Latest news with #Sema
The Citizen
7 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
‘We feel used': Was Chris Hani land allocation just a political ‘publicity stunt'?
Gauteng Human Settlements Department denied the claims, insists the department is following due process. Four months after they were promised land, residents in Chris Hani Gardens, Daveyton, are still waiting, and believe they may have been used to score political points. Frustrated residents have accused the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements of misleading them, while officials insist the process is still underway. 'A lie sold' Community member Senzekile Dhladhla was among the more than 1,600 residents who packed a marquee in the area on 13 March this year for a well-publicised Rapid Land Release Programme (RLRP) handover ceremony. The Rapid Land Release Programme aims to provide serviced stands ranging from 150m² to 200m² to qualifying households who can't afford housing without government support. Beneficiaries have five years to build and are prohibited from selling their stands in the first eight years. Dhladhla, who registered and was approved under the programme, told The Citizen that she and other residents had received allocation letters and SMSes instructing them to visit the site for official stand allocation. However, two visits in March and again on 1 July have still yielded no results. 'On both occasions, after a symbolic handover to a few individuals, we were told our certificates were not ready. We've heard nothing concrete since March,' Dhladhla told The Citizen. She said no one in the community had received their promised stand. Dhladhla described the ongoing delays as 'deeply frustrating'. 'Many of us are backyard dwellers or still live with our parents. We thought this land would finally give us a forever home, but it feels like a lie sold to the public for publicity. We feel used,' she said. Dhladhla said they were later summoned again in July, only for officials to blame service providers for delays. ALSO READ: Over 170 000 title deeds yet to be issued in Gauteng No delays, says department Speaking to The Citizen, Gauteng Human Settlements spokesperson Tahir Sema denied claims that the initiative was a publicity stunt, insisting the department is following due process. 'The Chris Hani event was a symbolic handover for 10 beneficiaries. There are 2 560 beneficiaries in total, and the department follows a phased approach to handing over certificates,' she said. According to Sema, the department must complete internal procurement to appoint a service provider to print certificates with specific security features. 'Issuing is then concluded by department officials,' he said. Sema acknowledged the growing frustration but asked for patience. 'The claims [of this being a publicity stunt] stem from the excitement and long wait for land. We are fully committed to the RLRP and ensuring each beneficiary receives a title deed.' ALSO READ: Slovo Park informal settlement: Portfolio committee expresses project fears Residents demand accountability Despite the department's assurances, residents say the lack of communication and repeated postponements have left them disillusioned. 'We want transparency and action. We were promised land. Now we want answers,' said Dhladhla. NOW READ: Over 2 800 informal homes lost to fire: Government spends R99m on relief efforts
Geeky Gadgets
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geeky Gadgets
Google DeepMind : Can Video Games Create True Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)?
What if the next great leap in artificial intelligence wasn't born in a lab or a boardroom, but in the vibrant, pixelated worlds of video games? Bold as it may sound, this is exactly what Google DeepMind is betting on. By merging innovative neural networks with generative AI, they're crafting immersive, dynamic 3D environments that are more than just entertainment—they're training grounds for the future of AI. Imagine an AI agent learning to navigate a bustling city or solve complex problems within a simulated ecosystem, all while the environment reshapes itself in real time. This isn't just a technological curiosity; it's a paradigm shift. The implications stretch far beyond gaming, touching everything from robotics to climate modeling. And at the heart of it all lies a question: could video games hold the key to creating a true artificial general intelligence (AGI)? In this exploration, Wes Roth uncovers the surprising role of generative AI in providing widespread access to game creation, reducing development costs, and allowing new AI training. You'll discover how projects like Google DeepMind's 'Genie' and 'Sema' are pushing the boundaries of what's possible, crafting 3D worlds from simple prompts and teaching AI agents to adapt like humans. But the story doesn't stop there. These advancements are poised to transform industries far beyond gaming, from healthcare to urban planning. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a gamer, or someone curious about the future of AI, this journey into the intersection of video games and AGI will challenge your perspective. After all, what if the games we play today are shaping the intelligence that will guide us tomorrow? Generative AI in Gaming Generative AI: Redefining Game Development Generative AI is at the core of this technological shift, allowing AI systems to create 3D worlds and gameplay in real time based on simple prompts, such as text descriptions or images. These environments are not static; they are interactive, dynamic, and capable of adapting to user input, providing a level of immersion previously unattainable. Imagine describing a bustling city or a serene mountain range, and within moments, the AI generates a fully realized, explorable world complete with realistic physics, weather systems, and ecosystems. This capability is transforming game development in several ways: Automating complex tasks: The creation of intricate environments and gameplay mechanics is streamlined, significantly reducing time and costs. The creation of intricate environments and gameplay mechanics is streamlined, significantly reducing time and costs. Empowering creators: Non-developers can now design their own games and simulations, making the technology accessible to a broader audience. Non-developers can now design their own games and simulations, making the technology accessible to a broader audience. Focusing on innovation: Developers can dedicate more time to creativity and storytelling rather than labor-intensive design processes. This widespread access of game development is not only transforming how games are made but also expanding who can participate in the creative process. Applications Beyond Gaming While the gaming industry is a natural beneficiary of these advancements, the potential applications of generative AI extend far beyond entertainment. One of the most promising areas is AI training simulations. By placing AI agents in diverse, simulated environments, researchers can train them for tasks such as navigation, problem-solving, and resource management. These virtual worlds serve as controlled environments where AI can learn and adapt without the risks or constraints of the real world. In robotics, this approach could bridge the gap between virtual and physical tasks. For instance, a robot trained to navigate a simulated warehouse could apply those skills in a real-world setting with minimal adjustments. Beyond robotics, generative AI-powered simulations could be used for: Scientific research: Modeling complex phenomena such as disease spread or climate change. Modeling complex phenomena such as disease spread or climate change. Policy testing: Simulating the outcomes of policy decisions to provide actionable insights. Simulating the outcomes of policy decisions to provide actionable insights. Data collection: Studying intricate systems in a controlled, virtual environment to gather valuable data. These applications highlight the versatility of generative AI, showcasing its potential to address challenges across multiple domains. Google Deepmind's Videogame AGI Watch this video on YouTube. Unlock more potential in Generative AI by reading previous articles we have written. Why Neural Networks Matter The integration of neural networks into 3D environment generation is a key factor driving these advancements. Neural networks enable AI systems to learn and adapt, eliminating the need for manual coding of every element. This approach offers several significant advantages: Efficiency: Reduces development time and costs by automating complex processes. Reduces development time and costs by automating complex processes. Accessibility: Makes game and simulation creation possible for individuals without technical expertise. Makes game and simulation creation possible for individuals without technical expertise. Adaptability: Creates infinite, dynamic environments that respond to user interactions, complete with realistic physics and ecosystems. For example, Google DeepMind's 'Genie' project demonstrates the potential of this technology by generating expansive 3D worlds from a single image. Similarly, Microsoft's 'Muse' uses generative AI for gameplay ideation and rapid prototyping, allowing developers to experiment with new concepts efficiently. These innovations underscore the fantastic role of neural networks in shaping the future of AI-driven simulations. Notable Projects Leading the Way Several new projects are paving the way for the integration of generative AI and neural networks into gaming and beyond: Google DeepMind's Genie: Focuses on creating expansive, interactive 3D environments, showcasing the potential for AI-driven content generation. Focuses on creating expansive, interactive 3D environments, showcasing the potential for AI-driven content generation. Google DeepMind's Sema: A generalist AI agent capable of learning to play games like a human, using vision and standard controls to adapt to various scenarios. A generalist AI agent capable of learning to play games like a human, using vision and standard controls to adapt to various scenarios. Microsoft's Muse: Uses generative AI to streamline gameplay ideation and prototyping, empowering developers to explore new ideas with ease. These projects highlight the diverse applications of generative AI, from enhancing creativity in game design to allowing broader societal benefits. Broader Implications for Society The