ArdorComm Media Group

Saturday, July 5, 2025 10:41 PM

Artificial Intelligence

Meta Launches New AI Superintelligence Lab, Brings in Top Talent

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has unveiled a major transformation in the company’s artificial intelligence strategy by introducing a newly formed division focused on building AI systems with superhuman capabilities. The initiative, titled Meta Superintelligence Labs, will spearhead efforts to create AI that can match or surpass human performance in various tasks. At the helm of this ambitious endeavor is Alexandr Wang, co-founder of data-labeling firm Scale AI, who joins Meta as the Chief AI Officer. Zuckerberg, in an internal message to employees on Monday, praised Wang as “the most impressive founder of his generation.” Wang will be joined by Nat Friedman, former GitHub CEO, who will co-lead the lab and guide Meta’s work in applied AI research and product development. Zuckerberg emphasized that AI has become the company’s highest priority this year. “The development of superintelligent AI is no longer a distant concept—it’s within reach,” he wrote. “This marks the dawn of a new era, and I am determined to ensure Meta leads this transformation.” The new direction comes amid an intense race between major tech giants—including OpenAI and Google—to dominate the frontier of AI innovation. Meta has ramped up investments in cutting-edge infrastructure like chips and data centers and has also aggressively recruited top-tier AI talent. A major milestone in this strategy was Meta’s recent $14.3 billion investment in Scale AI, which also brought Wang into the fold. The company is also in discussions to acquire AI startups such as Perplexity AI, Runway AI, and PlayAI, the latter known for using AI to replicate human voices. To further strengthen its superintelligence efforts, Meta has onboarded 11 elite AI researchers from companies including OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google DeepMind. Among the new hires are Jack Rae and Pei Sun from DeepMind, former OpenAI experts Jiahui Yu, Shuchao Bi, Shengjia Zhao, and Hongyu Ren, as well as Anthropic’s Joel Pobar—who previously spent over a decade at Meta. With these moves, Meta is positioning itself to be a dominant force in the next wave of AI evolution. Source: Bloomberg

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PM Modi and Cyprus President Hold Strategic Bilateral Talks in Nicosia, Pledge Deeper India-Cyprus Ties

On his official visit to Cyprus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive bilateral talks with President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia on Monday. The meeting, marked by a ceremonial welcome, focused on strengthening ties across multiple domains and underlined both countries’ shared commitment to peace, security, and global cooperation. Expressing gratitude, Prime Minister Modi thanked Cyprus for its firm condemnation of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam (April 2025), highlighting the strong solidarity between the two nations in the fight against terrorism. “Cyprus’s unwavering support reflects our mutual commitment to counter-terrorism efforts,” he noted. The leaders reaffirmed their respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. PM Modi reiterated India’s continued backing of a unified Cyprus and called for a peaceful resolution of the Cyprus issue in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, international law, and European Union principles. The talks covered a wide spectrum of bilateral cooperation — from trade and cultural exchange to defence and digital innovation. New areas such as fintech, artificial intelligence, start-ups, and mobility were identified as future avenues for collaboration. Significantly, both sides agreed to formulate a five-year roadmap aimed at boosting strategic cooperation. Key priorities include launching maritime and cyber security dialogues and enhancing intelligence-sharing mechanisms to jointly combat terrorism, arms smuggling, and narcotics trafficking. As Cyprus prepares for its Presidency of the Council of the European Union in early 2026, the leaders committed to further advancing the India–EU relationship. They reviewed progress on the India–EU Strategic Dialogue and stressed the urgency of concluding the long-delayed Free Trade Agreement by the end of 2025. President Christodoulides assured India that Cyprus would champion the EU–India strategic partnership during its presidency, particularly in areas like green energy, defence, maritime security, and space collaboration. Both sides acknowledged the signing of the Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme earlier in January 2025 as a key step toward deeper defence ties. They also welcomed the formation of the India-Greece-Cyprus Business and Investment Council, seen as a vital mechanism for expanding trilateral engagement. Discussions also touched on the need for improved air connectivity to boost business, tourism, and educational exchange. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the strategic significance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), calling it a transformative initiative for long-term regional prosperity. On the global stage, India and Cyprus reaffirmed their shared commitment to reforming international governance institutions. PM Modi appreciated Cyprus’s support for India’s bid for permanent membership in a restructured United Nations Security Council, noting, “The global order must evolve to reflect current realities.” The leaders also exchanged views on international developments, including ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Europe. To bolster cultural ties, both countries signed an MoU to set up an India Studies Chair at the University of Nicosia under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). The meeting underscored a growing convergence of strategic interests between India and Cyprus, setting the tone for a more robust partnership in the years ahead. Source: DD News

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IIM Calcutta Launches Executive Programme on Strategic Marketing and AI Integration

