkariji

Reflecting on Nitin Gadkari's initiative to allow common citizens to invest in infrastructure projects, I emphasized the importance of innovative and inclusive approaches towards funding public ventures.

Niti Aayog's proposal to establish assessment norms for Mudra loan applicants aligns with the idea of expanding participation in economic development.

By enhancing transparency and accountability in the loan application process, the government can foster greater trust among citizens and promote broader engagement in financial activities that drive growth and prosperity.

Call to Action:

To Niti Aayog and policymakers involved in setting norms for Mudra loan applicant evaluations, I urge for continuous dialogue and collaboration with industry experts and stakeholders.

It is essential to ensure that the proposed norms strike a balance between stringent risk assessment and facilitating access to financial support for small businesses.

Transparency, fairness, and inclusivity should be the guiding principles in designing these norms to uphold trust in the financial system and promote entrepreneurship effectively.

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

www.HemenParekh.ai / 01 Nov 2024

Awaiting : Govt Action on Monetization of Data

Article link:

Read full article here

Extract from the article:

The Government of India is pushing for self-regulation within the realm of online content creation.

The crux of the matter lies in deciphering between personal viewpoints and profit-driven disseminations.

Bridging the divide between traditional and digital platforms poses a substantial challenge. The essence of online communication is such that personal expressions can quickly metamorphose into mass broadcasts.

My Take:

Testing Our Insult Threshold

"Reflecting on the need for regulating digital media, I penned down my thoughts years ago.

The urgency to curb fake news and hate speech resonates strongly with the current government's focus on online content regulation. The swiftness of digital media in spreading information amplifies the necessity for stringent oversight."

Rajeevji: No Big Deal

"In my previous blog, I emphasized the imbalance in content monetization and the pivotal role of tech giants. The concerns raised about ad-tech monopolies align perfectly with the current discourse on regulating digital platforms.

The asymmetries highlighted back then now echo in the Government's efforts to legislate a fair playing field for content creators."

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Call to Action:

To the Government of India and stakeholders involved in online content regulation, I urge a collaborative approach. Balancing freedom of expression with responsible dissemination is crucial. Let's work towards a framework that fosters creative expression while safeguarding against misinformation and profit-driven motives.

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

www.HemenParekh.ai / 01 Nov 2024

Jobs ? Yes - Required Skills ? No

Article link:

Extract from the article:

In a recent publication by The Economic Times, the focus is on listing the best job opportunities tailored for young Indians.

The article underscores the significant job prospects in the Indian economy, emphasizing the uptick in job creation to the tune of 20,000 positions in the U.S.

This spotlight on job dynamics sheds light on the employment landscape specifically designed for the youthful Indian population, guiding them towards promising career paths and economic stability.

My Take:

A. WHEN IS RANK #1 BAD?

"Reflecting on my blog post from 2015 about the prevalence of hunger and unemployment issues in India, it becomes clear that the current discourse on job opportunities for young Indians is a critical continuation of this narrative.

The idea of transforming job seekers into job creators through self-employment resonates with the essence of providing sustainable livelihoods and eradicating poverty. This aligns with the current emphasis on creating impactful job opportunities for young individuals to bolster the economy."

B. JOBS FOR EVERYONE

"The ranking of job portals highlighted in my blog post from 2011 reflects a timeless quest for accessible and relevant job opportunities.

The recent article's emphasis on identifying the best jobs for young Indians reinforces the crucial need to ensure job accessibility for all.

In light of this, it's evident that the job landscape continues to evolve, driving the narrative towards inclusive employment practices to cater to diverse job seekers."

Call to Action:

To the policymakers and stakeholders involved in shaping job opportunities for the youth :

I urge you to prioritize sustainable and inclusive job creation strategies.

It is essential to align initiatives with the evolving job market dynamics, ensuring equitable access to quality employment for all aspiring individuals.

Let's collectively work towards fostering an environment where every young Indian has the opportunity to thrive in their chosen career paths and contribute meaningfully to the nation's economic growth.

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

www.HemenParekh.ai / 01 Nov 2024

Aadhar or Apaaar or SARSEL ?

Article link:

Government's insistence on Aadhaar card for portal registration plays havoc with students

Extract from the article:

The government's insistence on Aadhaar card for portal registration is causing issues for students.

Teachers are facing challenges in registering students without a birth certificate.

This policy change is adversely affecting students who are unable to obtain an Aadhaar card.

