Japan calls for creditor nations’ talks on SL debt restructuring - Business News
Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki yesterday urged all creditor nations to discuss Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring, Reuters reported. Suzuki made the comments a day after the island nation struck a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Addressing a news conference, Suzuki said, “It is important for all creditor nations, including China and India, to gather to discuss Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring.”Sri Lanka has reached a preliminary agreement with the IMF for a loan of about US $ 2.9 billion, the global lender said on Thursday, as the country seeks a way out of its worst economic crisis since independence from Britainin 1948.
Source:The Nation
September 03, 2022 00:42 UTC
Samsung takes a dig at Apple’s upcoming launch in latest ad
Next week, Apple will announce its next lineup of the iPhone 14 and Samsung is ready with an ad to tease prospective iPhone 14 buyers with what they are missing by not having a Samsung device. The ad, titled “Buckle Up” only showcases the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 and the Galaxy S22 Ultra as they are close within the expected price point of the iPhone 14 Pro, hovering at or above the $1,000 mark. The Z Flip4’s unique appearance, the Galaxy S22 Ultra’s 108MP main camera and its Super Zoom features are all teased in the ad. Next week on September 7, Apple will unveil its iPhone 14 lineup. We are also expecting a new Apple Watch model and possibly a lineup of new iPad Pro models, though those could be announced later in the year.
Source:The Nation
September 02, 2022 09:23 UTC
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G debuts in the US
The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G unveiled last month has debuted in the US. You can buy the unlocked model, priced at $300, from Samsung's official website or pick one from Samsung's Experience Stores across the States. The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 695 SoC and runs Android 12-based One UI 4.1 out of the box. Around the back is a quad camera setup comprising 50MP primary (with OIS), 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth units. The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G packs a 5,000 mAh battery charged through a USB-C port at up to 25W.
Source:The Nation
September 02, 2022 09:14 UTC
Poll: Do you care for satellite connectivity on your phones?
It’s rumored that the new iPhone 14 models will be capable of providing emergency communications via satellite connectivity. Meanwhile, Google is working to bring satellite connectivity support with Android 14. Do you care for satellite connectivity on your phones? 17 votesSo we wanted to know how much you care about getting satellite connectivity on your smartphones. Would you be willing to pay more for satellite connectivity on top of what you already churn out for your carrier plan?
Source:The Nation
September 02, 2022 09:06 UTC
Original News from Sri Lanka
IMF mission in Sri Lanka extended by one day: Aug 31, Colombo: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission in Sri Lanka has been extended by one day as the discussions are still ongoing, Mission Chief Peter Breuer said in statement. U.S. will redouble efforts to support Sri Lanka - Ambassador: Aug 30, Colombo: The United States has promised to redouble efforts to support Sri Lanka to emerge from the present crisis, the island nation is facing. 24 Companies from 10 countries express interest to sell petroleum products in Sri Lanka: Aug 28, Colombo: Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said 24 companies from 10 countries have expressed interest in engaging in the petroleum sector in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Navy arrests 6 Indian fishermen in waters off Mannar, seizes trawler: Aug 28, Colombo: Sri Lanka Navy has arrested 06 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu and seized a trawler for allegedly breaching the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and illegally fishing in Sri Lanka’s northern waters. China always supports Sri Lanka in the international fora - Ambassador Qi Zhenhong: Aug 27, Colombo: China has always been supporting Sri Lanka in the international fora for protecting its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity will continue to do so, Ambassador of China to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong said ahead of the 51st session of UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Source:The Nation
August 31, 2022 21:58 UTC
Twitter trial against Elon Musk begins October 17th
Twitter now has an exact start date for its trial against Elon Musk over his attempt to withdraw from his $44 billion purchase offer. The Vergenotes Delaware Court of Chancery Judge Kathaleen McCormick has scheduled the lawsuit's trial for October 17th. Twitter had pressed for a four-day trial starting in September. Musk's attorneys wanted to push the trial to February 2023, arguing that they needed more time to collect and interpret data on Twitter's volume of fake accounts and bots. That, in turn, may let Twitter either force completion of the deal or demand compensation for a broken agreement.
Source:The Nation
August 30, 2022 21:49 UTC
10 Frequently Misunderstood Works of Literature
Either way, here are 10 of the most commonly misunderstood works of literature. Heathcliff and Cathy’s relationship may have the passion expected of a great love story, but it is ultimately dark and destructive. To Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451 is really about the mind-numbing effect of TV, which, in the novel, turns people away from literature. McCandless stirs up opposing opinions: some view him as an inspirational figure of freedom; others believe he was merely foolish. On the other hand, Denis Villeneuve’s 2021 film understands that Herbert’s novel is actually about how overzealous belief in leaders has dangerous consequences.
Source:The Nation
August 27, 2022 19:57 UTC
MIUI 13 on Android 13 beta arrives for Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro
Android 13 is now official and smartphone manufacturers are jumping on the hype train to announce their public beta. Xiaomi’s MIUI account posted on Twitter that Android 13 beta is now available for Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 12 Pro smartphones with global ROM. The first 200 users for each model will get the chance to test the new OS on a first-come-first-serve basis. MIUI 13 on Android 13 for Xiaomi 12All applicants should follow a special Telegram channel for details on the OTA update. The update for Xiaomi 12 is version 13.0.4.0 TLCMIXM, while the Xiaomi 12 Pro is MIUI 13.0.4.0 TLBMIXM.
