Audit report exposes multibillion rupee scandal by Customs
Audit report exposes multibillion rupee scandal by Customs View(s):Sri Lanka Customs officials have distributed billions of rupees as reward money among themselves since 1988, based on an internal circular prepared by the department, disregarding a scheme approved by the Minister of Finance, an audit report revealed. was paid to Customs officials. “Routine operational detections were also considered as detections of customs offences and the staff was given reward rights for that. The remaining 50 percent will be shared among officers credited through the Custom Officers’ Reward Fund. There are some occasions when the amount credited is less than the actual Customs revenue, the report said.
Source:Sunday Times
May 26, 2024 13:21 UTC
OHCHR’s Lanka report and fig leaves for some
OHCHR’s Lanka report and fig leaves for some View(s):Last week’s UN report on Sri Lanka from the Office of its High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), if one was to use a Churchillian phrase, was a ‘riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma’. Significantly, the report has also failed to research the OHCHR archives relating to the disappearances allegedly perpetrated by the Indian Army (IPKF) in Sri Lanka. Coinciding with the OHCHR report on Sri Lanka, the ICC’s chief prosecutor, however, applied for arrest warrants against the Israeli Prime Minister and Defence Minister, and the Hamas group leaders over ongoing events in Palestine. In the case of Sri Lanka, it is clear that some overseas activists sympathetic to the LTTE have realised that this is an opportune moment to capitalise on the Western silence on Gaza for an overdrive on Sri Lanka. Some have seen an advantage in timing the OHCHR report from Geneva with the Srebrenica resolution at the UN in New York, and the anniversary of the end of the conflict in Sri Lanka.
Source:Sunday Times
May 26, 2024 13:16 UTC
Heavy winds and rains cause misery to 45,000
Heavy winds and rains cause misery to 45,000NewsIncidents of flash floods, landslides, and falling of trees due to heavy winds have affected more than 45,000 people across the country as the death toll in related incidents increased to nine, Disaster Management Center and other officials said. He elaborated that out of the eight deaths, seven of them were caused by tree felling due to strong winds while one death occurred due to drowning. According to him 10 houses had been completely damaged while 2809 houses were partially damaged. The Deputy Director of the Meteorology Department, Meryl Mendis explained that as gusty winds would be passing through Sri Lanka, the western slopes of the central hills and the catchment areas such as Ratnapura, Kegalle and Nuwara Eliya would be receiving heavy rains. He called on the general public to take safety precautions from heavy winds and rains as the prevailing weather situation could cause tree fallings, landslides and floods.
Source:Sunday Times
May 25, 2024 17:01 UTC
At Least 20 People Killed in Horrific Amusement Park Fire
StringerA massive fire broke out at an amusement park in western India Saturday, leaving at least 20 people dead, police said. The fire occurred at the park in the city of Rajkot in Gujarat state. Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava said the fire was now under control and 20 bodies had already been recovered. Read more at The Daily Beast. Source: www.thedailybeast.com
Source:The Nation
May 25, 2024 16:34 UTC
Cryptocurrency gaining influence in presidential campaign
Trump, Kennedy campaigns accept donations via crypto Crypto Super PAC has collected more than $100 million House passes bill classifying crypto as a commodity(NewsNation) — Cryptocurrency is a force to be reckoned with in the economy, and the presidential campaign, according to one leading crypto executive. “There are millions and millions of Americans who’ve decided to opt in to the crypto economy,” said Faryar Shirzad, chief policy officer of the cryptocurrency exchange platform Coinbase. “Candidates are increasingly recognizing that they need to speak to this community, and we’re gratified by that,” Shirzad said. Earlier this week, the Trump campaign said it would accept crypto currency donations. Trump supporters can donate using “any cryptocurrency accepted through the Coinbase Commerce product,” his campaign said in a press release.
Source:The Nation
May 25, 2024 15:59 UTC
DOJ sues Ticketmaster and Live Nation; the dangers of sharing kids' photos online
DOJ sues Ticketmaster and Live Nation; the dangers of sharing kids' photos onlineGood morning. Today's top storiesThe Justice Department and 30 state and district attorneys are suing Ticketmaster and its owner, Live Nation Entertainment. 📱 You can model digital consent for your kid by explaining why you're taking a photo and who will get to see it. for your kid by explaining why you're taking a photo and who will get to see it. Weekend PicksEnlarge this image toggle caption Jasin Boland/Warner Bros. Jasin Boland/Warner Bros.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2024 22:57 UTC
Observations explore open cluster NGC 1513
Source: phys.orgUsing the National Astronomical Observatory (OAN) in Mexico, astronomers have observed an open cluster known as NGC 1513. Results of the observations, presented in a paper published May 16 on the pre-print server arXiv, yield crucial information regarding the properties of this cluster.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2024 19:01 UTC
Addressing hidden hunger in developing countries: Study investigates genetic information of millet
Source: phys.orgMillet, the grain, is having a moment. The United Nations declared 2023 the International Year of Millets. And last September, leaders at the G20 Summit in India were treated to a smorgasbord of dishes and desserts all made from millets.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2024 09:03 UTC
Combating invasive species globally with new algorithm
Source: phys.orgA new study at Hebrew University has developed an innovative computer algorithm that suggests how to significantly enhance the management of invasive species. This algorithm offers a cost-effective solution for allocating resources across diverse locations, crucial for safeguarding ecosystems, agriculture, and public health.
Source:The Nation
May 23, 2024 16:02 UTC
Twelve countries sign the Zero Debris Charter
Source: phys.orgTwelve nations have signed the Zero Debris Charter at the ESA/EU Space Council today, solidifying their commitment to the long-term sustainability of human activities in Earth orbit. In addition to the 12 countries, the European Space Agency also signed the Zero Debris Charter as an International Organization (IGO).
Source:The Nation
May 23, 2024 15:31 UTC
Democratizing air quality data at nearly no cost
Source: phys.orgDue to the high cost of air quality monitors, many countries don't have the tools in place to regularly monitor pollutants. Without routine measurements, policymakers cannot make evidence-based policy decisions to reduce fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure and improve human health.
Source:The Nation
May 22, 2024 19:35 UTC
India shuts schools as temperatures soar
Source: phys.orgIndian authorities in the capital have ordered schools shut early for the summer holiday, after temperatures hit 47.4 degrees Celsius (117 degrees Fahrenheit) with Delhi gripped by a "severe heat wave".
Source:The Nation
May 21, 2024 20:02 UTC
WATCH LIVE: Day 27 of Chad Daybell murder trial
BOISE — Day 27 of Chad Daybell’s murder case is underway Tuesday in Ada County with the defense calling witnesses. Daybell, who married Lori Vallow two weeks after his wife Tammy Daybell died in October 2019, is charged with conspiracy to commit murder and first-degree murder in relation to the deaths of Tammy and two of Lori’s kids – 7-year-old Joshua “JJ” Vallow and 16-year-old Tylee Ryan. The trial is being live-streamed using court cameras and equipment. You can watch the proceedings in the video player above. You can also follow live written updates here.
Source:The Nation
May 21, 2024 14:36 UTC
Passenger Killed, 30+ Injured as Flight Hit by Severe Turbulence
Louis Nastro/ReutersAt least one passenger was killed and more than 30 others were hurt when a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore encountered severe turbulence, according to reports. More to follow...Read more at The Daily Beast. Source: www.thedailybeast.com
Source:The Nation
May 21, 2024 10:34 UTC