Tag: AI

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Technology

AI stethoscopes boost early health screening

AI-powered digital stethoscopes are emerging as powerful tools that could change how diseases are detected during basic health screenings, according to recent research. By combining traditional auscultation with artificial intelligence, these devices help clinicians identify warning signs that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The technology works by capturing detailed heart and lung sounds and analysing them through AI algorithms trained to recognise disease-specific patterns. This approach has shown strong results in detecting heart valve disorders and respiratory conditions, even in early or mild stages.

One of the key advantages of AI-enabled stethoscopes is their potential to address screening shortfalls in resource-limited settings. Many regions lack access to imaging tests and specialist doctors, leading to delayed or missed diagnoses. Portable digital stethoscopes can be used in community clinics and outreach programmes, bringing advanced screening closer to patients.

Researchers say the tools could be particularly useful in identifying lung infections such as tuberculosis, which continues to affect millions worldwide. AI systems can detect abnormal lung sounds linked to infection, helping health workers decide who needs further testing.

The devices also support digital storage and remote sharing of recordings, making them suitable for telehealth services. This allows doctors to review patient data from afar and advise on next steps.

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Technology

AI tools set to transform software jobs

The rapid evolution of AI-driven development tools is poised to transform the software industry, changing how applications are created and challenging traditional coding roles. Generative AI models, such as Anthropic’s Claude, are now capable of handling tasks that once required experienced programmers, from writing code to building entire software systems.

A striking example comes from a recent app development scenario: a non-technical investor, using AI tools, built a fully functional iOS app on the Bhagavad Gita without writing a single line of code. The app, 10 Minute Gita, includes daily readings, translations, searchable content, and customization — all generated through AI prompts. This highlights the growing ability of AI to automate complex software engineering tasks.

Advanced models like Claude have even achieved technical milestones such as creating a complete C compiler, demonstrating that AI can now handle core programming functions traditionally reserved for trained engineers. These capabilities signal a shift in the software landscape, where productivity and application development are increasingly augmented or even replaced by AI.

Industry experts warn that this could have profound implications for IT professionals. Developers who have relied on coding as a primary career skill may find traditional roles shrinking as AI takes over routine and even advanced tasks. While this shift poses challenges, it also opens avenues for human creativity, innovation, and oversight in AI-driven workflows.

The broader tech community is observing these trends closely, as generative AI continues to influence IT strategies, investment decisions, and employment patterns globally. Companies are exploring ways to integrate AI tools into their development pipelines, emphasizing efficiency and faster product delivery, which could redefine career expectations for software engineers.

In this changing environment, the message is clear: IT professionals must adapt and diversify their skill sets to remain relevant. Embracing AI as a collaborator rather than a competitor, learning AI integration, and focusing on creative or managerial roles could help coders navigate the future of work.

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Corporate

Asia IT shares slide as AI triggers global tech sell-off

Asian software and IT stocks fell sharply after a heavy sell-off in U.S. technology markets, as investors grew increasingly nervous about the disruptive impact of new artificial intelligence tools on traditional software and services businesses.

The market jitters were triggered by recent announcements from U.S.-based AI startup Anthropic, which unveiled advanced automation features for its AI model, Claude. The tools are designed to perform complex tasks across areas such as legal research, marketing, sales, coding and data analysis. While Anthropic has said the outputs are meant to assist professionals rather than replace them, investors fear that such technology could significantly reduce demand for conventional software products and subscription-based services.

These concerns sparked a sharp global reaction. In the U.S. and Europe, software, data and professional services companies suffered steep losses, wiping out nearly $300 billion in market value in a single session. Shares of major information and analytics firms, including legal and financial data providers, dropped by double digits, dragging down broader tech indices such as the Nasdaq and the S&P 500.

