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(Staff photo by Brianna Soukup/Portland Portland Press Herald via Getty Images) PHOENIX - As gas prices rose across the country in 2022 amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, more people began to show interest in electric cars as an answer to higher gas prices.According to the website MarketWatch, searches for new and used EVs jumped 112% from Feb. 24 to March 8, 2022 on cars.com, at around the same time as the Russian invasion began. Here's what you should know about electric cars, as well as some of the terms that are unique to this category of cars.According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center, which is part of the U.S.

India has seen its daily count of covid cases go above 400 lately, according to government data, with two deaths reported, one each in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh. While our seven-day rolling average of daily infections calculated on Monday was barely a thousandth of the Delta wave peak in mid-2021, an uptrend has caused concern enough to catch the attention of our authorities.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has expressed gratitude to the Paris Club, Japan, India, and China for enabling cooperation required to reach an IMF facility for the country.In an open letter to Sri Lanka's Official Bilateral Creditors, President Wickremesinghe noted that the government deployed all efforts to demonstrate our commitment to the EFF program and relentlessly engage on the path to reforms. He said the administration has already implemented major reforms by way of prior actions agreed with the IMF.The President said his government introduced a robust  reform agenda aimed at achieving debt sustainability, strengthening governance, widening the social safety nets supporting the most vulnerable and ensuring we can grow an inclusive  economy attractive to international business. He said this is how Sri Lanka will improve the lives of its people and ensure they are first in line to benefit from improvements in our economic conditions.The President has requested creditors to maintain and even enlarge and strengthen official bilateral creditor coordination in the context of Sri Lanka's forthcoming engagement. He called on the Paris Club  bilateral partners, in particular Japan, together with all our other official bilateral partners,  including India and China, to garner and foster coordination as you best see fit.The Presidnet noted that Sri Lanka is committed to communicate transparently with all on any debt treatment terms that are agreed with any creditor or group of creditors, before being formalized. The President in his letter has also committed not to resume debt service to any creditor unless that creditor agrees on a comprehensive debt treatment in line with IMF-supported

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Mahanayake Theros of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters in a letter to the President have called for measures to reduce the cost of living, minimize the burden on the people and introduce a proper policy-based mechanism to control social unrest. The letter to the President was signed by the Mahanayake of Malwathu Chapter of the Siam Sect the Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Thero, and the Mahanayake of the Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Sect the Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanaratana Thero.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena noted that immediate measures will be taken to announce the new tenure of Local Government Institutions.The Prime Minister said that the new tenure will be announced following talks with the Election Commission, and the Ministry officials.All public property used by Local Government Members should be handed over to the state before the 19th of March.State Minister Janaka Wakkumbura told News 1st that the tenure of Local Government Institutions will cease from midnight on the 19th of March, and the administration will fall under the Urban Commissioners and the Pradeshiya Sabha Secretaries.He said that only reform measures can be adopted by Local Government Institutions after the 19th of March.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Government Printer says that funds are yet to be provided for the printing of ballot papers.A Senior Officer said that in the present context, it is not possible to commence the printing process.Ballot paper for postal voting for 17 district have been completed.According to the Government Printer, the previous election date was printed on these ballot papers.The Government Printer said the Election Commission will be consulted on amending the ballot papers.In addition, the Election Commission says the Government Printer has not officially communicated over a delay in printing ballot papers.Election Commission Chairman Attorney Nimal Punchihewa told News 1st that if an official communication is made, the commission can meet and decided on the matter.However, the secure packages containing the ballot papers for postal voting are expected to be delivered to Postal Services on the 21st of March. 

Rep. Pat Schroeder is pictured in an archive image from the 1980s. (Denver Post via Getty Images) WASHINGTON - Former U.S.

