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Showing posts from December, 2025

Cloudflare outage plunges half the internet into chaos

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Cloudflare Faces Another Major Outage, Disrupting Key Websites Cloudflare has once again faced a significant outage on Friday, causing several major websites to go offline. Among the affected sites are Zoom, Canva, Discord, LinkedIn, Deliveroo, Substack, Shopify, Coinbase, and Vinted. This incident highlights the growing concerns about the reliability of internet infrastructure and the impact it can have on businesses and users alike. On Reddit, users expressed their frustration with the ongoing issues. One user posted, "Here we go again, it's down!" while another commented, "Business haulted. Second time in a month. It's too much for service as crucial as this. Something needs to be done." A third user added, "Imagine how much money businesses are losing." This is the second outage in nearly a month for Cloudflare, which powers internet requests for millions of websites. In a service update just after 9am GMT on Friday, Cloudflare stated that i...

China's 'Little Nvidia' Targets Global Leadership After 468% Share Surge

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Moore Threads, a graphics processing unit (GPU) developer that has been in operation for five years, is making waves in the artificial intelligence chip development space. Founded by Zhang Jianzhong, who previously served as Nvidia's China general manager from 2006 to 2020, the company aims to become one of the leading global players in this field. Zhang emphasized that Moore Threads' GPUs, along with its own MUSA platform, are compatible with Nvidia's CUDA ecosystem. This compatibility makes it easier for Chinese users of Nvidia chips to transition to Moore Threads' solutions. Unlike Huawei Technologies, which has taken a different approach, Moore Threads is positioning itself as a viable alternative within the Chinese market. During an interview published in the Shanghai Securities Journal, Zhang stated that the startup plans to introduce a new-generation chip each year to support China's AI development. He also highlighted the importance of policy support for s...

Rwanda Launches Unified Digital Payment System

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Rwanda's eKash: A Unified Digital Payment System for Financial Inclusion Rwanda has taken a significant step forward in its digital transformation by launching eKash, a unified digital payment system designed to streamline money transfers across the country’s financial ecosystem. Initially accessible only through MTN Mobile Money and Airtel Money, eKash has grown over the past three years to include banks, SACCOs, and microfinance institutions. The platform now connects 22 institutions, enabling users to pay directly from any linked account without needing to transfer or withdraw funds. This initiative aims to eliminate the delays, fragmented channels, and long-standing inconveniences that consumers face when transacting across different providers. With eKash, sending money to anyone on any platform can become instant, reliable, and affordable. “Digital payments in Rwanda were operating on separate systems that could not easily connect or work together. Your money had to move fr...

SoftBank's Son: Super AI Could Make Humans Like Fish, Win Nobel Prize

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The Vision of a Future Where AI Surpasses Humans At a recent meeting in Seoul, SoftBank CEO and prominent AI investor Masayoshi Son shared his thoughts on the future of artificial intelligence. He described a scenario where advanced AI could surpass human capabilities to such an extent that humans might become "fish" in comparison. This metaphor was used to illustrate the vast gap between human intelligence and what he envisions as a future where AI becomes significantly more intelligent than humans. Son, who is known for his investments in companies like OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, spoke about a future where AI could be 10,000 times smarter than humans. He likened the difference between the human brain and that of a goldfish to this massive gap. However, he suggested that this relationship would not be one of dominance but rather coexistence. "We will become fish, they (the AI) become like humans," he said. According to Son, this future would involve AI tha...

Sindh Govt Launches E-Marking System to Reduce Exam Errors

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Introduction to E-Marking System in Sindh The Sindh government has taken a significant step towards modernizing the educational landscape by introducing an e-marking system across all educational institutions in the province. This initiative aims to reduce errors in the assessment of students' examination papers and enhance the overall transparency of the evaluation process. The e-marking system was officially launched during the 183rd two-day meeting, which was organized in collaboration with the Inter-Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) and the Sindh Boards Committee of Chairmen (SBCC). Vision for a Digital Examination System Provincial Minister for Universities and Boards, Ismail Rahoo, inaugurated the e-marking system and emphasized the importance of aligning the examination system with modern requirements. He stated that the goal is to create a transparent, reliable, and fully digital system that ensures quality education for every child. Rahoo highlighted that the implem...

