Even as I launch this today ( my 80th Birthday ), I realize that there is yet so much to say and do. There is just no time to look back, no time to wonder,"Will anyone read these pages?"
With regards, Hemen Parekh 27 June 2013
Now as I approach my 90th birthday ( 27 June 2023 ) , I invite you to visit my Digital Avatar ( www.hemenparekh.ai ) – and continue chatting with me , even when I am no more here physically
The article discusses a significant
change coming in the realm of e-way bills, with the announcement that from
March 1, e-way bills generated without business-to-business (B2B) e-invoice
details will be blocked. This move aims to streamline the process and enhance
compliance with the e-invoicing system, ensuring that the e-way bill generation
aligns closely with the invoicing details, reducing discrepancies and improving
efficiency in the transportation of goods. This step towards tighter
integration between e-invoicing and e-way bills signifies a proactive approach
by authorities to enhance transparency and accountability in the logistics and
taxation ecosystem.
"In retrospect, my suggestion
from four years ago regarding the implementation of advanced technology in
e-way bill management seems more relevant than ever. The recent shift towards
blocking e-way bills without corresponding e-invoice details resonates with the
need for a high-tech interface, as I had highlighted. This step mirrors the
intent to leverage RFID chips and QR codes for seamless monitoring of goods
movement and to prevent any potential hurdles like inspector raj, ensuring a
smoother flow of goods traffic."
"It's
heartening to see the evolution towards real-time data integration for vehicles
without e-way bills, a concept I had envisioned in one of my past
communications. By providing GST officers with instantaneous reports on
non-compliant vehicles, the system aims to curb GST evasion effectively. This
proactive measure aligns perfectly with the essence of my earlier suggestion to
enhance monitoring mechanisms for smoother commerce, ultimately aiding in the
identification of tax evaders and ensuring compliance."
Call to Action:
To the authorities implementing the
e-way bill regulations, I urge a continuous dialogue with stakeholders to
ensure a smooth transition to the new system. Additionally, fostering awareness
and providing adequate support to businesses for seamless e-invoice integration
will be crucial in realizing the full potential of this enhanced compliance
mechanism.
In a significant development, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi highlighted the pivotal role played by unity among women that
compelled political parties to embrace the Reservation Bill. This unity among
women demanded the adoption of the bill that aimed at providing reservation for
women in various political domains. The pressure mounted by this collective
force led to the acceptance and implementation of this crucial legislation by
the political parties. PM Modi emphasized the strength of this unity in shaping
and directing the political landscape towards a more inclusive and empowering
future.
"Reflecting on my earlier blog post about the
necessity for more women's representation in politics, I can't help but draw
parallels to the recent advancements in the Reservation Bill. The foresight
shared in my previous blog resonates with the current scenario, where unity
among women has driven substantial changes in political nominations. It's
heartening to witness the seeds of empowerment sown in past discussions
blooming into tangible actions today."
"Seven years back, I delved into the intricate details
of the Women's Reservation Bill in India, dissecting the reservations and the
conditional support from various political parties. Today, as we witness the
echoes of the past reverberating in the present, with PM Modi acknowledging the
impact of women's unity on political decisions, the importance of consistent
advocacy for gender inclusivity in politics remains evident. The progress made
since then reflects a promising shift towards a more balanced and representative
political landscape."
To all political parties and decision-makers,
heed the power of unity and inclusivity as demonstrated by women in driving
political reforms. Embrace diversity and empower underrepresented voices in
governance for a more equitable and inclusive society.
Following are a few examples of how nature has organized the Universe. I
am sure hundreds of other things that we find around us , follow the same
pattern
But how are their “ Attributes “ distributed among the populations of
these entities ?
Distribution Curves shown below , are a few , most likely examples
A few follow a “ reasonably but not a perfect “ , NORMAL DISTRIBUTION , shown at the top
Then there are quite a large number of entities which are unevenly
distributed , with tendency towards a “ LOW “ value of attribute or towards a “
HIGH “ value . These SKEWED DISTRIBUTIONS are shown in the middle
At the bottom, is a , highly unlikely , FLAT / EVEN , distribution curve
where the % age of population , for all “ Class Intervals “ , has almost the
same values for attributes
Apparently , INEQUALITY seems to be the rule and EQUALITY an exception !
