DeepSeek pips ChatGPT

With reference to ‘DeepSeek’s rise signals end of AI monopoly’; interestingly, Chinese-built AI model DeepSeek was released on the day of the US President’s inauguration. It seems that China is aiming to become the world’s AI superpower. When its indigenous DeepSeek model pipped ChatGPT on Apple’s app store, many stakeholders, including stock markets, felt it had really scaled the summit. DeepSeek is impressive mainly because it is claimed to have been built on a shoestring budget. In research, China is neck-and-neck with the US. However, for AI or any other technology to survive, openness also matters. Chinese apps can of course siphon off user data from anywhere in the world, but this threat is likely to lessen. TikTok’s struggle in the US is a case in point. India has already banned many Chinese apps and Western nations are also feeling increasingly uncomfortable with them.

SK Singh, by mail

China can misuse AI

Refer to ‘DeepSeek’s rise signals end of AI monopoly’; the insightful article sheds light on China’s latest AI breakthrough and its challenge to Western dominance. However, while DeepSeek is promoted as an open-source innovator, China could exploit it for military and economic purposes against rivals, including India. The potential of AI-driven surveillance, disinformation and cyber warfare poses grave risks. India must remain cautious about adopting Chinese AI models, scale up AI research to reduce reliance on foreign technology and bolster its cybersecurity defences. DeepSeek’s rise calls for a proactive and strategic response.

Chanchal S Mann, Una

Level playing field for medics

Apropos of ‘Merit vs domicile’; by declaring domicile-based quota unconstitutional, the Supreme Court has strengthened national cohesiveness. It has provided a level playing field for medical graduates who opt for specialisation. The SC has rightly underscored the need to give primacy to merit and sidelined frivolous considerations. The reluctance of most medical professionals to serve in backward areas is another issue that needs to be addressed urgently. This approach has triggered an acute shortage of doctors at community health centres in rural areas where specialists are needed the most.

Roshan Lal Goel, Ladwa

Rural areas need more doctors

Refer to ‘Merit vs domicile’; the irony is that specialist doctors are reluctant to serve in remote areas, leave aside hospitals in difficult terrains. Poor patients are compelled to visit distant hospitals in urban areas and forced to shell out hefty amounts for treatment in private hospitals. Doctors sometimes use political connections to get plum postings; this does not augur well for the medical profession. Besides strictly implementing the SC judgment, the need of the hour is to make it mandatory for specialist doctors to serve in rural areas. Disciplinary action should be taken against naysayers.

MD Sharma, Shimla

BJP has the edge in Delhi

Refer to ‘For once, AAP on the defensive in Delhi’; despite the fact that the Aam Aadmi Party has brought good education, healthcare and basic needs to the common man and has its ears to the ground, it is indeed on the defensive in Delhi. In the present times, whatever the means of getting votes in elections, the aim of political parties is to win. So, the party that has money/muscle power, media and government agencies on its side, will definitely enjoy an upper edge. AAP certainly appears weaker than the BJP on this count.

Hira Sharma, by mail

Sleepless nights for AAP

Apropos of ‘For once, AAP on the defensive in Delhi’; it is doubtful that AAP will score a hat-trick in the Delhi elections on the basis of ‘Kejriwal ki guarantee’. The party that earlier wooed the people by promising to eradicate corruption is itself in dire straits. From the scandalous liquor policy to Kejriwal’s ‘Sheesh Mahal’, the BJP has made it a point to make AAP go on the defensive. Now, AAP is trying to whip up a frenzy, saying that the BJP government in Haryana is poisoning the Yamuna. The party supremo is comparing Delhi with developed cities across the globe, but the ground reality is known to all. After 10 years in power, why could he not make a difference?

Aparna R Chaudhary, Amritsar