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The Emerging Age of AI Literacy: Why Understanding AI Is Becoming Essential

Artificial intelligence is moving from a new technology to an established part of everyday digital life. It can help organise information, provide recommendations, assist with navigation, manage digital tasks, and create different forms of content. These systems are increasingly becoming part of the technologies and applications used in daily life. As AI use continues to grow, understanding its basic ideas and uses is becoming an important part of modern digital knowledge. Not long ago, computer literacy meant knowing how to type, save a file, send an email and use basic programmes. Over time, these skills became familiar parts of daily life. AI is now becoming part of search tools, recommendations, digital assistants, automated services and content creation. A 2025 study by KPMG and the University of Melbourne, involving more than 48,000 people in 47 countries, reported that 66 percent regularly used AI for work, study or personal activities, while 39 percent reported receiving AI education or training. This growing use has made AI literacy more important. It does not mean that everyone needs to learn programming or become an AI expert. A 2021 review of 30 peer-reviewed articles identified key parts of AI literacy, including understanding AI, using it, checking its results and thinking about its effects. MIT Open Learning has also discussed AI literacy as a field that can go beyond computer science. AI literacy also means knowing how AI produces information. AI can create explanations, summaries, images, recommendations and other forms of content. The result can depend on the system, the information available to it and the way a question is asked. This makes it useful to check important information and compare reliable sources. A basic understanding of AI can help people use these tools with greater awareness. AI is also opening new ways to learn and create. It can help explain ideas, organise information, develop ideas, create images and assist with solving problems. Alongside these possibilities, learning continues to depend on curiosity, practice and original thinking. AI literacy therefore includes knowing how to use these tools, how to ask clear questions and how to combine AI assistance with human judgement and creativity. The Harvard Graduate School of Education has discussed introducing AI literacy at an early age. MIT has also looked at ways to teach basic AI ideas to younger students. In one small MIT Media Lab study, students showed better understanding of AI after taking part in an AI literacy programme. Another MIT RAISE study involved 190 teachers and nearly 12,000 students. The teachers said they knew more about AI and felt more confident discussing it after the lessons. India is also taking steps to build AI awareness and skills. Through the IndiaAI Mission, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has supported programmes related to AI education and skills. YUVA AI for ALL introduces learners to basic AI ideas, while Future Skills focuses on more advanced AI skills. AI Samarth also shares the experiences of educators such as Rajeswari Behera from Odisha and Mohandas Gaikwad from Maharashtra, who took part in AI literacy training. Their experiences show how simple training can help people become more familiar with AI and its uses. AI literacy is also being studied in different parts of the world. Universities and research centres are looking at simple ways to help people understand AI and use it well. The work includes learning how AI works, using AI tools, checking information and understanding responsible use. This shows that AI literacy is becoming a wider part of digital learning. Stanford University has created CRAFT resources to help high school students learn about AI. Oxford University has an AI Competency Centre that provides training on generative AI. The University of Cambridge has a Generative AI Literacy Course, while University College London has resources on using generative AI in learning and teaching. ETH Zurich is also studying how AI can support learning. Research in China and other countries is looking at AI literacy among university students and how it connects with learning and technology skills. UNESCO is also helping shape AI literacy. Its AI Competency Framework for Students lists 12 areas of learning, covering basic AI knowledge, ethics, practical use and AI system design. The OECD and European Commission's 2026 framework lists 19 AI literacy competences for school education. The European Union has also introduced AI literacy requirements through its AI Act. Together, these efforts show that understanding AI is becoming an important part of modern education and digital knowledge. AI literacy is becoming an important part of modern digital knowledge. Its purpose is not only to teach people how to use new tools, but also to help them understand the technology and explore its possibilities. AI can support learning, creativity, communication and problem-solving in many settings. Knowing its basic ideas can help people use these capabilities more effectively. The emerging age of AI literacy is therefore also an opportunity to build digital knowledge and take part in a changing technological world. Understanding AI can open new ways to learn, create, explore ideas and develop solutions. As AI literacy evolves, its value will lie in helping people understand and use this technology while keeping human judgement, curiosity and creativity at the centre. The real advantage will not simply come from knowing how to use AI, but from knowing how to understand it, work with it and use it with purpose. AI literacy can therefore become more than a new digital skill. It can be a foundation for confident and informed participation in the technological world ahead. (The author is a Columnist. Feedback: bakshisuhaib094@gmail.com)

