Latest news with #Graffiti
The Print
09-07-2025
- Science
- The Print
India is letting the AI revolution bypass the country. It may have to pay a heavy price
I could see that Graffiti was making waves — some of the world's leading graph theorists were publishing results that proved conjectures made by the software. Of course, Graffiti is rather different from today's large language models (LLMs), but it remains a pioneer of sorts. To my mind, that was one of the early forays of computer science and mathematics into a kind of artificial intelligence. What Siemion had created was software capable of generating new and non-trivial mathematical problems in the field of graph theory, a branch of mathematics. When I next interacted with him in 1992, he had developed Graffiti into a major conjecture–generating tool for both chemistry and graph theory. In fact, The New York Times carried a detailed feature on Siemion's programme. In 1986, when the world was still largely and blissfully unaware of the meaning of artificial intelligence, I had an interesting one-on-one tutorial on a new software called Graffiti, developed by my friend and colleague at the University of Houston, Siemion Fajtlowicz. I was lecturing in the US, and at Simeon's urging, I sat with him as he demonstrated the mathematical capabilities of Graffiti. There are three reasons I mention this software. First, Graffiti qualifies as AI in the context of its time (1980s–1990s) and within its domain-specific capabilities. It exhibited several characteristics of AI, such as automated reasoning, problem-solving, and the generation of novel conjectures that mimicked aspects of human mathematical creativity. Its autonomy in conjecture-making and its impact on mathematical research further support this classification. If memory serves me right, one of the greats of 20th century mathematics, Paul Erdős, once told me that he had worked on some of Graffiti's conjectures. Another reason I mention Graffiti is that, in all my years of interacting with graph theorists in India — and their numbers abound — not one has shown any knowledge of or interest in using computers for purposes similar to what Graffiti does. I have also not come across a single graph theory course that incorporates ideas similar to Graffiti. This worrisome state of affairs continues to this day. And now, as advances in AI accelerate, India is being left behind in taking advantage of the technology for deep and meaningful knowledge creation. My final reason for mentioning Graffiti is to underscore that the recent spurt in AI LLMs owes much to early programmes like Graffiti and several other platforms whose seeds were sown in the 1980s and 1990s. Once significant progress was made in data science, neural networks, and related fields, this leap was inevitable. Even though India had, at one point, achieved a degree of proficiency in coding, we allowed the AI revolution to bypass us. Primarily, this was due to our unimaginative curricula and a lack of intellectual boldness. My fear is that we may pay a heavy price for our neglect over the past four decades. Also read: AI helps us get over the limits of our cognitive ability. We must embrace it Exciting and alarming While the current advances in AI are exciting, they are also somewhat worrying. In mid-May, around 30 top mathematicians, some traveling from the UK, held a secret gathering in Berkeley, California. Their mission: to challenge a unique 'reasoning' chatbot with a series of difficult mathematical problems they had created. For two days, these experts, including University of Virginia mathematician Ken Ono, who served as the leader and judge, posed professor-level questions to the bot. To their astonishment, the chatbot solved all of them. 