Latest news with #Anglophone
The Wire
6 days ago
- Business
- The Wire
Is Agentic AI a Threat to the Indian Middle Class?
The monsoon clouds over India may give relief from the searing heat, but the cloud of agentic artificial intelligence (AI) over workplaces may wash away many jobs. The rainmakers of the Big 5 might position it as great for the future of work but it is a phenomenon that is threatening livelihood, eroding social contract and hollowing out professional and personal identities. McKinsey's recent report of a harmonious symbiosis between human employees and autonomous digital labour is alarming for India. The reality is far darker. The involvement of self‑directed AI agents leads to a wholesale reordering of our socio‑economic fabric, with looming mass unemployment, widening inequity, and fraying human dignity. In a nation where roughly 38 crore people participate in the workforce, even a modest net job loss spells calamity. Moreoever, 1.2 crore youth enters the job market every year. McKinsey's global forecast – 23% roles transformed, 83 million positions culled versus 69 million birthed – translates into millions of Indians scraped from payrolls as enterprises automate deterministic tasks. Consider a tier‑1 banking back office, where reconciliation clerks face replacement by orchestration‑capable agents that ingest transaction feeds, flag anomalies, and autonomously execute corrective entries. When 'digital labour' assumptions become head‑count targets, countless urban households will feel the wrenching shock of sudden joblessness, with scant social‑safety nets to catch the fall. The burgeoning middle class, propped up by service‑sector expansion, risks bifurcation. Automation's spoils accrue to capital investors and a technocratic elite while seasoned clerical and customer‑facing executives face existential crisis. FinTech and the gigification through apps have already disrupted stable earnings. The increasing use of agentic AI Agentic AI now menaces white‑collar bastions by scheduling interviews, curating candidate shortlists, and even drafting performance appraisals. This leaves behind a two‑tiered workforce: a privileged vanguard commanding digital frameworks, and a sprawling disenfranchised cohort consigned to precarious, low‑wage gigs or chronic unemployment. From IT engineers debugging labyrinthine code to front‑line BPO executives diffusing irate customer calls. our workforce has long resided in problem‑solving resilience. Agentic systems subsume routine decisions, relegating humans to passive overseers: clicking 'approve' when an AI‑generated audit report passes muster. As Wired notes, in 'deterministic' environments such as ticket resolution or code refactoring, agentic AI is already displacing critical judgement. Over time, this transactional circuitry leaches creative rigour from our collective skillset with workers losing their sense of mastery and purpose, their identities reduced to algorithmic compliance. Generative models trained on Anglophone corpora may systematically marginalise vernacular dialects; resume‑screening agents can inadvertently penalise candidates with non‑English names or atypical career trajectories. In a country striving to democratise opportunity, the deployment of unchecked agentic AI in recruitment and performance management risks crystallising inequity. Without transparent audits, these systems will perpetuate entrenched disparities, awarding top roles to those who fit a narrow digital mould rather than reflecting our diverse talent reservoir. Autonomous decision loops can imperil cyber‑resilience. An AI‑driven SOC (security operations centre) agent in a data‑centre may ingest outdated threat‑intelligence feeds, hallucinate non‑existent malware signatures, and trigger resource‑draining incident responses while overlooking genuine breaches. The Italian antitrust probe into DeepSeek shows that such hallucinations carry material legal and reputational risks. A single mis calibrated 'automated cybersecurity agent' could cascade into outages or data leaks leading to even national security. Trust in India's institutions hangs by a thread. When inscrutable 'black‑box' agents make determinations on creditworthiness, scholarship eligibility, or even immigration interviews, accountability vanishes into layers of algorithmic opacity. Employees, wary of flawed AI outputs, routinely duplicate tasks, nullifying any purported gains in efficiency. This corrodes confidence in technology and leadership, breeding cynicism. Social cohesion and psychological anchorage stem from a meaningful workplace for most Indians. As AI agents supplant the human interactions – coaching, mentoring, conflict‑resolution – the workplace becomes a sterile transactional arena. The resultant isolation and burnout echo through slum‑to‑silicon corridor pipelines, where displaced workers, lacking stable employment, spiral into despair. The lack of social security schemes offers scant refuge, precipitating a mental‑health crisis of unprecedented scale. Despite sporadic guidelines from the Digital India initiative and nascent data‑protection drafts, our regulatory efforts remain ill‑equipped to govern agentic autonomy. No binding mandate exists for AI explainability, bias mitigation audits, or safety‑critical testing. Without comprehensive legislation including enforceable audit trails, impact disclosures, and robust cybersecurity certifications, corporations will sprint to monetise AI agents, heedless of societal risk. The lessons of industrial revolutions are clear: technological proliferation sans ethical guardrails yields social upheaval. Further, the carbon cost of agentic AI is no abstract footnote: training GPT‑class models emits hundreds of tons of CO₂. We are already grappling with acute air pollution and overburdened energy grids, and cannot absorb the exponential rise in data‑centre power draw. Policymakers and business leaders must reject