Why is it in the News?

Recently, a US-based startup Cognition has unveiled an AI-powered tool, Devin, which it calls the “world’s first fully autonomous AI software engineer”.

What is Devin?

• Devin is a super-smart computer program created by a company called Cognition.
• It's like having a clever assistant for software engineering tasks.
• With just a simple instruction, Devin can write code, build websites, and make software all on its own.
  • But Devin isn't trying to replace human engineers, instead, it's meant to work together with them to make their jobs easier.
• The special feature of Devin is its ability to think ahead and solve tricky problems.
  • It can learn from its mistakes and keep getting better over time.
  • Plus, it has all the tools that a human engineer needs, like a way to write code and browse the internet.
• Devin has been tested against other AI programs, and it did way better, solving almost 14 out of 100 problems compared to just under 2 for others.
• So, in simple terms, Devin is like a super-smart assistant that helps engineers do their work faster and better, without taking their jobs away.

How does Devin work?

• Devin works by using advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to understand and execute tasks related to software engineering.
  • When given a prompt or instruction, Devin analyzes the request and uses its vast database of knowledge and problem-solving techniques to generate code, design websites, or develop software.
• One of Devin's key features is its ability to think ahead and plan complex tasks.
  • It can make thousands of decisions based on the given task and learn from its mistakes to improve its performance over time.
  • Devin also has access to essential tools like a code editor and web browser, enabling him to complete tasks from start to finish.
• It can learn new technologies, tackle a wide range of engineering challenges, and even train its own AI models.
  • Additionally, Devin can collaborate with human engineers in real time, providing updates, accepting feedback, and contributing to design choices.
• Overall, Devin works by harnessing the power of AI to automate routine tasks, streamline workflows, and empower engineers to focus on more complex problems.
• By combining human expertise with machine intelligence, Devin represents a significant advancement in software engineering technology.

What is the News ?

The revised guidelines were issued for the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for the North East Region (PM-DevINE).

Facts About:

• PM-DevINE, was announced in the Union Budget 2022-23 to address development gaps in the North Eastern Region (NER).It was approved by the Cabinet for the remaining four years of the 15th Finance Commission from 2022-23 to 2025-26.
• The new Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme and will be implemented by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).
• The PM-DevINE Scheme will have an outlay of Rs.6,600 crore for the four year period from 2022-23 to 2025-26.
• An Empowered Inter-Ministerial Committee (EIMC) will be established, tasked with various functions under the scheme.

Objectives of PM-DevINE 

• Fund infrastructure convergently, in the spirit of PM Gati Shakti;
• Support social development projects based on felt needs of the NER;
• Enable livelihood activities for youth and women;
• Fill the development gaps in various sectors.

Functions of Empowered Inter-Ministerial Committee (EIMC)

• It assesses initial project proposals based on quality, viability, and socio-economic impact, working alongside representatives from relevant Indian Government Ministries/Departments and State Governments.It then recommends project selection from among these proposals.
• The EIMC proposes effective monitoring and evaluation methods, which may involve on-site inspections through third-party agencies. 
• The committee also devises mechanisms for the operation and maintenance of PM-DevINEprojects, aiming to ensure their sustainability.

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=194206