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The Economic Times proudly presents the AI Legal Summit 2025, a landmark event poised to redefine the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the legal profession. Scheduled for March 27, 2025, the summit will convene leading minds from law, technology, and academia to discuss how AI is transforming the legal landscape.

AI has already begun revolutionizing legal practices—from automating document review to reshaping how cases are analyzed and resolved. The summit aims to delve into the opportunities and challenges this technology brings to the legal sector, exploring its potential to enhance efficiency, compliance, and decision-making while addressing concerns around ethics, privacy, and accountability.

Summit Agenda Highlights

The AI Legal Summit 2025 offers a comprehensive agenda featuring:

• Compliance and Ethics: Insights into navigating AI-driven legal tools while maintaining ethical standards.
• Intellectual Property and Disputes: Discussions on how AI impacts IP law and dispute resolution.
• Workplace Transformation: Examining AI’s role in redefining legal workflows, team structures, and client engagement.

An Esteemed Lineup of Speakers

Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear from a distinguished roster of speakers, including:

• Senior Partners: Insights from law firm leaders at the forefront of AI integration.
• Barristers: Perspectives on how AI is shaping courtroom strategies.
• Tech Innovators: Groundbreaking advancements from pioneers driving AI innovation in legal technology.

This diverse lineup ensures a holistic exploration of AI’s role across the legal spectrum, fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

Who Should Attend?

The summit is designed for:

• Legal professionals keen to understand AI’s implications for their practice.
• Tech industry leaders interested in collaborating with the legal sector.
• Academics and students exploring the confluence of law and technology.

Join the Conversation

Registration for the AI Legal Summit 2025 is now open. Don’t miss this chance to network with industry leaders, gain actionable insights, and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving legal-tech landscape.

For more details and registration, visit the Economic Times event portal. Secure your spot today and be part of the dialogue shaping the future of law and AI.

Karnataka State Akkamahadevi Women’s University in Vijayapura has made history by appointing Dr. Akkai Padmashali, a celebrated trans rights activist, as a guest lecturer in its social work department.

This groundbreaking decision establishes Dr. Padmashali as one of the pioneering trans educators in a mainstream Indian university, marking a transformative moment for diversity in higher education. She is set to teach postgraduate students, weaving her rich experiences and advocacy into the academic fabric.

"I am honored to be part of an institution that values inclusion and progress," Dr. Padmashali said. "This role is not just about teaching; it’s about representing the possibilities for countless others from marginalized communities to pursue their dreams and make meaningful contributions."

The university’s Vice-Chancellor shared her excitement about the appointment, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to fostering equality. "This decision underscores our dedication to creating a diverse and supportive learning environment. We believe in the power of representation to drive societal change," she stated.

Dr. Padmashali's appointment has resonated across India, earning widespread acclaim from LGBTQ+ advocates and rights organizations. Many see it as a pivotal step forward for the trans community, highlighting the necessity of representation in shaping perceptions and policies.

A trailblazer in her own right, Dr. Padmashali’s journey exemplifies resilience and courage. From challenging societal norms to spearheading movements for trans rights, her advocacy has earned her national recognition. Her role as an educator is expected to inspire not only her students but also institutions across the country to rethink inclusivity in education.

Activists have hailed this decision as a potential turning point, predicting it will encourage more universities to embrace diverse faculty members and create safe spaces for marginalized communities. "Dr. Padmashali’s appointment is a message to the nation: inclusion isn’t just a concept; it’s actionable and transformative," said one prominent LGBTQ+ rights leader.

Beyond her academic responsibilities, Dr. Padmashali hopes to initiate discussions on gender equity, identity, and intersectionality, empowering students to approach societal issues with empathy and awareness. Her presence promises to bring a new dimension to the social work curriculum, blending advocacy with education.

This significant move by Karnataka State Akkamahadevi Women’s University extends beyond the boundaries of its campus. It serves as a beacon of progress, challenging entrenched stereotypes and paving the way for a more inclusive India.

The appointment is a bold reminder that change is possible, one step at a time, and that education is the cornerstone of a society that truly values equality and diversity.

