Sri Lanka rolled out over 7 million COVID vaccinations so far
Sri Lanka has boosted the national inoculation drive with 10,172,800 COVID-19 vaccines received since arrivals of the first consignment in January this year, says the State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals. As per the Epidemiology Unit’s progress reports on COVID immunization, more than 7.57 million vaccinations have been rolled out across the island so far. Sri Lanka has also received China’s 7.1 million Sinopharm vaccines, Russia-made 180,000 Sputnik V jabs, 128,700 Pfizer-BioNTech and 1.5 million Moderna shots from the United States. More than 3.3 million of these vaccines were delivered as donations, the state minister said adding that over 6.8 million were purchased by the government, the state minister added. The country is also expecting a donation of 1.47 million AstraZeneca shots from Japan and 5.6 million more Sinopharm vaccines from China.
Source:The Nation
July 20, 2021 08:03 UTC
Talks with Education Minister fail; teachers unions to continue strike
The discussion held between the teachers’ trade unions and Education Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris this morning has ended without reaching an agreement. Accordingly, the teachers’ trade unions have decided to carry on the strike action, the General Secretary of Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU), Mahinda Jayasinghe said. They withdrew from conducting online lessons on July 12, demanding solutions for anomalies in salaries, ‘forced quarantining’ protesters, and several other issues. A total of 17 trade unions representing school principals and teachers including the Ceylon Independent Teachers’ Services Union (ITSU) had joined the said strike action.
Source:The Nation
July 20, 2021 07:52 UTC
Redmi’s new affordable 5G smartphone hits India for under $200
Xiaomi has officially launched the Redmi Note 10T 5G in India, bolstering its mid-range offerings in the region and giving users a new affordable 5G option. The Redmi Note 10T 5G is effectively a rebadged version of that device. Internally, the Redmi Note 10T 5G sports a Dimensity 700 SoC (with dual-SIM 5G support) mated to UFS 2.2 storage. Redmi Note 10T 5G: Price and availability So how much will the Redmi Note 10T 5G cost in India? Overall, this pricing structure places the Redmi Note 10T 5G right up against the Realme 8 5G, which starts at Rs 14,999 (~$200).
Source:The Nation
July 20, 2021 07:30 UTC
SLMA warns that Sri Lanka is approaching Covid fourth wave
The Sri Lanka Medical Association says that Sri Lanka is approaching the beginning of the fourth wave of Covid. Its chairperson, Dr. Padma Gunaratne, said that despite the restrictions on travel, there has never been a significant reduction in the number of Covid patients. Then we hoped to see a reduction in the number of patients that we can control as we expected. But as we have all seen, there has never been a huge drop in the number of patients. But what we have to say now is that the Sri Lanka Medical Association feels that the system is approaching the beginning of the 4th wave, according to what we have to say about the current pattern of patients.”
Source:The Nation
July 20, 2021 07:18 UTC
Oppo Watch 2 will be unveiled on July 27
Oppo launched its first smartwatch called Oppo Watch last year, and the company will introduce its successor dubbed Oppo Watch 2 next week - on July 27. Oppo is yet to divulge anything about the Watch 2, but the smartwatch is already listed on Chinese online retailer JD.com's website, revealing the Watch 2's design and color options. Previously leaked specs tell us that the Oppo Watch 2 will have a Snapdragon Wear 4100 SoC at the helm aided by the Apollo 4s chip. Oppo WatchThe rest of the leaked specs include eSIM and LTE support, 16GB internal storage, a new Oppo Relax app, new watchfaces, stress detection, and two sizes - 42mm and 46mm. We expect Oppo to confirm some features of Watch 2 in the days leading to its July 27 unveiling.
Source:The Nation
July 20, 2021 07:02 UTC
Record 430 migrants cross Channel in single day
At least 430 migrants made the journey across the English Channel to the UK yesterday in a new record for a single day as the overseas crossing becomes the preferred route for people-smugglers. High numbers of crossings have continued this summer despite Home Secretary Priti Patel's vow to make the Channel crossings 'unviable'. The black dinghy came ashore on Dungeness Beach, around 30 miles along the coast from the port of Dover. French authorities intercepted an additional seven boats carrying 129 migrants - while also preventing a further 15 people from entering the water. Home Secretary Priti Patel's crackdown comes after June saw more migrants cross the Channel by small boat than in any month ever before.
