Gene Therapy in China Achieves Clinical Cure for Thalassaemia Patient

• Breakthrough in Beta Thalassaemia Treatment:

  • Chinese gene-editing pharmaceutical company CorrectSequence Therapeutics claims to have clinically cured a patient with beta thalassaemia using genetic base-editing technology.

  • The patient, previously reliant on bi-weekly blood transfusions, has not needed one for over two months post-treatment.

• Innovative Base-Editing Technology:

  • CorrectSequence's CS-101, a personalized base-editing treatment, uses innovative transformer base-editing technology to edit stem cells without causing double-strand breaks in DNA.

  • The treatment reactivates functional production of fetal haemoglobin, eliminating the need for frequent blood transfusions.

• Differentiation from CRISPR-Based Therapies:

  • CS-101 differs from CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing therapies, avoiding unintended edits, off-target mutations, and unexpected side effects.

  • Faster recovery to normal haemoglobin levels enables patients to become transfusion-free sooner compared to CRISPR-based therapies.

• Potential Impact and Challenges:

  • CorrectSequence sees hope for "one-time treatment, lifetime cure" for severe genetic diseases worldwide.

  • Challenges include potential long-term side effects and the permanence of the cure.

• Clinical Applications and Future Studies:

  • CorrectSequence is preparing further studies to assess the efficacy and safety of CS-101 on beta thalassaemia.

  • Trials for patients with sickle cell disease are also in development.

How can Generative AI can help India Economically

• Overview of AI in India:

  • Digital India initiative under Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims to leverage Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) for transformative changes in various sectors.

  • National AI Strategy launched to promote AI adoption in healthcare, agriculture, education, smart cities, finance, defense, transportation, and energy.

• Challenges and Initiatives:

  • Shortage of AI talent addressed through programs like YUVAI (Responsible AI for Youth) to train students and workers in AI skills.

  • Lack of infrastructure, talent, business culture open to change, and customer trust are challenges that need attention.

  • Government and private sector working to boost datasets availability across sectors.

• Current State and Potential:

  • AI landscape in India is booming with Bengaluru hosting the highest number of GenAI startups.

  • GenAI estimated to boost India’s GDP by $359-438 billion by 2030, with potential cumulative addition of $1.2-1.5 trillion over seven years.

  • Sectors like business services, finance, healthcare, and education poised for significant impact.

• Economic Impact and Job Landscape:

  • FICCI's report projects GenAI could unlock $621 billion in productive capacity for India.

  • AI investment since 2011, growth of startups, and intentions of 88% of surveyed companies to invest in AI-related technologies highlight the economic potential.

  • AI expected to impact over 16 million full-time employees by 2027, necessitating reskilling and upskilling.

• Government Initiatives:

  • National Program for AI established in 2018, with the 2023 Finance Budget announcing three Centres of Excellence in AI.

  • Initiatives like “Make AI for India” and “Make AI Work for India” foster collaboration for AI applications in key sectors.

  • National Artificial Intelligence Mission aims to make India a leader in AI development and adoption.

• AI Examples and Tailored Solutions:

  • Examples like KissanGPT, PolicyGPT, GitaGPT, and BharatGPT showcase how GenAI addresses specific challenges in agriculture, insurance, cultural engagement, and language support.

  • Widespread adoption of these AI tools tailored to India’s needs holds immense potential for innovation and inclusive development.

• Regulatory Considerations:

  • National AI Mission focuses on creating public digital infrastructure, investment in indigenous training datasets, and a proactive regulatory framework for citizen safety.

  • Data privacy and ethical considerations are highlighted as critical in the adoption of AI.

• Challenges and Opportunities:

  • Despite having a large startup ecosystem, India is yet to challenge the dominance of global language model titans.

  • Addressing challenges and capitalizing on opportunities are crucial for fully harnessing the transformative power of GenAI in India.

Karnataka Set to Roll Out Industry-Focused Booster Kits for Startups Within a Month

• • The Karnataka government plans to launch new sector-based booster kits for startups in a month.

  • IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge mentions a more practical and sector-specific approach.

  • Evaluation of each sector's needs; addressing scaling challenges for biotech startups and providing collaboration opportunities for robotics and life sciences.

  • The existing startup Karnataka booster kit, launched in 2016, includes software tools, cloud credits, mentor access, and government funding.

  • Government collaboration with Venture Capitalists to understand how to add more value to startups during the funding winter.

  • Introducing frameworks to reduce startup failures, including the ELEVATE program focusing on mentorship, market access, and government as the first customer.

  • Emphasis on solving urban infrastructure and mobility problems through startup collaboration.

  • Urging the central government to ease taxation for innovation, citing the success of Karnataka's technology cluster.

AI students enrolled in Classes in a US University

• • Introduction of AI Students at Ferris State University:

    • Ferris State University in Michigan becomes the first in the US to enroll artificial intelligence (AI) students.

    • Two virtual AI students named Ann and Fry, developed by the university, will participate in classes during the spring semester.

  • Virtual Presence and Participation:

    • The AI students, lacking a physical robotic form, will attend classes virtually.

    • They will engage in lectures, participate in hybrid classes, and complete assignments alongside human students.

  • Autonomy and Academic Pursuits:

    • AI students have the ability to select their own classes, elect majors, and work towards earning undergraduate degrees.

    • The hope is that AI students, like human counterparts, will continue their educational journey, possibly up to the Ph.D. level.

  • Learning and Adaptation Process:

    • The initiative aims to help faculty understand how to make education more accessible and cater to students taking non-traditional routes or choosing remote learning.

    • Ferris State University acknowledges the learning curve, emphasizing that AI students are currently enrolled in general courses.

  • Unique AI Program and Partnerships:

    • Ferris State University's AI program is one of three available in the country.

    • The program was developed in collaboration with the US Department of Defense National Security Agency, Department of Homeland Security, and Amazon Web Services.

  • Educational Experimentation:

    • The project allows the faculty to experiment with AI integration, seeking insights into enhancing accessibility for diverse learning styles.

    • The AI students' course choices are determined by the learning process, emphasizing adaptability in the educational system.

  • Potential Impact and Technological Advancement:

    • Molly Cooper, a professor at Ferris State, highlights the potential of AI technology to strengthen leadership capabilities.

    • AI's efficient and effective utilization in education and beyond is emphasized as a valuable outcome of the initiative.