Global News One

Author: atifwattoo2@gmail.com

  • Hezbollah Launches Rockets into Israel Following Lethal Attacks

    Militant Faction Claims Responsibility for Firing Numerous Rockets at Israeli Village of Meron Following Israeli Airstrikes, Resulting in Five Deaths in Southern Lebanon.

    Lebanon’s Hezbollah announced it launched dozens of rockets into northern Israel in retaliation for Israeli strikes that killed at least five people in southern Lebanon, including three Hezbollah members. Concerns of a regional escalation have intensified.

    Hezbollah, aligned with the Palestinian group Hamas, and Israel have engaged in almost daily border skirmishes since Israel initiated a severe offensive on Gaza on October 7, following a lethal attack within Israel.

    Hezbollah claimed responsibility for launching “dozens of katyusha-type rockets” towards the Israeli village of Meron, located 8km (5 miles) from the border. Meron houses a significant air control base frequently targeted by the Iran-backed group this year.

    Smoke billows above buildings following an Israeli strike in the southern Lebanese border village of Majdal Zoun on March 9, 2024 [AFP]
    Smoke billows above buildings following an Israeli strike in the southern Lebanese border village of Majdal Zoun on March 9, 2024 [AFP]

    Hezbollah cited Israeli attacks on southern villages and civilian homes, notably the previous day’s strike on a fighter’s residence in Khirbet Selm, as its motive.

    Lebanon’s official National News Agency reported the deaths of a woman and another individual in the same strike.

    The Israeli army reported around 35 launches from Lebanon towards Israeli territory following sirens in northern Israel. Several of these launches were intercepted.

  • Sneaking Fans into Eras Tour: Singapore Charges Duo Linked to Taylor Swift

    Sneaking Fans into Taylor Swift Concert: Singapore Charges Two Men with Cheating

    Singapore authorities have charged two men with cheating for sneaking three individuals into a Taylor Swift concert without tickets. According to reports, Yang Chenguang allegedly engaged security personnel in conversation while Li Xiao Wei manipulated a turnstile to facilitate the trio’s entry.

    The incident occurred last Monday during the third of Swift’s six sold-out shows in Singapore, the only stop of her Eras Tour in the region. Tickets for the highly anticipated event had sold out months in advance, prompting desperate fans from as far as China to resort to resellers for seats. Prior to Singapore, Swift had performed in Japan and Australia.

    Singapore is the only South East Asian country to host Taylor Swift's wildly popular Eras Tour shows [Getty Images]
    Singapore is the only South East Asian country to host Taylor Swift’s wildly popular Eras Tour shows [Getty Images]

    Singapore’s strict legal framework stipulates that individuals convicted of cheating can face imprisonment for up to three years. A third individual arrested alongside Yang and Li is currently under investigation and has yet to be formally charged, according to a statement from Singapore police.

    Among those who sneaked into the concert was Chinese influencer Yang Junhao, who claims he unwittingly purchased counterfeit tickets. In a video posted on Douyin, China’s equivalent of TikTok, Yang expressed his disappointment and revealed he had spent 12,000 yuan on the fake tickets.

    Security personnel at the Singapore Sports Hub, where Swift’s concerts were held, reported detaining several individuals attempting to trespass into the venue on Monday. Concert organizers pledged to collaborate closely with law enforcement to ensure public safety and security.

    Singapore’s exclusive deal with Swift’s concert promoters has reportedly stirred tension among neighboring countries, including Thailand and the Philippines. The agreement, valued at millions of dollars, underscores Singapore’s strategic significance as a concert destination in the region.

    Swift is scheduled to perform three more shows in Singapore before concluding her tour in Southeast Asia.

  • Facebook and Instagram not working for you? You’re not the only one.

    If you’re having trouble accessing Facebook, Instagram, or Threads this morning, rest assured, you’re not alone.

    All Meta platforms appear to be experiencing downtime.

    According to Downdetector.com, the outage started around 10 a.m.

    If you’re trying to log into Facebook, you might encounter messages stating your password is incorrect. Resetting your password doesn’t seem to resolve the issue.

    As for Instagram and Threads, the feeds aren’t refreshing as expected.

    Meta, the parent company of these platforms, hasn’t issued a statement regarding the cause of the outage or the expected time for service restoration.

