Internet use in adults over age 50 linked to better mental health
Source: phys.orgA multi-country study has linked internet use to a reduction in depressive symptoms. City University of Hong Kong and the University of Hong Kong researchers found a positive association among adults 50 years and older across 23 countries.
Source:The Nation
November 21, 2024 02:06 UTC
When building Indigenous infrastructure, build relationally, like beavers
They set the terms, conditions and profitability of digital access for Indigenous communities. In this particular case, the blockade, or refusal, is metaphorical and may include saying “no” to third-party control of Internet infrastructure. This relationship between beavers and the human world is seen as an important part of maintaining harmony in Indigenous communities. They choose to include only particular Indigenous communities as specialized projects instead of ongoing strategic partners of their businesses. Re-envisioning how we engage in building infrastructure as a relational practice, we can build like beavers and aim for structural regeneration and sustainable digital infrastructure in the community’s hands.
Source:The Nation
November 21, 2024 02:05 UTC
Govt decides to import 70,000 Mt of rice to ease shortages and prices
Govt decides to import 70,000 Mt of rice to ease shortages and pricesNewsThe Government has decided to import 70,000 Mt of rice within the next four weeks in a bid to ease the shortage believed to have been created by rice millers, Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe said. He said that according to statistics compiled, though statistics show that the production of Nadu was much higher than the monthly requirement of 140,000 Mt. The Minister said, however, the reality was that the anticipated rice stocks were not available in the markets and therefore has resulted in a shortage of rice in the markets. He said that imports would be limited to 70,000 Mt and could not be sold above the Maximum Retail Price of Rs 220 per Kg. Strengthening the process of the Paddy Marketing Board of purchasing of paddy stocks from the farmers directly is another step, he explained.
Source:Sunday Times
November 20, 2024 15:43 UTC
Scientists discover the molecular composition of potentially deadly venomous fish
Source: phys.orgNew research in FEBS Open Bio reveals insights into the venom of two of the most venomous fish species on Earth: the estuarine stonefish (Synanceia horrida) and the reef stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa), which are typically found in the warm and shallow regions of the Indo-Pacific region, the Persian Gulf, and the Red Sea.
Source:The Nation
November 20, 2024 14:31 UTC
Comcast to spin off cable networks, once star performers at the entertainment giant
Comcast will spin off many of NBCUniversal’s cable television networks, including USA Network, CNBC and MSNBC, into a separate public company. The shift, which comes as more and more people opt for streaming services over traditional cable, was telegraphed by the company when it released its most recent earnings last month. Like other cable companies, Comcast in recent years has shifted its business emphasis away from tradition cable toward streaming and other sources of revenue, such as its movie studio, theme parks and home wireless and internet services. In its most recent quarter, Comcast reported that paid subscribers to its streaming Peacock channel jumped by 3 million, or 29%, to 36 million subscribers. Comcast hopes to have the spin-off completed in about a year, the cable giant said, pending board approval, financing and regulatory approvals.
Source:The Nation
November 20, 2024 14:05 UTC
Harin Fernando arrested for violating election laws
Harin Fernando arrested for violating election lawsNewsFormer Minister Harin Fernando was arrested today by the Badulla Police for participating in a parade during the silent period leading up to the 2024 Parliamentary Election. The parade, held in Badulla Town close to election day, escalated into a heated confrontation between Fernando and the police. Meanwhile, Mr. Fernando addressing the media after recording a statement with the Badulla Police today, criticized the lack of action against National Peoples’ Power (NPP) supporters who allegedly campaigned during the silent period for the 2024 Parliamentary Election, in violation of election laws. Displaying photographs of NPP supporters in red t-shirts, Fernando argued that his own t-shirt did not feature his party’s ‘gas cylinder’ symbol or any reference to his candidacy, including the number ‘10’. Criticizing the authorities, Mr. Fernando claimed that the new government was resorting to outdated political tactics and applying a different standard in his case.
Source:Sunday Times
November 20, 2024 11:09 UTC
New appointments in Parliament announced
New appointments in Parliament announcedNewsMr Bimal Rathnayake, the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation, has been appointed as the Leader of the House in Parliament. Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Health and Media, was appointed as the Chief Government Whip. He was also appointed as the new Cabinet Spokesman. You can share this post!
Source:Sunday Times
November 20, 2024 05:07 UTC
Three-day orientation programme for new MPs next week
Three-day orientation programme for new MPs next weekNewsAn orientation programme for newly elected Members of Parliament will be held in Committee Room No. This programme has been organized this time as well, as it is traditionally done at the beginning of a new Parliament. During this three-day programme, necessary arrangements have been made to educate MPs with regard to the role and responsibilities of a Member of Parliament, Parliamentary Privileges, Legislative Process in Parliament, Parliamentary Committee System, Standing Orders of Parliament, and the provisions of the Constitution. Arrangements have also been made to hold a practical session for Members of Parliament to vote using the electronic voting system. The heads of departments and offices of Parliament are also scheduled to inform the Members of Parliament about the tasks related to their respective departments.
