August 16, 2026
Newly appointed UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has named Kanishka Narayan, a politician of Indian origin, as minister for artificial intelligence (AI). This marks the first time the role has attained a cabinet-level status, signalling the country’s focus on technology. Narayan’s appointment to this role was the result of changes in the government initiated by Burnham. The 36-year-old had been working in the capacity of parliamentary under-secretary of state for AI and online safety since 2025. He has also served as the parliamentary private secretary for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Narayan was born in Bihar and migrated to UK along with his family during childhood. In his new role, he is expected to develop a strategy centred around UK’s AI use and also promote technological sovereignty.
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