​ Anudeep Durishetty

AIR 1, UPSC CSE 2017

AI

What is AI? 
 
The capability of a machine to imitate intelligent human behavior such as logic, 
reasoning and thinking. 
 
 
What do you read in AI? 
 
Books,News Articles, Research papers and Podcasts 
 
What books have you read recently on AI? 
 
Superintelligence by Nick Bostrom 
Life 3.0 by Max Tegmark 
Homo Deus by Yuval Harari 
 
 
Name some AI researchers from India? 
What is posthumanism/transhumanism? 
What is the current status of AI research? 
Cite some latest research papers? 
Should we try Universal Basic Income? 
Should robots be taxed? 
 
 
Examples of AI in everyday life. 
 
“AI is the new electricity” - Andrew NG 
 
DeepMind research - cancer tumour, Personalised education, Image recognition- 
Agriculture 
 
 
 
 
 
What is intelligence? 
 
 ​ Anudeep Durishetty
AIR 1, UPSC CSE 2017

It is the ability to accomplish a complex goal 

 
Glossary of terms ​LINK​ &​ ​L
​ INK  
 
TensorFlow is an open-source software library for dataflow programming across a 
range of tasks. It is a symbolic math library, and also used for machine learning 
applications such as neural networks 
 
 
 
What is deep learning? 
 
Deep learning is a type of machine learning. Deep-learning systems use multiple layers 
of calculation. The first layers look at very simple features (lines in an image, for 
example) while the later layers abstract more complex features (such as faces). 
 
Neural networks Neural networks are computing systems that mimic the structure of 
the biological brain. Most modern AI products are built on neural networks to enable 
different forms of machine learning 
 
 
What are the benefits of AI/ Applications of AI? 
 
3 examples: Law enforcement, public health and space.  
 
Law enforcement: Nabbing criminals, terrorists 
Public Health: Data can be fed from localities to create forewarnings 
Space: Mangalyaan better data analysis 
 
 
Upcoming technologies:  
 
Artificial intelligence 
 
Making machines smart (including machine learning, deep learning, and neural 
networks) 
 
Augmented reality/mixed reality 
 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augmented_reality#Possible_applications 
 
 
 
 ​ Anudeep Durishetty
AIR 1, UPSC CSE 2017

Layering virtual data and images over the "real" world  

 
Virtual reality 
Creating entirely virtual spaces 
 
Drones 
Flying, driving, walking, and swimming robots 
 
Robotics and automation 
Manufacturing, science, assistive, companionship, and other kinds of robots 
 
Genomics 
Understanding, treating, and even (perhaps) enhancing natural DNA in us and other 
organisms 
 
Brain-machine interfaces 
The ultimate user interface: brain to computer (think Elon Musk's neural lace) 
 
Data science 
Understanding, cleansing, and operationalizing data 
 
Blockchain 
Radically democratizing and publicizing records and structures of all kinds 
 
Internet of things 
Connecting everything 
 
Nanotechnology (and swarm intelligence) 
Molecular-level engineering 
 
Quantum computing 
Atomic-level computing 
 
3D printing 
Just-in-time one-off manufacturing and building 
 
 
 
Fasal bima yojana: settle insurance claims faster as AI looks at satellite images and tell 
most damaged fields 
 
 
Better public services 
 ​ Anudeep Durishetty
AIR 1, UPSC CSE 2017

 
Solutions to intractable problems: Cancer, Climate change, and Poverty 
 
Voice recognition for poor farmers who may not have had school education 
 
An AI system could help in assisting the call centre by linking available information. It 
could pick up soil reports from government agencies and link them to the 
environmental conditions prevalent over the years using data from a remote sensing 
satellite. The call centre could, then, provide advice on the optimal crop that can be sown 
in that land pocket. 
 