advancements in generative AI and neural networks have far-reaching implications for society. Training universal AI agents capable of adapting to various tasks and environments is a key objective. These agents could be deployed across industries where adaptability and problem-solving are critical, such as: Robotics: Improving automation and operational efficiency in sectors like manufacturing and logistics. Improving automation and operational efficiency in sectors like manufacturing and logistics. Healthcare: Assisting in diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient care through adaptive AI systems. Assisting in diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient care through adaptive AI systems. Urban Planning: Simulating city environments to optimize infrastructure and resource allocation. Large-scale simulations powered by AI could also address pressing global challenges. For example, virtual models of disease outbreaks could inform public health strategies, while environmental simulations might guide climate policy. These tools have the potential to advance technology, science, and society, offering innovative solutions to complex problems. From Gaming to Global Impact: A Historical Perspective The connection between video games and AI development has a long history. Games like Doom and StarCraft have historically served as testing grounds for AI models, pushing the boundaries of what these systems can achieve. Today, the integration of neural networks and generative AI builds on this legacy, offering applications that extend far beyond gaming. The development of realistic, data-rich virtual worlds has the potential to redefine how we approach problem-solving and innovation. While the gaming industry will continue to benefit from these advancements, the broader goal is to create adaptable, immersive environments that can address challenges across industries. By using these technologies, AI is poised to reshape industries, enhance scientific research, and tackle complex global issues, bridging the gap between virtual and physical worlds. Media Credit: Wes Roth Filed Under: AI, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Hindustan Times
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Nagaland CM urges for patience on job reservation review
Kohima, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday urged people to have patience as the state government prepares to constitute a Commission to review the existing job reservation policy. Nagaland CM urges for patience on job reservation review Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a formal function in Kohima, Rio said the Commission's task is "very detailed" and cannot deliver immediate results. He emphasised that any reforms – be it in administration, reservations, or delimitations should be carried out only after the national census, which is expected to begin in 2027. "We don't want to make temporary arrangements," Rio said, adding that the entire state must undergo the review exercise thoroughly. He acknowledged certain gaps in the current system and assured that steps would be taken to address them comprehensively and conclusively. Responding to the demand made by the 5-Tribes Committee on Revision of Reservation Policy that civil society organizations and NGOs be excluded from the proposed Commission, Rio said, "The government will look into it. We have to wait and see." The CORRP, comprising representatives of five major tribes – Angami, Ao, Lotha, Rengma, and Sema – recently expressed serious concern over what it described as government inaction, despite a cabinet decision to form a review Commission. While welcoming the announcement, the committee reiterated its two core demands: to either scrap the existing reservation policy or allocate the unreserved quota to the five tribes. In a statement, CORRP criticised the lack of progress since its June 3 meeting with the government, stating, "There has been no substantive progress or official communication on our key demands." It further stressed that CSOs must not be included in the commission to ensure fairness, neutrality, and to avoid potential conflicts of interest. CORRP urged the government to respond transparently and decisively, warning that it reserves the right to initiate democratic measures if the issues remain unaddressed within a reasonable timeframe. The push to review Nagaland's reservation policy intensified after the five tribal apex bodies under the banner of the '5-Tribe Committee on Review of Reservation Policy' submitted a joint memorandum to the state government. They argued that the policy, which has been in place since 1977, no longer reflects the current socio-economic and educational realities of the various communities in the state. Despite submitting the memorandum on September 20, 2024, and issuing a 30-day ultimatum on April 26, 2025, the tribes claimed the government "failed" to respond until recently. It was only during a meeting convened by Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton on June 3, that the government assured CORRP and the five tribes that a commission would be constituted by June 17. This assurance came following sustained public pressure, including a large rally held in Kohima and other districts inhabited by the five tribes, where they peacefully protested the delay and demanded transparency and inclusivity in the review process. Initially, 25 per cent reservation was allocated for seven tribes in non-technical and non-gazetted posts for a period of 10 years. These tribes were designated as 'backward' based on educational and economic disadvantages, and limited representation in state services. Over the years, the reservation has increased to 37 per cent, comprising 25 per cent for seven Eastern Nagaland Backward Tribes and 12 per cent for four other backward tribes of the state. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Hindustan Times