RisingKashmir 23 Sep 2026 1:20 am

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Court relies on circumstantial, medical and forensic evidence; victim was 15 weeks pregnant

The Times of India 23 Sep 2026 1:15 am

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The Times of India 23 Sep 2026 1:15 am

MLC Polls For 5 Graduates & Teachers Seats Set for Oct 23

3 Graduates & 2 Teachers Constituencies To Vote; Nominations Open On Sept 29

The Times of India 23 Sep 2026 1:14 am

NIA VC: Crosspathy should be used only in emergencies

The Times of India 23 Sep 2026 1:00 am

Speeding truck kills tigress in Bhandara

The Times of India 23 Sep 2026 12:58 am

No Drinking Water For Bappas Visarjan This Year: NMC

The Times of India 23 Sep 2026 12:39 am

Students get hands-on training in CNC technology at AISSMS

The Times of India 23 Sep 2026 12:39 am

50 of 2,000 water samples unfit in Pune railway division

The Times of India 23 Sep 2026 12:39 am

Avartan 2026 celebrates 16 years of kathak excellence

The Times of India 23 Sep 2026 12:38 am

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The Times of India 23 Sep 2026 12:38 am

Ravet shopowner loses 4L to Char Dham tour scam

The Times of India 23 Sep 2026 12:37 am

Young Prodigy Agastya Mittal Makes History with Triple Crown Victory in Maharashtra Billiards Championship

At just 12, Agastya Mittal wins the Triple Crown at the Maharashtra State Billiards and Snooker Championship, making history in the sport. Young Prodigy Agastya Mittal Makes History with Triple Crown Victory in Maharashtra Billiards Championship

Daily Kiran 23 Sep 2026 12:34 am

Youth hangs self after girlfriend blocks his calls

The Times of India 23 Sep 2026 12:33 am

Woman ends life during video call with boyfriend

The Times of India 23 Sep 2026 12:32 am

BJP Corporators Skip Key Event, May Face Action

The Times of India 23 Sep 2026 12:32 am

Spl voter registration camps in West Nagpur on Sept 26-27

The Times of India 23 Sep 2026 12:31 am

Maharashtra drought deepens, crop output crisis mounts

State agriculture minister Dattatray Bharane has confirmed a large contraction in the production of cotton and soybean, while the agriculture department has initiated an early crop assessment to calculate compensation as farmers are removing wilted crops from fields.

The Economic Times 23 Sep 2026 12:16 am

Why Maharashtra Minister Has Warned Of A Potential 100% Drought Situation

The drought situation is particularly alarming in Maharashtra, which has emerged as one of India's worst-hit states this September.

NDTV 23 Sep 2026 12:03 am

Maharashtra UCC Panel: Ex-Bombay High Court judge quits

Former judge RC Chavan tendered his resignation from the seven-member committee, citing differences over the panel's public consultation process and objecting to the involvement of an official from outside the state.

The Economic Times 22 Sep 2026 11:51 pm

Entrepreneur signs MoU to buy Juhu tower for Rs 711 crore

The Times of India 22 Sep 2026 11:21 pm

Kamathipura is Mumbais largest Ganeshotsav cluster

The Times of India 22 Sep 2026 11:19 pm

Maharashtra FDA Seizes Over

Maharashtra FDA has confiscated adulterated food products worth 30.82 lakh to ensure public safety during the festive season. Maharashtra FDA Seizes Over 30 Lakh Worth of Adulterated Food Items During Festival Season

Daily Kiran 22 Sep 2026 11:19 pm

Towards recognising women farmers

Maharashtras passage of the Women Farmers Empowerment Bill, granting women independent recognition as farmers irrespective of land ownership, brings into focus the structural bias against the female agricultural workforce, highlights the need for a database of women farmers and using it to ensure access to welfare schemes

The Hindu 22 Sep 2026 11:18 pm

US President warns Iran could face annihilation if no peace deal is reached

US President Donald Trump warned Iran during his UN General Assembly address that it could face annihilation if a peace deal is not reached. He also discussed the Strait of Hormuz, US military operations, Irans nuclear programme and American defence capabilities

Mid Day 22 Sep 2026 10:33 pm

Govt wont replace Chavan on UCC panel

The Times of India 22 Sep 2026 10:27 pm

'I'm With You Don't Go': Ex-Cong MLA Calls Off BJP Entry After Rahul Gandhis Emotional Appeal

In a dramatic political twist in Maharashtra, former Congress MLA Rahul Bondre has decided to stay with the Congress after a late-night phone call from Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi. Bondre had announced plans to join the BJP, with a welcome reportedly planned in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal connected the call, and a video of Gandhi urging Bondre not to buckle under pressure has gone viral. Bondre won Chikhli in 2009 and 2014, but lost to BJPs Shweta Mahale in 2019 and 2024.