Silicon Valley Bank corporate items — from t-shirts to used coffee tumblers — just days after it came crashing down. The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank marked the second-biggest bank failure in U.S. history after Washington Mutual in 2008. It's only been three days since the bank, the 16th largest in the U.S., failed after depositors hurried to withdraw money amid anxiety over the bank’s health.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to go ahead with a pilot project to install Floating Solar Panel Power Plants on the surface of Kiriibban Wewa reservoir and Chandrika Wewa reservoir in the Ratnapura District.Under the Framework Convention on Grant Aid signed between the Republic of Korea and Sri Lanka in 2009, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea has agreed to provide a grant amounting 6.83 Billion Korean Won for the implementation of a pilot project to install floating solar panel power plant with 1 MW capacity on the surface of reservoirs. Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology is acting as the monitoring agency for the pilot project on behalf of the Korean government, said the Department of Government Information.Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Power and Energy to sign the documents between the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology, the Ministry of Power and Energy and the Department of External Resources to start and implement this pilot project according to the agreement reached.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Leave of all employees of Sri Lanka Railways cancelled with immediate effect, said the Superintendent of Sri Lanka Railway on Tuesday (14) afternoon.The announcement came after the Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association of Sri Lanka Railways declared a 24-hour strike.The strike will come into effect at midnight on Tuesday (14).The Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association decided to go on strike in support of the mass strike that will launched by multiple trade unions on Wednesday (15), against the governments unjust tax policy, and several other social issues.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Multiple sectors have decided to go on strike for 24-hours on Wednesday (15). One of the main reasons for the strike is the government's latest tax policy, which professionals term as unfair. They have called for immediate reforms in the tax policy.Health Services:The Trade Union action, launched by the Government Medical Officers' Association on Monday (13), continued on Tuesday (14) across five provinces and is expected to go nation-wide on Wednesday (15).The GMOA went on strike against the government's new tax regime, medicine shortage and several other social issues.The All Ceylon Nurses' Union said it would support Wednesday's (15) strike action.Postal Services:The United Postal Services Trade Union Front said it would engage in a trade union action as planned on Wednesday (15).It added that workers at the Central Mail Exchange will step away from duties from 4 PM on Tuesday (14).Transportation Services:The Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association of Sri Lanka Railways declared a 24-hour strike. The strike will come into effect at midnight on Tuesday (14).Education Services: Prof.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Professionals Trade Union Collective says that the ongoing trade union action will continue on Tuesday (14).According to Trade Union representatives, discussions with the President's Secretary on Monday (13) night ended without any decision being reached.The Professionals Trade Union Collective is currently engaged in protests, strikes, and work to rule campaigns against the government's tax regime.Their primary demand is that the tax policy be amended to a reasonable level.Over 40 trade unions from multiple sectors are engaged in the trade union action.Doctors in The North Western, Uva, Sabaragamuwa, Northern, and North Central provinces are on strike on Tuesday (14).

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association of Sri Lanka Railways have declared a 24-hour strike.The strike will come into effect at midnight on Tuesday (14).The Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association decided to go on strike in support of the mass strike that will launched by multiple trade unions on Wednesday (15), against the governments unjust tax policy, and several other social issues.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President has decided to appoint a Committee to identify suitable government hospitals to be used as Teaching Hospitals to provide clinical training for Private Medical Students.The President's Media Division said this decision was made to provide clinical training for Medical Students enrolled at the KDU, Dr. Neville Fernando Hospital, Lyceum Campus and other universities in Colombo, Kalutara, Gampaha, Kurunegala & Polonnaruwa, According to the President's Media Division this training will be provided without hampering the training of students in State Universities.Accordingly, State Minister of Health Dr. Seetha Arambepola will be appointed as the Chairperson of the aforementioned Committee, while other appointed members will include Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Health Dr.