The world of work is undergoing a seismic shift. The gig economy, characterized by freelance, contract, and temporary roles, is reshaping traditional employment. With an estimated 36% of the U.S. workforce engaged in gig work and this trend spreading globally, the education system faces a pressing challenge: preparing students not for jobs of the past but for a dynamic, ever-evolving future.

The allure of the gig economy lies in its flexibility, offering workers autonomy over their schedules and projects. However, this freedom comes with its demands—adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to continuous learning. Unlike traditional 9-to-5 roles, gig work often requires individuals to juggle multiple skill sets, manage their own businesses, and stay ahead of industry trends.

Current education systems, rooted in industrial-age principles, often prioritize rote learning and technical skills. Yet, the gig economy requires more. Employers today seek individuals who are not only digitally literate but also possess strong soft skills such as communication, creativity, and problem-solving. Additionally, the ability to learn quickly and adapt to new tools or industries is becoming non-negotiable. Unfortunately, many graduates enter the workforce ill-prepared for this reality.

What Needs to Change?
To bridge this gap, education systems must undergo a paradigm shift:

Embrace Digital Literacy: As technology continues to dominate industries, curricula must integrate skills like data analysis, coding, and proficiency in digital tools.
Foster Lifelong Learning: Instilling a growth mindset early on ensures students see learning as a continuous journey. Resources for upskilling and reskilling should be readily available.
Prioritize Hands-On Experience: Practical exposure through internships, real-world projects, and collaborations can build confidence and relevant skills.
Encourage Entrepreneurship: By nurturing entrepreneurial thinking, students are empowered to create their own opportunities rather than waiting for traditional employment.
A Glimpse into the Future
Automation and artificial intelligence are already reshaping industries, and the gig economy will continue to expand. While these changes may disrupt traditional job markets, they also offer unprecedented opportunities. For education systems, this is a chance to innovate—to move beyond rigid structures and embrace flexibility and adaptability in teaching methods.

At the heart of this transformation lies the individual student. Imagine a young person in a rural community, once limited by geography, now accessing global opportunities through digital literacy and entrepreneurial skills. Or a mid-career professional using online resources to pivot into a new field. These are the stories education systems can help craft if they rise to the occasion.

The gig economy is more than a trend; it’s the future. Education must evolve to ensure that students are not only prepared but empowered to succeed in this dynamic landscape. By rethinking curricula, emphasizing lifelong learning, and fostering practical skills, we can equip learners to thrive in a world that demands agility and innovation.

India is grappling with an alarming teacher shortage, with over one million vacancies disrupting the education system, particularly in rural areas. This crisis is deepening the already stark disparity in educational quality between urban and rural schools, leaving millions of students at a disadvantage.

One of the critical factors contributing to this issue is the prevalence of contractual teaching positions, especially in private institutions, where nearly 69% of educators lack secure job contracts. The absence of job security, coupled with low pay scales, has rendered the teaching profession increasingly unattractive. As a result, rural schools are disproportionately impacted, often relying on a single teacher to manage multiple classes. This strain limits personalized instruction, undermines learning outcomes, and perpetuates educational inequities.

Efforts are underway to address this challenge. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched 'CU-Chayan,' a unified recruitment portal aimed at streamlining teacher appointments in central universities. Special recruitment drives have filled over 7,650 teaching positions, while mission-mode initiatives in Central Higher Education Institutions (CHEIs) have added 25,777 educators, including 15,139 faculty members. These steps are a move toward improving the teacher-student ratio and enhancing the learning environment.

However, addressing the teacher shortage requires more than filling vacancies. Experts stress the need for a holistic strategy that includes improving school infrastructure, offering competitive salaries, and ensuring job security to make teaching a more attractive profession. Streamlining hiring processes and creating supportive work environments are equally crucial.

The government has acknowledged the severity of this crisis, committing to systemic reforms to ensure equitable access to quality education. Yet, the challenge is monumental, requiring collaboration between policymakers, education authorities, and communities to bridge the rural-urban education gap.

India’s teacher shortage is more than a numbers game—it is a reflection of deeper systemic issues that need urgent attention. Ensuring every student has access to dedicated educators and quality learning opportunities is not just a goal but a necessity for the nation’s progress. The road ahead demands sustained effort and innovative solutions to transform the teaching profession into a cornerstone of India’s educational future.