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The Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta) has introduced a new executive education programme titled “Strategic Marketing for Leaders: Leveraging AI for Growth” in partnership with Emeritus. The 18-week online course is designed for mid to senior-level professionals seeking to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to drive innovation and growth in marketing. The programme addresses a growing demand for AI expertise in marketing sectors. Recent industry reports highlight this trend: According to the PwC Global CEO Survey 2024, 70% of Indian CEOs expect Generative AI to significantly impact value creation, particularly in marketing and customer experience. Additionally, EY’s report “The AIdea of India: 2025” reveals that 71% of Indian retailers plan to adopt Generative AI within the next year. IIM Calcutta, ranked fifth in India by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024 and accredited by global bodies including AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB, will deliver the programme curriculum. Key learning areas include predictive analytics, generative AI applications in marketing, omnichannel strategy, customer journey mapping, and strategic planning involving branding, pricing, and performance marketing. The course features a combination of asynchronous video lectures and live sessions led by Professor Saravana Jaikumar from IIM Calcutta. Participants will engage with real-world case studies from brands such as Nike, Apple, and Southwest Airlines, along with simulations and a final capstone project to reinforce practical learning. As an added benefit, participants can attend an optional one-day networking and immersion event at the IIM Calcutta campus, providing valuable opportunities to interact with faculty, peers, and industry leaders. The programme targets graduates and diploma holders (minimum 10+2+3 education) working in marketing, digital marketing, consulting, business strategy, retail, FMCG, technology, ecommerce, and media sectors. It is especially relevant for those moving into strategic leadership roles or responsible for customer engagement and growth. Avnish Singhal, Executive Vice President and Head for India & APAC at Emeritus, commented, “This programme equips marketing leaders with the strategic insight and AI expertise needed to lead business transformation and innovation in today’s fast-changing landscape.” Interested professionals can find more information about the programme, enrollment process, fees, and deadlines on the official websites of IIM Calcutta and Emeritus. Source: IIM-C  

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BITS Pilani and USC Viterbi Join Forces for Dual Degrees and Research Excellence

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In a significant move to expand global academic collaboration, BITS Pilani has entered into a strategic partnership with the University of Southern California’s Viterbi School of Engineering. The alliance, cemented on June 5 at USC’s Olin Hall of Engineering, focuses on creating new opportunities for joint research, academic exchange, and dual degree programmes. This collaboration brings together two renowned institutions to explore emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, quantum computing, and sustainable engineering. Through this partnership, both institutions aim to enhance faculty and student mobility, facilitate joint academic initiatives, and introduce an integrated degree pathway that bridges undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Prof. Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice Chancellor of BITS Pilani, described the MoU as a pivotal step in broadening the global exposure of students and faculty. He noted that the combined expertise of BITS and USC will help foster innovation and enrich academic learning across disciplines. Dean Yannis C. Yortsos of USC Viterbi echoed the sentiment, adding that the collaboration aligns with USC’s vision of nurturing international alliances that advance knowledge and research impact worldwide. One of the key highlights of this agreement is an accelerated Master’s programme for BITS Pilani engineering undergraduates. Eligible students, after completing three years of their BE course, will have the opportunity to begin their Master of Science degree at USC while finishing their undergraduate requirements—fast-tracking their academic progression. Additionally, the collaboration will feature a two-week exchange programme where USC students will visit BITS Pilani campuses to participate in academic sessions and immerse themselves in Indian culture. Faculty exchange is also a core component of the partnership, with educators from both institutions engaging in joint research, co-teaching, and academic workshops. BITS Pilani selects its students primarily through the BITSAT entrance test, with provisions for direct admission of board examination toppers and international candidates—ensuring that some of India’s brightest students benefit from this new global initiative. This academic alliance is poised to pave the way for groundbreaking research, cross-cultural learning, and international academic excellence. Source: India Today  

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IIM Sambalpur Unveils New Undergraduate Programmes in Public Policy and AI to Shape Future Leaders