  • Facebook, Instagram Down During Outage; Thousands Affected

    On [date], social media giants Facebook and Instagram experienced a major outage, leaving millions of users unable to access their accounts and causing widespread frustration and inconvenience. The outage, which lasted for several hours, affected users across the globe, highlighting the extent to which people rely on these platforms for communication, entertainment, and business purposes.

    The outage began [time] and lasted until [time], with users reporting issues such as being unable to log in, post updates, or access their newsfeeds. The disruption also affected other Facebook-owned platforms, including Messenger and WhatsApp. As news of the outage spread, users took to other social media platforms like Twitter to express their frustration and seek answers.

    During the outage, Facebook and Instagram’s official Twitter accounts acknowledged the problem and assured users that they were working to resolve it. The company later issued a statement apologizing for the inconvenience caused and explaining that the outage was due to a technical issue.

    While outages of this magnitude are relatively rare for Facebook and Instagram, they serve as a reminder of the dependence many users have on these platforms. Facebook, with its billions of users worldwide, has become an integral part of daily life for many, serving as a platform for communication, news consumption, and social interaction. Similarly, Instagram has grown in popularity, particularly among younger demographics, as a platform for sharing photos, videos, and connecting with friends and influencers.

    Businesses and content creators who rely on Facebook and Instagram for marketing and reaching their target audience were also affected by the outage. Many had to quickly adapt their strategies and find alternative ways to engage with their followers and customers. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of diversifying marketing efforts and not relying solely on a single platform.

    While the outage was a temporary inconvenience, it also raised concerns about the power and influence that platforms like Facebook and Instagram hold. The outage highlighted the vulnerability of relying on a single company for such a significant portion of online communication and content consumption. It also sparked discussions about the need for more competition and alternatives in the social media landscape.

    As the outage was resolved and services were gradually restored, users expressed relief and gratitude for the return of their favorite platforms. However, the incident serves as a reminder that technical issues can occur unexpectedly, disrupting our digital lives and reminding us of the importance of diversifying our online presence.

    Facebook and Instagram have since taken steps to prevent similar outages in the future and have implemented measures to improve their infrastructure and stability. However, as technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for users to be prepared for potential disruptions and have contingency plans in place to mitigate the impact.

    In conclusion, the recent outage of Facebook and Instagram served as a wake-up call for millions of users who rely heavily on these platforms for communication, entertainment, and business purposes. The incident highlighted the need for diversification in online presence and the potential risks associated with relying too heavily on a single platform. As we move forward, it is important for users and businesses to adapt and be prepared for potential disruptions, ensuring that they have alternative strategies in place to navigate unforeseen challenges in the digital landscape.

  • Facebook, Instagram not working for you? You are not alone

    Are you experiencing issues with Facebook and Instagram? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many users have reported difficulties accessing these popular social media platforms. It can be frustrating when you rely on these platforms for communication, entertainment, or business purposes.

    There could be several reasons why Facebook and Instagram are not working for you. It could be a temporary glitch in the system, a problem with your internet connection, or even an issue with your device. Before panicking, it’s always a good idea to check if others are also experiencing the same problem.

    Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram have billions of users worldwide, and occasional outages are not uncommon. These platforms have complex infrastructures, and sometimes technical issues arise that affect their functionality. The companies behind these platforms are usually quick to address and resolve such problems.

    If you’re unable to access Facebook or Instagram, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:

    1. Check your internet connection: Ensure that you have a stable internet connection and try refreshing the page.
    2. Clear your cache: Clearing your browser cache can help resolve temporary issues.
    3. Update your app: If you’re using the mobile app, make sure it’s up to date.
    4. Restart your device: Sometimes a simple restart can fix connectivity issues.

    If none of these steps work, it’s best to wait for the platforms to resolve the issue. You can also check social media or news websites for updates on any ongoing outages. Remember, these platforms are used by millions of people, and occasional disruptions are bound to happen.

    In the meantime, take a break from social media and explore other activities. Read a book, go for a walk, or spend time with loved ones. Remember, there’s more to life than just scrolling through Facebook or Instagram.

  • Joe Biden, the Espionage Act, and My Experience

    Similar to my situation, Biden also stored classified information outside a secure facility and shared it with the press to express apprehension about US policy. However, the prosecutors handled our cases in contrasting manners.