Over past hundreds of years, Political Systems ( Democracy /
Dictatorship / Kingdoms etc ) have not succeeded in reducing the “ inequalities
“ , in any significant way
Nor have different experimentations with Economic Systems ( Communist –
Socialist – Capitalist etc ), fared any better in reducing the gap between the
RICH and the POOR of the world
But could this change
with the arrival of Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) ?
In the above blog , I have
cited a few examples of " ATTRIBUTE DISTRIBUTIONS " of various
entities .
Obviously, some of these
inequalities are genetic and cannot be bridged.
But then there are inequalities of WEALTH, with a very small no of world population owning
/ controlling , 90 % of world's wealth and millions starving to death for want
of money to buy even food.
So far our Political / Economic Systems have failed miserably to
reduce this gap - leave alone bridge it.
I would like your views whether AI can- and will- help
reduce this gap and if you believe so , how will AI go about this ?
ChatGPT replied :
AI has the potential to play a
significant role in addressing wealth inequality, but
it is not a silver bullet. The impact of AI depends largely on how it is
deployed, regulated, and integrated into the existing economic and political
systems.
Here’s how
AI could help reduce the
gap between the rich and the poor, along with the challenges and
opportunities it presents:
1. Enhanced Economic Productivity and Job Creation
Automation and Efficiency:
AI can automate repetitive, low-skilled tasks, increasing overall productivityin various industries like manufacturing,
agriculture, and logistics. This could lead to lower production costs and, in
turn, make essential goods more affordable.
New Job Opportunities:
While AI will replace some jobs, it can also create new categories of workthat didn’t previously exist, particularly in AI
development, maintenance, and application. Training programs and upskilling
initiatives driven by AI could provide people with access to higher-paying
jobs, helping to uplift the economically disadvantaged.
2. Targeted Social Programs and Policy Interventions
Data-Driven Social
Welfare:
AI can
analyze vast amounts of datato identify the most vulnerable populations and allocate resources more
effectively. By precisely targeting social programs
(e.g., food aid, healthcare access, and housing), governments could
significantly improve living conditions and reduce poverty.
Optimizing Tax Systems:
AI could help governments develop more efficient and progressive tax
policies. By tracking economic activities and identifying tax evasion or
avoidance patterns, AI could enable more equitable
taxation, ensuring the wealthy pay their fair share and that revenue is channelled into public welfare programs.
3. Financial Inclusion and Empowerment
Accessible Banking and
Microfinance:
AI-powered fintech solutions can extend
financial services to the unbanked population, especially in developing
regions. By providing digital banking, microloans, and mobile payment systems,
AI can empower individuals and small businesses to grow economically, promoting
upward mobility.
Personalized Financial
Advice:
AI can offer personalized financial guidance and support to those without
access to traditional financial planning services. This helps individuals make informed decisions
about saving, investing, and managing debt, reducing wealth inequality
over time.
4. Improving Access to Education and Skills
Development
AI-Driven Education
Platforms:
AI can provide personalized learning experiencestailored
to individual needs, making education more accessible and affordable. Online platforms could reach remote and underserved
communities, bridging the educational divide.
Lifelong Learning
Programs:
AI can also facilitate lifelong learning, allowing workers to continuously upgrade their skills in response to the
evolving job market. This adaptability helps prevent long-term unemployment and
increases economic participation among low-income individuals.
5. Healthcare Access and Affordability
AI in Healthcare:
AI-powered diagnostic tools and telemedicine services can provide high-quality medical care to underserved
populations at a lower cost. AI can predict disease outbreaks, optimize
resource allocation, and deliver preventive care measures, ultimately improving
health outcomes and reducing the financial burden of healthcare on poor
communities.
Efficient Resource
Distribution:
AI can analyze healthcare data to prioritize areas in most need of
resources, ensuring that aid reaches those who require it the most, potentially
narrowing health-related
wealth disparities.
6. Sustainable Development and Environmental Justice
Optimizing Resource Use:
AI can be used to monitor and manage natural resources efficiently,
ensuring equitable
distribution of water, food, and energy. By reducing waste and improving
agricultural productivity, AI can help ensure that basic needs are met even in
economically disadvantaged regions.
