Latest news with #AI-integrated
Gizmodo
4 days ago
- Health
- Gizmodo
The FDA Launches Its Generative-AI Tool, Elsa, Ahead Of Schedule
Generative artificial intelligence has found another home in the federal government. On Tuesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the early launch of its very own generative AI that it hopes will improve efficiency. The FDA's tool—nicknamed Elsa—is designed to assist employees with everything from scientific reviews to basic operations. Originally, the FDA planned to launch by June 30, so Elsa is well ahead of schedule and under budget, according to an FDA statement. It's not clear what exact information Elsa was trained on, but the FDA says that it didn't use any 'data submitted by regulated industry' in order to protect sensitive research and information. Currently, Elsa houses its information in GovCloud, an Amazon Web Services product specifically intended for classified information. As a language model, Elsa can help employees with reading, writing, and summarizing. In addition, the FDA said that it can summarize adverse events, generate code for nonclinical applications, and more. Per the agency, Elsa is already being used to 'accelerate clinical protocol reviews, shorten the time needed for scientific evaluations, and identify high-priority inspection targets.' In a May press release announcing the completion of the FDA's first AI-assisted scientific review, Makary said he was 'blown away' by Elsa's capabilities, which '[hold] tremendous promise in accelerating the review time for new therapies'. He added, 'We need to value our scientists' time and reduce the amount of non-productive busywork that has historically consumed much of the review process.' According to one scientist, Jinzhong Liu, the FDA's generative AI completed tasks in minutes that would otherwise take several days. In Tuesday's announcement, FDA Chief AI Officer Jeremy Walsh said, 'Today marks the dawn of the AI era at the FDA with the release of Elsa, AI is no longer a distant promise but a dynamic force enhancing and optimizing the performance and potential of every employee.' Generative AI can certainly be a useful tool, but every tool has its drawbacks. With AI specifically, there has been an uptick in stories about hallucinations which are outright false or misleading claims and statements. Although commonly associated with chatbots like ChatGPT, hallucinations can still pop up in federal AI models, where they can unleash even more chaos. Per IT Veterans, AI hallucinations typically stem from factors like biases in training data or a lack of fact-checking safeguards built into the model itself. Even with those in place, though, IT Veterans cautions that human oversight is 'essential to mitigate the risks and ensure the reliability of AI-integrated federal data streams'. Ideally, the FDA has thoroughly considered and taken measures to prevent any mishaps with Elsa's use. But the expansion of technology that really needs human oversight is always concerning when federal agencies are amidst mass layoffs. At the beginning of April, the FDA laid off 3,500 employees, including scientists and inspection staff (although some layoffs were later reversed). Time will reveal how Elsa ultimately performs. But eventually, the FDA plans to expand its use throughout the agency as it matures. This includes data processing and generative-AI functions to 'further support the FDA's mission.'
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Accenture's long-awaited salary hikes are here: 15,000 Indians rejoice as promotions roll out
Accenture has rolled out salary hikes between 3% and 13% for employees at Associate Manager level (Level 8) and above — its first round of raises in two-and-a-half years. The company is also set to promote nearly 50,000 staff globally this June, marking a significant morale boost after a long pause. These changes were communicated to employees earlier this week and are part of the firm's June performance review cycle. Internal documents reviewed by Bloomberg reveal that about 15,000 promotions will take place in India, 11,000 in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and 10,000 across the Americas. This round of promotions will impact roughly 6% of Accenture's global headcount, which stands at approximately 801,000. Accenture Salary Hike: India at the heart of Accenture's growth focus As reported by Money Control, Ajay Vij, Senior Country Managing Director for Accenture in India, said in an internal email that the company will provide 'stay-at-level (base pay) increases, including many of those not covered in the December cycle and others in key growth areas.' He added, 'The majority of Accenture's workforce in India will have received a base pay increase by the end of FY25, either through promotions or stay-at-level adjustments.' Accenture expects to promote over 43,000 employees in India alone through FY25. This move aims to recognise talent in vital business units and compensate for a half-year delay in promotions, which was initially put off due to reduced demand for consulting services. Muted employee response despite double-digit increases While some employees are receiving raises in the double digits, reactions within the company have been restrained. The long gap between increments has dulled enthusiasm, despite the tangible financial benefit. Live Events The raises follow a period of stagnation, reflecting Accenture's attempts to navigate a 'volatile global business environment.' As the company noted in internal messages, the current outlook includes 'an elevated level of uncertainty in the global economic and geopolitical environment.' AI demand drives revenue, but margins under pressure The timing of these raises aligns with the company's Q2FY25 earnings, released on 20 March, where Accenture raised the lower end of its annual revenue forecast. This was largely due to increased demand for AI-integrated services in client operations — a segment that continues to expand across markets. However, the positive topline trend has not fully translated to the bottom line. Operating margins have come under pressure compared to the same quarter last year. Still, the company said it remains focused on 'disciplined execution' and helping clients lead reinvention efforts. Comparison with Indian IT peers Unlike Accenture, domestic IT majors have taken a more cautious stance. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has deferred its salary hikes, stating they will be rolled out 'based on business environment.' Wipro has also pushed back its wage decisions, saying they will be made closer to the actual date. In contrast, Accenture's decision signals a more proactive approach to talent retention, especially in high-growth verticals and regions like India. Despite the hikes and promotions, performance-based bonuses and equity awards will continue to follow the December cycle, Ajay Vij confirmed. Detailed promotion letters will be issued to employees between 26 and 29 May, with all related information expected to be shared on the final day. Accenture's cautious optimism is grounded in real concerns. The company cited ongoing instability in the geopolitical and economic environment. At the same time, it must contend with shrinking consulting demand and intensified scrutiny over U.S. government contracts. The internal strategy seems clear: retain key talent, reinvest in growth sectors, and brace for turbulence. Whether these hikes and promotions are enough to secure workforce satisfaction remains to be seen — but they mark a significant step forward after months of uncertainty. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
