How Are India’s Tech and AI Innovations Impacting Millions of Lives?
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Synopsis
In a powerful address, Minister Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar highlights how India's technological innovations like UPI and AI are transforming lives. While celebrating these advancements, he also emphasizes the need for ethical governance in AI to combat biases and protect jobs, urging a collective effort for a responsible digital future.
Key Takeaways
- UPI has revolutionized payment systems in India.
- AI systems played a critical role in saving lives during disasters.
- Algorithmic bias remains a significant issue in technology.
- A five-point framework for responsible AI governance is proposed.
- Vigilance and proactive measures are essential for ethical AI development.
New Delhi, Oct 9 (NationPress) The innovations emerging from India, ranging from UPI to ONDC, are not merely technological advancements; they focus on transforming lives, stated Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, the Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, on Thursday.
While addressing the 'International AI Summit' held alongside the ‘India Mobile Congress 2025’ in New Delhi, the minister emphasized the role of digital technologies in reshaping the fabric of daily life.
He remarked that UPI has made payment transactions seamless for all, ONDC has unlocked e-commerce avenues for small vendors, and AI-driven alert systems played a vital role in saving over 500,000 lives during the catastrophic floods in Kerala in 2024.
Referencing the AI-powered Fraud Risk Indicator from the Department of Telecommunications, which blocked 4.8 million scams and averted losses of Rs 140 crore, he emphasized how these innovations empower, protect, and uplift the populace.
However, Dr. Pemmasani warned against potential risks, stating, “Deepfakes are threatening democracy,” as he highlighted over 50 fabricated videos that circulated during the 2024 elections, which contributed to misinformation and eroded public trust.
Addressing the challenge of algorithmic bias, he pointed out that “AI tools for hiring rejected 40% more women in IT roles, while lending algorithms unfairly denied rural applicants.”
The minister noted that technology, which should ideally be neutral, has instead reflected societal biases, exacerbating inequality.
He also raised concerns about automation and privacy infringements, warning that by 2030, up to 30% of jobs in IT and manufacturing could be at risk.
Additionally, he stated that facial recognition systems have misidentified minorities with error rates as high as 80%, and in healthcare, AI misdiagnosed 20% of tuberculosis cases in hospitals in Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the dangers of opaque and unaccountable systems.
Dr. Pemmasani called for a collective and ethical approach to AI, urging governments, industries, and citizens to take decisive action.
He proposed a five-point framework for responsible AI governance: Combat Bias; Protect Jobs; Safeguard Privacy; Ensure Transparency; and Lead with Ethics.
Encouraging organizations and individuals to be vigilant and proactive, Dr. Pemmasani reaffirmed India’s commitment to fostering AI that is trustworthy, inclusive, and human-centric.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the dual narrative of India's technological progress. While innovations in AI and digital payments are indeed transforming everyday lives, they also present significant ethical challenges. The emphasis must be on ensuring inclusivity and fairness in these advancements, aligning with national interests and societal values.
NationPress
09/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is UPI?
UPI, or Unified Payments Interface, is a real-time payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India, facilitating seamless transactions directly between bank accounts.
How has AI impacted disaster management in India?
AI has played a crucial role in disaster management, notably saving over 500,000 lives during the 2024 Kerala floods through timely alerts and effective communication systems.
What are the risks associated with AI technologies?
The risks of AI technologies include algorithmic bias, privacy violations, and the potential for misinformation, which can lead to significant societal impacts, as highlighted during the 2024 elections.
What measures are being taken to address AI bias?
The government is advocating for a five-point framework focusing on combatting bias, protecting jobs, safeguarding privacy, ensuring transparency, and leading with ethics in AI governance.
Why is ethical AI governance important?
Ethical AI governance is essential to prevent discrimination, maintain public trust, and ensure that technological advancements benefit all segments of society fairly.