PHILADELPHIA - Dozens of stolen artifacts, some dating back to the French and Indian war, have been returned to their rightful owners.The Museum of the American Revolution hosted a ceremony on Monday to display the dozens of items stolen from various museums and historical societies between 1968 and 1979, before they were carefully packaged to go back to 16 different museums in Pennsylvania and five other states."Their long absence from public view, away where no one can see or learn from them was a loss both to society and our historic record," said Jacqueline Maguire Special Agent in Charge with the Philadelphia Field Office. "When items from the past are stolen, the real victim is our future."In December 2021, a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania indicted Michael Corbett of Newark, Delaware, for possession of those firearms and other items stolen from museums in the 1970s.PREVIOUS COVERAGE: FBI: Artifacts stolen from Pa. museums in 1960s, 1970s returnedIn August 2022, Corbett pleaded guilty to the possession of stolen items transported interstate, and, in accordance with his plea agreement, turned over to the government additional stolen firearms to which he had access.The investigation that led to Corbett and the items, including a search warrant of his Newark home in 2017, involved a nearly decade-long investigation involving the FBI, Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, and the U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the government has taken a principled decision to expand the distribution of fuel.He also noted that Hambantota has been identified as a primary energy hub. According to the President's Media Division, he made these comments during a discussion with the representatives of the Sinopec Group held at the President's Office in Colombo on Monday (13).Sinopec has also pledged to invest in a refinery in Hambantota, said the PMD.The representatives informed the Sri Lankan Government that their organization has adhered to the existing system and has applied accordingly. They further conveyed their readiness to fully finance the construction of a refinery in Hambantota, which has been identified as a central energy hub by the government.Moreover, the representatives stated that their company is prepared to respond to future solicitations that align with the aspirations of the country.

NEW YORK - Governments in the U.S. and Britain are taking extraordinary steps to prevent a potential banking crisis after the failure of California-based Silicon Valley Bank prompted fears of a broader upheaval.U.S.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The U.S. government took extraordinary steps Sunday to stop a potential banking crisis after the historic failure of Silicon Valley Bank, assuring all depositors at the failed institution that they could access all their money quickly, even as another major bank was shut down.The announcement came amid fears that the factors that caused the Santa Clara, California-based bank to fail could spread. Regulators had worked all weekend to try to find a buyer for the bank, which was the second-largest bank failure in history.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Government hospital waiting rooms were empty on Monday (13) morning as patients were turned back due to a strike launched by the Government Medical Officers' Association against the government's new tax regime.Doctors across four provinces in Sri Lanka, namely the Western, Southern, Central, and Eastern provinces, went on strike with effect from 8 AM against the government's tax policy.The Professionals Trade Union Collective is spearheading the trade union action, and it is supported by at least forty Government and Semi-Government trade unions against the government's new tax regime, the bank interest rate hike, salary and wage anomalies, and several other demands.The Colombo National Hospital was the worst affected, as only emergency services were in operation while all other services were crippled by the strike.

COLOMBO (News 1st); US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung has stressed that Local Government Election are critical." Democracies are understrained across the globe and no democracy stands without the rule of law," she told the 2023 edition of the National Law Conference, the most prestigious event of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka."The United States support for the rights of everyday Sri Lankans to voice their concerns peacefully and participate in their government is unwavering. The country's proud history of free elections underpins those rights.

the historic failure of Silicon Valley Bank, assuring depositors at the failed financial institution that they would be able to access all of their money quickly.The announcement came amid fears that the factors that caused the Santa Clara, California-based bank to fail could spread, and only hours before trading began in Asia. Regulators had worked all weekend to try and come up with a buyer for the bank, which was the second largest bank failure in history.

Colombo (News 1st) – Sri Lanka is likely to be rocked by severe strike actions in many crucial sectors nationwide which will bring the country to a standstill, as the public buckles under the financial strain of multiple price hikes and heavy taxation.The Professionals Trade Union Collective and several other trade unions representing government and semi-government sectors have planned to launch trade union actions from Monday, March 13. More than 40 trade unions including health, education, water, electricity, nurses, teachers, government and semi-government sectors have expressed their support.Trade unions said one of the main reasons for the trade union action is the failure to provide solutions to the burdens caused by the unfair tax policy, while salaries have not been increased and the economic crisis continues.Through the protests, the trade unions will also highlight several other matters including skyrocketing interest rates and issues related to salaries and increments.Dr.

By Frederica JanszThe word ‘IMF’ has got to be the most spoken in Sri Lanka today. As this word runs on a daily cycle of constant discussion which lends ear to a babble of discourse mostly filled with resentment, it is interesting to note, how few are aware of the true functions and makeup of the International Monetary Fund.It is indeed correct that this powerful organization has repetitively come under criticism for a lack of accountability.