In a strategic move aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sambalpur has launched two groundbreaking undergraduate programmes: Bachelor of Science in Management and Public Policy and Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. These four-year, fully residential programmes are designed to nurture future-ready professionals with a blend of analytical, ethical, and leadership skills. The BSc in Management and Public Policy targets students interested in driving grassroots change, with a curriculum that emphasizes sustainability, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, and community-led development. The programme aspires to bridge the gap between policy formulation and real-world impact. Admissions to this course will be facilitated through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). Meanwhile, the BSc in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders, aims to boost India’s digital transformation journey and enhance global competitiveness. It focuses on cultivating ethical AI use, advanced data analytics, and innovation-driven problem-solving. Entry into this programme will be via JEE Main scores. Highlighting the institution’s progressive approach, the courses are structured with multiple entry and exit options—students can earn a certificate after one year, a diploma after two, a degree after three, and an honors degree upon completing the fourth year. This flexibility is intended to support diverse learner pathways in line with NEP 2020 goals. IIM Sambalpur Director, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, expressed pride in the launch, calling it a “pioneering step” in cultivating responsible, entrepreneurial leaders. “These programmes are not only about acquiring academic knowledge; they’re about building leaders equipped with a global outlook and the compassion to address societal challenges,” he noted. The launch event also featured a roundtable discussion on the theme: ‘Global Capability Centres (GCCs) as Engines of Innovation for Global Enterprises’. The dialogue spotlighted the emerging role of GCCs as strategic, innovation-led units rather than cost-effective back-offices. Bramhanand Jha, Vice President at the National eGovernance Division (MeitY), served as the chief guest. He emphasized the transformative role of GCCs in shaping future-ready, tech-enabled enterprises that drive global business strategies. Keynote speakers included Lt. Col. Piyush Shukla, Director of JEE at the National Testing Agency (NTA), and Rajesh Kumar, Director of CUET at NTA. Both underlined the significance of evolving India’s education assessment systems to support innovation, inclusivity, and talent discovery aligned with the country’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. “The education landscape in India is being reshaped to identify talent capable of thriving in dynamic, innovation-driven environments like GCCs,” said Shukla. Kumar added that initiatives like CUET are vital to democratizing access to quality higher education and preparing students for leadership in a global digital economy. The launch concluded with insightful panel discussions featuring academic and industry experts on “Transforming Operations through GCCs: The Digital Shift from Cost Efficiency to Strategic Value” and “Aligning Talent Upskilling with Policy Innovation for Sustainable GCC Growth.” With this initiative, IIM Sambalpur reaffirms its commitment to fostering responsible, innovation-driven leadership that is attuned to the evolving demands of both national and global landscapes. Admissions for both UG programmes will begin in June 2025, with classes set to commence in September 2025. Source: Indian Express Photo Credit: IIM Sambalpur    

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IBM Integrates AI to Streamline HR Operations, Replaces 200 Roles

In a significant move toward embracing artificial intelligence (AI), IBM has begun a strategic overhaul of its internal processes, leading to the replacement of around 200 human resources (HR) positions with AI-powered systems. This development reflects a broader industry shift where automation is being leveraged to handle repetitive administrative tasks, freeing up human workers to focus on more strategic and client-centric responsibilities. According to reports from industry insiders, the tech giant has already automated several HR functions such as employee verification and internal job transfers. These changes are part of IBM’s vision to drive operational efficiency while simultaneously upskilling its workforce to thrive in an AI-integrated future. IBM’s CEO, Arvind Krishna, recently confirmed that hundreds of HR roles have been transitioned to AI agents. However, he emphasized that this transformation has not led to a decline in overall employment. On the contrary, the company has expanded its workforce in key areas like programming, marketing, and sales—fields that rely on critical thinking and interpersonal skills, and are thus less susceptible to automation. Strategic Shift Towards AI-Augmented Roles The decision to automate portions of the HR function is rooted in IBM’s broader objective of enabling employees to engage in higher-value work. By offloading routine tasks to AI, the organization aims to allow HR professionals to focus on strategic planning, employee engagement, and other complex functions that require human insight. Nickle LaMoreaux, IBM’s Chief Human Resources Officer, noted that the impact of AI on jobs is more about transformation than elimination. She clarified that while certain tasks will be automated, most roles will evolve rather than disappear—enabling professionals to work alongside AI tools that boost productivity and decision-making. Looking Ahead IBM anticipates that up to 30% of back-office roles, particularly those with minimal customer interaction, could be affected by AI within the next five years. This could influence approximately 7,800 positions globally. Nonetheless, the company remains committed to investing in talent across creative, analytical, and tech-driven domains—areas that continue to demand human ingenuity despite rapid advances in automation.   Source: The New Indian Express Image credit: Shutterstock  

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Elon Musk’s xAI Acquires X Corp in an $80 Billion Merger

In a groundbreaking move, Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, has acquired X Corp (formerly Twitter) in an all-stock transaction. The deal values xAI at $80 billion and X at $33 billion, including $12 billion in debt, marking a major shift in the AI and social media landscape. The Strategic Fusion Announcing the merger on X, Musk stated, “xAI and X’s futures are intertwined. Today, we officially take the step to combine the data, models, compute, distribution, and talent.” This merger is set to leverage xAI’s advanced artificial intelligence capabilities alongside X’s 600-million-strong user base. By integrating AI with real-time data, the move aims to enhance user experience and accelerate AI-driven knowledge discovery. Musk’s Financial Masterstroke Musk initially acquired Twitter in 2022 for $44 billion, facing skepticism over the hefty price tag. However, this latest merger reinforces his long-term vision—aligning AI with social media to create an unparalleled communication ecosystem. The deal also establishes a new holding company in Texas, with Musk maintaining control over X’s existing debt. Impact on AI and Social Media With X’s vast data stream, xAI is poised to rival industry giants in artificial intelligence. The merger will significantly enhance xAI’s chatbot, Grok, granting it real-time language learning capabilities. This could propel xAI to the forefront of artificial general intelligence (AGI) development. What This Means for Users For X users, the merger promises AI-driven enhancements, smarter interactions, and improved content recommendations. However, concerns around data privacy, content moderation, and AI’s growing influence in communication remain key discussion points. As Musk stated, “This is just the beginning.” The tech world now eagerly watches how this fusion of AI and social media will redefine the digital experience.