The negative sentiment quickly spilled over into Asian markets. Software and IT stocks across the region declined as investors reacted to the overnight rout in global tech shares. India’s IT sector was among the worst hit, with shares of leading exporters such as Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Wipro and HCLTech falling as much as 6–7%. The sector is particularly vulnerable because a large share of its revenue comes from U.S. and European clients, where spending sentiment is closely tied to technology trends.

China’s software services stocks also came under pressure, with sector indices falling around 3%. Technology shares in Hong Kong and parts of Japan weakened as well, reflecting broader concerns that rapid AI adoption could disrupt existing business models faster than companies can adapt.

However, the sell-off was not uniform across the tech space. Hardware and semiconductor stocks held up better in parts of Asia, supported by expectations that demand for AI-related chips and infrastructure will continue to grow. South Korea’s market, for instance, found support from chipmakers seen as direct beneficiaries of the AI boom.

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Leaders

Elon Musk’s SpaceX buys xAI in $1.25 trillion merger

Elon Musk has brought his two biggest futuristic bets closer together. His space exploration company SpaceX has acquired his artificial intelligence firm xAI in a deal that values the combined private entity at around $1.25 trillion, according to reports.

The merger brings xAI, the company behind the AI chatbot Grok, fully under SpaceX, creating a single organisation that blends space technology, satellite networks and advanced artificial intelligence. While SpaceX is estimated to be worth about $1 trillion, xAI’s valuation is pegged at roughly $250 billion.

Musk said the deal is aimed at solving one of the biggest challenges facing AI today: infrastructure. Modern AI systems rely on massive data centres that consume huge amounts of electricity and water for cooling. Musk has argued that this model is unsustainable in the long run.

His solution is ambitious, move AI data centres into space.

By placing large-scale computing infrastructure in orbit, Musk believes AI systems could run on near-constant solar energy, reduce strain on Earth’s power grids and avoid many land-based environmental constraints. Space-based data centres could also operate at scale without competing with cities and industries for electricity and water.

As part of this broader vision, SpaceX has reportedly applied to US regulators for permission to launch up to one million additional satellites in the coming years. These satellites could form a vast network capable of supporting AI processing, data transfer and global connectivity from space.

The merger also strengthens the link between xAI and Musk’s social media platform X, which already uses AI tools such as Grok for content analysis and real-time information. Integrating these systems with SpaceX’s satellite and launch capabilities could give Musk an edge in building a global AI-powered communications ecosystem.

The deal comes at a time when SpaceX is preparing for a potential initial public offering (IPO), expected later in 2026. Analysts say combining AI and space infrastructure under one roof could significantly boost investor interest, while also positioning the company as a competitor to major cloud and AI firms.

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Beyond

India offers tax-free AI cloud incentive until 2047

The Union Budget 2026–27 unveiled a major tax incentive to attract foreign cloud providers and AI firms to India. Under the new policy, companies operating AI and cloud services from Indian data centres will pay zero corporate tax on revenues until 2047, provided they serve Indian customers through a locally incorporated reseller.

The government has also introduced a 15% safe-harbour tax regime for Indian data centre operators serving foreign clients. This ensures predictability for investors and encourages long-term infrastructure expansion. The measures are aimed at strengthening India’s digital backbone, boosting cloud and AI capacities, and making the country a global hub for advanced computing services.

Industry leaders have welcomed the move as a significant step to attract multinational technology firms to set up or expand data centre operations in India. Analysts predict that the policy could generate thousands of jobs, enhance technology transfer, and position India competitively against established AI and cloud markets in the US, Europe, and Asia.

However, experts have also flagged potential challenges, including ensuring sufficient power and water supply, handling cooling requirements, and streamlining regulatory approvals. The government will need to address these infrastructure and operational hurdles to make the policy fully effective.

By offering a 21-year tax holiday, India aims to provide certainty and long-term incentives for global firms to invest in local infrastructure, secure local market participation, and establish a durable technological presence.