the facile binary of human versus agent As corporates spin up swarms of specialised agents for consumer personalisation or employee‑facing coaching, sustainability pledges fray, and the decarbonisation targets slip further. Policymakers and business leaders must reject the facile binary of human versus agent. Instead, they should envisage a human‑centred ecosystem: invest in large‑scale reskilling for roles demanding EQ and moral discernment; mandate transparent AI audits to root out bias; enforce green‑compute standards to curb the climate toll. Policymakers should expedite the Personal Data Protection Bill and AI Governance Framework, embedding rights to contest automated decisions and to demand algorithmic transparency. The clock is ticking. India stands on the brink of an AI-induced upheaval, while the Big 5 consulting firms serenade CEOs with glossy slide decks and euphoric forecasts, selling agentic AI as the gospel of efficiency. McKinsey and its ilk don't just forecast the future; they manufacture it, peddling automation as a panacea while quietly eroding the very social contracts that underpin stable societies. In their world, cost centres must be culled, and digital labour never asks for a raise. But this isn't transformation but extraction, dressed like innovation. When McKinsey tells you 'let the agents work,' just check they don't mean 'let the humans walk!' The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
50 years later, this Quebec advocacy group is still helping anglophones thrive
Beyond the beehives and a grove of trees on Lynden Bechervaise's property sits the office of a regional organization that's become a familiar name on Quebec's Gaspé peninsula. The Committee for Anglophone Social Action (CASA), founded in 1975 and rooted in New Carlisle, Que., was the first association in Quebec to serve and represent a minority English-speaking community. Now, it's celebrating 50 years. "Holy Hannah, we started something pretty small," said CASA founder Bechervaise, 84. "It's really taken off." The non-profit organization has ballooned since its founding, representing people along the southern coast of the Gaspé Peninsula, from Matapedia to Port-Daniel–Gascons. A lifelong resident of New Carlisle, Bechervaise remembers a time when many in his region felt less connected. For years, he says anglophones living in the Gaspé had few services in English, especially social services. CASA helped fill that gap. Fifty years after its creation, it's become a model for other organizations that serve English-speaking communities in regions across Quebec. LISTEN | Joining the celebrations: A region cut off from local news It was at a budget meeting of the Gaspesian Cultural Association where Bechervaise, who was working for the regional school board, first planted the seeds for what would become CASA. During a coffee break, Bechervaise approached Bernard St-Laurent, a former CBC journalist and the association's co-ordinator at the time, about getting involved in a new project — a newspaper focused on the needs of the English community. "I said, 'Yeah, absolutely.' And that's essentially how it got started," said St-Laurent, recalling the conversation. The local English weekly newspaper was called the Gaspé Spec, which is still in circulation. At the time, if people wanted news in English, Berchervaise says they relied on radio from New Brunswick. "I felt that we needed to do more," he said. "We had to create a community between Matapedia and Gaspé." St-Laurent says this newspaper was a priority given the political climate and how the region was cut off from local news. "We were in the middle of one of what would come to be called the language wars," said St-Laurent. The Robert Bourassa government had passed Bill 22 in 1974, making French the official language in Quebec and determining who was eligible to attend English schools. "There was social change coming to the province and we felt it was important to find a way to make this information accessible to them," said St-Laurent. "Our thinking was that the newspaper could help." Once the Gaspé Spec was up and running, Bechervaise wanted to do even more to help his community. He stepped back from the newspaper and put his efforts into developing CASA. 'They didn't create a need, they answered the question' Over five decades, the non-profit has developed programs relating to health and social services, culture, youth and community development. It introduced seniors' wellness centres, employability programs, literacy courses and heritage initiatives. Bechervaise doesn't take credit for the programs or for CASA's longevity. "It wasn't me," he said. "It was the animators, the people." But the team didn't keep the model of the programs to themselves. Twenty-three networks of community organizations in the province have implemented CASA's early childhood development program called Bright Beginnings, says Jennifer Johnson, the executive director of the Community Health and Social Services Network, based in Quebec City. She said CASA's seniors' wellness centres' program has also had significant success, with more than 120 locations across the province — including 10 in Montreal. Johnson says the organization's greatest legacy is how well CASA staff understand the people they serve. "They have been a leader in terms of developing programming that actually has an impact on groups of vulnerable people," she said. CASA inspired a new generation of organizations across Quebec who serve anglophones after another advocacy group, Alliance Quebec, and its regional chapters closed in 2005. Sharleen Sullivan, the executive director of Neighbours Abitibi -Témiscamingue, one of those groups, says CASA taught her to meet people where they're at. "The people bought into it — they weren't telling the members or the community what they needed. The community told them," she said. "They didn't create a need, they answered the question."