Infertility remains one of the least addressed global health challenges. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that one in six couples worldwide experiences infertility, yet only 1% seek treatment. The primary barrier? Affordability.

In India, the acceptance of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is growing steadily, driven by rising infertility rates and greater awareness. However, the prohibitive cost of IVF keeps this solution out of reach for many. With expenses ranging from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹4 lakh per cycle—depending on individual health conditions and requirements—IVF is an aspiration few can afford.

Abhishek Aggarwal, Chief Business Officer at Birla Fertility and IVF, explains the reasons behind IVF's high cost. Beyond the standard procedures, several factors contribute to the expense:

Medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or diminished ovarian reserve often necessitate advanced treatment protocols. These include specialized medications and diagnostic tests that significantly increase costs.

Comprehensive testing to evaluate reproductive health—such as hormone assessments, genetic screenings, and imaging studies—are vital for optimizing treatment outcomes. These pre-treatment tests are not optional but essential, adding to the financial burden.

Tailored medication regimens are often required to address hormonal imbalances or other conditions. The type and dosage of medications influence the overall cost of IVF cycles. Certain conditions may increase the likelihood of complications, such as Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). Clinics must adopt precautionary measures, further escalating costs.

Despite its growing relevance, IVF is still considered a luxury rather than a necessity by most insurance providers. Many plans offer partial coverage, if at all, leaving couples to bear the majority of expenses. Although some corporate insurance plans have begun including fertility treatments, coverage remains inconsistent and insufficient.

IVF is more than a medical procedure—it is a lifeline for countless couples yearning to start a family. However, for this technology to truly democratize hope, systemic changes are needed. Fertility treatments should be acknowledged as essential healthcare, with robust insurance policies to mitigate financial hurdles.

Affordable IVF could transform millions of lives. Until then, infertility will remain an untreated and silent crisis—its solutions overshadowed by inaccessibility. The question now is: How long will we let cost stand in the way of hope?

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted lives in ways we are still beginning to understand, and its impact on adolescents is emerging as one of its most troubling legacies. A groundbreaking study has unveiled evidence that the lockdowns may have accelerated brain ageing in teenagers, with young girls appearing to bear the brunt of the impact. This revelation, grounded in cutting-edge neuroscience, underscores the profound and lasting effects of the pandemic on youth mental health and neurological development.  

Researchers analyzed brain scans of 64 teenagers, comparing images taken before and during the pandemic. What they discovered was both startling and deeply concerning: significant changes in brain structure and function, including a reduction in cortical thickness. This thinning of the brain’s outer layer, typically associated with ageing, was most pronounced in regions critical for emotion regulation and stress response. Alarmingly, these changes were more pronounced in girls, suggesting a gendered dimension to the pandemic’s psychological toll.  

The lead author of the study highlighted the gravity of these findings. “Prolonged social isolation and heightened stress during the COVID-19 pandemic may have accelerated brain ageing in teenagers. This is a deeply concerning trend that requires urgent attention,” they noted. The study offers a stark reminder of how adolescents, already navigating the turbulence of cognitive and emotional development, were uniquely vulnerable to the pandemic’s upheaval.  

Teenagers faced a perfect storm of challenges: isolation from peers, disruptions to education, and an absence of social routines that provide emotional stability. For many, the lockdowns were not merely an interruption but a seismic shift, leaving scars that may take years to heal. Experts now worry that the neurological changes observed could translate into long-term mental health challenges, ranging from anxiety and depression to difficulties in emotional regulation.  

The implications of these findings extend beyond the laboratory. Parents, educators, and policymakers are being urged to act decisively. Mental health professionals advocate for initiatives that rebuild social connections, enhance access to psychological support, and teach resilience skills to young people. Schools, too, have a pivotal role to play in fostering environments that prioritize emotional wellbeing alongside academic achievement.  

As we navigate the pandemic’s aftermath, this research serves as a poignant call to action. Adolescents must not be overlooked in the recovery process. Their mental and emotional health is not only a reflection of the challenges they endured but also a cornerstone of the society we aspire to rebuild. It is incumbent upon us to ensure that their growth and potential are not casualties of a crisis they had no power to prevent.