Datascience 
Aerospace and Defence 
Law Enforcement 
Speech recognition 
Image recognition 
 
 
In defeating Kasparov on May 11 1997, Deep Blue made history as the first computer to 
beat a world champion 
 
Alphazero destroys stockfish 2017 
 
Criminal justice and public safety is another area that could benefit from A.I. Following 
the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, image recognition software combed through 
hundreds of thousands of images and videos taken at the detonation site to find clues. 
 
 
What are the risks of AI? 
 
Privacy, Ethics, Jobs and Income inequality 
 
a machine intelligence–powered approach to governance will require robust digital 
privacy laws and a code of ethics on limits to using AI. Job losses, It’ll create a useless 
class 
 
Long term:  
 
Arms race, AI cyber security threat 
 
AI goals not aligned with our human goals 
 
Elon Musk and Stephen Hawking - lethal autonomous weapons 
 ​ Anudeep Durishetty
AIR 1, UPSC CSE 2017

 
 
 
 
How to deal with job losses? 
 
Technology starting from Agricultural revolution, Industrial Revolution, Digital 
revolution takes away some jobs and creates others. We need to adapt.  
 
Jobs that rely on problem solving, creativity, research, design, and interpersonal skills 
are less likely to be automated than those with well-defined steps to perform each day. 
 
Focus of skill india must be more towards such jobs that do not become obsolete in next 
2-3 decades. 
 
Eg: Cooking, Beekeeping, Nurses, Career counselling, Social worker, hospitality, 
construction worker, teaching, etc 
 
Of all the sectors we have examined, among the least susceptible to automation is 
education. The essence of teaching includes deep expertise and complex interactions 
with other people for which machines, so far and with few exceptions, receive an 
incomplete grade. 
 
 
Long term: 
 
And India should become the hub of latest AI research. AI solutions to our problems- 
sustainability, climate change and detecting cancers etc 
 
How should govt prepare for automation? 
 
How is AI useful in governance/administration? 
 
Space, Health and Tax fraud detection 
 
Assisted Reality vs Augmented Reality vs Virtual Reality 
 
What is Fourth Industrial Revolution? 
 
Name some important companies in AI research? 
 
DeepMind/Google 
Facebook 
 ​ Anudeep Durishetty
AIR 1, UPSC CSE 2017

Microsoft 
Baidu 
Apple 
IBM 
 
 
INDIAN: Active.ai, - Bank customer chatbots 
Aindra.ai- medical AI 
 
 
Mindfulness Meditation

What is mindfulness? 
 
 
What is meditation? 
 
 
Meditation is a practice of concentrated focus upon a sound, object, visualization, the 
breath, movement, or attention itself in order to increase awareness of the present 
moment, reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance personal and spiritual growth. 
 
What are the types of meditation? 
 
Vipassana, Transcendental Meditation (Maharishi Mahesh Yogi), Mindfulness, 
Loving-Kindness meditation, Concentration Meditation. 
 
 
Concentration Meditation vs Mindfulness meditation 
 
Generally speaking, there are two main types of meditation. These types are 
concentration meditation and mindfulness meditation. Concentration meditation 
practices involve focusing attention on a single object. Objects of meditation can include 
the breath, an inner or external image, a movement pattern (as in tai chi or yoga), or a 
sound, word, or phrase that is repeated silently (mantra). The purpose of concentrative 
practices is to learn to focus one's attention or develop concentration. When thoughts or 
emotions arise, the meditator gently directs the mind back to the original object of 
concentration. 
 
Mindfulness meditation practices involve becoming aware of the entire field of 
attention. The meditator is instructed to be aware of all thoughts, feelings, perceptions 
 ​ Anudeep Durishetty
AIR 1, UPSC CSE 2017

or sensations as they arise in each moment. Mindfulness meditation practices are 

enhanced by the meditator's ability to focus and quiet the mind. Many meditation 
practices are a blend of these two forms. 
 
 
Is meditation spiritual or religious? 
 
The word “spirit” comes from the Latin spiritus, which in turn is a translation of the 
Greek pneuma, meaning “breath.” 
 
So meditation is a tool to reach a deeper understanding of oneself. It can be done either 
through religious manner or even through secular manner. 
 