Source:Sunday Times
November 19, 2024 23:07 UTC
Meta Plans To Appeal Indian Regulator's Rs 213 Crore Penalty Order
A Meta spokesperson said that the company disagrees with the CCI's decision and plans to appeal. We are committed to finding a path forward that allows us to continue providing the experiences that people and businesses have come to expect from us," the Meta spokesperson said. Meanwhile, CCI has barred WhatsApp from sharing data collected on its platform with other Meta companies or Meta company products for advertising purposes for five years. On sharing of WhatsApp user data for purposes other than advertising, the regulator said WhatsApp's policy should include a detailed explanation of the user data shared with other Meta companies or Meta company products. "This explanation should specify the purpose of data sharing, linking each type of data to its corresponding purpose," it said.
Source:The Nation
November 19, 2024 17:03 UTC
NI man spends £15K converting old school bus into plush camper
An Irish couple who bought an old school bus have spent £15,000 transforming it into a “homely apartment on wheels” and left their jobs to drive it across Europe. After “falling in love” with van life during the pandemic, the couple spotted a 1996 school bus on Facebook Marketplace for £3,000 and jumped at the opportunity. The couple spent £15,000 on renovating the 24-seater primary school bus with home comforts including a full-size kitchen and warm water shower, as well as heaters and air conditioning. A year later, Eamonn and Michelle began looking for an "upgrade" and soon became the proud owners of a 1996 Mercedes 709D former school bus. It would have originally been a yellow primary school bus owned by the education authority."
Source:The Nation
November 19, 2024 15:35 UTC
Sri Lanka needs an ethical and stronger media industry, says PRCA Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka needs an ethical and stronger media industry, says PRCA Sri LankaNewsThe people of Sri Lanka this time around has made a remarkable decision of breaking away from the long-stood static political landscape, paving the way for a dynamic and fundamental change required to move the country forward, according to the Public Relations & Communication Association’s (PRCA’s) Sri Lanka Chapter. It said the media undoubtedly plays a crucial role at this juncture, and the dire need to formulating effective and inclusive policies that are free from political influences goes without saying. There needs to be highly impactful individuals taking on the state’s leadership roles for the sector. Talent entering the media sector needs to have certain minimum requirements, and as a first step, to implement an entry examination or assignment coupled together with mandatory mentorship with an editor or a senior journalist for a period of time. This would also ensure knowledge-sharing among the multi-generational workforce the sector employs.
Source:Sunday Times
November 19, 2024 11:41 UTC
SLC names squad for test series against South Africa
SLC names squad for test series against South AfricaSportThe Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee selected the following 17-member squad to play in the two-match test series against South Africa. The team will leave for South Africa on November 22, 2024. The two-match test series is part of the ICC World Test Championship. The first test will commence on November 27th, 2024, at Kingsmead Durban, while the second test will begin on December 5th, 2024, at St. Georges Park, Gqeberha. Milan Rathnayake14) Asitha Fernando15) Vishwa Fernando16) Lahiru Kumara17) Kasun RajithaYou can share this post!
Source:Sunday Times
November 19, 2024 07:51 UTC
New 21 member Cabinet of Ministers sworn in
New 21 member Cabinet of Ministers sworn inNewsThe new cabinet of the National People’s Power (NPP) government was sworn in today (18) before President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat. The cabinet comprises 21 ministers, with President Dissanayake assuming responsibility for the portfolios of Defence, Finance, Planning, and Digital Economy. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya took the oath as the Prime Minister, and the list of cabinet ministers and deputy ministers is as follows:The full list of Cabinet of Ministers and their respective Ministerial portfolios are as follows:1. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya - Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports17.
Source:Sunday Times
November 19, 2024 03:25 UTC
Collectively work to deliver on promises: President tells new Cabinet
Collectively work to deliver on promises: President tells new CabinetNewsPresident Anura Kumara Dissanayake urged the newly appointed Cabinet of Ministers to deliver the promises that were made to the public while stressing that there have been much expectations from people as witnessed by the landslide victory the National Peoples'Power secured in the General elections held last week. In his inaugural address to the newly appointed Cabinet of Ministers, President Dissanayake President expressed confidence in the new Cabinet Ministers who come from various academic and professional backgrounds. President also defended the appointments saying they (new Ministers) might be new to Parliament but engaged in grassroot level political activism for years. “They are freshers to the Cabinet, to the Parliament, but they are neither freshers to politics nor to working,” he said. You can share this post!
Source:Sunday Times
November 19, 2024 03:25 UTC
Korean education is pretty good
Courtesy of Sean KongBy David TizzardI’m meant to write something about how Korean education sucks. Every day I walk into a different lecture hall filled with Korean students. It’s actually really nice because, if you want, you can really concentrate on the class and study well.” The Korean students raised their eyebrows. Korean education in the formative years is about discipline and obedience. So, yes, Korean education is challenging.
Source:The Nation
November 18, 2024 23:34 UTC