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Massive global IT outage hits airlines, banks, media

Airlines, banks, TV channels and other businesses across the globe were scrambling to deal with one of the biggest IT crashes in recent years on Friday, apparently caused by an update to an antivirus programme.

Major US air airlines initially grounded all flights over a communication issue — though American Airlines later said it had reinstated its flights.

Airports across the world said check-in systems were down and services were being handled manually, with delays likely.

Microsoft said in a technical update on its website that the problems began at 1900 GMT on Thursday, affecting users of its Azure cloud platform running cybersecurity software CrowdStrike Falcon.

“We recommend customers that are able to, to restore from a backup from before this time,” the US software giant said.

CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz said on social media platform X that customers had been “impacted by a defect found in a single content update for Windows hosts”.

“The issue has been identified, isolated and a fix has been deployed,” he said.

Shares in CrowdStrike slumped by 20 percent in pre-market trading.

– ‘Common cause’ –

From Amsterdam to Zurich, across all continents, airports were reporting problems with their check-in systems.

“I’m just in limbo as to how long I’ve got to wait here,” flight passenger Alexander Ropicano told AFP, as he waited at Sydney Airport in Australia.

The 24-year-old, flying to Brisbane to see his girlfriend, said the airline told him to “wait until the system is operational again”, but there is no indication how long that could be.

Media companies were also struggling with Britain’s Sky News saying the glitch had ended its morning news broadcasts and Australia’s ABC similarly reporting a major “outage”.

Some banks reported difficulties in processing digital payments, mobile phone carriers were disrupted and customer services in a number of companies were down.

The global nature of the failure prompted some experts to call for greater resilience in networks and question the reliance on a single provider for such a variety of services.

“We need to be aware that such software can be a common cause of failure for multiple systems at the same time,” said software engineering professor John McDermid from Britain’s York University.

“We need to design infrastructure to be resilient against such common cause problems,” he added.

– Flights re-established –

Airports and airlines were the most dramatically affected, with US airlines grounded early on Friday.

All flights “regardless of destination” were grounded because of a “communication issues”, the FAA said in a notice to airlines.

However, American Airlines later said that as of 0900 GMT “we have been able to safely re-establish our operation”.

“We apologise to our customers for the inconvenience,” the airline said.

Major airports including Berlin, which had earlier said all flights had been suspended, said flights were gradually resuming after the “technical issue”.

All airports in Spain were experiencing “disruptions” from an IT outage, the airport operator Aena said.

Hong Kong’s airport also said some airlines had been affected, with its authority issuing a statement in which it linked the disruption to a Microsoft outage.

The UK’s biggest rail operator warned of possible train cancellations due to IT issues.

Australia’s National Cyber Security Coordinator said the “large-scale technical outage” was caused by an issue with a “third-party software platform”.

France’s cybersecurity agency ANSSI said it was “fully mobilised” to identify and support those affected.

“There is no evidence to suggest that this outage is the result of a cyberattack,” the agency said.

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CAF to hold Beach Soccer Draws on Thursday in Cairo

Beach Soccer

The final draw for the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2024, will take place in Cairo on Thursday, 19 September 2024, at 17:00 local time (14:00 GMT).

The draw will be live-streamed on CAF’s digital platforms, including CAF TV on YouTube and CAFOnline.com.

This is the sixth edition of the tournament, scheduled from 19 to 26 October 2024, in Hurghada, Egypt.

The eight participating teams include the host nation Egypt, Senegal, Ghana, Morocco, Tanzania, Mauritania, Mozambique, and Malawi. The teams will be divided into two groups of four.

All eyes will be on the reigning champions, Senegal, as they aim for their fifth title in this thrilling African beach soccer competition.

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Power of Parenting: How Parenting Style Impacts Children’s Lifestyle

Parenting is one of the most significant factors that shape a child’s life, influencing their physical, emotional, social, and psychological development. The style of parenting adopted by caregivers plays a crucial role in determining the kind of person a child will become. Research has consistently shown that parenting style has a profound impact on children’s lifestyle, shaping their values, attitudes, and behaviors.

Types of Parenting Styles

  1. Authoritarian Parenting: Characterized by strict rules, punishments, and minimal warmth.
  2. Authoritative Parenting: Balances warmth and structure, encouraging independence and responsibility.
  3. Permissive Parenting: Lenient, with few boundaries and excessive indulgence.
  4. Neglectful Parenting: Inconsistent, unresponsive, and uninvolved.

Effects of Parenting Style on Children’s Lifestyle

Authoritarian Parenting

  • Increased aggression and rebelliousness
  • Lower self-esteem and confidence
  • Difficulty with social relationships
  • Higher risk of anxiety and depression

Authoritative Parenting

  • Healthy self-esteem and confidence
  • Better social skills and relationships
  • Increased responsibility and independence
  • Improved academic performance

Permissive Parenting

  • Increased entitlement and spoiled behavior
  • Difficulty with self-regulation and boundaries
  • Higher risk of substance abuse and addiction
  • Poor academic performance

Neglectful Parenting

  • Emotional and psychological distress
  • Difficulty with trust and attachment
  • Increased risk of behavioral problems
  • Poor academic performance

Long-Term Consequences

Parenting style can have lasting effects on children’s lifestyle, influencing:

  1. Career choices and success
  2. Relationship quality and stability
  3. Mental and physical health
  4. Social skills and community involvement

Tips for Effective Parenting

  1. Practice empathy and active listening
  2. Set clear boundaries and expectations
  3. Encourage independence and responsibility
  4. Model positive values and behaviors
  5. Prioritize quality time and emotional support

Conclusion

Parenting style has a profound impact on children’s lifestyle, shaping their values, attitudes, and behaviors. By adopting an authoritative parenting approach, caregivers can foster healthy development, strong relationships, and a positive lifestyle for their children. Remember, parenting is a journey, and every decision counts.

