New Delhi, Jan. 13 -- Artificial intelligence (AI) may get the pride of place in the upcoming Union budget, with the Centre crafting a long-term blueprint to support the emerging sector against the backdrop of China's technology ascent.

The finance ministry is steering the effort to set policy direction and funding priorities for AI and related technologies in collaboration with a range of ministries, three people aware of the development said. The ministries of electronics and IT, education, defence, science and technology are part of the process, along with the departments of space and telecommunications, reflecting the government's view that AI will cut across industry, research, national security, space and digital infrastructure.

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