Transcript

Hello and welcome to the “Just a Moment News” podcast. I’m your host, Erika, and today, July 26, 2024, we’re diving into some of the latest news stories.

First up, OpenAI has introduced a new contender in the search engine market called SearchGPT. This AI-powered search engine is currently in prototype testing and aims to challenge Google’s stronghold, along with Microsoft’s Bing and Perplexity. SearchGPT is designed to provide real-time internet search capabilities, offering summarized results with source links and allowing for follow-up questions to ensure the context of responses. This development also highlights OpenAI’s collaboration with publishers like News Corp and The Atlantic, aiming to foster greater involvement from these entities.

Next, we have news from the ticketing world where Ticketmaster Entertainment, owned by Live Nation Entertainment, is acquiring Quicket, a ticketing company based in Cape Town. This move is part of Ticketmaster’s strategy to expand its footprint across Africa, tapping into markets like South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya among others. Quicket will continue to operate as a standalone unit focusing on growth across the continent under the leadership of MD James Tagg.

Moving on to local news from Johannesburg, City Power’s infrastructure might face challenges as the board chair, Bonolo Ramokhele, warns of potential collapse if the R200 prepaid electricity surcharge is removed. This fee, implemented on July 1, 2024, is currently under scrutiny, with the City of Johannesburg’s council debating its elimination. Despite public outrage over the surcharge, Ramokhele emphasizes the critical need for infrastructure investment to prevent larger issues.

In the realm of security, there’s been a significant rise in the use of licence-plate recognition (LPR) cameras across South Africa. Vumacam, a key player in this sector, has expanded its network to include 2,931 poles with 5,399 cameras, significantly aiding in crime prevention and vehicle tracking. These efforts are part of broader initiatives to enhance security and leverage technology in fighting crime.

In international tech news, Google DeepMind’s AI system, AlphaProof, has made headlines by scoring 28 points in the International Mathematical Olympiad, a feat that marks a significant milestone in AI capabilities, particularly in solving complex math problems.

Lastly, we turn to Nigeria where Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, is facing challenges with his $20 billion refinery project. The Dangote Refinery, which aims to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel, has encountered regulatory and operational hurdles. Efforts are ongoing to resolve these issues and ensure the refinery’s success amidst a backdrop of complex negotiations and economic implications.

In the art world, scientists have made intriguing discoveries about the pigments used by Rembrandt in his famous painting “The Night Watch.” Advanced chemical analyses have unveiled the use of unusual arsenic-based pigments, adding to our understanding of the techniques and materials used by the celebrated Dutch master.

That wraps up our news roundup for today. Thank you for tuning in to “Just a Moment News.” I’m Erika, and we’ll catch you next time with more updates. Stay informed and curious!

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