26-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Need for coordinated intervention by all stakeholders to curb drug menace: Official
Peren , A senior Nagaland government official on Thursday stressed on the urgent need for coordinated intervention by all stakeholders to curb the menace of drug abuse in the state. Need for coordinated intervention by all stakeholders to curb drug menace: Official Speaking at a function on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Peren district, Principal Secretary of Law & Justice and Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Y Kikheto Sema quoted a 2021 survey by the Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, which states there are 6.24 lakh substance users in Nagaland, including 1.11 lakh children and 26,000 women. This figure accounts for nearly 31 per cent of the state's population, placing Nagaland among the top 10 states in India with the highest number of injecting drug users, he said. Globally, over 30 crore people use drugs. In India, 7.21 crore are affected by substance abuse, with around 8.5 lakh injecting drug users. In Nagaland alone, 40,000 people are injecting drug users, with heroin being the most commonly abused substance, he said. Sema said the state government is making earnest efforts, despite limited resources, to address this crisis through law enforcement, rehabilitation, and public awareness. However, he called for a more comprehensive and collaborative strategy to prevent the flow of drugs, especially given Nagaland's porous borders with Myanmar and Manipur, both major drug trafficking routes. Maintaining that border fencing is a sensitive issue due to the presence of Naga communities on both sides, Sema suggested a cross-border community initiative to address trafficking collectively. Further, as a Christian-majority state, the bureaucrat urged the church to take a more proactive role in prevention and awareness. He noted that churches remain the most influential institutions in Naga society and should utilise their platforms like Sunday schools, youth groups, and general congregations to educate people about the dangers of drug abuse. "There is a lack of awareness within church circles. The church must rise to the occasion and lead from the front," he said. Sema proposed a model based on the 4 Cs: Coordination, Cooperation, Confidence, and Contribution among churches to combat the crisis. He also called for early education, emotional support, meaningful engagement, and the creation of drug-free environment. He emphasised that prevention begins at home, through open dialogue and strong moral foundations. He urged stakeholders—government bodies, churches, families, educators, and communities—to come together with urgency and resolve, to protect Nagaland's future from the chains of addiction. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Euronews
09-06-2025
- Euronews
Exploring Konya: where history, mysticism and tradition converge
Konya, a city steeped in history and spirituality, bridges Türkiye's ancient past and mystic traditions. On the plains of Anatolia lies Çatalhöyük, one of the world's earliest urban settlements, notable for its egalitarian society and complex belief systems. The city later flourished under the Seljuks, whose architectural legacy, like the Alaeddin Mosque, shaped Ottoman design. At the heart of Konya's identity is the Mevlevi Sufi order, inspired by 13th-century poet Rumi. The mesmerising Sema ceremony, recognised by UNESCO, symbolises spiritual ascent. Today, Konya blends archaeological heritage, artistic innovation, and living spirituality into a uniquely compelling cultural destination. 'So this is the great Orient Express,' says a character in Graham Greene's 1969 novel Travels with My Aunt. 'Maybe it's real luxury travel…for people not in a hurry.' That novelised version of the famed Paris to Istanbul train was a little run-down, and calamitously, had no restaurant car to sate passengers on its three-day journey. Ttitular Aunt Augusta bemoans the lack of caviar and champagne in which she'd indulged on a previous voyage. 