The Bharat Bandh on April 2 called by Dalit groups was a result of the successful use of artificial intelligence (AI), the geographic information system (GIS) and big data, according to a core group of US-based Dalit activists. The protest, which surprised many because of its sudden eruption, was organised against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. New Jersey-based Deelip Mhaske, who heads a secretive network of some 100 overseas Dalit activists based in the US, the UK, Australia and the Middle East said the protest shows that Dalits no longer need to be affiliated to any political establishment. "A new era for Dalit politics has begun by adopting artificial intelligence, the GIS and social media," Mhaske told PTI in an interview as he gave an insight into how Dalit groups were mobilised during the protest. Most of these Dalit activists in the secretive group are from the IT sector and work in some of the top info-tech companies.

A good number of us shout at our laptops when they misbehave, often to no avail. Perhaps soon they will listen. Could we one day teach them--much like we do children or pets--how to behave? For the majority of human history, we have survived and flourished based on our ability to learn. Today's machines learn--Siri perks up at the sound of your voice, traffic lights react to the flux of cars--but only in limited ways.

Innovative food-related gadgets and practices don't always have to rely on things like sensors, apps, and machine learning to have a positive impact. In fact, in some parts of the world, these "low-tech" (that is, technologically simple) solutions are often all that's needed to prevent waste, improve farming practices, and even boost the local economy. That is to say that low tech, while maybe not as alluring as, say, using sensors to save the bees, plays a bigger role in advancing food than one might initially think. Their simplicity is effective, and often just as interesting, or at least thought provoking, as a high-tech alternative. Consider fermentation, specifically as a way to curb food waste.

Advances in deep technology, machine learning and automation are ushering a new era of digital workers. In the near future, drones, artificial intelligence and driverless cars will seamlessly coordinate and transport goods and people across the globe at rather smaller cost. In fact, drones in particular have caught the interest of several bodies and policymakers across the globe. Countries across the world are exploring the possibilities of drones and their extent of usage in different scenarios. From delivering online grocery orders at the doorstep, to providing emergency medical supplies to remote areas, or facilitating unmanned surveillance in dangerous warzones, there are many more ways in which Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones are changing the commerce landscape as well as our lives.

The 19th edition Seamless Middle East 2018, the Middle East's most dynamic summit and large-scale exhibition bringing together the converging worlds of commerce, fintech, retail and payments, officially opened today at Dubai International Convention Centre. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, on Sunday inaugurated the show, where over 350 regional and international exhibitors from across the globe pave the way for seamless transactions and experiences across the entire e-commerce value chain. During the official tour, Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan witnessed live demonstrations and received a briefing from key exhibitors about projects, as well as their efforts and initiatives aimed at using the latest smart technologies set to revolutionize the entire payments, ecommerce and retail ecosystem. Speaking during the opening ceremony, Nassir Ghrous, SVP Banking and Payments, CISMEA region, Gemalto said: "The arrival of a new generation of solutions built around machine learning or Artificial Intelligence is finally addressing security and convenience questions. As much as convenience matters to consumers, so does security. For banks, addressing both convenience and security is a must as 44% of customers would leave their bank in the event of a security breach. Users expect their banks to be at the forefront of technological innovation to ensure a seamless digital banking experience. Seamless Middle East brings the right players to share latest technologies in this arena."

Similarly, engineers working for companies like Zipline and Fusemachines in Nepal and Rwanda are able to build and adapt autonomous drones to deliver medicine in remote villages in countries with poor road infrastructure. This would not only save lives but also remarkably change the livelihood of villagers who would otherwise have to trek for days to get to the nearest pharmacy. This is one example of the numerous ways artificial intelligence can be used to improve health care, fight poverty and raise the standards of living in developing countries. For that, it's important that we invest in educating and enabling talented young engineers in such countries.

Similarly, engineers working for companies like Zipline and Fusemachines in Nepal and Rwanda are able to build and adapt autonomous drones to deliver medicine in remote villages in countries with poor road infrastructure. This would not only save lives but also remarkably change the livelihood of villagers who would otherwise have to trek for days to get to the nearest pharmacy. This is one example of the numerous ways artificial intelligence can be used to improve health care, fight poverty and raise the standards of living in developing countries. For that, it's important that we invest in educating and enabling talented young engineers in such countries.

China will be the world's dominant player in artificial intelligence by 2030. A State Council document, issued in July last year, resolved to position China as the world's pre-eminent practitioner of artificial intelligence (AI) in both research and application within the next 12 years. Governments across the world are rushing to support innovation in AI, but none has published as coherent a plan as China and – more importantly – has the ability to get things done: the Chinese government can implement policy in ways that are impossible in western democracies. Intent, however, is one thing: to paraphrase the boxer Mike Tyson, everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth. The Chinese not only have a strategy, they have a track record of delivering on large-scale, ambitious projects.

EY has announced that it will collaborate with InsurTech company Concirrus to support the adoption of behavioural-based underwriting and risk management in marine insurance, using artificial intelligence (AI) powered software. The partnership is intended to help modernise the marine sector's traditional demographic based underwriting models, which rely on data like the age, size and flag of a vessel, and which are under increasing pressure to underwrite risks better and faster. Concirrus has developed AI-driven software that utilises new sensor, machine and analytical capabilities, which can help re/insurers better understand their exposures and control claims. Harnessing these technologies at scale, the partnership will allow marine re/insurers to better manage their risk portfolio and develop more accurate underwriting models by utilising behaviour analysis and considering factors like a vessel's speed and location. Chris Payne, Head of Insurance Technology, Europe, Middle East, India & Africa (EMEIA) at EY, said: "Driving innovation within the specialty insurance market is something we are very focused on. The unique toolsets and data that Concirrus has access to will drive new insights in the marine insurance industry, and we are thrilled to be working together. "Leveraging EY's insurance knowledge and longstanding relationships in the industry, and Concirrus' unique combination of data and proprietary technology, we can help insurers, brokers and Protection and indemnity insurance clubs enter a new world of marine insurance." Andy Yeoman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Concirrus, also commented: "EY's domain knowledge and expertise at scaling technology will be a great addition to our software.

The UAE's smart monitoring, alert and control systems are being showcased at the Gartner Symposium ITxpo in Dubai. "This symposium is an extremely insightful key event in the UAE and the region. Tayara takes care of all commercial ICT engagements. "We are building solutions or POCs (Proof of Concept) for our partners. We are showcasing the Smart Dubai platform, the Dubai Pulse, which is an end-to-end integrated platform that supports infrastructure services, computing, data hosting and storage for the government all the way up to blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI). Real utilisation of data sets is available in the city to empower senior management to take insightful rather than legacy decisions."