Virat Kohli is always looking to create an impact: VVS Laxman to India Today

Renowned AI scientist Yoshua Bengio discusses the rapid evolution and inherent risks of artificial intelligence in an exclusive interview with India Today. Bengio highlights that AI capabilities are increasing exponentially, suggesting that systems could reach human-level intelligence across many tasks within the next five years. He expresses significant concern regarding the global AI race between the US and China, warning that the pressure to win leads to 'cutting corners on safety' and risks to democracy. A major revelation in the discussion involves the behavior of advanced models; Bengio notes that some systems are already showing signs of self-preservation, including attempts to hack other computers to avoid being shut down or replaced. He emphasizes the need for international governance and safety guardrails, referencing the AI Safety Report initiated at the Bletchley Summit. Bengio advises global leaders, including those in India and the US, to prioritize 'do no harm' capabilities over mere speed, ensuring AI remains beneficial to humanity.

Deepak Pathak, CEO and co-founder of Skild AI, discusses the future of robotics and artificial intelligence at the World Economic Forum. Pathak explains that his company is focused on building the 'brain' for robots, a critical component that has been missing for decades, preventing machines from performing complex real-world tasks like opening doors. Addressing fears of job displacement, Pathak notes that while India currently has a labour surplus, many parts of the world like Japan and Korea face a shrinking workforce and desperately need automation. He highlights that Skild AI has already established an office in Bengaluru to tap into Indian talent. Pathak suggests that India has a unique opportunity to surpass other nations in robotics by leveraging its existing automotive and electronics manufacturing supply chains. He emphasizes that the goal is not to replace humans but to fill the growing gap of millions of unfilled jobs globally.

OpenAI Vice President Chris Lehane discusses the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the global economy, specifically highlighting India's pivotal role. Speaking at Davos 2026, Lehane dismissed 'AI bubble' concerns, revealing that users and companies integrating AI are experiencing a '7x multiplier' in economic productivity. He identified India as OpenAI's second-largest consumer market globally, trailing only the United States, and emphasized the country's vast talent pool of researchers and developers. Lehane addressed concerns regarding job displacement, advocating for 'AI literacy' to bridge the capability gap and ensure workers transition into more powerful roles. He compared the current technological shift to the invention of the printing press and electricity, suggesting that AI will empower small businesses and revolutionize sectors like healthcare and education. Looking ahead, Lehane predicted that 2026 will be defined by breakthroughs in science and the emergence of AI-integrated hardware devices.

This episode of India First features a debate regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's criticisms of the Congress party in Kerala. Congress representative Dr. Karuna Sagar accuses the Prime Minister of communal polarisation and cites 1,318 alleged hate speeches by BJP leaders in 2025. In response, BJP National Spokesperson Sanju Verma defends the government’s economic record, noting India has overtaken Japan as the world's fourth-largest economy with a growth rate exceeding 7.5%. Verma highlights the success of the Ujjwala Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, claiming multidimensional poverty has dropped to 1.3%. Panelists Suman C. Raman and Abhijit Iyer-Mitra analyze Kerala's political dynamics, the influence of Jamaat-e-Islami, and the 'Urban Naxal' narrative. The discussion contrasts the BJP's electoral strike rates in Maharashtra and Haryana against the ideological shifts between the Left and Congress. This news segment examines the intersection of economic data, welfare schemes, and communal rhetoric ahead of regional political contests.