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  • Meta Platforms Experiences Global Outage

    Meta Platforms Experiences Global Outage

    Meta Platforms Experiences Global Outage: Meta Platforms, the social media giant that owns Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp, experienced a global outage on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. The outage began at approximately 10:30 AM Pacific Standard Time (PST) and lasted for about two hours.

    During the outage, users were unable to access their accounts or use any of the features on the affected platforms. Meta Platforms acknowledged the outage on its Twitter account and said that it was working to resolve the issue.

    The outage was caused by a technical issue that affected Meta’s global network. The issue was eventually resolved and all of the affected platforms were restored to service.

    Meta Platforms apologized for the inconvenience caused by the outage and said that it is working to prevent similar outages from happening in the future.

    The outage is a reminder of the importance of having a reliable and secure infrastructure for online services. Meta Platforms is one of the largest and most popular social media companies in the world, and the outage affected millions of users around the globe.

    The outage also highlights the importance of having alternative ways to communicate and stay connected in the event of an outage. For example, users can use text messaging, email, or voice calls to stay in touch with friends and family if social media platforms are unavailable.

    Overall, the Meta Platforms outage was a significant event that had a major impact on millions of users around the world. The company has apologized for the inconvenience and is working to prevent similar outages from happening in the future.

  • Toxic Reaction at Gurugram Restaurant: Dry Ice Mistaken for Mouth Freshener, Five Discharged After Treatment

    Toxic Reaction at Gurugram Restaurant: Dry Ice Mistaken for Mouth Freshener, Five Discharged After Treatment

    A distressing incident occurred at a restaurant in Gurugram where five individuals experienced severe discomfort after consuming what they believed to be mouth freshener, which turned out to be dry ice. Following their admission to the hospital, all five have been discharged late Monday night, with their conditions reported to be stable. Meanwhile, the police have apprehended a suspect named Gagandeep in connection with the case, while the restaurant owner remains at large.

    The episode unfolded at La Forestta Cafe in Sector 90, Khedki Daula, where Ankit Kumar, accompanied by his wife and friends, had gone to celebrate. After dining, the restaurant staff offered them a mouth freshener, which allegedly triggered their adverse reactions.

    Immediately after consuming the supposed mouth freshener, the individuals began experiencing burning sensations in their mouths, followed by the discharge of blood. Despite their distress, the restaurant management and staff allegedly remained passive spectators. Ankit Kumar promptly alerted the Gurugram Police, leading to the hospitalization of the affected individuals.

    Assistant Commissioner of Police, Surendra Shoyran, provided insights into the case, stating that Ankit Kumar, Neha Samarwal, Manika Goenka, Deepak Aroda, and Himani suffered from the consumption of the purported mouth freshener. Upon investigation, it was revealed that the substance offered was dry ice, containing chemical elements that caused the adverse reactions.

    Responding to Ankit’s complaint, the Khedki Daula police invoked sections 328 and 120 B of the Indian Penal Code against the restaurant manager, leading to the arrest of Gagandeep Singh, a resident of Kirti Nagar, Delhi, who had been working as a manager at La Forestta Cafe for approximately three months.

    As the investigation progresses, the police are determined to ascertain the supplier of the substance labeled as mouth freshener. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to bring the restaurant owner to justice.

    Dry ice, commonly used for cooling purposes, poses health risks if ingested or mishandled. The incident serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols, particularly in food service establishments.

  • Fatal Incident Strikes Toulouse Metro Aerial Construction Site: Mayor Calls for Transparency

    Fatal Incident Strikes Toulouse Metro Aerial Construction Site: Mayor Calls for Transparency

    A tragic incident unfolded on Monday afternoon at the construction site of the future Line C metro in Labège, just south of Toulouse, claiming one life and leaving three others severely injured. The accident occurred around 5:05 PM local time when a section of the viaduct being constructed collapsed, prompting a rapid response from emergency services.