The Times of India 22 Sep 2026 10:26 pm

Trump at UNGA: US will build two major military bases in Greenland

US President Donald Trump said during his UN General Assembly address that Washington would build two major military bases in Greenland under a planned agreement with Denmark and Greenland. Trump said the arrangement would expand US security authority and restrict military activity by American adversaries

Mid Day 22 Sep 2026 10:21 pm

Former Bombay HC Judge Quits Maharashtra UCC Panel

Justice R. C. Chavan objects to proposed Yes/No format for complex social issues

Deccan Chronicle 22 Sep 2026 10:20 pm

Trial in Mumbai local train murder case to be fast-tracked

The Times of India 22 Sep 2026 9:52 pm

PMC intensifies fire safety checks, inspects 129 establishments in five days

According to the officials, PMC inspected establishments across the city following directions from Municipal Commissioner Nilkantheshwar Ram to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations

Mid Day 22 Sep 2026 9:26 pm

JSW Greentech targets top three CV spot, 100,000 units by 2030

Electric truck sales in the N3 category (12 to 55 tonne) rose from about 850 units in FY26 to around 1,300 in the first five months of FY27, helped by state EV policies in Maharashtra and Haryana, sector-specific deployments in cement and steel, and rising diesel and CNG prices.

The Economic Times 22 Sep 2026 9:26 pm

FDA suspends Gallops licence; four other Mumbai establishments face action

Maharashtra FDA has suspended the food licence of Gallops Restaurant at Mahalaxmi Racecourse after an inspection found live cockroaches and ants. Four other Mumbai-based establishments face action

Mid Day 22 Sep 2026 8:58 pm

Trump at UN General Assembly: US President arrives in New York for speech

US President Donald Trump has arrived at the United Nations headquarters in New York for his General Assembly address. His speech is expected to focus on the Iran war, Gaza diplomacy, Ukraine, US foreign policy and his administrations approach to global conflicts

Mid Day 22 Sep 2026 8:42 pm

JSW Group Enters Electric Truck, Bus Market With 2,500 Crore Investment

The company showcased a 55-tonne electric tractor-trailer and an electric bus in Mumbai ahead of production at its Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar factory in Maharashtra in a month

Deccan Chronicle 22 Sep 2026 8:14 pm

Mines Ministry to launch incentive scheme for domestic lithium, nickel processing

The Mines Ministry will soon launch an incentive scheme to promote domestic processing of lithium and nickel as India seeks to build an integrated critical mineral value chain and reduce dependence on imported processed materials. The government has also cleared critical mineral processing parks in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, while flagging concerns over auctioned mining blocks that remain idle despite securing clearances and leases.

The Economic Times 22 Sep 2026 7:50 pm

Jammu: Three held after woman found hanging at home, family alleges foul play

Sushma Devi, a resident of Sai Sardari village of Arnia and mother of two minor children, was found hanging in her room on Monday, leading to protests by her parents and villagers who alleged that she was murdered by her husband and in-laws

Mid Day 22 Sep 2026 7:50 pm

New York airports recover after FAA communications outage causes havoc

New York-area airports continued to see delays and cancellations after an FAA communications outage in Philadelphia disrupted flights across the Northeast. Newark was hardest hit, while the FAA worked to clear a backlog after damaged primary and backup lines were repaired

Mid Day 22 Sep 2026 7:43 pm

SC calls cancer drug overpricing broad daylight dacoity, flags 10-fold MRP

The observations came when the apex court was hearing two petitions which raised drug-related issues, including that of ensuring strict price control over medicines

Mid Day 22 Sep 2026 7:31 pm

Over 100 days of internet shutdown in PoK amid protests, rights concerns

Internet and mobile services in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have remained disrupted for over 100 days amid protests and political unrest. The shutdown has affected banking, business, education and access to information, while HRCP has raised concerns over rights and civic freedoms

