Tag: Srinagar News

Meta to release commercial generative AI model

[ad_1]
San Francisco: Meta (formerly Facebook) is reportedly planning to release a commercial version of its artificial intelligence (AI) model in order to compete with Microsoft-backed OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s AI experiment Bard, which are racing ahead in the race to develop generative AI.

According to the Financial Times, citing sources, Meta will use a new software powered by large language models (LLMs) which can generate text, images, and code.
The tech giant released its own language model, known as LLaMA, to researchers and academics earlier this year, but the new version is said to be more widely available and customisable by companies.

According to Meta, its LLMs are “open-source,” which means that information about the new model will be made public.
The release of the new AI model is expected soon, the report said.
This is in contrast to competitors such as OpenAI, whose latest model GPT-4 is a so-called black box, meaning that the data and code used to build the model are not accessible to third parties.
“The competitive landscape of AI is going to completely change in the coming months, in the coming weeks maybe, when there will be open source platforms that are actually as good as the ones that are not,” Vice President and chief AI scientist at Meta, Yann LeCun, was quoted as saying.
Moreover, the report mentioned that Meta Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other executives have hinted at a push towards creating multiple AI chatbots for individuals, advertisers and businesses across Meta platforms Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook, powered by its LLMs.

Meanwhile, tech billionaire Elon Musk has launched a new AI company called xAI that aims to “understand the true nature of the universe”.
The team is headed up by Musk and includes team members that have worked at other big names in AI, including OpenAI, Google Research, Microsoft Research, and Google’s DeepMind.
[ad_2]
#Meta #release #commercial #generative #model
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

July 13, 2023
Apple Vision Pro to use custom-designed DRAM Chip

[ad_1]
San Francisco: Apple’s upcoming AR (augmented reality) headset Vision Pro will reportedly feature a new type of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) that has been custom designed to support Apple’s R1 input processing chip.

Apple Vision Pro is powered by a pair of chips, including an M2 chip and an R1 chip, according to MacRumors.
The Korea Herald first reported the news.

The M2 chip is in charge of processing content, running the visionOS operating system, executing computer vision algorithms, and providing graphical content, while the R1 chip processes all information from the headset’s 12 cameras, five sensors, and six microphones and streams images to the displays in 12 milliseconds.
To meet the R1’s high-speed demands, the headset will use a 1-gigabit low latency DRAM chip supplied by SK hynix, which has an increased number of input and output pins to reduce delays, the report said.
Apple’s $3,500 headset is set to go on sale early next year, beginning in the US.
Meanwhile, Apple has reportedly slashed Vision Pro Mixed Reality (MR) headset production plans amid manufacturing challenges in China.
According to a report in The Financial Times, citing sources, Apple has reportedly asked its main Vision Pro assembler Luxshare to make fewer than 400,000 units next year.

It is reportedly down from an initial internal sales target of one million.
[ad_2]
#Apple #Vision #Pro #customdesigned #DRAM #Chip
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

July 13, 2023
72 pc districts face extreme floods, 25 pc of them have early warning systems: Report

[ad_1]
New Delhi: An estimated 72 percent of districts in India are exposed to extreme flood events but only 25 percent of them have level flood forecasting stations, or early warning systems, a new report said on Thursday.

Despite high exposure to floods, Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim are the best-performing states in terms of flood early warning systems (EWS), according to the report by independent policy research think tank The Council on Energy Environment and Water (CEEW).
The report showed that Himachal Pradesh, currently battling massive floods, is among the states with the lowest availability of EWS.

Uttarakhand, on the other hand, is moderately exposed to extreme flood events but has a high availability of flood EWS, it said.
Delhi, in the throes of severe flooding due to a raging Yamuna, is moderately exposed to extreme floods and has a moderate level of resilience through EWS.
Approximately 66 percent of individuals in India are exposed to extreme flood events; however, only 33 percent of them are covered by flood EWS. Moreover, 25 percent of the Indian population is exposed to cyclones and their impacts, but cyclone warnings are available to 100 percent of the exposed population, the report said.
States such as Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and West Bengal are at the forefront of building resilience by establishing cyclone EWS.
“The district-level analysis revealed that while 72 percent of districts in India are exposed to extreme flood events, merely 25 percent of these exposed districts have level flood forecasting stations. This means that two-thirds of individuals in India are exposed to extreme flood events, and only one-third of them have flood EWS,” the report said.