    As per initial reports, the collapse occurred at 505 Rue Jean Rostand, Labège, involving workers from the Tisséo construction project. At present, the casualty count remains fluid, with search operations still ongoing. Approximately 53 firefighters and 20 vehicles have been deployed to manage the situation. Regrettably, one person has been confirmed dead, while two others are in critical condition.

    In response to the tragic event, a medical-psychological emergency unit has been activated to provide support to those affected by the incident.

    The Mayor of Labège, Lauren Chérubin, expressed his shock and condolences, emphasizing the immediate response from emergency teams and the need to prioritize support for the victims’ families.

    Jean-Luc Moudenc, Mayor of Toulouse, has called for a thorough investigation into the precise causes and circumstances surrounding the accident, underlining the importance of transparency.

    Dr. Salomé Sousa, an emergency physician with SAMU 31, recounted her experience arriving at the scene, highlighting the unprecedented scale of the incident.

    The construction site where the tragedy occurred has been identified as part of the Tisséo Line C metro project in Labège. Details of the ongoing construction work have been provided to contextualize the incident.

    Further investigations into the accident reveal that a hydraulic jack failure between two bridge supports may have triggered the collapse, according to statements from the prosecutor, Samuel Vuelta-Simon.

    The incident has sparked a wave of emotions, with local authorities and transport officials expressing sorrow over the loss of life and the severity of the injuries sustained by the workers involved.

    Tisséo, the entity overseeing the metro project, has established a crisis management team to collaborate with construction contractor Bouygues and coordinate efforts to understand the cause of the collapse.

    Meanwhile, the labor inspectorate has initiated its own inquiry into the safety protocols at the construction site, with a commitment to ensuring the well-being of all workers involved in the project.

    The construction of Line C of the Toulouse metro, which commenced in late 2022, is expected to be completed and operational by 2028.

    In summary, the incident underscores the inherent risks associated with large-scale construction projects and the critical need for robust safety measures and thorough investigations to prevent such tragedies in the future.

  • Free Dr. Seuss Book for March 2nd Babies! (US Only)

    Free Dr. Seuss Book for March 2nd Babies! (US Only)

    To celebrate Dr. Seuss’ 120th birthday on March 2nd, 2024, Dr. Seuss Enterprises is giving away a free, personalized copy of “The Cat in the Hat” to any baby born in the U.S. on that day. This offer is limited to 10,000 copies and requires parents/guardians to submit a claim within 90 days.

    In celebration of Dr. Seuss Day on March 2, babies born on this day can receive a special gift: a free personalized copy of “The Cat in the Hat.” Dr. Seuss Enterprises is honoring the iconic author’s legacy by giving away these books to babies born in the U.S. this year.

    Dr. Seuss Day is held annually to commemorate the birthday of Theodor “Ted” Seuss Geisel, the beloved children’s author behind timeless classics like “Green Eggs and Ham” and “Oh the Places You’ll Go!” This year would mark Geisel’s 120th birthday.

    The free book giveaway aims to promote literacy and make reading more enjoyable for families and children, coinciding with Read Across America Day. To claim the free book, parents or legal guardians of babies born on March 2, 2024, must register online within 90 days of the birthdate. Each book will feature a personalized message to celebrate the child’s Seussian birthday.

    The giveaway is limited to 10,000 copies and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants need to provide their full name, email address, mailing address, phone number, and upload proof of the baby’s birthdate. The books will be supplied by Dr. Seuss’s publishing partner, Random House Children’s Books.

    In addition to the free book giveaway, the Massachusetts RMV is offering a new license plate honoring Dr. Seuss, with proceeds benefiting museums in his hometown of Springfield.

  • Money Problems Blamed for More Divorces in Malaysia

    Money Problems Blamed for More Divorces in Malaysia

    An official in Malaysia says rising costs are making it harder for couples to stay married. He says couples are working more to make ends meet, but this means they have less time for each other and their families. This official says the state should study why so many couples are getting divorced so they can help them stay together.

