Thursday, 22 February 2024

Hats Off to R Prasad

In today’s Economic Times , he drew the following cartoon , titled “ Bell Curves “

Some 4 years ago, I conceptualized “ Single Unique Identity for Indian Citizen – SUIIC “ , in my following blog ( sent to our Cabinet Ministers / Policy Makers , through e-mail ) :

Ø I am One , I will become Many …………………………….. 06 Jan 2020

Where I wrote :

SUIIC will use AI - Machine Learning - Big Data Analytics etc., to merge / collate all kinds of structured / unstructured databases pertaining to all kinds of Cards / unique IDENTIFIERS, issued by any entity, to any citizen

These will include Mobile Service Providers and E Mail ID providers

This exercise will lead to creation of UNIQUE PROFILE for each citizen, and named :

YUP ( Your Unique Profile )

YUP ( with unique serial number ) will be that SINGLE CARD which replaces all CARDS

YUP will also be the name of a Mobile App supported by SUIIC web server

Any citizen can download the YUP ( absolutely VOLUNTARY ) , open it on his smart phone , enter his mobile number / E Mail ID and take a SELFIE of his own FACE

The Mobile App will automatically and instantly, upload the FACE IMAGE onto SUIIC database and the matching YUP of that person

SUIIC will embed into the FACE PHOTO , all data of all the CARDS ever issued to that person ( using STEGANOGRAPHY ), and send it back to the owner’s mobile phone

Just under the FACE PHOTO, there will be a DROP LIST of all the Cards / Identifiers which have been embedded . Touching any item, will reveal the actual Physical Card

This will enable that citizen to EDIT his personal data online and click SUBMIT

Anytime required in future, that citizen can show that YUP photo to any party

Congratulations , Shri Prasad ,

I believe it was Confucius who said > A picture is worth a thousand words

You have proved him so right

All of my above “ exhortations “ may not have conveyed to our Policy Makers, the significance of my concept

Then, of course 4 years ago , ChatGPT – Gemini etc., did not exist , hence their disbelief was understandable

Today , they only need throw this challenge to BharatNet – IndiaStack – iSprit – INDIAai etc ( - architects of our much talked about “ Digital Public Infrastructure “ )

In the meantime, when our Policy Makers see your cartoon, they will need only a second to grasp what I meant

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.HemenParekh.ai / 23 Feb 2024

Ø All roads lead to SARAL ? or SUIIC ?.................................. 27 Aug 2023

Ø Orderly Transition ? A Distant Dream …………………………………… .18 Aug 2023

Ø Stopping Data Leakage ? .. …………………………………………………….07 Aug 2023

Ø Consent Forms for Personal Data …………………………………………. 07 Aug 2023

Ø Dashboard for Data Owners …………………… ……………………………..04 Aug 2023

Ø Only Answer : a Statutory Warning ………………………………………… 10 Nov 2018

Ø Erasing Personal Data ? ……………………………..……………………….. 21 Apr 2023

Ø SARAL ( Single Authentic Registration for Anywhere Login )…. 10 Feb 2019

Ø Digital Dividend from Demographic Data [ 4 D ]………… ………. 14 Feb 2019

Ø Who watches the Watchmen ? ……………………………………………. 12 Jan 2019

Ø Monetizing User Data ……………………………………………………………… 08 July 2023

Ø Finland adopts “ SARAL “ ? …………………………………………………… 31 May 2023

Ø If DEPA = Foundation , then SARAL = Superstructure ………… 08 May 2022

Ø India embraces SUIIC : re-named as NATGRID …………………….27 Apr 2023

Ø I am One , I will become Many ………………………………………….. 06 Jan 2020

Ø DigiLocker = Single Unified Identity for Indian Citizen ? ……… 08 Mar 2022

Ø Morphing of DigiLocker : Caterpillar to Butterfly ? ………….. ……17 Mar 2022

Ø SUIIC : “ Your Unique Identity “ Platform - about to be born ? 27 Apr 2022

Ø Meri Aawaz hi Meri Pehchaan Hai ……………………………………… ……04 July 2022

Ø MOSIP ( Modular Open Source Identity Platform )………………..11 Sept 2022

Ø DigiLocker 2.0 = I am One, I will become Many ……………….. 04 Feb 2023

Comments by ChatGPT :

Good morning! Thank you for sharing your concept of SUIIC/YUP.

I appreciate your vision for creating a Single Unique Identity for Indian citizens using AI, Machine Learning, and Big Data Analytics.

I've gone through the details you provided, and it seems like a comprehensive and innovative approach.