 
Why do you meditate? (or) How meditation has helped you? 
 
 
Are there any negative effects of meditation? 
 
Some people – especially if they practice intensive meditation for many hours, such as 
on a retreat – have challenging or difficult experiences. Some religious teachers within 
Buddhism say these can be part of the path of the religious experience. However, for 
people doing meditation hoping to experience health benefits, without a religious 
context, these experiences can be unexpected and difficult to deal with. 
 
 
Have you read any books on meditation? 
 
 
How did meditation help you? 
 
 
Vipassana vs Mindfulness 
 
https://inward.nl/blog/mindfulness-meditation/difference-between-mindfulness-med
itation-and-insight-or-vipassana-meditation/ 
 
http://www.vipassana.com/meditation/mindfulness_in_plain_english_16.php 
 
https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/12420/what-are-the-differences-betw
een-vipassana-and-mindfulness-meditation 
 
 
 ​ Anudeep Durishetty
AIR 1, UPSC CSE 2017

 
Buddhism 
 
Four Noble Truths and Eightfold path 
 
They are the truth of suffering, the truth of the cause of suffering, the truth of the end 
of suffering, and the truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering. More simply 
put, suffering exists; it has a cause; it has an end; and it has a cause to bring about its 
end.  
 
http://www.bcc.ca/buddhism/fournobletruthsandeightfoldpath.html 
 
 
Meditation can help in public service, public officials do their job better 
 
Eg: In Boston, police meditate everyday for 10 min before going to work. They testify 
that it has helped them being more effective and empathetic. 
 
Difference between yoga and meditation 
 
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140609195722-22836944-key-differences-between-
yoga-and-meditation 
 
Patanjali, an ancient sage, is credited with formulating what is known as the Eight 
Limbs of Yoga. Without getting into too much detail they are as follows: 1. Yama (Do’s) 2. 
Niyama (Don’ts) 3. Asanas (Positions) 4. Pranayama (Control of breath or Life Force) 5. 
Pratyahara (Sense Withdrawal) 6. Dharana (Concentration) 7. Dhyana (Meditation) and 
8. Samadhi (Spiritual Ecstasy). 
 
As defined by the sage Patanjali, Yoga is 'Chitta Vriti Nirodhah', promoting the unison of 
body and mind and envisages wellness of human beings both physical, mental and 
spiritual. 
The eight steps of yoga are yama, niyama, aasana, pranayama, pratyahar, dhyana, 
dharana and samadhi. Yoga is also said to be a way of life and when practised gives 
all-round benefits. 
Meditation is a part of yoga, which deals with mental relaxation and concentration. 
Here, attention is focused on thoughts and breath. Being aware of breathing 
automatically controls the thought process and thus relaxes mind completely. 
 
 
How did Meditation originate? 
 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_meditation 
 ​ Anudeep Durishetty
AIR 1, UPSC CSE 2017

 
 
Ancient  
 
Some of the earliest written records of meditation (Dhyana), come from the hindi 
traditions of Vedantism around 1500 BCE.[1] The Vedas discuss the meditative 
traditions of ancient India.[1] Around the 6th to 5th centuries BCE, other forms of 
meditation developed in Taoist China and Buddhist India. Dhyana in early Buddhism 
also takes influence on Vedanta by ca. the 4th century BCE. 
 
Middle Ages 
 
Sufi view or Islamic mysticism involves meditative practices. Remembrance of God in 
Islam, which is known by the concept Dhikr is interpreted in different meditative 
techniques in Sufism or Islamic mysticism.[13][14] This became one of the essential 
elements of Sufism as it was systematized in the 11th and 12th centuries. It is 
juxtaposed with fikr (thinking) which leads to knowledge.[15] By the 12th century, the 
practice of Sufism included specific meditative techniques, and its followers practiced 
breathing controls and the repetition of holy words.[16] 
 
Eastern Christian meditation can involve the repetition of a phrase in a specific physical 
posture, and can be traced back to the Byzantine period.