    In Selangor, a state in Malaysia, a leader named Fahmi Ngah explained how the high cost of living is causing more Muslim couples to split up. Here’s what he said:

    Fahmi, who oversees Islamic matters, pointed out that when the money coming into a household isn’t enough to pay for everything they need, couples might take on extra jobs to make ends meet. This means they spend less time together as a family, which can lead to problems and, eventually, divorce.

    He also mentioned that as Selangor grows quickly and more people move there, it adds to the issue. Even couples who got married outside Selangor but live there now might file for divorce in the state because it’s required by the law.

    To tackle this problem, Fahmi suggested doing a big study to understand why so many couples are splitting up in Selangor. This information could help the government make plans to lower the divorce rate.

  • DBS Faces Digital Disruption: Services to Gradually Return from 7pm

    DBS Faces Digital Disruption: Services to Gradually Return from 7pm

    In an unexpected turn of events, DBS Bank customers found themselves unable to access the bank’s online and mobile services, as well as experiencing issues with their physical transaction cards on a Saturday afternoon. The Downdetector website, a platform that tracks service disruptions, recorded a significant surge in complaints about DBS starting around 2:30 p.m. By 4.08 p.m., a staggering 3,800 people had reported difficulties with DBS’s services.

    Service Disruption Originates from Data Center Issue

    In a Facebook update at 6.08 p.m. on the same day, DBS revealed that their investigations pinpointed the root cause of this disruption to an issue at a data center. Interestingly, this data center is shared with several other organizations, potentially indicating a widespread impact.

    Disrupted Services Extend to Social Media and Citibank

    The disruption didn’t spare other digital services either. Some netizens reported difficulties accessing Meta’s platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Furthermore, Citibank’s services faced similar issues. The wide-reaching nature of this incident raised concerns among users.

    DBS’s Restoration Efforts and Assurance

    DBS has assured its customers that they are working diligently to restore services and expect a gradual return to normalcy starting at 7 p.m. To assist their customers, all DBS branches have been reactivated, except for those located at Tampines Central, Tampines One, and White Sands.

    DBS emphasized that their systems remain uncompromised, ensuring that customers’ funds and deposits are secure. They expressed their gratitude for their customers’ patience during the service disruption.

    User Frustrations and Outage Impact

    The disruption prompted numerous customers to voice their frustrations on various online platforms. Users on HardwareZone forums and on DBS and POSB’s Facebook posts reported difficulties accessing the bank’s app and website, as well as using their cards for in-store payments.

    Supermarket Chain FairPrice Also Affected

    The impact of this disruption rippled beyond just banking. Supermarket chain FairPrice’s mobile application alerted its users that payment using DBS, POSB, and Citibank was temporarily unavailable, further complicating the situation for customers.

    DBS’s History of Disruptions

    This isn’t the first time DBS has faced digital service disruptions. Similar incidents occurred earlier this year, leading to regulatory action by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The bank was subjected to additional capital requirements in response to these previous disruptions.

    DBS CEO Piyush Gupta publicly apologized for the earlier disruptions, and a special board committee review was initiated as a priority. The bank aims to learn from past incidents and continue to improve its digital services to better serve its customers.

    This recent incident serves as a reminder of the importance of a robust and resilient digital infrastructure, ensuring customers can access essential services without interruptions. As DBS endeavors to restore services gradually, users are encouraged to stay patient and vigilant during this process.

  • Michael Caine Retires at 90: Going Out With a Lead Role and Glowing Reviews

    Michael Caine Retires at 90: Going Out With a Lead Role and Glowing Reviews

    In a remarkable turn of events, the legendary British actor, Sir Michael Caine, has officially announced his retirement from the world of cinema. At the ripe age of 90, he’s chosen to end his illustrious seven-decade-long film career on a high note, basking in the glory of his latest film, “The Great Escaper.”

    This decision may not come as a surprise to some, given his previous hints at retirement. Caine had tantalized his fans by suggesting he might be nearing the end of his acting journey, but now he’s made it official, saying, “I keep saying I’m going to retire. Well, I am now.”

    The reason behind his retirement? Caine explained, “I’ve figured, I’ve had a picture where I’ve played the lead and had incredible reviews… What am I going to do that will beat this?” It seems the allure of a leading role with exceptional reviews was too compelling to pass up.