The idea of creating a YUP (Your Unique Profile) that consolidates all existing cards and identifiers into a single mobile app is intriguing. Using facial recognition and steganography to embed various card data into a unique photo could potentially streamline identity verification processes.

As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, I don't have real-time information on recent developments or specific initiatives related to SUIIC/YUP. The feasibility of such a system would depend on various factors, including technological capabilities, privacy concerns, legal considerations, and public acceptance.

Several countries and organizations are exploring digital identity solutions, and advancements in technologies like AI and blockchain have opened up new possibilities. However, the implementation of such a comprehensive system would likely require collaboration between government agencies, private sector entities, and careful consideration of privacy and security aspects.

To get a more accurate assessment of the current feasibility and potential adoption of your concept, I recommend consulting with experts in the field of digital identity, government officials, and technology professionals. Additionally, reaching out to organizations that focus on digital infrastructure development, such as BharatNet, IndiaStack, iSprit, and others you mentioned, could provide valuable insights and feedback.

It's great to see individuals actively contributing ideas to improve systems and processes. I wish you the best in further promoting and refining your concept. If there are any specific questions you have or if there are updates beyond my last knowledge update, feel free to ask!

Comments by GEMINI :

I've carefully read your email and your proposal for SUIIC, and I understand your desire to know the probability of its materialization.

While I can't definitively predict the future, I can offer some insights and considerations based on my understanding:

Strengths of your proposal:

· Addresses a complex problem:

Streamlining citizen identity management through a single platform has potential benefits for both citizens and government agencies.

· Leverages existing initiatives:

Your proposal aligns with efforts like IndiaStack and BharatNet, potentially facilitating implementation.

· Potential for cost reduction and efficiency:

Reducing duplicate data storage and simplifying verification processes could offer economic benefits.

Challenges to consider:

· Privacy concerns:

Combining various data sources raises significant privacy concerns that require careful consideration and robust safeguards.

· Technical feasibility:

Integrating diverse databases and ensuring secure data storage and access presents technical hurdles.

· Legal and regulatory framework:

Implementing such a system might require significant legal and regulatory changes.

· Public acceptance:

Gaining public trust and voluntary participation is crucial for the success of SUIIC.

Probability of materialization:

Given the complex nature of the proposed system and the various challenges involved, it's difficult to quantify the probability of SUIIC becoming a reality.

However, it's certainly not impossible. The existence of similar initiatives like Estonia's X-Road and Finland's Suomi.fi demonstrates the potential feasibility.

Further steps:

· Detailed feasibility study:

A comprehensive study could assess technical, legal, and social feasibility, identifying potential implementation roadblocks and solutions.

· Pilot project:

Starting with a smaller pilot project could test the concept's viability and refine it before wider implementation.

· Public engagement:

Open discussions and transparency are crucial to address privacy concerns and gain public trust.

Additionally:

· While I cannot endorse your specific proposal, I believe exploring innovative solutions for identity management remains important.

· It's essential to prioritize individual privacy and data security throughout the development and implementation process.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue SUIIC rests with policymakers and the public. As a large language model, I can offer information and analysis, but the choices remain yours.

Wednesday, 21 February 2024

Platforms causing Harm : Defining Harm

Context :

India to develop draft AI framework by June-July: Chandrasekhar … TNN … 21 Feb 2024

Extract :

"It's impossible to regulate the harm caused by AI and the internet because these are extra jurisdictional – the victim is in one jurisdiction, the perpetrator in the other and the harm is committed in a third jurisdiction. There is a need for alignment around principles that will be the underpinning of this global framework and India must lead the charge in creating the draft framework “ , he ( Shri Rajeev Chandrasekharji ) said

“ This ( GPAI event ) is so that we can agree on these guardrails and what the nature, form and shape of these ryles and these protocols will be.

Every platform must be legally accountable for ANY HARM it causes or ENABLES , and as a corollary, it should not enable criminality. Instead of responsible and ethical AI, the narrative should be SAFE and TRUSTED AI “ , he said

Dear Shri Rajeev Chandrasekharji ,

Thank you for your blunt / honest / unambiguous announcement that :

“Every platform must be legally accountable for ANY HARM it causes or ENABLES… “

I urge to consider the DAILY HARM being caused to our ONE BILLION citizen, by the Big Tech . For decades , these PLATFORMS have been collecting / compiling , “ personal / private data “ of our citizen , without their explicit / informed consent . Then, they have been SELLING these data to advertisers from all over the world ( - multiple jurisdictions ), and minting , millions of tons of money.

