The imminent integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the global economy holds the promise of unprecedented productivity, economic growth, and increased incomes, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva wrote in a blog for the global lender’s website.
However, she added that this transformative wave also raises concerns about job displacement and deepening inequalities. The IMF emphasises the need for proactive policies to harness AI’s potential for the benefit of humanity while addressing its potential pitfalls.
Reshaping nature of work
IMF’s recent analysis delves into AI’s potential impact on the global labour market, acknowledging its complex ramifications. Nearly 40% of global employment is deemed exposed to AI, with advanced economies facing both higher risks and greater opportunities compared to emerging markets.
The study indicates that approximately 60% of jobs in advanced economies may be affected by AI, with half potentially benefiting from increased productivity while the other half faces potential job displacement, lower wages, and reduced hiring.
Inequality challenges
AI exposure in emerging markets and low-income countries is expected to be 40% and 26%, respectively, suggesting fewer immediate disruptions.
However, the lack of infrastructure and skilled workforces in these regions poses a risk of widening global inequality over time. Within countries, AI could contribute to income and wealth polarisation, favouring workers adept at leveraging AI while potentially leaving others behind.
Proactive policy recommendations
Recognising the potential exacerbation of inequality, the IMF urges policymakers to establish comprehensive social safety nets and retraining programs to ensure an inclusive AI transition. The organisation emphasises the importance of proactive measures to prevent AI from widening societal divisions.
AI preparedness index
To guide countries in crafting effective policies, the IMF has developed an AI Preparedness Index, evaluating readiness in areas such as digital infrastructure, human capital, innovation, and regulation. Wealthier economies, including Singapore, the United States, and Denmark, tend to be better equipped for AI adoption.
The index serves as a tool for advanced economies to prioritise AI innovation while developing robust regulatory frameworks, and for emerging economies to focus on foundational investments in digital infrastructure and a digitally competent workforce.
As AI rapidly integrates into global businesses, the IMF underscores the significance of inclusive policies to navigate the transformative era, ensuring that AI brings prosperity to all.
For 18 graduates of the Reko Diq Mining Project, the National University of Technology, Islamabad, has started a training program. These graduates will complete an 18-month on-the-job training program at Barrick’s International Mining Sites after completing a two-month course at NUTECH.
The graduates will acquire proficiency in mining and associated technical domains during the training program. The chosen graduates will also get specific instruction on environmental protection, safety, exploration, and geology.
Along with the development of communication skills, the curriculum will also emphasise the most recent advancements in the mining industry. Barrick’s International Graduate Development Program for 2024 includes the Balochistani graduates.
Additionally, nine Baloch graduates were selected in 2023 and transported to Barrick’s facility in Argentina for on-the-job training.
WhatsApp is implementing a new upgrade to refine the Updates tab interface, hence boosting accessibility for status and channel updates.
WABetaInfo reports that the upgrade introduces expedited shortcuts that streamline the updating of statuses and channels. Users can now select and upload photos and videos directly from the interface, reducing the steps involved in choosing media from the gallery.
The Meta-owned messaging application has also revamped the button for generating text-based status updates and introduced a feature for recording and sharing voice status updates. This offers customers a more expedient method to disseminate text and speech updates without depending on the floating action button.
The revisions correspond with recent modifications to other tabs, ensuring a modernised interface that improves navigation and update creation. WhatsApp is modifying the floating action button to facilitate content sharing within channels.
When selecting the floating action button, users will see several options, including creating status updates, starting new channels, or sharing photos, videos, voice, and text in existing channels. This revamp integrates all content-generating options into a singular section.
The new shortcuts are anticipated to be accessible to a broader user base in the forthcoming weeks. Beta testers can currently access them in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android, version 2.24.26.13, available on the Google Play Store.
Through Chinese expertise, the arrangement, which was made possible by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), intends to increase Pakistan’s agricultural output.
The Punjab government and China’s “AI Force Tech” company have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to introduce advanced agricultural machinery during Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s visit to China.
Through the use of advanced robotic technology, the MoU seeks to transform Pakistan’s agricultural industry, guarantee economic growth, and boost farmers’ wealth with China’s assistance.
Through the partnership, Pakistan would also have the chance to absorb knowledge about China’s sophisticated farming methods.
In the meantime, plans have been revealed by the Federal Minister of Planning to send 1,000 agricultural experts to China to study contemporary farming methods.
A Chinese business and the Punjab government previously inked an agreement to introduce cutting-edge cancer treatment technologies to Punjab.
Maryam Nawaz signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hygea Medical Technologies while she was in China in order to introduce cutting-edge cancer treatment equipment and techniques to Punjab.
This equipment will make it feasible to treat cancer without the need for chemotherapy or surgery.
Following a meeting with Hygea Medical Technologies President Dr. Luo Fuliang, Maryam Nawaz said the organization has promised expert assistance for the establishment of the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital.
She went on to say that the hospital will work with China to treat cancer patients utilizing the newest equipment and techniques following the agreement.
Maryam Nawaz and a high-level delegation are present. From December 8 to December 15, the chief minister will go to Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou.
CM Maryam Nawaz is expected to attend a number of conferences, events, and meetings with the goal of enhancing bilateral relations and looking into potential joint ventures in the areas of infrastructure development, technology, agriculture, and governance.