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Andhra Pradesh Partners with Wadhwani Foundation for AI-Driven Governance

In a significant step toward AI-driven governance, the Andhra Pradesh government has signed an MoU with the Wadhwani Foundation (WF) to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Generative AI, and Drones into governance. The agreement was signed between Katamneni Bhaskar, Secretary of Information Technology, Electronics & Communication (ITE&C) Department, and Prakash Kumar, CEO of Wadhwani Centre for Government Digital Transformation (WGDT). Key Objectives: Enhancing service delivery and optimizing government schemes Implementing AI-driven solutions for greater efficiency and transparency Leveraging AI-based data analysis to refine policies and streamline programs Boosting citizen engagement through technology-enabled governance A critical component of this initiative is capacity building among government officials. The state will introduce an AI Bootcamp under WGDT’s ‘AI Champions’ and ‘AI Enablers’ programmes to train government employees in AI applications. Additionally, AI-enabled online resources will be provided for continuous digital learning. This partnership is a pro-bono effort, with both GoAP and WF contributing resources and expertise to drive effective AI adoption. Katamneni Bhaskar, Secretary of ITE&C, stated: “Andhra Pradesh is committed to leveraging AI for better governance and public service efficiency.” With this collaboration, Andhra Pradesh is set to become a pioneer in AI-powered governance, ensuring smarter policies and improved citizen services. Source: Indian Express

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PM Modi Advocates for Global AI Governance at Paris Summit

Paris, February 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for collective global efforts to establish a governance framework for artificial intelligence (AI) during the Paris AI Action Summit, which he co-chaired with French President Emmanuel Macron. Modi emphasized that AI should be developed for good and for all, highlighting India’s expertise and commitment to responsible AI innovation. India, he said, is building its own large language model to reflect its linguistic and cultural diversity. He also underscored India’s public-private partnership model that makes AI resources accessible to startups and researchers at affordable costs. Addressing concerns about AI surpassing human intelligence, Modi stressed that governance must balance risk management with fostering innovation, particularly in the Global South, where access to AI infrastructure, talent, and data remains limited. He reiterated India’s role in shaping global AI governance, citing its G20 presidency consensus on responsible AI use. The Prime Minister highlighted AI’s transformative potential in healthcare, education, and agriculture while calling for open-source systems, bias-free datasets, cybersecurity measures, and solutions against deep fakes. He also pointed to India’s low-cost digital public infrastructure serving 1.4 billion people as a model for inclusive AI adoption. Modi reaffirmed India’s readiness to share its expertise and experience to ensure AI benefits humanity while maintaining transparency, trust, and security.

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Canadian Lawsuit Challenges OpenAI’s Data Scraping Practices Under Copyright Law

OpenAI is facing a legal challenge in Canada over allegations of breaching copyright laws through unauthorized data scraping from news websites. Several Canadian news organizations have filed a lawsuit claiming OpenAI violated their terms of service by bypassing protective measures, such as the Robot Exclusion Protocol, and using their content for commercial purposes. The plaintiffs argue that by scraping their material, OpenAI copied their work without authorization and infringed upon terms limiting use to “personal, non-commercial” purposes. This dispute centers on whether data scraping constitutes reproduction protected by copyright or falls under the fair dealing exception. Under Canadian and U.S. copyright law, fair dealing or fair use allows limited unauthorized copying for purposes like education or research. OpenAI contends its practices qualify as transformative use, similar to Google’s digitization of books for searchable databases. Legal scholars and groups like Creative Commons support this view, noting that AI models abstract metadata rather than reproducing original works, creating outputs that do not compete with the original content. In response to earlier lawsuits, OpenAI has taken steps to allow news organizations to opt out of its training processes and has pursued licensing agreements. However, the Canadian case raises broader questions about the balance between innovation in AI and the financial interests of media companies. The outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching implications for the AI industry. If OpenAI’s actions are deemed fair dealing, it may weaken the licensing market for news content. On the other hand, a settlement or licensing arrangement could set a precedent for future AI training practices. As Canadian and U.S. courts prepare to hear these cases, the decisions will likely shape the future interplay between AI development and intellectual property rights.

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