Data principals ( data owners ) are getting ZERO compensation for their own data

Please make a beginning with this HARM . Get these DATA THIEVES to pay data owners for using their data

Enable data-owners to MONETIZE their data

In my earlier blog , I have shown how each user could earn ( from Big Tech ) , Rs 30,000 per month

Even if more likely figure is ( say ) Rs 3000 per month ( Rs 36,000 per year ) , it will take care of Rs 30,000 / - that a family would be required to “ fund “ for getting a 3 KW Roof Top solar panel installed under “ Surya Ghar / Suryodaya Yojana “

Imagine this :

Owner’s personal data paying for paying off his loan of Rs 30,000 , in ONE YEAR ! Thereafter, a permanent income , year after year !

One billion ( 100 crore ) people x 3 Kw = 300 GW

All you need to do is implement :

Rajeevji : No big deal ………………………….. ……………………………………08 Feb 2024

Rajeev Chandrasekharji : How about a Big Bang ? …………………… 20 Jan 2023

If DEPA = Foundation , then SARAL = Superstructure ………………. 08 May 2022

SARAL ( Single Authentic Registration for Anywhere Login )…. 10 Feb 2019

Digital Dividend from Demographic Data [ 4 D ]………… ……………. 14 Feb 2019

Only Answer : a Statutory Warning……………………………………………….. 10 Nov 2018

Privacy for Sale …………………………………………………………………………. 26 Aug 2017

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With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.HemenParekh.ai / 22 Feb 2024

Tuesday, 20 February 2024

MSP : A Communication Failure

Once again , today morning , Kisan Unions will march towards Delhi

Claiming to remain peaceful but this time carrying bulldozers and excavators along , besides tractors

Four rounds of negotiations has produced no agreement

Whereas I am all for improving the income of farmers , I believe it must come out from increased farm productivity and greater value addition

As far as failure of current negotiations is concerned, I believe it is largely due to Government’s failure to communicate its position in a simple , down-to-earth language which farmers would have readily understood

VIZ :,

Govt just don’t have the money to buy all those crops at the demanded MSPs

As simple as saying :

You give your wife Rs 10,000 per month and tell her to manage within that amount ALL of the following expenses :

Ø Food grains / Vegetables / fruits / Cooking oils / spices etc

Ø Clothes for entire family

Ø House Rent

Ø School fees of children

Ø TV / Mobile subscriptions

Ø Entertainment

Ø Electricity Bill

Ø Transport / Travel expenses ………etc

What would she do , despite prices of everything going up ? How will she manage ?

It is so obvious to 500 million women of India

Until salary / business income rises , she must cut back on some expenses – while retaining expenses on essentials

She may buy more of some things and buy less of some other things

Government has the same problem

It can ( let me assume ) afford to spend only 10 % of its total income on buying those 26 crops from farmers . That would be Rs 4.5 lakh*crore out of Rs 45 lakh*crore

Let farmers fix :

Ø MSP for each of those 26 crops

Ø MPQ ( Max Purchase Quantities ) for each of those crops

The sum total must NOT exceed Rs 4.5 Lakh*crore !

As simple as that . Period

Make farmers , a “ Party to Decision “

Coming to think of it , I believe that for every “ self employed “ farmer , there

must be two other “ self-employed “ citizen , producing some goods / services

For them, there is no “ Swaminathan Commission “ , no calculation of “ Input

Costs “ , no formula of MSP

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.HemenParekh.ai / 21 Feb 2024

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Agri Reforms : an Ongoing Process………………………………… …..[ 20 Nov 2021 ]

“ Tractor-Pulled “ to “ Technology-Pushed “ ………………………..[ 20 Sept 2021 ]

Finally Announced : Agri Infra Fund to APMC ……………………….[ 08 July 2021 ]

Agristack: The New Digital Push in Agriculture …………………..[ 26 June 2021 ]

Digital Farming ? ……………………………………………………..[ 15 April 2021 ]

Kisan Sabha gets Constructive ………………………………………………[ 20 Feb 2021 ]

Monetizing Geospatial Data ……………………………………………………[ 16 Feb 2021 ]

2020 ( 6 )

Congratulations, Shri P K Purwarji ………………………………………[ 21 Dec 2020 ]

e-NAM ; reimagined to resolve farmer agitation……………………[ 10 Dec 2020 ]

How about introducing a PLI for agricultural produce ?.........[ 08 Dec 2020 ]

Production Linked Incentive for Rice ( Paddy ) ……………………..[ 09 Dec 2020 ]

Thank You, Shri Tomarji ………………………………………………………..[ 28 Sept 2020 ]