'I have colleagues who said these models are approaching mathematical genius,' Ono remarked. For perspective, my colleagues and I recently experimented with some highly trained chatbots that specialise in mathematical and logical reasoning. On one platform, we posed advanced undergraduate–level questions. The chatbot gave us 'solutions' almost instantly, and asserted their veracity with supreme confidence. Unfortunately, the solutions were found to be incorrect on close human scrutiny. Contrast this with the chatbot that faced off against expert mathematicians in Berkeley, and it becomes clear this is an entirely different cup of tea. Its ability to operate successfully in the realm of advanced deductive reasoning stems from o4-mini, a reasoning-focused large language model trained by OpenAI. Let me give a clearer, starker glimpse of just how impressive these capabilities are. At the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine — where I obtained my doctoral degree — the average time to complete a PhD has been about four years. Any student admitted to a doctoral programme at Imperial is already considered quite smart. But if someone earns their degree in under three years, they are considered exceptionally intelligent. At the Berkeley gathering, the chatbot was presented with a difficult PhD-level problem. According to Ono, it solved the problem in just ten minutes and asserted its dominance with supreme confidence. This makes me wonder about the future of doctoral research, and even mathematical research more broadly. In fact, Ono is worried that we may be too easily intimidated by such a chatbot into believing it without question. 'There's proof by induction, proof by contradiction, and then proof by intimidation,' he said. 'If you say something with enough authority, people just get scared. I think o4-mini has mastered proof by intimidation; it says everything with so much confidence.' We mathematicians in particular, and the public at large, should be both excited and alarmed. Dinesh Singh is the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Delhi and adjunct professor of mathematics at the University of Houston, Texas, USA. He tweets @DineshSinghEDU. Views are personal. (Edited by Aamaan Alam Khan)
Daily Mirror
04-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
TikTok star 'murdered Marine' before dancing in videos to footage from the news
Joshua Guzman and Marko Cinan have been accused of shooting 'devoted father' and 'beloved fiancee' Anthony Sanders at a mall in Houston, Texas, in front of his son and partner A TikToker accused of murdering a Marine veteran in a parking garage allegedly posted a video of himself to the social media dancing to rap music as coverage of the incident played in the background. Joshua Guzman, 22, is one of two men who have been charged with the murder of Anthony Sanders, a 30-year-old Marine veteran who was shot to death in front of his fiancee and their toddler son in the garage of the Galleria Mall in Houston, Texas. Charges were levelled against Guzman and 23-year-old Marko Cinan after the former's mother passed police a TikTok video allegedly showing him dancing to news coverage of the incident while lip-syncing to rap songs. In one of several videos created by Guzman, who boasts 50,000 followers on TikTok, the 22-year-old can allegedly be seen lip syncing along Cinan to the song "Graffiti" by rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again. The song includes the lyrics: "I got locked in that cell and they ain't let me out." Guzman reportedly turned himself in to police on June 30, days after Cinan was charged on June 25, with his attorney, Romy Kaplan, telling local media he claimed to have been approached with a knife, arguing the case was one of "self-defence". Mr Kaplan: "Somebody approached him not once, but twice, with a knife, but also possibly a gun." He added: "We cooperated with HPD. "We met with HPD already for voluntary surrender, so everything that's been done has been forthright and honest, and I look forward to vigorously defending his rights." But Ronyel Sanders, Mr Sanders' mother, claimed to have been on a phone call with her son when he was shot, telling local NBC News affiliate station KRPC that he was "protecting his son and his fiancée" at the time. A GoFundMe page set up in the wake of Mr Sanders' death describes the man as a "devoted father" and "beloved fiancee". A statement posted to the site reads: "Anthony Sanders was abruptly taken away from us, leaving behind shattered hearts and unfinished dreams due to the senseless act of murder." "Anthony was a devoted father, beloved fiancé to Selena, cherished son, nephew, cousin, and brother whose kindness warmed every heart around him. "His greatest joy was his precious baby boy and his beautiful fiancée, Selena—the family he passionately worked to support. In the wake of this profound loss, Anthony's grieving mother humbly invites anyone who wishes to support the family to donate, especially for Selena, whose care and well-being are now a priority."