Source:The Nation
August 27, 2022 09:56 UTC
Amazon knocks $100 off Samsung's Freestyle smart projector
Samsung debuted its Freestyle smart projector earlier this year at CES as a portable home theater gadget with auto focus and auto leveling features, making it easier to watch anything, anywhere. Normally priced at $900, the Freestyle projector is down to $798 at Amazon right now, which is just about $100 off. If you'd rather invest in a new TV than a projector for your home theater setup, some of Samsung's 2022 smart TVs have also been discounted on Amazon. The 85-inch Class Neo QLED Mini LED 4K TV is a whopping $700 off and down to $3,298, which is an all-time low. Elsewhere, Samsung's 65-inch Q80B Series QLED 4K set is $200 off and down to $1,298, while the 65-inch Class Neo QLED 8K Mini LED TV is $500 off and on sale for $4,498.
Source:The Nation
August 26, 2022 16:39 UTC
Monkeypox can spread to pet dogs, doctors report
The CDC has for months advised people with monkeypox to avoid household pets, but the guidance is gaining new attention after a dog reportedly caught the virus. NEW YORK — Health officials are warning people who are infected with monkeypox to stay away from household pets, since the animals could be at risk of catching the virus. The two men were infected with monkeypox after having sex with other partners and wound up with lesions and other symptoms. Monkeypox infections have been detected in rodents and other wild animals, which can spread the virus to humans. But the authors called it the first report of monkeypox infection in a domesticated animal like a dog or cat.
Source:The Nation
August 26, 2022 15:07 UTC
Gota’s life on the run
Gota’s life on the run View(s):Under virtual ’hotel arrest’ in Bangkok, thoughts turn homeboundThe people asked for Gota to go home, not for him to flee the country. Or having long stays at 7-star hotels in the world’s capitals, leaving the Lankan public to pick up the tab? Are the people to believe Cabinet Minister Bandula Gunawardena, the cabinet-appointed cabinet mouthpiece when he states that the State paid the bill? He may even come to hold ‘hotel arrest’ in Thailand, infinitely better than life at home. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom’.
Source:Sunday Times
August 21, 2022 19:12 UTC
Ranil’s political alchemy and bid to make gold
Ranil’s political alchemy and bid to make gold View(s):President Ranil Wickremesinghe has taken on the role of an alchemist of sorts. Wickremesinghe’s chosen specialty appears to be Political Alchemy: Mixing up ‘base politicians’ together with other ingredients to produce pure gold recognised worldwide in the 21st Century — the All American Mighty Dollar which could save Sri Lanka from the financial and political crisis it is sinking in. All such events would have a backlash on Ranil’s Political Alchemy of turning out US dollars with IMF and international assistance. Last Thursday’s use of well-armed and uniformed security forces against a peaceful protest of student leaders with tear gas and water cannon would certainly not help in his Political Alchemy or even with his Western democratic supporters. (The writer is a former editor of The Sunday Island, The Island, and consultant editor of the Sunday Leader)
Source:Sunday Times
August 21, 2022 07:00 UTC
High drama at Bangalore summit; Prabhakaran gives Rajiv a slip
High drama at Bangalore summit; Prabhakaran gives Rajiv a slip View(s):Veteran civil servant, diplomat and politician Sarath Amunugama has published volume two of his autobiography ‘Paris and Back’. The Bangalore Oberoi was completed but had not been declared open. In Bangalore, Rajiv shifted the Indian position by suggesting two Provincial Councils — North and East — which as two entities could evolve a system of cooperation at the ground level. However, he was forced to be in attendance in Bangalore but reportedly refused to meet the Sri Lankan President. Some years later both Rajiv and Prabhakaran had premature and violent deaths as a consequence of the Bangalore impasse.
Source:Sunday Times
August 21, 2022 07:00 UTC
The end of contemporary history
The end of contemporary history View(s):By Joschka Fischer, exclusively for the Sunday Times in Sri LankaI cannot recall a time during the past 75 years when there has been such a massive accumulation of major and minor shocks. The world today is dealing with intensifying climate change, a pandemic, major wars, surging inflation, disruptions to international trade and supply chains, and acute food and energy shortages. In short, we are witnessing the denouement of the Pax Americana that underpinned international relations for more than 70 years following World War II. And US leaders mistakenly believed China’s inclusion in the World Trade Organisation and other multilateral arrangements would inevitably lead to its democratisation. COVID-19 and climate change have fundamentally altered the global economic and political calculus and will continue to do so.
Source:Sunday Times
August 07, 2022 13:04 UTC
The task of keeping Ranil on the straight and narrow
If you are unhappy with Uncle Ranil now, the blame for that rests on you too. Some say that even though he is not there, Uncle Ranil has to dance to his tune. You speak of laying down conditions to join Uncle Ranil. Now, the tables have turned: If it suits him, Uncle Ranil might even appoint you as PM! That is to keep Uncle Ranil on the straight and narrow.
Source:Sunday Times
August 07, 2022 01:05 UTC