LUCKNOW, Sept. 14 -- Artificial Intelligence (AI) can strengthen personalised learning, language support, research and student productivity, said BITS Pilani's Prof V Ramgopal Rao. Speaking on the role of AI in higher education, he said the advent of the AI era calls for sweeping changes in education, research and innovation. He made the remarks on the second day of the two-day 'AI Manthan 2.0', organised jointly by Jan Bhavan, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur. The event, held at the Veerangana Rani Laxmibai Auditorium on the university campus, brought together experts to discuss the practical applications, innovations and future possibilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across various sectors. IBM's Vishal Chahal highlighted AI's growing influence in India, stressing the need for faster adoption and skilled talent. He said Uttar Pradesh, with its large student population, could emerge as a major hub for AI skill development. Prof Amey Karkare of IIT Kanpur spoke about making AI-based online education and competitive exam preparation more accessible. Citing 'Project Saathi', he said digital platforms could help students in remote areas and those facing financial or other practical challenges access quality preparation. Boddupalli Maruti Prasanna of IARI, New Delhi, spoke on AI-driven crop breeding and agricultural economic management. Prof Sachidanand Tripathi of IIT Kanpur said AI can make cities more efficient, resilient and resource-efficient....