    In February, I completed a 33-month sentence in federal prison for breaching the Espionage Act. My disclosure of classified information aimed to shed light on what I perceived as the ethical toll of America’s drone assassination program. Shortly after my release, news of Special Counsel Robert Hur’s report emerged, detailing why President Joe Biden wasn’t charged for alleged violations of the same law.

    It’s heartening to hear when the Justice Department refrains from using the Espionage Act. Since its enactment in 1917, the law has been wielded to stifle dissenting voices nationwide. Thousands were swiftly convicted for opposing America’s involvement in the deadliest conflict of that era.

    Though certain aspects of the law have been revised, the Espionage Act remains the primary statute for prosecuting government whistleblowers who rely on the press to expose governmental abuses. The decision to pursue whistleblowers under the Espionage Act sends a clear message: anyone who speaks to the media risks decades of imprisonment.

    Upon reviewing Special Counsel Hur’s report, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between my case and the investigation into the president. According to the report, President Biden, like me, stored classified information outside secure facilities and later shared it with reporters to express concerns about official US policy.

    Both President Biden and I voiced apprehensions about official policies: his regarding the 2009 surge in Afghanistan (during his vice presidency) and mine regarding its repercussions. Yet, why was one of us prosecuted while the other wasn’t?

    Special Counsel Robert Hur said in a report released released in February that Biden would not face criminal charges for removing classified documents at the end of the Obama presidency because he had cooperated with investigators and would appear sympathetic to a jury [Leah Millis/Reuters]
    Special Counsel Robert Hur said in a report released released in February that Biden would not face criminal charges for removing classified documents at the end of the Obama presidency because he had cooperated with investigators and would appear sympathetic to a jury [Leah Millis/Reuters]

    Hur suggested that President Biden’s perceived goodwill would make it challenging to convince a jury of wrongdoing. Contrastingly, during my sentencing, the government painted me as a public threat, likening me to a drug dealer. They portrayed me as seeking notoriety rather than acting in the public interest.

    Hur deftly sidesteps the issue of intent regarding the Espionage Act. Ironically, the law doesn’t necessitate proof of intent to harm the US; it only requires evidence that the possessor of national defense information knowingly retains and willfully communicates it to unauthorized individuals.

    While Biden evades repercussions due to his purported lack of harmful intent, I, like other whistleblowers, was effectively silenced by legal technicalities. Forced to plead guilty to avoid an unwinnable trial, I couldn’t present evidence of my intentions.

    The guilt I bore for disclosing national defense information paled in comparison to the shame I felt for participating in the drone program. In 2021, weeks after my sentencing, a US drone strike mistakenly killed Zemari Ahmadi and nine family members. I was the sole person held accountable, not for my role but for exposing its reality.

    President Biden received the benefit of doubt denied to many Espionage Act targets. Yet, if he truly upholds the ideals that secured his presidency, he should pardon whistleblowers and end the “targeted” killing policy in the global war on terror.

  • Turkey Arrests 7 Individuals Suspected of Spying on Behalf of Israel

    Individuals Suspected of Gathering Data on Turkish Entities, Allegedly Sold Information to Mossad

    Turkish authorities have apprehended seven individuals suspected of trafficking information to the Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad.

    Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya disclosed that the suspects were apprehended during synchronized raids in Istanbul on Tuesday. These detentions mark the latest development in a series of similar arrests across Turkey.

    The suspects were taken into custody during simultaneous raids in Istanbul, the interior minister said [File: Umit Bektas/Reuters]
    The suspects were taken into custody during simultaneous raids in Istanbul, the interior minister said [File: Umit Bektas/Reuters]

    Yerlikaya indicated that the detainees are believed to have gathered data on Turkish individuals and businesses, subsequently selling it to Mossad. The raids were conducted in collaboration with Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT).

    “We are adamant about preventing espionage activities within our borders. We will pursue them relentlessly and ensure they face justice,” asserted Yerlikaya.

    A video released by the Interior Minister depicted police conducting raids in Istanbul residences, where firearms, narcotics, and electronic devices were seized.

    As of now, it remains unclear whether any charges have been filed, with authorities refraining from providing further details.

    Israel has yet to issue a response regarding the operation.

    Wave of arrests

    Last month, Turkish authorities arrested seven individuals on similar suspicions, while in early January, 34 people were detained by Turkish police over alleged espionage for Israel.