This initiative is part of a broader push to expand India’s digital ecosystem, encourage private investment in data centres, and foster growth in emerging technologies such as AI, cloud computing, and machine learning.

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Leaders

IMF Chief warns AI could impact 40% of global jobs

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that artificial intelligence could dramatically reshape the global job market. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva described AI’s rapid rise as a “tsunami” sweeping through the workforce, transforming jobs faster than governments and societies are ready for. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, she urged policymakers and businesses to act quickly to manage the challenges and risks posed by AI.

According to IMF analysis, up to 60% of jobs in advanced economies and about 40% of jobs globally could experience significant change due to AI in the coming years. While some jobs will benefit, seeing productivity and wages rise as AI complements human work, many roles, especially those involving routine tasks, are at risk of automation.

Entry-level positions are particularly vulnerable. These roles, often the first step for young workers entering the labor market, involve repetitive tasks that AI systems can perform efficiently. This could make it harder for graduates and young professionals to secure meaningful employment and gain early career experience.

Middle-income workers are also likely to face disruption. Positions that do not see productivity gains from AI may experience stagnant wages, slower hiring, or even elimination, widening the gap between high-skill, high-paying jobs and others. Georgieva highlighted that, while a small share of workers already benefit from AI, about one in ten jobs in advanced economies, the majority could face uncertainty without proper planning.

The IMF chief stressed that governments are lagging in creating rules, safeguards, and social policies to manage this transformation. She urged policymakers, educators, and business leaders to act quickly to ensure that AI adoption is inclusive and equitable, minimizing risks to the workforce while maximizing productivity gains.

“AI is for real, and it is transforming our world faster than we are getting a handle on it,” Georgieva said. The warning serves as a call to action for nations to prepare for significant structural shifts in the labor market and to implement strategies that protect vulnerable workers while supporting adaptation to the new AI-driven economy.

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Leaders

Coursera cofounder urges India to boost AI skills

India faces a pressing need to train its workforce in artificial intelligence (AI) to avoid job disruption, particularly in its large IT services industry, says Andrew Ng, cofounder of Coursera and founder of DeepLearning.AI. Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Ng said the $280 billion IT sector could lose ground if professionals fail to adopt AI tools quickly.

Ng explained that AI is increasingly capable of handling tasks once done by humans, including coding and software development. “Today, I would not hire a software engineer who isn’t skilled in AI tools,” he said. He also highlighted that AI skills are becoming essential beyond technical roles—marketers, HR professionals, and others now need to use AI to remain productive.

The situation presents both a challenge and an opportunity for India. Rapid upskilling could help the country maintain its global competitiveness, while lagging behind may lead to job losses. Ng emphasised that structured training programs are crucial to prepare workers for these changes.

Ng also addressed the hype around artificial general intelligence (AGI), warning that current AI models, while powerful, are far from human-level reasoning. Overstating their capabilities could mislead students and business leaders.

He added that CEOs and other leaders should also learn about AI to make informed decisions and drive effective projects. Ng’s advice is clear: India must focus on practical AI skills to secure its workforce and future growth.

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Leaders

Instagram enters AI era, Mosseri tells creators

Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri has signaled a major shift in how content will be valued on the platform, declaring the era of highly polished, curated posts effectively over. With AI-generated content becoming widespread, carefully staged visuals no longer hold the same appeal. Instead, Mosseri says, authenticity and originality are emerging as the most important qualities for creators.

In an end-of-year message shared on Instagram and Threads, Mosseri reflected on the challenges and opportunities posed by AI. “Flattering imagery is cheap to produce and boring to consume,” he noted, highlighting how users now often share raw, unpolished moments privately rather than posting them publicly. This trend is giving rise to a “raw aesthetic,” where candid, imperfect content feels more human and engaging.

Mosseri warned that AI’s ability to replicate creator styles at scale makes originality a crucial differentiator. Creators who focus on personal stories, real-life experiences, and their unique voice will be better positioned to connect with audiences than those chasing perfection.