Selling Farm Laws before selling Farm Crops………………………. [ 24 Sept 2020 ]

2019 ( 1 )

Influence farmers and win Votes ? ………………………………………….[ 04 Feb 2019 ]

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CC :

Shri Piyush Goyalji ( piyush.goyal@gov.in )

Shri Arjun Mundaji ( Arjun.munda@gov.in / Arjun.munda@gmail.com / agrimin.india@gmail.com )

Shri Bhagvant Mannji ( cmo@punjab.gov.in / bhagwant.mann@sansad.nic.in / bhagwantmann@gmail.com )

Monday, 19 February 2024

SCI will arrive before BCI

{ SCI = Skin Computer Interface / BCI = Brain Computer Interface }

After experimenting for a couple of years and getting FDA approval , Elon Musk’s Neuralink planted in a patient’s brain , a sensor which will capture brain waves , decode what these signify and based on those interpretations , do things like moving a paralysed leg / hand or type on a computer screen

Renowned scientist Stephen Hawking was able to type on a computer screen, by just looking at an alphabet / keyboard on that screen

If Neuralink experiment succeeds , it will still take , at least a decade before its cost becomes affordable to a insignificant fraction of patients needing such BCI

For 99.999 % of remaining patients , it will remain “ out of reach “

For rest of the humans, there will be no need for such a “ surgical intervention “

And when it is a matter of just “ monitoring “ a person’s vital health signs, Smart watches are making rapid progress . But besides being expensive , these will continue to have limited acceptance

But here comes a news which may change that . It may , after all bring about what I envisaged in my following 7 year old blog :

Ø 2024 ! – V 2.0 of Orwellian 1984 ? ……………. 07 July 2017

Extract :

There are 7,000 million people on the earth

It is possible that , at any given time , some 7 million of these are lying in ICU , connected with :

* Electroencephalogram ( Brain Monitor )

* Electrocardiogram ( Heart Monitor )

* Pulse Rate Meter

* Oxygen Level Meter

* Glucose Level Meter........etc

As soon as these instruments get embedded with Internet of Things ( IoT ), a central server could collect all of these " measurements / readings " on 24*7 basis , for all 7 million persons

Then it will combine these readings with following data about each of those 7 million persons :

* Country / Region / City / Language

* Race / Religion / Gender / Age

* Height / Weight / Colour / Biometrics

* Blood Group / DNA / Past Medical History.....etc

It will also record , who died / when !

Using such massive data base, can BIG DATA / Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning , figure out what " Customized healthcare / Medical treatment / Supplementary diet " should be " prescribed " for each human on this earth ?

Shall we support such " Invasion of Individual Privacy " , in the larger interest / benefit of entire mankind ?

I think , we should

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Ø Sound of Devices is Unstoppable ……………………… 17 Mar 2023

Extract :

Dear Shri Chandrasekharji ,

It is time to ask :

“ Can any law ever deal with the threat to personal privacy, likely to be caused by INVASIVE DEVICES ? “

Devices which are :

Ø Extremely tiny ( size of a speck of dust and millions floating in the air )

Ø Wearable ( not just smart watches / AR-VR glasses / skin-thin sensor-embedded tattoos / contact lenses / but, before long, sensors embedded under your skin or in your brain, ala Neuralink )

Now here are some news which has the potential to “ interconnect “ the health monitoring of entire mankind :

NTU develops thinner-than-hair stretchable tech to mind-control robots … Int Engg … 14 Feb 2024

Extract :

Researchers at the Nanyang Technical University (NTU) in Singapore are leading the way in the development of soft electronics and have now set up a high-tech laboratory where they can rapidly prototype new devices with ultrathin and stretchable electronics.

Conventional electronics products are hard and rigid since they rely on silicon as their primary substrate. These products work well at industrial scales or even for personal use products.

BUT, rigidity becomes a major hurdle when they have to be used in conjunction with the human body.

According to the United Nations, 15 percent of the global population has a physical disability of some form. Just like electronics help ease our daily lives, technology could also help improve the lives of those with disabilities.

However, overcoming the rigidity of electronics is a crucial step, and this is where soft electronics can help.

How are soft electronics made?

Researchers at NTU have devised various formulations for softer materials, such as hydrogels and biocompatible plastics, that can teamed up with electronics to make softer electronics.

Rigid electronic circuits risk breaking if they have to undergo repeated movements. The researchers printed the circuits on softer substrates to avoid this, facilitating repeated movements. One such printing pattern is the ribbon form, which is thinner than human hair and can stretch without breaking.