Mid Day 22 Sep 2026 7:30 pm

Russia-Ukraine War: Four killed in overnight strikes as Zelenskyy heads to UNGA

Russia and Ukraine exchanged fresh missile and drone strikes, killing civilians and damaging infrastructure on both sides. As Zelenskyy visits New York for UNGA, he is seeking US and international support for de-escalation, air defence and secure Black Sea trade

Mid Day 22 Sep 2026 7:29 pm

Navi Mumbai aims to emerge as city of sporting talent: Mayor

Competitions are being organised by the NMMC in association with the Directorate of Sports and Youth Services, Maharashtra, and the Thane District Sports Council. Addressing the participating students, Mayor Sujata Patil urged them to remain humble in victory and determined after setbacks

Mid Day 22 Sep 2026 7:11 pm

Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor gets high-speed movable crossings

At speeds above 250-300 kmph, conventional fixed crossings can create higher dynamic forces because of the gap at the crossing nose. The project details state that this discontinuity can increase vibration and structure-borne noise while accelerating wear on wheel flanges and crossing components

Mid Day 22 Sep 2026 6:29 pm

NMC MBBS Seat Matrix 2026 Out - Check State-Wise Seats List PDF Online at nmc.org.in

NMC has released the MBBS seat matrix 2026-27 with 1,36,939 seats across 823 colleges. Karnataka (15,395), Uttar Pradesh (14,000) and Maharashtra (13,099) record the highest intake. Check the complete state-wise, government vs private seat breakup ahead of NEET UG 2026 counselling.

FreeJobAlert 22 Sep 2026 6:29 pm

SC stays execution of man sentenced to death for assaulting three minors

The high court had said that three minors were subjected to aggravated penetrative sexual assault repeatedly over a period of one year and they were aged six, seven and eight respectively. It had said the convict did not deserve any leniency

Mid Day 22 Sep 2026 6:28 pm

Maharashtra drought: State records 18.8% rain deficit, 40-50% rain deficit across six districts

With the government set to conduct crop-damage surveys after October 5, farmers are demanding immediate drought declarations and relief funds, highlighting the urgent need for assistance as water scarcity exacerbates the crisis across Marathwada and Vidarbha regions

The Hindu 22 Sep 2026 6:27 pm

Video: Woman Reportedly Finds Dead Fly Floating In Starbucks Drink, Company Responds

The comments section was flooded with several users tagging Maharashtra FDA Chief Tukaram Mundhe.

NDTV 22 Sep 2026 6:24 pm

Maharashtra steps up road safety, Sarnaik calls for use of modern technology

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik stressed the need for effective use of modern technology, regular road safety audits and timely medical treatment for accident victims during the golden hour

Mid Day 22 Sep 2026 6:23 pm

NHM Maharashtra CHO Result 2026 Out - Check Marks

NHM Maharashtra CHO Result 2026 released on 22 September 2026 for the 25 August exam. Check roll number-wise marks, result PDF, 1,974 vacancies and download link.

FreeJobAlert 22 Sep 2026 6:01 pm

October 23 Voting: EC Sets Date for 28 Legislative Council Seats Across Four States

These 28 members are retiring in November and December from the legislative councils of Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.

Deccan Chronicle 22 Sep 2026 5:45 pm

Haryana ATS arrests seven in alleged international narco-terror network case

Haryana ATS has arrested seven accused while investigating an alleged international narco-terror network linked to a firing at a Panchkula club. Police recovered pistols, ammunition, 529 grams of suspected heroin, cash counting machines and mobile phones during the probe

Mid Day 22 Sep 2026 5:43 pm

CM Fadnavis forms Cabinet Sub-Committee to tackle drought-like conditions

CM Fadnavis said that the committee will be chaired by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who will oversee and implement measures addressing drought-like conditions in several parts of Maharashtra

Mid Day 22 Sep 2026 5:42 pm

2.06 crore voter roll exclusions in Maharashtra 'alarming', says Congress; seeks probe

In a letter to Chief Electoral Officer S. Chockalingam, the Opposition party raised objections to the ongoing SIR in the State, saying a large number of voters could face disenfranchisement and sought a two-month extension of the claims and objections period

The Hindu 22 Sep 2026 5:33 pm

DGCA closely monitors SpiceJets finances and operations, says Aviation Minister

The government and DGCA are closely monitoring SpiceJets financial and operational performance, with passenger safety as the top priority. The airline is working to restore capacity and financial stability while exploring support under the expanded ECLGS 5.0 scheme

Mid Day 22 Sep 2026 5:20 pm