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Beautiful Places to Visit in Nigeria

Nigeria, often referred to as the “Giant of Africa,” is a country with a rich cultural heritage and diverse natural beauty. From the rolling hills of the east to the vast savannas of the north, and from the mangrove forests of the south to the beautiful beaches of the west, Nigeria has a plethora of beautiful places to visit. Here are some of the most stunning destinations to add to your travel itinerary:

  1. Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this sacred forest is home to ancient shrines, artifacts, and sculptures.
  2. Yankari National Park: A haven for wildlife enthusiasts, the park features stunning scenery, hot springs, and a variety of animals.
  3. Kainji National Park: Located on the border of Niger and Kwara states, the park boasts of diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery.
  4. Obudu Plateau: A mountain resort with stunning views, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
  5. Benin City National Museum: Showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, the museum features ancient artifacts and relics.
  6. Calabar National Museum: Another treasure trove of Nigerian history, the museum showcases the country’s artistic and cultural heritage.
  7. Olumo Rock: A massive granite rock formation in Abeokuta, offering stunning views of the city.
  8. Ikogosi Warm Springs: A natural wonder in Ekiti State, featuring warm springs and stunning scenery.
  9. Tarkwa Bay Beach: A picturesque beach in Lagos, perfect for relaxation and water sports.
  10. Kanem-Borno Empire: A historic site in northeastern Nigeria, featuring ancient ruins and artifacts.
  11. Cross River National Park: A protected area with stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and ancient artifacts.
  12. Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary: A haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
  13. Oke-Idanre Hill: A historic site in Ondo State, featuring ancient artifacts and stunning views.
  14. Bar Beach: A popular beach in Lagos, known for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning sunsets.
  15. Gurara Falls: A breathtaking waterfall in Niger State, perfect for hiking and picnicking.

These are just a few of the many beautiful places to visit in Nigeria. With its rich cultural heritage and diverse natural beauty, Nigeria has something to offer for every kind of traveler.

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EPL: Supercomputer predicts outcome of 2024/25

A supercomputer has predicted the final Premier League standings for this season, following the conclusion of match-day four fixtures.

According to a supercomputer model developed by OLBG, defending champions Manchester City are expected to retain the Premier League title.Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool are predicted to complete the top four.

At the other end of the table, Nottingham Forest, Southampton, and Ipswich are forecasted to face relegation from the top-flight.

Newcastle United, West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Crystal Palace, and Aston Villa are projected to round out the top 10, with Everton predicted to finish 11th.

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The Papaya Advantage: Boosting Health and Well-being

Papaya, also known as pawpaw, is a tropical fruit native to Central and South America. It has been cultivated for over 4,000 years and is now grown in many parts of the world.

Nutritional Value:
Papaya is rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. It contains an enzyme called papain, which aids digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Health Benefits:

  • Supports immune function.
  • Promotes healthy digestion.
  • May reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of conditions like arthritis.
  • May help lower blood sugar levels.

Culinary Uses:

  • Eaten fresh or used in salads, smoothies, and desserts.
  • Used in traditional medicine and as a meat tenderizer.

Varieties:

  • Solo (small, sweet, and musky)
  • Sunrise (large, yellow-orange, and sweet)
  • Red Lady (large, red-orange, and sweet)

Growing Conditions:

  • Prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
  • Grows up to 10 feet tall.

Interesting Facts:

  • Papaya is a fast-growing plant that can produce fruit within a year.
  • The seeds are edible and have a peppery flavor.

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Africa

Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger to launch new biometric passport amid ECOWAS exit

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic will launch a new biometric passport amid their exit from ECOWAS

Three countries, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic have announced plans to launch a new biometric passport amid their exit from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The decision points towards the latest step in the growing alliance among the three West African nations who are currently being led by military juntas.

The military leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger seized power through a series of coups between 2020 and 2023 and in January 2024, they collectively announced their plan to withdraw from the ECOWAS.

The three West African nations have now decided to form the Alliance of Sahel States which is expected to take place “in the coming days.”

They decided to take this step following sanctions imposed by other West African countries in an attempt to pressure the juntas into restoring democracy in the three nations.

However, the Alliance of Sahel States has stood their ground in resisting these calls, instead deciding to fortify the partnership among themselves.

“In the coming days, a new biometric passport of the alliance will be put into circulation with the aim of harmonising travel documents in our common area,” said Col Assimi Goïta, the leader of Mali’s junta and acting president of the Sahel alliance in a televised speech on Sunday evening.

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