A research conducted by Verite Research observes that economic management in Sri Lanka lacks compliance both by the bureaucracy and Parliament. Commenting on the new Public Finance Management Act proposed in September 2022, Verite Research suggests that rather than the lack of fiscal rules, the more critical problem for Sri Lanka may be the lack of compliance with fiscal rules in public finance management. The analysis, which was reported in a Verite publication titled Verite Insights, sheds light on how the Parliament of Sri Lanka had consistently revoked rules set out in the Fiscal Management (Responsibility) Act either by blatantly breaching them or by amending the rule whenever it became a constraint.The three rules that have been flouted include the rule on budgeted deficit, the rule on central government debt and the rule on treasury guarantees. The research further states that in order to recover confidence and build the economy, Sri Lanka may need deeper diagnostic and more robust correction mechanisms with regard to the crisis of governance.

Colombo (News 1st) – Local Government Elections are 'critical' for Sri Lanka, stated US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung.She made the statement while speaking as the Guest of Honour at the 2023 edition of the National Law Conference, the most prestigious event of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, in Colombo on Sunday (12)."Democracies are understrained across the globe and no democracy stands without the rule of law. You, all of you are the guardians of that precious rule" the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka stated."The United States support for the rights of everyday Sri Lankans to voice their concerns peacefully and participate in their government is unwavering," Ms.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Election Commission stated that it has sent a letter to President Ranil Wickramasinghe requesting that the necessary funds to conduct the local government election be provided.The Election Commission further mentioned that the letter was sent to the President who is also the Minister of Finance of the country.They added that the letter sent to the Minister of Finance was forwarded for approval by the secretary to the Ministry of Finance to the Finance Minister.Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Election Commission Nimal Punchihewa, says that with the current situation taken into consideration, the secretary of the Ministry of Finance has informed him that his approval itself is insufficient for the release of funds for the election.The Secretary to the Ministry of Finance has informed in his letter that the approval of the President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance is mandatory to release the funds required for the local government election.Due to the lack of funds, the local government election scheduled to be held on the 9th of March was postponed indefinitely.The election is now scheduled to be held on 25th of April, 2023. 

London-based BP's disclosure came a day after rival Shell reported a similar multimillion-dollar pay package for its top executive on the heels of both companies posting their highest-ever annual earnings last month.BP said in its annual report that CEO Bernard Looney was paid a total of 10 million pounds ($12 million) in 2022, up from 4.5 million pounds the previous year. Looney's pay package includes a cash bonus of 2.4 million pounds and 6 million pounds in bonus company stock.READ MORE: Gas prices increase, but the tide may change: AAABP reported in February that its profit doubled to $28 billion as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sent oil and gas prices soaring.Fat profits at fossil fuel giants and big salaries for top executives have spurred demands for the companies to do more to shield consumers from high energy costs that have fueled decades-high inflation and ratcheted up utility bills.Activist groups such as Global Witness and some opposition lawmakers in Britain have called for expanding taxes on the windfall profits of energy companies and taxing bonuses.The BP company logo is seen outside a petrol station on September 23, 2021 in London, England.

Maritza Rios, Marina Rios and Dora Saenz (Penitas Police Department) Two sisters from Texas and a friend are missing in Mexico after they crossed the border last month to sell clothes at a flea market, U.S. authorities said Friday.The abduction of four Americans in Mexico that was caught on video last week received an avalanche of attention and was resolved in a matter of days.

China lowers the chance of armed conflict between the Mideast rivals — both directly and in proxy conflicts around the region.The deal, struck in Beijing this week amid its ceremonial National People’s Congress, represents a major diplomatic victory for the Chinese as Gulf Arab states perceive the United States slowly withdrawing from the wider Middle East. It also comes as diplomats have been trying to end a long war in Yemen, a conflict in which both Iran and Saudi Arabia are deeply entrenched.The two countries released a joint communique on the deal with China, which brokered the agreement as President Xi Jinping was awarded a third five-year term as leader earlier Friday.Xi, whose administration in recent days has relaunched a campaign to challenge the U.S.-led Western liberal order with warnings of "conflict and confrontation," was credited in a trilateral statement with facilitating the talks through a "noble initiative" and having personally agreed to sponsor the negotiations that lasted from Monday through Friday.READ MORE: Sister of Kim Jong Un warns North Korea ready to act against US, SouthVideos showed Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, meeting with Saudi national security adviser Musaad bin Mohammed al-Aiban and Wang Yi, China's most senior diplomat.The statement calls for reestablishing ties and reopening embassies to happen "within a maximum period of two months." A meeting by their foreign ministers is also planned.In the video, Wang could be heard offering "wholehearted congratulations" on the two countries' "wisdom.""Both sides have displayed sincerity," he said.

