New Delhi, Oct. 8 -- There is an undefined organism in town called artificial intelligence (AI). It is undefined because nobody knows what eventual form or shape it will acquire; its nascent presence has already evoked a mix of emotions: fear, despair and hope. It is an organism because it's growing at an alarming pace in its dimensions as well as in its faux sentience.

Businesses are rushing to adopt AI in the hope that its embrace will help them improve efficiency, upgrade productivity and strengthen their bond with customers. Some Indian businesses, loath to spend time and money on delving deep, are rushing to bolt AI onto existing operations without an adequate grasp of its scope, hoping that this will miraculously deliver results. ...