'We practically lived in the dining car. One meal ran into another and night into day.' Just as Aunt Augusta harkened back to the glory days of train travel, so too does Golden Eagle Luxury Trains. Passengers on its new French-Turkish connection will hardly find themselves going hungry, but they certainly won't be in a rush. A champagne reception at Gare de Lyon set the inaugural journey off on a footing of opulence and pleasure. While Paris slipped away behind a drizzle of rain, we first travellers were treated to a boozy on-board lunch that portended the extravagance of our seven-day voyage to the Bosphorus. Coupled to the royal-blue wagon-lits of its Danube Express were two restaurant cars and a bar car, all in full swing, with enough caviar and champagne to last well beyond Istanbul. Golden Eagle's itinerary touches on many of the locations taken by previous iterations of the multifarious 'Orient Express' trains — Austria, Serbia, Bulgaria — although it traces an original, more languid, sinuous route across the continent. The train makes additional stops in France's Reims to visit a champagne house, an afternoon at Slovenia's Postojna Cave, spirit-tasting in Belgrade, and a city tour of Sofia. This was late May (the route is offered in spring and autumn), the perfect time to make a cross-continental crop inspection of Europe. The budding grapevines of France trailed into the soggy barley fields of Austria, to Serbia's parched beans and corn, and Bulgaria's squat, as-yet-faceless sunflowers. Fat Brown Swiss cattle in Alpine pastures begat Croatia's sheep, which gave way to the skinny Dardanelle goats of Turkey. And every day of the journey, sprouting between the railway ties as though they had been seeded by passing trains, was a festive tri-colour of poppies, butterwort, and early-purple orchids. Greene's Aunt Augusta was right to say that 'in middle age pleasure begins, pleasure in wine, in love, in food.' Food was on my mind from the get-go of this trip, and did funny things to my senses. At our stop in Reims, I was happy to hear our guide say, 'We will be visiting the Café Drole.' I was honestly surprised to find us then at the city's cathedral rather than a brasserie. The statues carved into the church's façade, chewed by acid rain, looked leprotic without various fingers, hands, noses, and toes, and put me in mind of gorgonzola. The next day, as I passed through Austrian Tyrol, the waiter bent with a basket of bread and asked if I wanted 'The normal, or the terrible kind?' Too curious to refuse, I asked for the terrible, only to find it was, in fact, made with tarragon. The bread, the butter, the finicky meals, and delicate desserts are judiciously constructed in the cramped swelter of a railcar kitchen. It feels certain that, were it not moving on rails for weeks at a time, the Danube Express restaurant would have a Michelin star or two — that system being predicated on the anonymity of reviewers, who are unlikely to spend a week or more eating at the same establishment. Yet I could think of nothing better than having my regular breakfast of poached eggs and bacon while passing through Slovenia's Julian Alps, or eating octopus carpaccio, grilled sea bass, and baked mango cheesecake as we traveled south through Croatia, to my left was a wolfish Balkan wood, to my left, fishing boats and Adriatic beach sand. Each evening, Gábor Viczián, the train's resident musician, would fill the bar car with music — tunes from his native Hungary, the Great American Songbook, and Elton John. One night, the carriage slowly emptied, until it was just the two of us, him at the piano, and me drinking my champagne. I tried to listen with sincerity while Gábor explained to me how Chopin's modulated romantic chords led to the swing and jazz of Gershwin and Joplin, but between the rocking of the train, the drink, and Gábor's unique spin on the English language, his explanations soon became a little blurry. In my clear moments, I knew this was a special voyage. As the trip wore on and Istanbul loomed, it became a topic of conversation — the historical connotations of the journey, in literature, film, and the imagination, were inescapable. The last supper on board, a semi-formal 'black-tie gala,' was held as we rattled between Sofia and Istanbul. I sat with an Australian gentleman, who expressed amazement that everything had gone so well. 'This trip just flowed like wine,' the Australian said. 'Smooth from start to finish.' Yes, I thought, and the train is the terroir, providing us with everything needed for an excellent trip. 'We can only do so much,' said Tim Littler, Golden Eagle's founder, who travelled with us on the journey. They have refined their mission after years of operations in Europe, Central Asia, and India (new itineraries will soon begin in China, Tibet, and Vietnam). What is under Golden Eagle's purview — the delicious food, the drinks, the comfortable cabins, the friendly and smiling staff — was better than anyone could ask for. As in any kind of travel, the rest was up to us passengers. How could the torrential rain we encountered in Vienna be a problem when we had a private orchestral concert waiting for us at the Burgtheater? Why bother over the occasionally spotty Wi-Fi when we had the breadth of Balkan Europe to look out upon? How could anyone complain about the wait times at the Bulgarian border when the formalities were entirely taken care of by Golden Eagle staff, leaving us free to continue sipping champagne and reading our novels? The time allotted to us was the true luxury. To paraphrase Greene, this is the great Golden Eagle; it is real luxury travel for people not in a hurry. The writer was a guest of Golden Eagle Luxury Trains.