Bhushan has also advised the state government to ensure vaccination coverage against Covid-19 and influenza NEW DELHI: Amid the rising number of influenza cases across the country and a slight uptick in the Covid-19 positive rate, the union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan on Saturday directed all states and union territories to closely monitor the trend of influenza-like illnesses, severe acute respiratory illness (ILI/SARIs) and SARS-CoV-2 while ensuring adequate stock of drugs, medical equipment, medical oxygen in the hospitals. Bhushan has also advised the state government to ensure vaccination coverage against Covid-19 and influenza.

A person changes the time with the hands of a clock, on 24 March, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. In the early hours of Saturday, March 26 to Sunday, March 27, 02.00 hours will be 03.00 hours.

Read more: 2020 intel warned Trudeau government that China’s interference in Canadian elections will likely be ‘pervasive’ This high-level, finalized document was produced by the Intelligence Assessment Secretariat — a division of the PCO that regularly provides national security alerts for Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his cabinet.Prime Minister’s Office spokeswoman Alison Murphy gave a blanket denial Tuesday that Justin Trudeau was aware of Beijing’s money transfers to the 2019 candidates.“As the Prime Minister stated last fall, we have no information on any federal candidates receiving money from China,” Murphy wrote in a statement.The response refers to Global’s reporting last November, which did not state that China gave money directly to candidates.

Colombo, (News 1st) : Several civil society organisations including the Inter-University Students' Federation, civil activists and trade unions staged a protest against state oppression in front of the UN office earlier today. The protest was staged against the use of tear gas to disperse crowds at protests, the cinnamon stick army, the use of tear gas on school students and the forced entry by police into universities. Speaking at the protest, IUSF Convener Wasantha Mudalige blamed the government for using expired tear gas canisters as chemical weapons to oppress people. Protesters claimed that three people have succumbed to tear gas attacks on three occassions including the Jathika Jana Balawegaya protest on February 26, the protest near the Colombo University on March 7 and during a protest near Parliament sometime ago. The protesters therefore demanded the UN to expedite an international investigation into the use of expired tear gas munitions. During the protest Ceylon Teachers' Union General Secretary Joseph Stalin questioned the state on firing tear gas at children. "The UN must look at these gross human rights violations.

Police officers stand outside a building where a shooting the night before left at least eight people dead and eight more wounded in Alsterdorf district on March 9, 2023, in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Gregor Fischer/Getty Images) HAMBURG, Germany - A former member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses shot dead six people at a hall belonging to the congregation in the German city of Hamburg before killing himself after police arrived, authorities said Friday.Police said an unborn baby also died, without clarifying whether the baby's mother was among the dead.

COLOMBO (News 1st); State Minister Shehan Semasinghe raising a privilege issue in parliament on Friday (10) noted that it is a serious offense to proceed with the Interim Order given by the Supreme Court on 3rd March, when the matter is already produced to the Committee on Parliamentary Ethics and Privileges.He requested the Deputy Speaker to advise relevant authorities not to proceed further or take any action on the interim order with regard to the Local Government election until the Committee on Parliamentary Ethics and Privileges concludes its hearing on the privilege issue raised by MP Premanath C Dollewatte.MP Premnath C. Dolawatte told Parliament on 7th of March that the powers and privileges of Parliament have been violated by the Interim Order issued by several judges of the Supreme Court on March 3rd, 2023.On March 3rd, the Supreme Court, considering Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara’s petition, issued an Interim Order to the Finance Ministry Secretary and the Attorney General preventing them from withholding the funds allocated for elections in Budget 2023.Dolawatte claimed the said Interim Order can be viewed “as clear breach of privileges and powers of Parliament.”MPs from the opposition led by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa on Friday (10) met with the Deputy Speaker to discuss the privilege issues raised by State Minister Shehan Semasinghe, and MP Premnath C.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Election Commission said the Government Printer has informed that the ballot papers for postal voting can be delivered within five days, and other ballot papers can be delivered within twenty to twenty-five day.The Election Commission has informed to obtain the necessary funds for the printing purposes from the Finance Secretary.Further, the Election Commission has informed the Government Printer to provide all necessary details to the Inspector General of Police with regard to the provision of police security.It added that the Senior DIG in-charge of elections has informed that following such a request, the necessary police security can be provided.Further, officials from the CPC and the Ministry of Power and Energy are to reach an agreement in due course over the provision of fuel for the Local Government Election.In addition, the National Election Commission has recommended that the basic salary of public sector employees who are contesting the election be paid only for the delayed period.

