During the last Christmas vacation, my former student, a faculty in a business school, paid me a visit at my home. At that moment, my granddaughter, who is currently in the second standard, entered my drawing room. She noticed the caption “Artificial Intelligence” on the magazine I was reading, which was lying on the teapoy. To our amazement, she promptly explained the meaning of AI, mentioning that it was taught in her computer class. Continuing the conversation, my guest shared that he had taken an online course on AI and successfully utilised the tools for writing letters, preparing papers, and creating presentations. It’s fascinating to observe how AI, the latest technological marvel, has captured the interest of individuals across various age groups.

Artificial Intelligence (AI), the fastest-spreading technology in human history, is making a profound impact across all domains. As fraudsters take advantage, the general public is in bewilderment. Many companies are rapidly emerging and adopting this technology, while established ones seek to absorb the newcomers. Governments and international agencies are grappling with the challenge of reaching a consensus to mitigate the negative effects of AI without impeding its growth.

AI’s influence on the global business landscape became evident with the recent shift in the world’s most valued company, Apple, which had held the top position since displacing Exxon Mobil in 2011. In January 2024, Microsoft, propelled by substantial investments in AI, surpassed Apple to claim the coveted title. This development is particularly gratifying for Indians, given that Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella, hails from Hyderabad and has Indian roots. Since assuming leadership in 2014, Nadella has steered Microsoft on a positive trajectory. His strategic move to collaborate with the pioneering generative AI firm, OpenAI (the startup behind ChatGPT), has positioned Microsoft as a frontrunner in the rapidly converging field of AI. The Economist’s prediction in its September 29 issue about Microsoft becoming the world’s most valued company has materialized sooner than anticipated.

This marks the ascension of AI as the foremost influential, impactful, and potent technology in contemporary times.

To read the news in various international publications, click the respective names

Wall Street Journal         Forbes          New York Times