Source:The Nation
July 20, 2021 06:56 UTC
Man arrested for engaging Uzbek woman in prostitution
The CID has arrested a man who brought an Uzbek woman to Sri Lanka and then engaged her in prostitution. Police Media Spokesman, Senior DIG Ajith Rohana stated that a 31 year old resident of Wellawatte was arrested. It has been revealed that the foreign woman who had been brought to Sri Lanka on the pretext of getting a job had later been employed in prostitution. It has been revealed that the Uzbek woman is 36 years old and the wife of the arrested person is also an Uzbek woman. The media spokesman further stated that she has also been imprisoned in Sri Lanka for committing a similar offense.
Source:The Nation
July 20, 2021 05:37 UTC
Maimang 10 SE 5G is official, arrives without Huawei branding
Huawei has dropped Honor from its roster to save the team its troubles with US companies, and now another brand has separated - the China-only Maimang. The now-independent entity did not wait one bit and has already launched its new midranger, called Maimang 10 SE 5G, with a Snapdragon 480 5G chipset. The setup brings 13MP f/1.8 main + 2 MP f/2.4 + 2 MP f/2.4 shooters, while the selfie snapper is 8MP with an f/2.0 aperture in front. Maimang 10 SE 5GThe Maimang brand is now part of the China Telecom Corporation which is one of the biggest carriers in the Asian country, as well as one of the major phone suppliers and distributors on the domestic market. Currently, the Maimang 10 SE 5G can be found on JD.com where it is listed for CNY1,699.
Source:The Nation
July 20, 2021 05:26 UTC
How to stop painful cramps ruining a hot summer night
While cramps can occur during exercise, around 25 per cent of the population experiences night cramps. There is evidence to suggest that those who sweat more experience more cramps.’ This might explain why cramps increase in summer. Why this should happen more in summer isn’t known, though Dr Garrison thinks it may be due to increased levels of vitamin D in the body in summer. While cramps can occur during exercise, around 25 per cent of the population experiences night cramps. These are triggered by small movements during sleep‘Although cramps during movement can be experienced at night, experiencing cramps at rest (i.e.
Source:The Nation
July 19, 2021 22:52 UTC
Did George Clooney introduce Prince Harry to his ghostwriter?
Harry and Meghan are friends with George and Amal Clooney. Clooney is directing The Tender Bar, a film adaptation of Moehringer's 2004 memoir. His own memoir, The Tender Bar, is being made into a film by George Clooney, who will direct. Clooney on the set of The Tender Bar in Boston in March. Moehringer's own memoir, The Tender Bar, told the story of his New York upbringing and how he spent it in a bar.
Source:The Nation
July 19, 2021 21:56 UTC
Kevin Pietersen on cricket's controversial new format, the Hundred, and why he's excited
Sportsmail's Richard Gibson and Nasser Hussain spoke to Kevin Pietersen, who is part of the Sky Sports team, ahead of the launch. If you’re keen on T20 cricket, you should be loving the Hundred. T20 cricket wasn’t tested on social media. NH: T20 games are supposed to be short, sharp fun but I have watched games in India where they’re still broadcasting games at half past midnight. Players then don’t play under pressure, don’t think about the next season, they think about the now.