The Human Rights Committee on Thursday (9) concluded its consideration of the sixth periodic report of Sri Lanka on how it implements the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, with Committee Experts commending actions taken to resettle internally displaced persons, and raising issues concerning the effectiveness of constitutional reform and impunity for military officers who had allegedly committed or overseen human rights violations.A Committee Expert noted progress made in settling internally displaced persons. They welcomed that 92 per cent of the private land held by the military had been released to legitimate civilian owners.On internally displaced persons, the delegation said a special unit had been established.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Finance Secretary has informed the country's Election Commission that the request letter for funds for the Local Government Election was directed to the Finance Minister for approval.This was in response to the letter sent to the Finance Secretary by the Election Commission on the 7th of March, seeking funds for the Local Government Election.Election Commission Chairman Attorney Nimal Punchihewa noted that the Finance Secretary had informed him of the fact that given the current situation in the country, the Finance Secretary's approval alone will be sufficient to provide funds for the Local Government Election.However, the Election Commission Chairman said he was hopeful the necessary funds will be delivered in due course.The Local Government Election scheduled for 9th March 2023 was postponed due to the lack of funds, and it was rescheduled to the 25th of April 2023.Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on 3rd March issued an interim order on the country's Finance Secretary, and the Attorney General who represents the Finance Minister preventing them from withholding any funds allocated by the 2023 Budget for the Local Government Poll 2023.

COLOMBO – The Government of Japan has contributed an additional US$6.6 million to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to provide critical food and nutrition assistance to over one million Sri Lankans.Through this funding, WFP will provide families with food baskets comprising rice, pulses and cooking oil, to meet half their monthly food needs for a period of two months. The donation will also be used to procure maize and soybean for the production of Thriposha, a fortified food product, for a period of four months, which will be supplied to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and young children at risk of malnutrition.  Mizukoshi Hideaki, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka said, “We are pleased to announce that the Government of Japan has decided to provide additional humanitarian support to Sri Lanka in this critical moment.

Wind turbines generate electricity at Burno Bank Off Shore Wind Farm on December 07, 2022 in Liverpool, England. UK Prime minister Rishi Sunak has reversed his position on new onshore wind farms as the government said it will consult on proposals to ((Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images))ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - New Jersey utility regulators are seeking additional offshore wind farm projects to generate electricity, even as opponents of wind power want to pause or halt the projects.The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approved a third solicitation of offshore wind projects Monday; three wind farms have already been approved for the waters off southern New Jersey."Today marks a pivotal next step toward accomplishment of our offshore wind development goals," said Gov.

BERLIN (AP) - Women in Berlin will soon be allowed to go topless at the city's public swimming pools, like men, the Berlin state government said Thursday.The new bathing rules allowing everyone to go swimming without covering their torsos followed a discrimination complaint by a woman who was not allowed to go topless in a swimming pool in the capital.The woman, whose identity was not revealed, had turned to the senate's ombudsperson's office for equal treatment to demand that women, like men, can swim topless, the Berlin senate for justice, diversity and anti-discrimination said in a written statement.In reaction to the complaint and the ombudsman's involvement in the case, the Berliner Baederbetriebe, which runs the city's public pools, decided to change its clothing rules, the statement said."The ombudsperson’s office very much welcomes the decision of the Baederbetriebe, because it establishes equal rights for all Berliners, whether male, female or non-binary, and because it also creates legal certainty for the staff at the Baederbetriebe," said Doris Liebscher, the head of the ombudsperson's office.PRODUCTION - 05 June 2022, Berlin: ILLUSTRATION - A child stands at the edge of a swimming pool.