According to the CEEW, 12 states — Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Bihar — are highly exposed to extreme flood events. However, only three — Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Bihar — have a high availability of flood early warning systems.
Odisha has moderate EWS availability and the rest low availability, indicating a gap in the planning for installing flood monitoring and forecasting stations, the report said.
Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tripura, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana are moderately exposed to extreme floods.
While Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tripura have a high availability of flood early warning systems, the rest have a moderate resilience through flood EWS.
States such as Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana have the lowest availability of flood EWS.
Research shows that 97.51 million people in India are exposed to extreme flood events, and most districts are exposed to more than one extreme event, highlighting the importance of making EWS available to all in the country, especially in the states and districts most exposed to its impacts, the report said.
It said that more than 88 percent of the Indian states exposed to floods and 100 percent of the states exposed to extreme cyclone events have a high teledensity ratio, which means to access early warnings through telecommunications.
The recent floods in India and Cyclone Biparjoy have once again shown the importance of investing in early warning systems, said Dr Vishwas Chitale, senior programme lead, CEEW.
“The country is rapidly expanding its early warning coverage by embracing transformative technologies. However, as we witness swapping patterns in the climatic extremes in the country, where previously drought-prone areas are now facing floods, all states need to ramp up their early warning systems to safeguard lives and livelihoods,” he said.
According to him, states should leverage state-of-the-art technologies to build inclusive, impact-based multi-hazard early warning systems that involve the local communities for last-mile connectivity.
“Intensifying adaptation finance for enhancing disaster preparedness is the need of the hour,” he said.
A CEEW study released in 2021 found that 27 of 35 Indian states and union territories (UTs) are vulnerable to extreme hydro-met disasters and their compounding impacts. Eighty per cent of India’s population resides in these vulnerable regions.
However, India has been taking steps to build its resilience to the impacts of such extreme events by increasing preparedness and investing in EWS. These systems are being deployed throughout the world as essential instruments for disaster risk reduction.
At the 2022 UN climate summit in Egypt, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres unveiled an Executive Action Plan to provide “Early Warnings for All”, saying that “one out of three persons globally, primarily in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), lack access to effective early warning systems”. This plan requires an investment of USD 3.1 billion from 2023 to 2027 to make EWS available to everyone across the globe.
Incessant, heavy rain wrought massive damage in several parts of north India over the last few days.
Due to a rare interaction of a western disturbance, monsoonal winds and a cyclonic circulation, heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh over the weekend caused flooding and landslides in the hilly terrain.
The gushing water swept away bridges, homes and cars, and caused widespread devastation in the state.
Neighbouring Uttarakhand also saw a similar situation with water levels of several rivers crossing the danger mark.
In Delhi, the Yamuna swelled to 208.62 metres, surpassing the previous all-time record of 207.49 metres set 45 years ago. The raging river inundated nearby streets, impacted public and private infrastructure, road and rail traffic and caused immense hardships to people living in close proximity to the river.
Curbs have also been placed for the entry of vehicles into the national capital.
[ad_2]
#districts #face #extreme #floods #early #warning #systems #Report
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

July 13, 2023
Several women wrestlers write to PM Modi, IOA, SAI demanding fair Asian Games trials

[ad_1]
New Delhi: Several women wrestlers, including medal winners from Commonwealth Games and Asian Championship, on Thursday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the ad-hoc panel running the WFI, requesting “fair trials” for Asian Games amidst reports that the six protesting grapplers may be given exemption.

The 24 women wrestlers from Sir Chhotu Ram Akhada in Rohtak, who also wrote to SAI Director General Sandeep Pradhan, have conveyed that they won’t accept two-stage trial or any another relaxation given to the protesting grapplers.
The IOA-appointed ad-hoc panel has announced that Asian Games trials will be held on July 22-23 but did not reveal the criteria.