News18
21-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Accenture Salary Hike: 3–13% Increments Rolled Out For Level 8 And Above After Two-Year Gap
Last Updated: Accenture has experienced a rebound in revenue growth throughout FY24, with broad-based growth across markets, industries, and various client needs. Accenture Salary Hike: Accenture, a global IT firm, has implemented salary increases between 3 percent and 13 percent for employees at the Level 8 (Associate Manager) tier and above. This marks the first salary increment in over two years, reflecting a cautious optimism amidst ongoing global economic and geopolitical uncertainties. Despite the double-digit hike for some, the response from employees has been lukewarm due to the prolonged wait for these adjustments. Accenture's decision follows the announcement of its Q2FY25 results on March 20, where it raised the lower end of its annual revenue forecast, driven by rising demand for AI-integrated tools in client operations. The salary hikes are part of Accenture's June performance cycle and coincide with promotions for nearly 50,000 employees globally, including around 15,000 in India. An internal communication from Ajay Vij, Senior Country Managing Director for Accenture in India, revealed that over 43,000 employees in India are slated for promotion in FY25. Base Pay Adjustments Vij also mentioned in the email that many employees not covered in the December cycle, as well as those in key growth areas, will receive base pay increases. By the end of FY25, the majority of Accenture's workforce in India will have received a base pay adjustment, either through promotions or stay-at-level increments. Accenture has experienced a rebound in revenue growth throughout FY24, with broad-based growth across markets, industries, and various client needs. However, operating margins have faced pressure compared to the same period last year, as noted by Vij. Accenture, headquartered in Dublin, employs around 800,000 people globally. First Published: May 21, 2025, 13:00 IST
Hindustan Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Bhutani Infra, Yashoda Hospital to jointly build 10.25-acre mixed-use project in Greater Noida
New Delhi, May 19 (PTI) Real estate firm Bhutani Infra has partnered with Yashoda Hospital to develop a mixed-use project in Greater Noida with an estimated investment of ₹1,000 crore, excluding land cost. In a statement on May 19, Bhutani Infra said it has joined hands with Yashoda Hospital for development of AI-integrated mixed-use campus in Greater Noida West. When contacted, Bhutani Infra CEO Ashish Bhutani told PTI that the company has tied up with Yashoda Hospital, which owns a 10.25-acre land, to develop this project. "We will develop a hospital, a 5-star hotel, office space, retail space in this mixed use project," he said. Ashish Bhutani said the company will invest around ₹1,000 crore to develop this project, excluding land cost. Yashoda Hospital will manage medical infrastructure and services. The hospital aims to provide proactive, predictive, and ambient healthcare services, integrating technology and well-being into daily life. "Tomorrow's healthcare won't wait for symptoms -- it will predict, prevent, and respond even before you know you need it, said Dr P N Arora, Chairman, Yashoda Group of Hospital. "This campus will enable that vision by embedding AI-driven care into the flow of daily life, where technology and well-being are truly inseparable," he said. Bhutani Infra has developed many real estate projects in Delhi-NCR. Bayview Projects, backed by filmmaker Boney Kapoor and Bhutani Infra, is developing Noida International Film City. The film city, proposed to be built across 1,000 acres with the first phase covering 230 acres in Sector 21 on Yamuna Expressway at a cost of ₹1,510 crore, is expected to be completed in eight years.
Korea Herald
12-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
South Korea to host APEC education ministerial meeting on Jeju Island
South Korea will host the 7th APEC Education Ministers' Meeting from Tuesday to Thursday at the Jeju International Convention Center, marking the first such gathering in nine years since the previous session in Peru. As the chair of this year's APEC, South Korea's Ministry of Education will lead the event, with education ministers and officials from all 21 APEC member economies, including the United States, China, Japan, Taiwan, Canada, Australia and Mexico, set to attend. Over 400 domestic and international education experts are also expected to participate. Under the theme of bridging educational gaps and fostering sustainable growth in the digital age, this year's meeting aims to explore future directions for education and to strengthen international collaboration within the region. The main ministerial sessions will take place on Wednesday, with different themes on innovation, connection and prosperity. Topics will respectively include the integration of AI and digital technology into education, expanding global cooperation and equitable access, and enhancing quality education for sustainable economic development. Ahead of the ministerial meeting, a Global Education Reform Conference will be held on Tuesday as an official APEC side event, where scholars and policymakers will discuss educational innovation and cross-border cooperation in the digital age. South Korea will showcase its AI digital textbooks and Regional Innovation System & Education initiatives as part of its broader educational reforms. The conference will also feature an education innovation exhibition showcasing Korea's nine major education reform initiatives, including immersive experiences of AI-integrated classrooms and STEM projects. Vice Education Minister Oh Seok-hwan emphasized that the event 'will not only serve as a platform for sharing Korea's accumulated experience in educational innovation, but also as a new starting point to find directions for global educational transformation in the digital era.' This marks the second time South Korea has hosted the APEC Education Ministers' Meeting, following the 2012 session in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province.