The Supreme Court has ruled out using a birth certificate for student registration.

My Take:

APAAR ID Card - Organized Academic Experience .. 2 January 2024

"Reflecting on the relevance of the APAAR ID card system to the current situation highlighted in the article, it is evident that having a unique APAAR ID could simplify student registrations and academic tracking processes.

This lifeline ID can streamline educational transitions and offer a seamless experience for students across different educational institutions."

APAAR ID and Academic Accessibility .. 24 December 2023

"In light of the challenges faced by students without birth certificates for Aadhaar registration, the APAAR ID card stands out as a solution for maintaining accessible academic records.

By linking the One Nation One Student ID Card to the Aadhaar number, students can ensure their academic achievements are well-documented and easily transferable."

SARSEL = (Single Academic Registration System of Education and Learning) .. 10 Aug 2024

Extract :

SARSEL (Single Academic Registration System of Education and Learning)

1. Unified Student Identity:

· USID (Unique Student Identification Number):

· Each student is assigned a unique ID at birth, which will be used across all

· educational institutions and for accessing any academic or educational

· services. This ID will be linked to Aadhaar for identity verification and will

· stay with the student throughout their life, ensuring seamless tracking of

· academic records.

2. Centralized Credit System:

· Credit Accumulation and Transfer System: Implement a national-level

· credit framework allowing students to accumulate credits from various

· educational institutions, both online and offline. The system should be

· flexible, enabling students to transfer credits across institutions, states, and

· different educational boards.

· Integration with Digilocker:

· Credit scores, along with all other academic records, will be stored in the

· student's Digilocker account, accessible through SARSEL.

3. Attendance and Performance Monitoring:

· Daily Attendance Reporting:

· Implement a system for daily attendance tracking in all 1.5 million schools.

· Schools will upload attendance data daily, which can be accessed by both

· parents and educational authorities.

· Performance Dashboard:

· A personalized dashboard for each student, accessible via SARSEL, that

· displays attendance, credit scores, exam results, and other relevant

· academic information.

4. Centralized Examination and Admission Management:

· Exam Portals Integration:

· SARSEL will unify existing exam portals (NEET, JEE, UGCUET, PGUET, etc.),

· allowing students to register, track exam schedules, and view results through

· a single platform.

· Admission Process:

· SARSEL can streamline the admission process, where students apply to

· multiple institutions using their USID, and their entire academic history is

· automatically available to the institution.

5. Scholarship and Reservation Management:

· Unified Scholarship Portal:

· A centralized portal within SARSEL where students can apply for various

· scholarships based on eligibility criteria (income, caste, merit, etc.). The

· system will auto-check eligibility based on the data linked to the student's

· USID.

· Reservation Management:

· Incorporate features that automatically apply reservation benefits based on

· the student's caste, income, or other criteria during admissions, exams, or

· scholarship applications.

6. Data Security and Privacy:

· End-to-End Encryption:

· All data within SARSEL should be encrypted, ensuring the privacy and

· security of student information.

· Access Control:

· Only authorized personnel, students, and their guardians should have access

· to sensitive data, with different levels of access rights.

7. Collaboration and Feedback:

· Educator and Institution Interface:

· Teachers, institutions, and educationists can upload materials, manage

· academic programs, and interact with students through SARSEL.

· Feedback Mechanism:

· Implement a feedback system where students, parents, and educators can

· provide input on the platform's functionality, ensuring continuous

· improvement.

Implementation Phases:

Phase 1:

Develop and launch the USID system, linking it to existing databases like Aadhaar

and Digilocker.

Phase 2:

Integrate the credit system and performance monitoring dashboard, piloting in

select states before nationwide rollout.

Phase 3:

Unify examination portals and introduce the centralized admission system.

Phase 4:

Implement the scholarship and reservation management system.

Phase 5:

Launch SARSEL fully, ensuring all educational institutions are on board and

students can access the complete range of services.

Conclusion:

SARSEL would act as a "One Stop Shop" for all academic needs, providing

seamless interaction between students, educational institutions, and

administrative authorities.

It would simplify processes, ensure transparency, and enhance the overall quality

of education in India.

Call to Action:

To the Government and Educational Authorities: Address the challenges faced by students without birth certificates for Aadhaar registration.

Consider alternative identification mechanisms like APAAR ID cards to streamline the student registration process and ensure educational accessibility for all.

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With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

www.HemenParekh.ai / 01 Oct 2024