Source:The Nation
July 19, 2021 21:56 UTC
Argentina, Brazil favourites to win gold
* Soccer will be a highlight at Tokyo Olympics* 16 teams in four groups to fight for Gold* In Rio 2016, hosts won the GoldCompiled by Ranjika PereraTokyo 2020 Football – All you need to knowHere’s all you need to know about the groups, match dates, and kick-off times for the men’s Olympic football tournament:GROUPSThe 16 nations competing have been separated into four groups with top two from each one progressing to the knockout stagesGroup A:Japan, Mexico, France, South AfricaGroup B:Honduras, South Korea, New Zealand, RomaniaGroup C:Argentina, Australia, Egypt, SpainGroup D:Brazil, Germany, Ivory Coast, Saudi ArabiaFIXTURES* Thursday, 2 JulyEgypt vs. Spain – 8.00 p.m.Mexico vs. France – 8.30 p.m.New Zealand vs. South Korea – 8.30 p.m.Ivory Coast vs. Saudi Arabia – 9.00 p.m.Argentina vs. Australia – 11.00 p.m.Honduras vs. Romania – 11.30 p.m.Japan vs. South Africa – 11.30 p.m.Brazil vs. Germany – 12.00 midnight* Sunday, 25 JulyEgypt vs. Argentina – 8.00 p.m.France vs. South Africa – 8.30 p.m.New Zealand vs. Honduras – 8.30 p.m.Brazil vs. Ivory Coast – 9.00 p.m.Australia vs. Spain – 11.00 p.m.Romania vs. South Korea – 11.30 p.m.Japan vs. Mexico – 11.30 p.m.Saudi Arabia vs. Germany – 12.00 midnight* Wednesday, 28 JulySaudi Arabia vs. Brazil – 08.30 p.m.Germany vs. Ivory Coast – 08.30 p.m.Romania vs. New Zealand – 09.00 p.m.South Korea vs. Honduras – 09.00 p.m.Spain vs. Argentina – 11.30 p.m.Australia vs. Egypt – 11.30 p.m.France vs. Japan – 12.00 midnightSouth Africa vs. Mexico – 12.00 midnight* Saturday, 31 JulyQF1: Group A Winner vs. Group B Runner-UpQF2: Group C Winner vs. Group D Runner-UpQF3: Group B Winner vs. Group A Runner-UpQF4: Group D Winner vs. Group C Runner-Up* Tuesday, 3 AugustSF1: QF1 Winner vs. QF2 WinnerSF2: QF3 Winner vs. QF4 Winner* Friday, 6 AugustBronze Medal Match* Saturday, 7 AugustGold Medal MatchArgentina’s Lionel Messi and team-mates celebrate winning the Copa America on 11 JulyFootball action returns as Olympic Games will include a 16-team tournament to fight for a gold medal. Fans would be excited to watch some football up until the clubs season kicks off in September. Football at the Olympics is certainly not considered the biggest sport of the Games but it does offer a chance for younger players and lower-ranked teams a chance at glory. Unsurprisingly, many of the male players who featured at Euro 2020 won’t be competing in the Olympics with players needing a well-earned rest before their club campaigns begin next month. A 32-match schedule in two weeks can be tough which is why the football tournament in Tokyo begins a day earlier than the official opening ceremony.
Source:The Nation
July 19, 2021 19:52 UTC
Football News from the World
By Ranjika Perera* FIFA considers new reforms to the gameFIFA are considering making radical changes to the rules of football in the near future, and are testing out five major alterations to the way the game is played in a youth tournament called the Future of Football Cup. (i) The first change proposed is the duration of football matches. * Van Dijk denies claims on player revoltVirgil van Dijk has denied leading the Netherlands squad in a revolt against Louis van Gaal’s return, labelling the story circulating in the media as “completely false”. The report states that Van Dijk and co wanted former Chelsea assistant Henk ten Cate to take over, but the Dutch Football Federation (KNVB) is instead planning to lure Van Gaal out of retirement just weeks before his 70th birthday. Van Gaal also spent a total of four years in charge of the Netherlands across two separate stints, guiding them to a third-place finish at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Source:The Nation
July 19, 2021 19:52 UTC
How to Use Progressive Overload to Get Stronger
Photo: Jacob Lund (Shutterstock)As you get stronger, you become able to lift heavier and heavier weights. But what beginners sometimes miss is that it’s a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation: You become stronger because you lift heavier and heavier weights. You’ll work harder in absolute terms—by lifting heavier weights, let’s say—but the challenge stays about the same in relative terms. )Once you can do sets of 12, 12, and 12 with that weight, you move up to a heavier weight. But if you want to get stronger, you’re better off adding weight.
Source:The Nation
July 19, 2021 19:52 UTC
Keeping the soul going
Soul Sounds Director Soundarie David RodrigoBrunch caught up with Soul Sounds Director Soundarie David Rodrigo to learn more about this virtual music camp. The Soul Sounds Academy has been having summer camps for over five years now. I am humbled to call them my friends, and the Soul Sounds Academy is honoured to have them on board. Does Soul Sounds have anything else coming up for the year? Soul Sounds functions as a totally separate entity, and as you know, lockdown and restrictions have made live performances nearly impossible.
Source:The Nation
July 19, 2021 19:18 UTC