News

Gunmen kill 39 in ‘coordinated’ attacks in Pakistan

Separatist militants killed at least 39 people in “coordinated” attacks in southwestern Pakistan on Monday that largely targeted ethnic Punjabis, government officials said.

In one of the attacks, dozens of militants stopped vehicles travelling on a highway through Balochistan province and shot 23 people dead — one of the worst shootings in the region in the past several years.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), the most active militant separatist group in the province, claimed responsibility for an overnight operation in a statement sent to AFP.

Government officials have reported deadly attacks in at least three districts in impoverished Balochistan, where security forces are battling sectarian, ethnic and separatist violence.

“We have confirmed 39 people killed in several coordinated attacks carried out by the BLA terrorists,” Shahid Rind, a spokesman for the Balochistan provincial government, told AFP.

In Musakhail district, between 30 and 40 gunmen stopped 22 buses, vans and trucks one after the other on a highway connecting Punjab with Balochistan, senior official Najibullah Kakar told AFP.

“Vehicles travelling to and from Punjab were inspected, and individuals from Punjab were identified and shot,” he said.

In its statement, the BLA said it had launched an operation “on highways across Balochistan”, claiming to have targeted only security personnel.

An earlier statement from the group published just after midnight on Monday warned the Baloch public to stay away from the highways, adding that their “fight is against the occupying Pakistani military”.

Militants also blew up a railway bridge in nearby Bolan district on a track that connects the province to Punjab and Sindh, with six dead bodies found nearby, said Javed Baloch, a senior government official in the district.

Ten people were also killed in Kalat district, including four paramilitary officers and one policeman responding to incidents, provincial government spokesman Rind said.

Nabi Baksh, from the Levies paramilitary force that works alongside the police, said gunmen had stormed a hotel and also targeted a village elder with perceived links to the security forces.

– Surge in violence –

Balochistan is Pakistan’s poorest province, despite an abundance of untapped natural resources, and lags behind the rest of the country in education, employment and economic development.

Baloch separatists have in recent years intensified attacks on Pakistanis from neighbouring provinces working in the region, as well as foreign energy firms they believe are exploiting its riches.

Punjabis are the largest of the six main ethnic groups in Pakistan, and are perceived as dominating the ranks of the military, which is locked in a battle to quash Balochistan’s armed factions.

The BLA mostly targets security forces, and attacks on civilians often go unclaimed.

In an attack in April, 11 Punjabi labourers were killed when they were abducted from a bus in the city of Naushki, and six Punjabis working as barbers were shot in May.

In February, on the eve of national elections, twin blasts in Balochistan killed 28 people and were claimed by the local chapter of the Islamic State group.

Protests led by ethnic Baloch are staged regularly in the province accusing the authorities of a heavy-handed crackdown in their fight against militancy, including through mass arrests and detentions.

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in militant attacks since the Taliban government returned to power in neighbouring Afghanistan in 2021, mostly in the northwestern border province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, but also in southwestern Balochistan, which abuts Afghanistan and Iran.

There were at least 170 militant attacks killing 151 civilians and 114 security personnel in Balochistan last year, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies.

Islamabad accuses Kabul’s new rulers of failing to root out militants sheltering on Afghan soil as they prepare to stage assaults on Pakistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed “deep grief and condemnation over the terrorist attack” in a statement issued Monday by his office.

News

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.

News

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

Authoritarian Parenting: Characterized by strict rules, punishments, and minimal warmth.
Authoritative Parenting: Balances warmth and structure, encouraging independence and responsibility.
Permissive Parenting: Lenient, with few boundaries and excessive indulgence.
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:

Career choices and success
Relationship quality and stability
Mental and physical health
Social skills and community involvement

Tips for Effective Parenting

Practice empathy and active listening
Set clear boundaries and expectations
Encourage independence and responsibility
Model positive values and behaviors
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.

News

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:

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

News

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.

News

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.

Africa

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

Mali-Burkina-Faso-Niger-Juntas-To-Launch-New-Biometric-Passports-Amid-Break-From-ECOWAS - Wave News Nigeria | Latest News | Breaking News

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.