CBC
7 days ago
- General
- CBC
50 years later, this Quebec advocacy group is still helping anglophones thrive
Beyond the beehives and a grove of trees on Lynden Bechervaise's property sits the office of a regional organization that's become a familiar name on Quebec's Gaspé peninsula. The Committee for Anglophone Social Action (CASA), founded in 1975 and rooted in New Carlisle, Que., was the first association in Quebec to serve and represent a minority English-speaking community. Now, it's celebrating 50 years. "Holy Hannah, we started something pretty small," said CASA founder Bechervaise, 84. "It's really taken off." The non-profit organization has ballooned since its founding, representing people along the southern coast of the Gaspé Peninsula, from Matapedia to Port-Daniel–Gascons. A lifelong resident of New Carlisle, Bechervaise remembers a time when many in his region felt less connected. For years, he says anglophones living in the Gaspé had few services in English, especially social services. CASA helped fill that gap. Fifty years after its creation, it's become a model for other organizations that serve English-speaking communities in regions across Quebec. A region cut off from local news It was at a budget meeting of the Gaspesian Cultural Association where Bechervaise, who was working for the regional school board, first planted the seeds for what would become CASA. During a coffee break, Bechervaise approached Bernard St-Laurent, a former CBC journalist and the association's co-ordinator at the time, about getting involved in a new project — a newspaper focused on the needs of the English community. "I said, 'Yeah, absolutely.' And that's essentially how it got started," said St-Laurent, recalling the conversation. The local English weekly newspaper was called the Gaspé Spec, which is still in circulation. At the time, if people wanted news in English, Berchervaise says they relied on radio from New Brunswick. "I felt that we needed to do more," he said. "We had to create a community between Matapedia and Gaspé." St-Laurent says this newspaper was a priority given the political climate and how the region was cut off from local news. "We were in the middle of one of what would come to be called the language wars," said St-Laurent. The Robert Bourassa government had passed Bill 22 in 1974, making French the official language in Quebec and determining who was eligible to attend English schools. "There was social change coming to the province and we felt it was important to find a way to make this information accessible to them," said St-Laurent. "Our thinking was that the newspaper could help." Once the Gaspé Spec was up and running, Bechervaise wanted to do even more to help his community. He stepped back from the newspaper and put his efforts into developing CASA. ' They didn't create a need, they answered the question' Over five decades, the non-profit has developed programs relating to health and social services, culture, youth and community development. It introduced seniors' wellness centres, employability programs, literacy courses and heritage initiatives. Bechervaise doesn't take credit for the programs or for CASA's longevity. "It wasn't me," he said. "It was the animators, the people." But the team didn't keep the model of the programs to themselves. Twenty-three networks of community organizations in the province have implemented CASA's early childhood development program called Bright Beginnings, says Jennifer Johnson, the executive director of the Community Health and Social Services Network, based in Quebec City. She said CASA's seniors' wellness centres' program has also had significant success, with more than 120 locations across the province — including 10 in Montreal. Johnson says the organization's greatest legacy is how well CASA staff understand the people they serve. "They have been a leader in terms of developing programming that actually has an impact on groups of vulnerable people," she said. CASA inspired a new generation of organizations across Quebec who serve anglophones after another advocacy group, Alliance Quebec, and its regional chapters closed in 2005. Sharleen Sullivan, the executive director of Neighbours Abitibi -Témiscamingue, one of those groups, says CASA taught her to meet people where they're at. "The people bought into it — they weren't telling the members or the community what they needed. The community told them," she said.