South Korean Firms Overlook Security: 97% Lack Dedicated Teams

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A small tax law firm in Seoul, with just 15 employees, does not have a dedicated budget for cybersecurity. The firm relies on specialized programs connected through the cloud (virtual servers) for its tax-related work and shares files using Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive. Its internal computers are managed with outdated antivirus software. The firm has never considered the possibility that malware could infiltrate all its computers via employee emails and subsequently breach the cloud. Representative A, who is 46 years old, stated, “I’ve never thought about hacking while doing business,” and added, “I wonder if a company like ours needs to do that.” As hackers around the world target South Korea, with over 60 million cases of personal information leakage this year alone, Korean companies are falling into a “three-nothing” state—no budget, no dedicated personnel, and no will to improve security. While the risk of secondary damages such as illegal payments and phishing scams due to...

Sindh Launches Faceless E-Ticketing Expansion to New Cities

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Introduction to Faceless E-Ticketing in Sindh Sindh Police is preparing to roll out its innovative 'Faceless E-Ticketing' system across the province. This initiative, which was first implemented in Karachi, has already received a positive public response. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ghulam Nabi Memon, has assigned specific tasks to key officials to ensure that all preparations are completed for the expansion of this system. Key Officials and Responsibilities During a high-level review meeting chaired by the IGP at the Central Police Office in Karachi, several responsibilities were assigned to different officials. DIG Traffic Karachi and DIG IT have been directed to work closely with divisional DIGs to ensure the system's successful rollout in other districts. Under the plan, DIG IT will assess the camera installations on urban roads and highways. This includes evaluating the recording and storage capacity, internet connectivity, and overall technical infrastr...

Strict visa rules hinder Vietnamese travel abroad: Agoda

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Survey Reveals Impact of Visa Restrictions on Vietnamese Travel Plans A recent survey conducted by the online travel platform Agoda has highlighted the significant influence of visa restrictions on the travel behavior of Vietnamese citizens. According to the findings, 60% of Vietnamese respondents indicated that these restrictions have a direct impact on their travel plans. The survey involved 3,353 participants across nine Asian markets, including Vietnam. The results showed that 91% of respondents expressed a desire to travel abroad more frequently if visa procedures were simplified and access to new countries was improved. This suggests a strong demand among Vietnamese travelers for more flexible and accessible international travel options. Shift in Travel Priorities One of the most notable findings from the survey is the change in travel priorities among Vietnamese citizens. Due to restrictive visa rules, 50% of respondents said they would now prioritize domestic travel over i...

Meta slashes metaverse funds by 30% as AI takes center stage

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Meta's Strategic Shift: From Metaverse to AI Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has been at the forefront of developing 'metaverse' technology. However, recent reports indicate that the company is considering a significant budget reduction for its metaverse-related divisions by up to 30%. This move is part of a broader strategy to reallocate resources towards emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). The metaverse, once seen as the future of digital interaction, has experienced a decline in interest due to the surge in AI investments. As major tech companies pivot their focus towards AI, Meta is following suit, adjusting its priorities to align with current market trends. Budget Cuts and Organizational Restructuring According to Bloomberg News, Meta's management is contemplating a plan to cut the budget of metaverse-related teams by up to 30% next year. The affected departments include 'Reality Labs,' which oversees the metaverse, vir...

Asian Tourists Favor Affordable Stays Under $100: Agoda

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Understanding the Preferences of Asian Travelers A recent survey conducted by Agoda, a leading online travel platform, has revealed that nearly three out of four Asian travelers (73%) prefer booking accommodations that cost less than US$100 per night. This data highlights a growing trend among travelers in Asia who are increasingly focused on finding affordable options without compromising on their travel experiences. The survey, which was carried out in October, included 3,353 respondents across nine Asian markets, including India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. The findings indicate that travelers in certain countries, such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, are particularly price-sensitive. In these regions, most travelers are looking for stays under $50 per night, showcasing a strong preference for budget-friendly options. Financial Planning and Spending Habits One of the key insights from the survey is that about 40%...