The wrestlers are even preparing to hit the roads for a fresh protest and approach the judiciary if any discriminatory decision is taken by the IOA ad-hoc committee.
Panel head Bhupender Singh Bajwa had on June 16 conveyed to the six protesting wrestlers — Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Sangeeta Phogat, Satyawart Kadian and Jirender Kinha — that they will have to compete in just one final bout against the winners of the initial trials.
According to sources, the ad-hoc panel is deliberating over a criteria which will exempt current Olympic and World Championship medallists from the trials, which will benefit Bajrang, Vinesh and Ravi Dahiya.
The IOA has to submit the names of the participating wrestlers by July 23.
“Even if only three Olympians were to be given concessions, this would be wrong to the youngsters,” the wrestlers said in the letter that was also marked to Home Minister Amit Shah and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur.

“We feel this decision (two-stage trial) is unfair and unjust to the other emerging wrestlers of the nation as we have to fight and win approximately four to five bouts and one more qualifying bout against one of these wrestlers and in contrast they have to just fight single bout to qualify which is biased, unjustified and against the spirit of right of equality.”
The letter further read, “India is a democratic country… and under Article 14 of the Indian constitution, every citizen must be given the right to equality.
“Indian constitution is liberal but the decision taken by the committee is against the fundamental rights of an individual’s opportunity as we are not getting equal opportunity and these six wrestlers are given special concession and benefits in the trials without any proper reason and it is highly opposable and objectionable.”
“We request you to reconsider this decision while keeping the rights, appeals, hope and future of all the talented emerging wrestlers in the account (sic).”
Manisha, winner of a bronze medal in the Asian Championship (Astana) and gold at the UWW Ranking Series event (Bishkek) this year, Pooja Gehlot, winner of a bronze medal at the Birmingham CWG along, along with 22 others, have signed the letter.
The signatories also include junior world championship bronze winner Ritika, U23 World Championship bronze winner Mansi, U23 Asian Championship silver medallist Rajni.
Talking to PTI, Manisha said, “There should be just one trial. They can beat us in competition and go to Asian Games. At least we will have satisfaction that they beat us. It is difficult to maintain weight. Two-stage trials is not acceptable.”
“Lot of athletes are with us. There should be fair trials,” she said.
Sarika, winner of bronze medal at the junior Asian Championship said, “If we have to protest or go to court, we are ready for everything. Wrestlers from Jalandhar, Sonepat, Jind and Hisar have also written letters to IOA and other authorities.”
Jagdish Dhanda, a coach at Sir Chhotu Ram Akhada in Rohtak also said that they will not accept any discrimination.
“From the first day we were opposing any such move. There are several junior and sub junior wrestlers who fear that it might happen to them also, so they have also come forward and signed the letter,” he said.
It is unclear if the six protesting wrestlers, who are in different parts of the world for training and competitions, will come back to India for trials this month.
[ad_2]
#women #wrestlers #write #Modi #IOA #SAI #demanding #fair #Asian #Games #trials
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

July 13, 2023
Delhi businesses suffer Rs 200 crore losses due to floods

[ad_1]
New Delhi: An estimated Rs 200 crore worth of business has been affected due to rains and flooding in parts of the national capital, a traders’ body said on Thursday.

While appealing to traders to suspend movement of goods from other cities for next few days in view of the rising water level of the Yamuna river, the Chamber of Trade and Industry said that the markets of Old Delhi, Kashmiri Gate, Mori Gate, Monestry Market, Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, Bhagirath Place, Lajpat Rai Market, Kinari Bazar , Fatehpuri, Khari Baoli, Naya Bazar have been affected.
“We appeal to the traders and market associations of old Delhi to halt movement of goods from outside in the next few days,” Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) chairman Brijesh Goyal said.

New Delhi: National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel rescue residents from the flood-affected Old Usmanpur village, in New Delhi, Thursday, July 13, 2023. The Yamuna water level touched 208.53 metres on Thursday morning, breaking a 45-year-old record, according to officials. (PTI Photo/Manvender Vashist Lav)
New Delhi: NDRF personnel resuce a livestock at flood-hit at Nigam Bodh Ghat as the swollen Yamuna river floods low-lying areas, in New Delhi, Thursday, July 13, 2023. The torrential Yamuna in Delhi swelled to a staggering 208.48 metres Thursday morning, inundating nearby streets and public and private infrastructure, and causing immense hardships to people living in close proximity to the river. (PTI Photo)
Kashmiri Gate Market President Vinay Narang said that there is a possibility of a loss of more than Rs 50 crore due to 3-4 days of rain, whereas CTI estimated that a business of about Rs 200 crores have been affected due to rains.
“The rising water level in Yamuna is affecting Delhi markets badly. Business has almost come to a standstill. Traders are waiting for the situation to return to normal. The customers coming from nearby cities have also postponed the plan. Railways stopped the movement of trains on the old iron bridge, many train routes have been changed, while some have also been cancelled. Even more traders and buyers are not coming to Delhi,” Goyal said.
Subscribe us on
[ad_2]
#Delhi #businesses #suffer #crore #losses #due #floods

( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

July 13, 2023
Telangana: CS calls for inter-departmental coordination to curtail drug menace

[ad_1]
Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari, directed the law enforcement agencies to coordinate with the health, education, and other departments to evolve a multi-pronged strategy to curtail the drug menace.

At a meeting held on Thursday, she said that the state has set up an anti-narcotics bureau with a vision to make Telangana a drug-free state and to combat the menace of drug trafficking comprehensively. She underlined the need for a coordinated effort of all the departments to evolve a proper line of action to reduce the usage of drugs in the best possible manner.
“Monitoring of surface web and dark web is required. The focus should be on preventing the abuse of psychotropic substances and the diversion of precursor chemicals. There is a need to increase monitoring of pharma production units and chemical laboratories in city outskirts,” the Chief Secretary said following inputs provided by the departments concerned.

She stressed the need for having a proper policy by the union government for the deportation of foreigners who are overstaying in the country. The health department informed us that de-addiction and rehabilitation centers are working in all district hospitals.
Shanti Kumari directed the education department to set up anti-drug clubs in vulnerable colleges and take up awareness programs on the harmful effects of drugs.
Narcotics Control Bureau zonal director Aravindan gave a brief overview of the drug scenario in the country. He informed the meeting that during the years 2021, 2022, and 2023 the NCB Hyderabad had busted clandestine laboratories involving the seizure of substantial quantities of Alprazolam. There have been instances where chemical experts have been hired for such illicit projects, Arvindan said.
DGP Anjani Kumar, Commissioner of Police C V Anand, Rachakonda CP D S Chowhan, Principal Secretary Home Jitender, Principal Secretary Revenue Navin Mittal, Secretary Health Rizvi, Secretary School Education Karuna, Secretary SCD Rahul Bojja and other officials attended the meeting.

[ad_2]
#Telangana #calls #interdepartmental #coordination #curtail #drug #menace
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

July 13, 2023
Centre to provide free ‘Dish’ in remote areas at Indo-China border: Anurag Thakur

[ad_1]
Leh: Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur on Thursday announced that the Centre will ensure supply of free Doordarshan DTH connections in villages at Indo-China border.

He also said better mobile connectivity to residents of these remote villages will be ensured soon, asserting that the government is committed to ensure better all-round connectivity to these far-flung areas.
The minister said this during an interaction he had with the villagers at Karzok Village of Ladakh, some 211 kilometres from Leh.

The government has proposed to distribute 1.5 lakh free FreeDish connections in villages in border areas.
Asserting that the government was committed to development of border villages, Thakur assured the local villagers that their demands of better digital connectivity and road connectivity, enhancing tourism infrastructure, sports infrastructure and improved Jal Jeewan Mission will also be implemented on priority basis.
As part of the government’s vibrant village programme, Thakur embarked on a three-day tour of Leh-Ladakh, during which he stayed in Karzok village, held meeting with UT and district officials to review Central/state government schemes and distribution of sports equipment.
He also interacted with the ITBP jawans at Karzok platoon post located about 15,000 feet above sea level on the Indo-China border, according to an official statement.
Aiming to assess the reach of various projects and schemes of the government and also gain a first-hand understanding of the challenges faced by the residents in remote villages on Indo-China border, the Union minister held close interaction with the local villagers and also administrative officials.