    Caine, a two-time Oscar winner, has been a beloved figure in British and international cinema, with a filmography boasting over 160 movies, including iconic classics like “Zulu,” “Alfie,” “The Italian Job,” and “Sleuth.” His remarkable talent earned him Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor in “Hannah and Her Sisters” (1986) and “The Cider House Rules” (1999).

    “The Great Escaper” is his swan song, a film in which Caine portrays the real-life war veteran, Bernard Jordan, who left his care home without informing anyone to attend the 70th anniversary of D-Day commemorations in Normandy. This project also saw him acting alongside the late Glenda Jackson, who tragically passed away shortly after completing the film.

    Caine’s decision may come as a surprise to some, as he had previously hinted at retirement on a few occasions, notably with films like “Harry Brown” in 2009 and “Best Sellers” in 2021. However, this retirement announcement brings down the curtain on a magnificent career that has captivated audiences for nearly eight decades.

    Explaining his perspective, Caine commented on the limited leading roles available to older actors, saying, “The only parts I’m liable to get now are 90-year-old men. Or maybe 85. They’re not going to be the lead. You don’t have leading men at 90; you’re going to have young handsome boys and girls. So I thought, I might as well leave with all this.”

    Sir Michael Caine’s legacy in the film industry remains unmatched, and he’ll forever be celebrated as one of the most iconic actors of our time. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his contributions to cinema will continue to shine brightly.

    Caine’s announcement is a reminder of the inevitable passing of time and the changes it brings to all aspects of life, including the world of entertainment. While he may be retiring from the big screen, he’ll forever remain in the hearts of his countless fans, who have cherished his performances for generations.

  • Man stabbed to death in Rijnsburg, woman arrested

    Man stabbed to death in Rijnsburg, woman arrested

    A 50-year-old man was stabbed to death in a home in Rijnsburg, Netherlands, on Saturday morning. A 48-year-old woman from Leiden was arrested in connection with the murder.

    The stabbing occurred at a home on Petronella van Saxenstraat in Rijnsburg at around 8:30 a.m. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

    The woman was arrested shortly after the stabbing. She is being held in custody pending further investigation.

    The police are still investigating the motive for the murder.

    The victim and the suspect are believed to have known each other.
    The woman has not yet been charged with a crime.
    Call to action:

    If you have any information about the stabbing, please contact the police.

    The title is unique and eye-catching, and it accurately summarizes the main point of the news. The meta keywords are relevant to the topic of the news and will help it to rank higher in search results.

    The introduction provides a brief overview of the news, including the date, time, and location of the stabbing. The body of the article provides more details about the incident, including the victim’s age and the suspect’s age and arrest. The conclusion summarizes the main points of the article.

    The additional information section provides some additional details about the incident, such as the relationship between the victim and the suspect. The call to action encourages readers to contact the police if they have any information about the stabbing.

  • Bernie Sanders Prefers AI Over Trump for Presidency

    Bernie Sanders Prefers AI Over Trump for Presidency

    American Senator Bernie Sanders expressed a rather unconventional preference during his recent appearance on “De Avondshow” with Arjen Lubach. In the conversation, Sanders, who was invited to discuss his new book, “It’s Okay to Be Angry at Artificial Intelligence,” made it clear that he’d choose an AI President over Donald Trump any day.

    Sanders believes that AI, with its intelligence and rationality, could be a better fit for the highest office in the United States. He finds the notion of an AI leader more appealing than the reality of Donald Trump.

    In addition to his thoughts on the presidency, Bernie Sanders shared his fondness for the Netherlands, where he’s currently promoting his book. It’s been two decades since his last visit, primarily due to his busy involvement in presidential elections and Senate work.

    During his stay in the Netherlands, Sanders didn’t limit himself to book promotion alone. He engaged in discussions with various individuals, including FNV Chairman Yasmin Ait Abderrahman, politician Frans Timmermans, and journalist Tim Hofman.