Pope, Charlie Kirk, iPhone 17, TikTok Ban Lead 2025 Global Search Trends

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Global Search Trends of 2025 Google’s annual “Year in Search” report has revealed the most-searched topics around the world in 2025. The data highlights the significant spikes in search traffic for various events, people, and technologies that captured global attention throughout the year. Key Events and People That Dominated Searches One of the most searched individuals this year was Charlie Kirk, a prominent figure who was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10. His death sparked a massive surge in interest, with many searching for information about his life and work. Google noted that his Wikipedia page became one of the most-read articles of the year. Another major event that drew widespread attention was the passing of Pope Francis and the subsequent election of Pope Leo XIV, an American, on May 8. This event led to a significant increase in searches related to the papacy and religious news. Rise of Artificial Intelligence Artificial intelligen...

Hanjin Airlines Launches Starlink Wi-Fi in South Korea

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Introduction to Starlink in South Korean Airlines Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan, and Air Seoul—five airlines under Hanjin Group—made a significant announcement on the 5th regarding their plans to introduce Starlink, a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, as in-flight Wi-Fi. This move marks a first for South Korean airlines, as they will be the pioneers in adopting this advanced technology for in-flight internet services. What is Starlink? Starlink is a communication service that utilizes over 8,000 low-Earth orbit satellites, positioned at an altitude of approximately 550 km. The service was launched in South Korea on the 4th, offering internet access in areas where traditional cable communication is challenging. These include remote mountainous regions, at sea, and in the airspace where aircraft operate. This capability has led to a rapid expansion of its business scope. Implementation Plan by Hanjin Group Airlines The Hanjin Group airlines have outl...

Rising Power Generation Capacity Soars

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Zambia's Electricity Generation Capacity Surges in 2024 Zambia's national installed electricity generation capacity has seen a significant increase, rising from 3,811.32 MW in 2023 to 3,871.32 MW in 2024. This growth was largely attributed to the expansion of solar power plants, particularly the Kitwe solar plants operated by the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC). These plants increased their capacity from 34 MW in 2023 to 94 MW in 2024. This development marks a positive shift for Zambia, especially when compared to 2022, when the country's installed power generation capacity stood at 3,493 MW according to Zesco. However, despite this progress, the current actual generation figures are still far below the national demand, leading to a widening power deficit and frequent load-shedding. According to official data from the Ministry of Energy, as of November 2025, the average power generation was 1,339 MW against an average demand of 2,450 MW. This results in a substantial...

Hanjin Airlines Launches South Korea's First Starlink In-Flight Wi-Fi

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Introduction to Starlink in South Korean Airlines Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan, and Air Seoul, five prominent airlines under the Hanjin Group, have made a groundbreaking announcement. They plan to introduce SpaceX’s satellite internet service, known as Starlink, as in-flight Wi-Fi. This development marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time a South Korean airline has adopted Starlink technology. What is Starlink? Starlink, developed by Elon Musk's space company SpaceX, is an advanced satellite internet service that utilizes over 8,000 low Earth orbit satellites, each positioned approximately 550 km above the Earth. This network enables high-speed internet access in areas that were previously difficult to reach, such as at sea, in remote mountainous regions, and even at high altitudes where aircraft operate. The service became available in Korea on the 4th of this month, opening up new possibilities for connectivity. Implementation Plan The Hanji...

South Korea's Cybersecurity Falls Behind Emerging Markets

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South Korea's Cybersecurity Industry Faces Challenges in Global Competition South Korea has made significant strides in various industries, including semiconductors, mobile phones, and content creation. However, the cybersecurity sector remains underdeveloped compared to global standards. A high-ranking executive from a domestic security company highlighted that while K-companies have achieved international recognition in other sectors, the cybersecurity industry still operates at an emerging market level. No local firms have managed to enter the global top 10, which is a major concern given the increasing sophistication of cyber threats. To address these challenges, the industry needs to expand its scale and invest more in research and development (R&D). The gap in revenue between South Korean companies and their global counterparts is stark. For instance, U.S. firm Palo Alto Networks reported annual revenue of $9.2 billion (approximately 13.5 trillion Korean won), while glo...