    According to Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc, those arrested in January were accused of planning activities such as reconnaissance and the “pursuit, assault, and abduction” of foreign nationals residing in Turkey. Tunc noted that most of the suspects faced charges related to “political or military espionage” on behalf of Israeli intelligence.

    As reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency, citing unnamed security officials, the individuals detained on Tuesday included a former civil servant now working as a private investigator. Allegedly trained by Mossad in Belgrade, Serbia, he purportedly gathered information on Middle Eastern entities and individuals, while also planting tracking devices in the vehicles of individuals targeted by Israeli intelligence. MIT stated that he received payments in cryptocurrency not documented in official records.

    Despite the normalization of ties between Turkey and Israel in 2022, which saw the reappointment of ambassadors, relations soured swiftly with the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Ankara emerged as one of Tel Aviv’s most vocal critics during the military campaign in Gaza.

    In December, the head of Israel’s Shin Bet security agency declared readiness to target Hamas anywhere, including in Lebanon, Turkey, and Qatar. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan swiftly warned of “serious consequences” should Israel target anyone on Turkish soil.

  • Hundreds Pay Tribute: Funeral Held for Marathon Star Kiptum in Kenya

    The 24-Year-Old, Who Set World Record in Chicago in October, Dies in Car Accident This Month.

    Family members surround the coffin of Kenya's marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum, who died in a road accident, during his funeral in Chepkorio on February 23, 2024 [Monicah Mwangi/Reuters]
    Family members surround the coffin of Kenya’s marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum, who died in a road accident, during his funeral in Chepkorio on February 23, 2024 [Monicah Mwangi/Reuters]

    Marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum, whose aspirations of breaking the race’s two-hour barrier were tragically cut short by a fatal car crash earlier this month, was honored for his exceptional talent and modesty during a funeral in western Kenya.

    The service, held on Friday in his hometown of Chepkorio in the Rift Valley, drew hundreds of mourners, including prominent political and sports figures such as President William Ruto and World Athletics President Sebastian Coe.

    Despite being only 24 years old, Kiptum had participated in just three international marathons, each ranking among the top seven fastest times ever recorded. His remarkable achievement came in Chicago last October, where he set the world record, clocking in at two hours and 35 seconds, surpassing his compatriot Eliud Kipchoge’s mark by 34 seconds.

    Anglican Bishop Paul Korir, leading the service, highlighted Kiptum’s humility and deep connections to the local community, where he had worked as a livestock herder and trained as an electrician before pursuing a career in professional running.

    “Despite mingling with the elite, he remained grounded and often frequented the local pool hall in Chepkorio,” Korir reflected.

    His untimely passing has sent shockwaves through Kenya and the broader athletics community.

    “He was a true luminary whose trajectory promised greatness,” remarked Jack Tuwei, president of Athletics Kenya. “All signs pointed to his eventual conquest of the two-hour milestone.”

    “Farewell, champion,” echoed the front-page headline of Kenya’s leading Daily Nation newspaper on Friday.

    A woman mourns after viewing Kiptum’s body [Reuters]
    A woman mourns after viewing Kiptum’s body [Reuters]

    At daybreak, mourners, among them Faith Kipyegon, the record holder in the 1,500 meters, began to arrive for the funeral. Some donned black T-shirts featuring a portrait of Kiptum on the front. They paid their respects to the deceased, with his body resting in a partially open casket on a red carpet, accompanied by hymns sung by a choir.

    Outside the venue, numerous villagers congregated, watching the service unfold on four large screens.

  • German Lawyers File Lawsuit Against Scholz, Accusing Him of Complicity in Gaza ‘Genocide’

    Palestinian Lawyers Lodge Criminal Complaint Against Chancellor and Senior Politicians, Alleging Complicity in ‘Genocide’

    German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, left, holds a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a visit to Tel Aviv [File: Maya Alleruzzo/Pool via Reuters]
    German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, left, holds a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a visit to Tel Aviv [File: Maya Alleruzzo/Pool via Reuters]

    In Berlin, Germany, a coalition of lawyers has lodged a criminal complaint with the German federal prosecutor, targeting high-ranking German officials, notably Chancellor Olaf Scholz, on charges of “aiding and abetting” the alleged genocide perpetrated by Israel in Gaza.