Another material that the laboratory has developed is a softer version of a Lego-like universal connector called BIND. The connector is soft and can join electronic components by pressing them together.

This connector can be stretched to seven times its length and is also 60 times tougher than conventional connectors, the researchers said in a press release.

Uses of soft electronics

NTU researchers have already demonstrated the use of soft electronics by integrating various sensors into their devices to measure parameters like heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure, to list a few.

Encased in soft, flexible, and stretchable gel-like skin, these sensors resemble silicon bandages used widely in healthcare setups but offer many more advantages.

For instance, these bandages can facilitate the movements of joints. Depending on the use case scenario, they can be deployed in various thicknesses.

A similar material developed by the team can also be applied around the heart and monitor its working without being invasive like conventional pacemakers. In the future, the material could be further developed into a pacemaker.

Not just for the human body, soft electronics can help in crop monitoring as well since they can be applied directly to plants and issue alerts about crop diseases. Additionally, the sensors can help improve food safety when applied to food packaging.

NTU and its industrial partners have set up a pilot laboratory to develop and produce soft electronics. This is also aimed at developing an ecosystem for large-scale manufacturing of soft electronics in Singapore.

"We aim to address some of humanity's most pressing challenges, from climate change to healthcare advancements," said Chen Xiaodong, materials science and engineering professor at NTU.

Chen has 50 patents in soft electronics to his credit and will head the pilot laboratory.

"My goal is to establish a new center of excellence for soft electronics, building a team of industry experts and commercial partners to swiftly bring these technologies to market," he added in the press release.

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.HemenParekh.ai / 18 Feb 2024

Comments by ChatGPT :

It's fascinating to see the developments in soft electronics and the potential applications in healthcare and beyond.

Predicting the exact timeline for technological advancements is challenging, but based on the information you provided, it seems that soft electronics have the potential to revolutionize health monitoring.

In your blog from 2017, you envisioned a scenario where IoT-connected health monitoring devices would collect data from millions of people, combining it with various personal details to provide customized healthcare recommendations.

The recent news about NTU's developments in soft electronics aligns with this vision, showcasing advancements in wearable and non-invasive health monitoring technologies.

As for the comparison between Skin Computer Interface (SCI) and Brain Computer Interface (BCI), it's difficult to predict which technology will become more widespread first.

Elon Musk's Neuralink is making strides in BCI, focusing on direct brain-machine interfaces. On the other hand, soft electronics, as described in the NTU development, could potentially pave the way for more accessible and non-invasive health monitoring solutions, which might be considered a form of SCI.

The timeline for widespread adoption depends on various factors, including technological breakthroughs, regulatory approvals, and market acceptance. It's reasonable to assume that advancements in both SCI and BCI will continue in parallel, each with its unique applications and challenges.

If the soft electronics technology progresses as anticipated, it could indeed provide a viable and less invasive alternative for health monitoring, potentially arriving before widespread adoption of more complex and expensive BCI technologies.

However, predicting an exact timeframe remains speculative, and advancements in technology often come with unforeseen developments.

Monitoring the progress of these technologies over the next few years will be essential to see how they shape the future of healthcare and personalized medicine.

Comments by GEMINI :

It is difficult to definitively say whether SCI (Skin Computer Interface) will arrive before BCI (Brain Computer Interface) and, if so, by how many years. Both technologies are still under development, and their progress will depend on various factors, including technological advancements, regulatory approvals, and public acceptance.

Here's what we can glean from the information you provided:

On SCI:

· The blog post "Sound of Devices is Unstoppable" (March 2023) mentions the development of thin, stretchable electronics that could be used as skin sensors.

· The news article "NTU develops thinner-than-hair stretchable tech to mind-control robots" (February 2024) highlights the potential of soft electronics for healthcare applications.

On BCI:

· The blog post "2024! - V 2.0 of Orwellian 1984?" (July 2017) predicted the high cost of BCI technology like Neuralink, making it inaccessible to most people.

Overall:

· Both SCI and BCI technologies are evolving rapidly, and it's difficult to predict which one will be more readily available in the future.

· SCI might have advantages in terms of affordability and non-invasiveness, while BCI might offer more advanced functionalities.

· The development of both technologies will likely happen in parallel, with each potentially influencing the other.

Therefore, it's impossible to say with certainty whether SCI will arrive before BCI or vice versa. However, the information you provided suggests that both technologies have the potential to revolutionize healthcare and human-computer interaction in the coming years.

Currency Fake : a Solution in Sight ?... …………………….. 19 Feb 2024

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Added on 27 Feb 2024 :

Wearable Tech Reads Human Emotions