Ministry Launches 'Arm School' to Train 1,400 Semiconductor and AI Experts

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Strategic Collaboration to Boost Semiconductor and AI Talent The government has announced an ambitious initiative to cultivate 1,400 semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) professionals over the next five years. This effort will be carried out in partnership with Arm, a leading British semiconductor design company. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources revealed this plan on the 5th, following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with Arm. The agreement aims to strengthen Korea's semiconductor and AI industries by fostering closer ties between the country, SoftBank Group Corp., and Arm. This collaboration was discussed during a meeting that included President Lee Jae-myung, SoftBank Group Corp. Chairman Masayoshi Son, and Arm CEO Rene Haas. The MoU highlights the shared vision of enhancing cooperation among these key players in the future. Arm, which is a major shareholder in SoftBank, holds approximately 90% of its shares. This strategic alliance underscore...

Christmas travel chaos looms at London's main airport as staff plan strike

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Christmas Travel Chaos at a Major UK Airport A major UK airport could face significant travel disruptions this Christmas as staff are set to go on strike during the festive period. Passengers flying with EasyJet from London Luton Airport may experience delays and cancellations due to planned strike action by employees working for DHL, a company that provides check-in and baggage-handling services for the airline. The strike will last for six days, starting at 3am on December 19 and ending at 3am on December 22. Further strike days are scheduled from 3am on Boxing Day to 3am on December 29. According to reports from the Unite union, approximately 71 flights will be affected on December 19, followed by 60 flights on December 20 and 74 flights on December 21. On the second round of strikes, 71 flights may be impacted on December 26, 60 on December 27, and 74 on December 28. The affected routes include popular destinations such as Spain, Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic. Around 20...

Africa's digital turning point - Ghana's call for a sovereign AI future

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A New Scramble for Data Africa is once again at the center of a global scramble. This time, it's not about rubber, gold, or oil, but data. Every mobile payment, social media post, satellite image, and biometric enrollment contributes to the digital empires of Silicon Valley, Shenzhen, and other power centers. The pattern is familiar: Africa supplies the raw input, but the wealth created flows elsewhere. The stakes are higher now. Data is not just a new oil; it is memory, intelligence, and power. It shapes how governments deliver services, how companies build products, and how societies imagine the future. If Africa does not act deliberately, the digital century could repeat the economic and political dispossession of the colonial era, only this time encoded in algorithms and cloud platforms instead of shipping contracts and gunboats. Ghana, a nation that once ignited Pan African liberation under Kwame Nkrumah, is uniquely positioned to break this cycle. Our choices in the next d...

Boyfriend Dashes Off, Leaving Girlfriend Behind at Red Light

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A lighthearted and endearing moment occurred when a woman stepped off her motorbike to retrieve her belongings, only for her boyfriend to speed away without realizing what had happened. Relationship conflicts often bring out the humor in everyday situations, but this particular incident takes it to an entirely new level. The video captures the girl stopping at a traffic light to pick up a dropped jacket, while her boyfriend, unaware of her absence, drove off. She stood there, watching helplessly as the motorbike disappeared into the distance, clearly both angry and shocked by the sudden turn of events. Fortunately, a passing car offered her a ride, setting off a comedic high-speed pursuit that quickly became a viral sensation. Inside the car, the woman sat with a furious expression, glaring at the back of her boyfriend’s head as he rode ahead. When she finally caught up with him, his face turned pale and he became visibly flustered, trying desperately to soothe her anger. His pit...

GEN Nigeria and Others Target Indigenous Firms with New Tech Fees

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Empowering Nigerian Entrepreneurs with AI Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN Nigeria), in collaboration with Fidelity Bank Plc and other organizations, has called on young entrepreneurs in Nigeria to embrace new technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), in their business operations. This initiative was highlighted during the Youth Entrepreneurship Dialogue, titled “Building the Future with AI: Technology, Talent, and Transformation Entrepreneurship,” which took place at the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) in Lagos. Dr. Olawale Anifowose, the Managing Director of GEN Nigeria, emphasized that AI has become essential for local enterprises in Nigeria to boost productivity, drive innovation, and enhance competitiveness. According to Anifowose, this can be achieved by automating tasks, personalizing customer experiences through data analysis, and enabling entrepreneurs to develop and scale new products and services more efficiently. Enhancing Efficiency and Produc...