    The complaint extends to various members of the nation’s Federal Security Council, responsible for shaping national security strategies and sanctioning arms trade, formally submitted on a Friday.

    Alongside Scholz, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Economics Minister Robert Habeck, Finance Minister Christian Lindner, and other officials are implicated in the accusation.

    Ragab emphasized, “As Palestinians in the diaspora, we refuse to passively witness the genocide unfolding against our families and our people. We are committed to utilizing every available means to address this injustice. Today, our goal is to hold the German government accountable for its involvement in the Gaza genocide.”

    Backing the case, civil society organizations such as the European Legal Support Center, the Palestine Institute for Public Diplomacy, and the UK-based Law for Palestine issued a collective statement. They highlighted, “The German state has notably extended substantial political and material support to Israel in its aggression against the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian population.”

    Alexander Gorski, a lawyer backing the case, recognized, “Considering the legal framework and the political dynamics in Germany, this case presents significant challenges.”

    He emphasized to Al Jazeera, “However, we perceive it as our duty as legal professionals to take action. The global dissemination of the genocide’s evidence is undeniable. Yet, despite this, the Israeli government continues to garner support from other nations and receives weaponry.”

    After the October 7 attacks by Hamas, during which 1,139 people were killed in southern Israel, the Israeli government retaliated with a military campaign in Gaza that has to date killed more than 29,000 Palestinians, the majority of them women and children.

  • 7 ChatGPT Prompts to Apply Taylor Swift’s Rules for Success

    Introduction

    Taylor Swift is not only a talented singer-songwriter but also a successful entrepreneur and role model for many. Her journey to success is filled with valuable lessons that can be applied to various aspects of life, including the world of ChatGPT. In this blog post, we will explore seven ChatGPT prompts inspired by Taylor Swift’s rules for success.

    1. Embrace Change and Adaptability

    Taylor Swift has never been afraid to reinvent herself and adapt to changing times. Similarly, in the world of ChatGPT, it is important to embrace change and adaptability. Prompt: “How can ChatGPT adapt to different user preferences and provide personalized responses?”

    2. Emphasize Authenticity

    Authenticity is a key aspect of Taylor Swift’s success. She connects with her audience by staying true to herself and sharing personal experiences. In ChatGPT, authenticity can be emphasized by encouraging prompts that promote genuine conversations. Prompt: “Tell me about a time when you faced a challenge and how you overcame it.”

    3. Foster Collaboration

    Taylor Swift has collaborated with various artists throughout her career, creating unique and successful projects. Similarly, ChatGPT can benefit from collaboration by encouraging prompts that involve multiple users or prompt responses that build on each other. Prompt: “Create a story together with another user, taking turns in adding a sentence.”

    4. Embrace Continuous Learning

    Taylor Swift has consistently evolved and grown as an artist, constantly learning and improving her craft. In ChatGPT, continuous learning can be encouraged by prompts that promote knowledge sharing and exploration. Prompt: “What is something interesting you recently learned and would like to share?”

    5. Embrace Resilience

    Taylor Swift has faced numerous challenges and setbacks throughout her career but has always bounced back stronger. In ChatGPT, resilience can be emphasized by prompts that encourage users to share stories of overcoming adversity. Prompt: “Tell me about a time when you faced a setback and how you persevered.”

    6. Prioritize User Experience

    Taylor Swift’s success can be attributed, in part, to her ability to connect with her audience and prioritize their experience. In ChatGPT, user experience can be prioritized by prompts that encourage feedback and suggestions for improvement. Prompt: “How can ChatGPT better understand and respond to user needs?”

    7. Encourage Creativity

    Taylor Swift’s creativity knows no bounds, as she constantly pushes the boundaries of her art. In ChatGPT, creativity can be encouraged by prompts that inspire users to think outside the box and come up with unique ideas or solutions. Prompt: “Imagine you have unlimited resources. What would you create or accomplish?”

    Conclusion

    Taylor Swift’s rules for success can be applied to various aspects of life, including the world of ChatGPT. By embracing change, emphasizing authenticity, fostering collaboration, embracing continuous learning, embracing resilience, prioritizing user experience, and encouraging creativity, ChatGPT can become an even more powerful tool for communication and engagement. Let Taylor Swift’s success story inspire us to make the most of our ChatGPT interactions.