AI also complicates trust on social media. Mosseri acknowledged that distinguishing real content from AI-generated media will grow increasingly difficult. He suggested exploring new ways to verify genuine human-created content, including marking photos at capture or enhancing ranking systems to reward originality.

For creators, the message is clear: the future of social media will favor genuine, relatable, human content over flawless visuals. Success in 2026 and beyond will depend less on aesthetic perfection and more on storytelling, honesty, and the ability to connect authentically with audiences in an AI-driven world.

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Leaders

Geoffrey Hinton warns 2026 could trigger major AI job shock

Geoffrey Hinton, widely known as the “Godfather of AI,” has cautioned that 2026 could become a turning point for global employment as artificial intelligence systems rapidly grow more powerful. Speaking in recent interviews, Hinton said the speed at which AI is advancing has surprised even experts and could lead to large-scale job displacement across multiple sectors within the next year.

Hinton explained that AI tools are no longer limited to handling simple, repetitive tasks. Systems that once completed work taking a few minutes can now manage tasks lasting an hour or more. At this pace, he believes AI could soon take on complex assignments, such as advanced programming, analysis, and problem-solving, that traditionally require months of human effort. As a result, many existing roles could become redundant.

According to Hinton, this technological shift is fundamentally different from earlier industrial changes. Past revolutions mainly reduced the need for physical labour, while creating new types of work. The current AI wave, however, targets cognitive and knowledge-based jobs, including clerical work, customer support, data analysis, and some professional roles. This raises the risk of a “jobless productivity boom,” where companies grow more efficient without increasing their workforce.

The warning has sparked debate among economists and business leaders. Some agree that AI-driven productivity gains could weaken the traditional link between economic growth and job creation. Others argue that while certain jobs will disappear, new roles will emerge, especially in AI development, engineering, oversight, and leadership. Surveys of global CEOs suggest many expect hiring to continue in specialised and entry-level positions, even as job profiles change.

Hinton has also stressed that society is not fully prepared for the scale or speed of this transformation. He believes governments and institutions need to rethink education, reskilling, and social safety nets to help workers adapt. Without timely policy responses, the benefits of AI could be unevenly distributed, widening income inequality and social divides.

While acknowledging AI’s potential to transform healthcare, science, and education positively, Hinton maintains that ignoring its impact on jobs would be a serious mistake. His 2026 warning adds urgency to discussions on how economies and workers should prepare for an AI-driven future.

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Technology

Ex‑Google founders pivot to AI, launch $100mn startup

Two former Google employees, Dhruv Amin and Marcus Lowe, have turned the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT into a business opportunity. The duo initially ran Create, a platform connecting startups with freelance developers, which generated over $2 million annually. However, the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022 prompted them to rethink the future of coding and software development.

Seeing the potential for AI to automate much of the work their developers did, Amin and Lowe decided to close their existing marketplace in October 2023. They laid off half their small team and ended relationships with freelancers. “Within two weeks, we were back to an empty office,” Amin recalled.

From this reset, they rebuilt their company around AI-driven solutions. Their first products helped generate basic app components like forms and calendars. By April 2025, their rebranded startup, Anything, launched a more advanced platform capable of building complete online businesses, including backend systems and payment integrations, without users needing to write code.

The platform quickly gained traction. Within two weeks of the broader launch, Anything achieved an annualized revenue run rate of $2 million. Investor interest followed, resulting in $11 million in funding and a valuation of around $100 million.

Non-technical users have already built real applications on the platform, such as a salon booking app and a dental health tracker. While AI coding remains an emerging sector, Amin believes embracing the technology early positioned their company for growth and relevance in a rapidly evolving market.

Looking back, he described the decision to shut down their profitable business as difficult but strategic. Their story illustrates how AI tools like ChatGPT are reshaping entrepreneurship, enabling rapid innovation and entirely new business models.

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