Hamilton Spectator
23-06-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Province announces list of schools with new fall schedules
Pilot project aims to 'strengthen school staff experitse' through revised calendar Students in six District of Carleton North schools will be on a new calendar this fall. The pilot project will begin in September, providing approximately two professional learning days per month for staff at 37 anglophone schools in the province. Schools in the Anglophone School District–West that are included in the project are: • Bath Community School • Bristol Elementary School • Carleton North High School • Florenceville Middle School • Florenceville Elementary School • Centreville Community School 'This pilot reflects what we've heard clearly from teachers: they need more time to work together, reflect on student progress and strengthen their practice,' said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson. 'By investing in the people who make the greatest difference in the classroom, students benefit.' Schools participating in the pilot project were chosen after the district surveyed parents on the new calendar option. The pilot allows time for professional improvement, reflection and collaboration and is in response to a request from Anglophone school districts and the New Brunswick Teachers' Association. It is also the result of work associated with the long-term recommendation project team and reflects a shared commitment to strengthening teaching and learning across the province. Participating schools will have a revised calendar with up to 10 professional learning days, dedicating up to two days per month to professional learning, targeted teacher training, collaboration and planning. These days will fall on Fridays to support routine and minimize family disruption. 'We're encouraged by the enthusiasm of the communities stepping forward to take part in this pilot, which has the potential to transform how school staff collaborate to support student achievement and well-being,' said New Brunswick Teachers' Association president Peter Legacy. 'Providing schools with dedicated time to focus on student learning will strengthen outcomes and give New Brunswick a competitive advantage.' Students in participating schools will receive the same learning time as those in provinces with the best results on recent national and international assessments . School districts are beginning to collaborate with local organizations to identify childcare and recreation options for families on professional learning days. The pilot is part of a broader strategy to improve student achievement, retain and recruit educators, and create more positive and inclusive learning environments. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Germany, Russia and...Uzbekistan? Indian students look to new countries as global education landscape changes
More Indian students are heading to countries like Germany, Russia and Uzbekistan as they look beyond traditional choices. According to India's Bureau of Immigration, nearly 760,000 Indian students went abroad for higher education in 2024 — part of a larger trend that reflects the growing number of Indians in their 20s and changing policies across popular destinations. ET Online Traditional destinations see a dip The US remains the top destination, according to an ApplyBoard study. Last year, 204,000 Indian students declared the US as their study destination — more than any other country — although this was a 13% drop compared to 2023. The UK, Canada and Australia also saw fewer Indian students in 2024. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Simple Morning Habit for a Flatter Belly After 50! Lulutox In Canada, caps on new study permits led to an 8% drop in Indian study permit holders to 393,000. The UK experienced a 4% decrease after new restrictions on bringing family members were introduced. Australia, meanwhile, hosted 139,000 Indian students — up 11% — although policies like higher visa fees and stricter language requirements may discourage some future applicants. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) ET Online Live Events You Might Also Like: New visa rules in US, UK: How Indian families can still get visa for their kids' overseas education Germany, Russia and Uzbekistan gain popularity While traditional countries face headwinds, Germany, Russia and Uzbekistan have seen steady growth. According to the report, nearly 35,000 Indian students declared Germany as their destination in 2024 — almost twice the number who chose Germany in 2019. Indian students appreciate Germany's affordable programs and qualifications that are recognized globally. Russia also attracted more Indian students. About 31,400 Indian students went to Russia in 2024 — nearly double the numbers from 2019. Popular medical degrees and affordable tuition help draw students to Russia, which has continued to grow as a preferred destination. Uzbekistan, one of the most surprising additions to this list, is becoming an emerging choice. Just 300 Indian students went to Uzbekistan in 2019. That number rose to almost 10,000 students in 2024. Many Indian students opt for Uzbekistan because of its English-taught programs and affordable medical degrees. Students looking for value and opportunity You Might Also Like: Looking to study abroad? These are the world's best universities in 2025 As policy and economic changes shape traditional destinations, Indian students continue to explore new options. They are looking for good-quality programs that offer recognized degrees at a competitive cost. Recent trends show that as top Anglophone countries introduce stricter policies, Indian students are widening their options to include destinations like Germany, Russia and Uzbekistan. With these shifts, Indian students will likely continue to diversify their choices. Established destinations will need to adjust policies if they want to remain competitive for this large and dynamic group of international students . You Might Also Like: Student's study abroad dream in 2025: A permanent crackdown or just another cycle?