Climate Change Mitigation:
Poor communities are often the most affected by climate change. AI can
predict environmental risks, optimize disaster response efforts, and develop
sustainable practices, reducing the economic impact of environmental
inequalities.
Challenges
and Considerations
While AI
holds promise, several challenges need addressing to ensure it doesn’t widen
the wealth gap further:
Regulation and Governance:
Without proper regulation, AI could become a tool that benefits the wealthy and powerful, reinforcing existing inequalities. Governments must
implement policies that ensure AI development is inclusive and benefits society
as a whole.
Data Privacy and Bias:
AI systems depend on vast amounts of data, and privacy must be protected,
especially for marginalized communities. Additionally, AI
must be designed to avoid reinforcing biases that can lead to
discrimination and inequality.
Access to AI Technology:
For AI to bridge the wealth gap, its benefits must
be accessible to all, not just the privileged. Affordable technology,
internet access, and digital literacy are essential components that need to be
addressed.
Conclusion
AI has the
potential to reduce wealth inequality, but its impact will depend on collective efforts by
governments, organizations, and society.
If deployed
responsibly and inclusively, AI can help build a more equitable future by
providing opportunities for economic up-liftment, better access to essential
services, and enhanced productivity.
However, if left unchecked, it could also
exacerbate the divide between the rich and the poor.
This made me
ask ChatGPT :
“Good
Morning, ChatGPT :
During our chat yesterday
( re : role that AI can play in reducing inequalities ) , you said :
" • Access to AI Technology:
For AI to bridge the wealth
gap, its benefits must be accessible to all, not just
the privileged. Affordable technology, internet access, and digital
literacy are essential components that need to be addressed. Conclusion AI has
the potential to reduce wealth inequality, but its impact will depend on
collective efforts by governments, organizations, and society. If deployed
responsibly and inclusively, AI can help build a more equitable future by
providing opportunities for economic up-liftment, better access to essential
services, and enhanced productivity.
However, if left unchecked, it could also exacerbate the divide
between the rich and the poor. "
Now , from data published
by World Intellectual Property Organization , I gather that most of the GenAI patents granted as
of now are " cornered " by just following 10 companies :
Tencent (2,074 inventions), Ping An Insurance
(1,564 inventions), Baidu (1,234 inventions), Chinese Academy of Sciences
(607), IBM (601), Alibaba Group (571), Samsung Electronics (468), Alphabet
(443), ByteDance (418), Microsoft (377).
This clearly shows that
most of the AI technologies are " monopolized " by China and USA
This clearly echoes your
" fears " re: concentration of AI power
I strongly support your
views and suggest that the
UN charter should be immediately modified whereby , these companies are obliged
to share their GenAI with any UN member country.
And not only those top 10
companies but all companies anywhere in the World , holding a GenAI patent .
In nutshell , GenAI
must be treated like AIR
surrounding our planet which is freely available ( to breath and live )
to entire population of the world equally .
Pl give your views on my
suggestion :
ChatGPTreplied :
“Good Morning!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and
data regarding the concentration of AI technology.
Your suggestion to
make Generative AI (GenAI) technology available globally as a shared resource
is ambitious and, in principle, aligns with the goal of
creating a more equitable world.
Let me elaborate on your suggestion and its
implications:
1. AI as a Public Good
Your
analogy of GenAI being like "air" emphasizes the idea that AI should
be treated as a public good—freely accessible and available to everyone. By making it universally
accessible, countries and communities that currently lack the resources or
technological capabilities could leverage AI for economic development,
healthcare, education, and more.
This approach could significantly reduce global
inequalities and democratize the benefits of AI.
2. UN Involvement and the Modification of the
Charter
The United
Nations (UN) could indeed play a crucial role in promoting the responsible and
equitable sharing of AI technology. If the UN charter
were to be modified to mandate that companies holding GenAI patents
share their technologies with UN member countries, it
would be a monumental shift toward cooperative technology development.
However,
this would require global
consensus and likely face resistance from countries and corporations
that currently dominate the AI landscape.