BBC News
10-06-2025
- BBC News
Glass smashed in 'Free Gaza' graffiti attack on BBC Newcastle
Protestors have targeted the BBC's broadcasting centre in Newcastle in an overnight attack."Liars" and "Free Gaza" were sprayed in graffiti on the outside wall and hammers were used to smash though the front door, with red paint sprayed around in small group fled when they were challenged by a security guard, who then called the BBC said a clean-up was under way at site, which is home to TV, radio and online teams, and a police investigation was under way. A BBC spokesman said: "We take the safety and security of our staff extremely seriously. "Our BBC local news teams in Newcastle have a remit to report on local news across the North East and Cumbria accurately and impartially, and will continue to do so."We are working closely with the police who are investigating." Northumbria Police said officers had arrived just before 02:50 BST after being called out to reports of criminal damage."It was reported that red paint had been sprayed on the outside of the building earlier that morning, and damage had been caused to the front entrance doors," a spokesperson force asked anyone with information about what happened to send a direct message on social media, or use the live chat or report forms on its website. Follow BBC Newcastle on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
News18
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Gauri Khan's White Jacket-Baggy Jeans Combo Is Street Style Done Right
Last Updated: For AbRam's 12th birthday, Gauri Khan kept it casual yet stylish in a white jacket and blue oversized jeans. Gauri Khan has once again reminded us why she is the undisputed fashion queen. The entrepreneur and interior designer made a strong case for chic and effortless fashion at her son, AbRam Khan's, birthday party on May 27. The intimate affair was nothing short of a fashion spectacle, with Gauri taking the centre stage in a stylish ensemble. At the birthday bash, Gauri Khan proved her penchant for fashion with her striking choice of ensemble. Effortlessly balancing high fashion and casual flair, she wore a Graffiti motif jacket from the shelves of the luxury brand Dior. She paired it with a black tee and baggy denim jeans from Citizens of Humanity. Loved the bottom and planning to add it to your closet? We've got your back. The 'Horseshoe Jean in Magnolia' jeans will cost you $278 (around Rs 23,700). For a beauty like Gauri, one does not need heavy makeup. She beautified her already striking features with natural glam makeup, characterised by soft, blushed cheeks, nude lipstick and mascara-laden lashes. As for her hair, she styled her tresses in a ponytail with a sleek middle parting. Gauri's outfit added a perfect touch of glamour to the low-key celebration, and we are taking notes. Just a few days back, the Khan family came together to celebrate Suhana Khan's birthday. Gauri stole the show with her sartorial choice at the intimate bash. She donned a gathered V-neck midi dress by Victoria Beckham. The pastel blue outfit, ideal for a romantic evening outing with your special someone, comes with a price tag of £510 (around Rs 58,000). She accessorised the figure-hugging fit with a luxurious Louis Vuitton 2021 Crocodile Capucines Bag and Ballet Pink Patent Leather Mules with Crystal Strap, exuding timeless grace and sophistication. If you like the Jimmy Choo bag and want to add it to your closet, it is available for €925 (approximately Rs 89,770). Whether it's a family birthday or a glamorous gathering, Gauri continues to serve looks that need to be bookmarked. First Published:
Metro
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Beloved Cheers and Space Jam actor Michael Alaimo dies aged 86
Michael Alaimo, a seasoned character actor whose screen and stage career spanned more than sixty years, has died at the age of 86. His daughter, Gabriella Alaimo Thomas, confirmed his death, noting he passed away peacefully on May 2 in Burbank, California. No cause of death was disclosed. Alaimo built a long, varied résumé in Hollywood, marked by memorable turns in film, television, and theater. Though never a household name, he became a familiar face to generations of viewers, thanks to a steady stream of supporting roles. One of his most widely seen performances came in the 1996 cult hit Space Jam, where he appeared opposite Michael Jordan as the team doctor. Earlier in his career, Alaimo had roles in socially resonant films like The China Syndrome (1979), a nuclear meltdown thriller that mirrored real-world anxieties. He also worked on a variety of genre films in the late 1960s and early 70s, including Graffiti (1969) and Come Play with Me (1968), often appearing in low-budget, adult-oriented features that later developed cult followings. On television, Alaimo made appearances on numerous iconic shows throughout the 1980s. He guest-starred on Cheers in a 1985 episode titled 2 Good 2 Be 4 Real, playing the role of Vinnie Claussen. The appearance came during the show's acclaimed fourth season. More Trending Other TV credits included Dynasty, Night Court, Hill Street Blues, ALF, Mr. Belvedere, and The Paper Chase. He also played Mr. Radford on Scrubs in 2004, along with parts on The Drew Carey Show in 1997 and The Wonder Years in 1992. Alaimo also appeared in films including the 1989 Tony Danza comedy She's Out of Control and 1983's Mr. Mom, which starred Michael Keaton and the late Teri Garr. The actor is survived by his wife Louise; daughters Gabriella and Giovanna; son-in-law David; and granddaughters Isabella and Malia. This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates. If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. For more stories like this, check our entertainment page. Follow Entertainment on Twitter and Facebook for the latest celeb and entertainment updates. You can now also get articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here. MORE: Dropout Kings singer Adam Ramey dies aged 32 after 'painful battle with addiction' MORE: Ted Danson 'devastated' after Cheers co-star George Wendt dies aged 76 MORE: Doctor Who and Coronation Street star Michael McStay dies aged 92 as family pay tribute