Accompanied by a team of officials and local representatives, Thakur interacted with local villagers in Kharnak and Samad among others and listened to their concerns and aspirations.
At Kharnak, he also inaugurated the PMGSY road connecting the highway of Dadh Kharnak.
During one of his interactions with locals, the minister asserted that after the formation of the Union territory, a lot of development has taken place in Ladakh such as direct funding, 24-hour electricity, installation of solar plant, increased livelihood opportunity, and sanction of 375 mobile towers in Leh.
He also unveiled plans for future initiatives that would further enhance the development of Changthang and surrounding villages. These initiatives include upgrading infrastructure for better connectivity, and promoting eco-tourism to leverage the region’s natural beauty.
Thakur assured the villagers that the government would provide all necessary support and resources to implement these plans effectively.
The concerted effort of the government would lead to increased tourism development in Changthang, he added.
While interacting with the jawans of the 37th ITBP post, Thakur spoke about the reforms undertaken by the Centre to provide all facilities for the forces posted at the border such as improved combat wear, armament, make in India initiative and pensions, etc.
The minister’s visit to vibrant village Changthang is a significant step towards empowering rural communities, uplifting their living standards, and fostering sustainable development in the region, the statement said.
[ad_2]
#Centre #provide #free #Dish #remote #areas #IndoChina #border #Anurag #Thakur
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

July 13, 2023
Inter-state narcotics racket busted in Rajouri, 2 Punjab residents arrested: Police

Jammu and Kashmir police have busting an inter-state narcotics racket by arresting two Punjab based peddlers and recovered around 22 Kg Heroine-like substance from them in Sunderbani area of Rajouri district.
An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that a specific intelligence input was received by police that two suspects are in transit from Rajouri towards Jammu in a vehicle on Wednesday and acting swiftly over it, police teams were put on alert across the district“Existing nakas were strengthened to intercept them while some mobile MCVPs were also established.
At around 09:30 pm, a vehicle bearing registration number JK01AB 5470 was intercepted at Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch national highway near ITI Sunderbani,” he said.
He said that two Punjab residents were travelling in the car which was put to frisking during which a large quantity of Heroine like substance was recovered which is approximately 22 Kilograms.
They have been identified as Onkar Singh son of Karam Singh resident of and Shamsher Singh son of Nirmal Singh –bother residents of Punjab.
He further said that both the accused have been arrested and a case FIR No. 42/2023 U/Ss 8/21/22/25/27A/29/60 NDPS Act has been registered at Police station Sunderbani.
“Further investigation into the matter is going on and all the forward and backward linkages are being traced with more arrests in the case are expected during the course of investigation.”—(KNO)

June 1, 2023
SIU Attaches Under Construction Residential House of Hizb Militant Associate in Anantnag

Srinagar, June 01: Police on Thursday said that its Special Investigation Unit attached under construction residential house of a militant associate in Danwathpora Kokernag area of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district after getting obtaining necessary sanctions from competent authority.
In a handout to GNS, the police said that during the course of investigation in case FIR No. 103/2022 of Police Station Kokernag under UA(P) Act, one under construction residential house belonging to militant associate namely Mohammad Ishaq Malik son of Mohammad Saifullah Malik resident of Danwathpora Kokernag has been found used by militants of proscribed militant outfit HM.Accordingly, process for attachment of property belonging to the above accused falling within the ambit proceeds of militancy was initiated by SIU Anantnag under section 25 of UA(P) Act & the conformation related to the attachment of property was accorded by the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, the spokesperson said.
The general public is once again advised to not harbour or provide shelter or extend logistics to militants/militant associates in their houses, failing which strict legal action will be taken against anyone doing so.
SIU shall continue identification and initiation of attachment /confiscation of properties falling under the ambit of proceeds of militancy to shake the ecosystem of terrorism in UT of J&K, reads the statement.(GNS)

June 1, 2023
Minority Killing case: SIA raids multiple locations in Kashmir

State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir is carrying out raids at multiple locations in Kashmir parts on Thursday morning as part of its investigation of a militancy related case registered at SIA.
A top official told news agency Kashmir Dot Com (KDC) that sleuths of the investigating agency with the assistance of the local police and the CRPF carried out raids at multiple locations. The searches are being carried out in districts of Anantnag, Shopian and Pulwama, he said.
The searches are being carried out in a minority killing case registered at police station SIA Kashmir, the official said, adding that further details of the raids will be shared later. (KDC)

June 1, 2023