The
challenge would be to structure the mandate in a
way that:
Respects
Intellectual Property (IP):
Companies invest heavily in R&D, and simply mandating that they share
their technology could be seen as violating their intellectual property rights.
The UN would need to devise a framework where the
benefits of AI could be shared while providing companies with incentives or
compensation for their contributions.
Encourages Innovation:
Companies might be less motivated to innovate if they are obliged to share
their developments. An alternative could be creating
open, collaborative platforms where companies are encouraged to contribute
technology while still retaining some commercial benefits.
3. Technology Transfer and Capacity Building
For GenAI
technology to be effectively shared and utilized, a comprehensive approach is needed:
Technology Transfer
Programs:
The UN could establish global technology transfer
programs to help countries access, implement, and develop AI technology. This would involve training,
infrastructure support, and partnerships between developed and developing
nations.
Capacity Building:
In addition to access, countries would need significant support in terms of
digital literacy, infrastructure development, and regulatory guidance to
harness the full potential of AI responsibly. The UN could facilitate
capacity-building initiatives to prepare countries for AI adoption.
4. Global AI Regulation and Governance
If GenAI is
to be universally accessible, international regulations
and governance mechanisms would be necessary.
The UN could
establish a global body to
oversee the responsible sharing and usage of AI technologies, ensuring
they are not used to exacerbate inequalities or for harmful purposes. This body
could:
Ensure that AI tools and
data are shared ethically and equitably.
Monitor the impact of AI
technology on societies, economies, and labor markets.
Promote transparency and
fair competition, preventing monopolistic behavior.
5. Balancing Equity and Innovation
The idea of making GenAI universally accessible is
transformative, but it
must be balanced with the need to maintain a healthy innovation ecosystem. Some
possible approaches could be:
Open Source Collaboration:
Encourage companies to participate in global AI development efforts through
open-source projects, allowing them to maintain
a competitive edge while contributing to the global community.
Incentivized
Participation:
Provide financial incentives or recognition programs for companies that
contribute their GenAI technologies to international initiatives, thus rewarding innovation and
collaboration simultaneously.
Conclusion
Your
suggestion to make
GenAI as freely available as air has profound potential for addressing global inequalities.
However, its
implementation would require:
Modifying existing
international regulations and intellectual property laws.
Creating an inclusive,
cooperative framework that ensures both equity and continued innovation.
Developing global
governance structures to monitor and manage AI technology responsibly.
If done
correctly, this could set a precedent for global technology sharing, helping to build a future where
AI truly benefits all of humanity, not just a privileged few.
“Why are some countries today richer than
others? The Sveriges
Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel — or the
Economics Nobel, to its friends — has been awarded to economists Daron
Acemoglu, Simon Johnson and James Robinson for their work
investigating the influence of institutions on a country’s success. “
“The 2024 Economics Nobel laureates have argued
that differences in the quality of economic and political institutions is what
best explains the divergence in
the economic fates of countries “
The introduction of more inclusive institutions, less extraction
and the rule of law would create long-term benefits. So why don’t the elite simply replace the existing
economic system?
The laureates’ model for explaining the circumstances under which
political institutions are formed and changed has three components.
The first is a conflict over how resources are allocated and who holds decision-making power
in a society (the elite or the masses).
The second is that the masses sometimes have the opportunity to
exercise power by mobilising and threatening the ruling elite; power
in a society is thus more than the power to make decisions.
The third is the commitment problem, which means that the only alternative is for the
elite to hand over decision-making power to the populace.
The
laureates don’t offer solutions
to inequalitybut have demonstrated the “importance of societal institutions for a
country’sprosperity.
The gap in prosperity between nations
today is a consequence of such historical transformations.
Support for democracy is at an all-time low because democracy hasn’t delivered what it promised – jobs,
stability, and quality public goods.
Authoritarian, populist leadership styles imperil
institutions. When institutions fail, democracy falters – job-creation to law & order to
service delivery.
Globally, centre-left and centre-right parties are now associated with “wage stagnation and rising inequality”
Rise of capital stock supported by higher savings, and
employment of more workers are treated as two main forms of raising factors of
production. On the other hand, technological changes due to innovations, and improvement of skills of
labour through education and training contribute to improvement of TFP