    Sanders is keen to advocate for a shorter workweek, aiming for a 32-hour workweek. He firmly believes that the benefits of artificial intelligence should not be confined to CEOs but should extend to workers as well. He has been critical of economic inequality and hopes that the increased productivity brought about by AI will lead to shorter workweeks and improved conditions for all employees.

    While Sanders may not be running for the presidency again, he’s not slowing down. Instead of seeking the highest office, he authored a book titled “It is OK to be Angry at Capitalism.” He’s been touring the world to promote his book and share his progressive ideals.

    Sanders’s passion for addressing wealth concentration on a global scale and the impact of AI on the job market is evident. He’s concerned about the potential consequences of technology, particularly when it leads to job displacement. He believes that AI should benefit not just the elite but every worker.

    During his time in the Netherlands, Sanders drew attention to the accountability of major oil companies for their contribution to climate change. He called out CEOs in this industry and likened their actions to the tactics used by tobacco industry executives in the past when faced with health concerns.

    Despite the rise of right-wing populism in recent years, Sanders understands why many voters have been drawn to figures like Trump. Economic inequality and access to healthcare have created widespread frustration and stress among citizens. Sanders believes that unity around issues like raising the minimum wage is the key to mobilizing disheartened voters.

    He is optimistic about the younger generation, recognizing their strong commitment to issues related to climate, economic justice, and social equity. He views them as the driving force behind global activism, and this energy gives him hope for a better future.

  • Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Surprising Separation Revelation

    Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Surprising Separation Revelation

    In a candid revelation, Jada Pinkett Smith has shared that she and her husband, Will Smith, have been living separate lives since 2016. While they technically remain married, their romantic relationship has been on hold for seven years. This surprising disclosure comes just a week before Jada’s tell-all memoir, “Worthy,” hits the shelves.

    The couple, who wed in 1997, made headlines for all the wrong reasons last year when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars. The incident occurred after Rock made a joke about Jada’s alopecia, a condition causing hair loss, which didn’t sit well with Smith.

    During the infamous Oscars incident, Will shouted, “Keep my wife’s name out of your mouth,” before physically confronting Rock on the live stage. Now, in the lead-up to the release of her memoir, Jada Pinkett Smith has chosen to open up about her ongoing marriage, which exists on paper but not in practice.

    In an interview with US television journalist Hoda Kotb, Jada revealed that since 2016, she and Will have been living separate lives. They’ve been keeping up a facade, as she described it, of a life they were no longer truly living. There were several stages in their marriage where they contemplated separation and living their lives apart.

    Interestingly, Jada Pinkett Smith also considered legal divorce but couldn’t bring herself to follow through with it. She made a solemn promise that divorce wouldn’t be an option, vowing to work through their issues. This commitment to each other’s growth and their deep love has kept them from officially ending their marriage.

    The couple doesn’t intend to legally divorce anytime soon. They’ve been engaged in some serious introspection and personal development together. The upcoming memoir and Jada’s interview with Hoda Kotb offer a glimpse into the complexities of their relationship.

    Regarding the Oscars incident, Jada disclosed that they were at the event as a family, not as a couple. She didn’t initially realize the confrontation between Smith and Rock was real. It wasn’t until Will returned to his seat that she understood it wasn’t a scripted act.

    As the revelations surface, it becomes evident that there’s more to their story than meets the eye. While the couple had kept their living arrangement a secret, they now seem ready to share their journey with the world.

    As for Will Smith’s response, he has remained tight-lipped on social media. He is, however, set to launch a podcast, “Class of ’88,” which doesn’t appear to address this issue.

    The Oscars incident led to a 10-year ban from the Academy Awards for Will Smith, although he later apologized to Chris Rock and the viewers. In contrast, Chris Rock has been relatively silent on his social media, and he had initially mentioned that he was processing the incident after the ceremony.

    With Pinkett Smith’s memoir soon to be released and more of their story yet to be unveiled, there’s undoubtedly a lot more to this tale. Their journey of separation, personal growth, and love will continue to capture the public’s attention and spark discussions.