La Niña periods in recent history is finally over, NOAA declared Wednesday.The climate phenomenon is a by-product of a years-long cycle of water temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean known as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and has been in its cool phase for the past three winters -- a rare feat for an event that typically lasts for one winter, maybe two.WHAT ARE EL NINO AND LA NINA CLIMATE PATTERNS?But ocean temperatures have finally warmed to the point where the La Niña threshold is no longer met, NOAA forecasters said in their monthly update on the La Nina/El Nino status. In fact, temperatures are now a little above average.Forecasters now say we've entered the "neutral" phase of the cycle, where tropical Pacific Ocean temperatures are within a half degree of the long-term average.

drug cartel blamed for abducting four Americans and killing two of them condemned the violence and said the gang turned over to authorities its own members who were responsible.In a letter obtained by The Associated Press through a Tamaulipas state law enforcement source, the Scorpions faction of the Gulf cartel apologized to the residents of Matamoros where the Americans were kidnapped, the Mexican woman who died in the cartel shootout, and the four Americans and their families.Drug cartels have been known to issue communiques to intimidate rivals and authorities, but also at times like these to do some public relations work to try to smooth over situations that could affect their business.READ MORE: How did four Americans get kidnapped in Mexico?"We have decided to turn over those who were directly involved and responsible in the events, who at all times acted under their own decision-making and lack of discipline," the letter reads, adding that those individuals had gone against the cartel's rules, which include "respecting the life and well-being of the innocent."The white van four Americans were traveling in when they were kidnapped by a Mexican cartel.  A photograph of five men face down on the pavement and bound accompanied the letter, which was shared with The Associated Press by the source on condition that they remain anonymous because they were not authorized to share the document.State officials did not immediately publicly confirm having new suspects in custody.A separate state security official said that five men had been found tied up inside one of the vehicles that authorities had been searching for, along with the letter.

The Legislative Standing Committee has agreed on 25% of youth representation under the proposed Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Bill.The Local Government Elections (Amendment) Bill presented by MPs Premnath C. Dolawatta and Imthiaz Bakeer Markar as Private Members’ Bills along with Ministerial reports were considered by the Legislative Standing Committee recently (28) in Parliament.The Legislative Standing Committee which took into discussion the said Bill was chaired by Ajith Rajapakse, Deputy Speaker of Parliament.Standing Orders 53(4) dictates that "No clause that is not in accordance with the basic desire of the Honorable Member presenting a Bill shall be allowed to be included in a Bill."  Accordingly, the committee directed to re-draft the Bill 126 considering the youth representation.The Committee also instructed the officials of Attorney-General’s Department and Legal Draftsman Department to re draft the Bill No.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - A California assemblyman introduced a new bill to set parameters for how and when law enforcement officers can use facial recognition technology in body cameras."Rather than have every agency come up with their own set of standards, every jurisdiction do their own thing, we’re really proud to do something statewide," said Assemblyman Phil Ting (D-San Francisco).Currently, there are no statewide restrictions on facial recognition technology, because Ting’s previous bill sunset in January of this year. Signed in 2019, the bill placed a three-year-ban on the technology.The ban faced stiff opposition from law enforcement groups."Across the country, real world examples of law enforcement using facial recognition technology to solve major crimes showcases just how important this technology can be towards protecting our communities," said San Leandro police Chief Abdul Pridgen.Pridgen is also a member of the California Police Chiefs Association. Ting and state Sen.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Buddha Sasana Task Force addressed a letter to President Ranil Wickremesinghe stressing on the need to hold the local government election without delay for national and diplomatic stability.It calls to limit the number of ministers to 15, and remove State Ministers.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policies on Wednesday (8) issued an Order to waive the remaining balance of the Special Commodity Levy on imported Dates in view of the Ramadan festival.The levy, set at Rs. 200 per Kg, will be collected at a reduced rate of Rs.

FILE-St. Louis Metropolitan police and Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms officers investigate a shooting in 2022.