WhatsApp working on a more private message reporting system
Dhruv Bhutani / Android AuthorityTL;DR WhatsApp is working on a new message reporting system. This seems an alternative to the contact reporting system already available. WhatsApp came under stiff scrutiny for an investigation into its message reporting and moderation system earlier this month. The current contact reporting system sends the offending message and the previous four to WhatsApp. The single message reporting feature does seem a more privacy-friendly way to report contacts.
Source:The Nation
September 21, 2021 09:11 UTC
Comcast and UK subsidiary Sky reportedly launching smart TVs
Comcast appears to be planning to offer TVs running its own software across at least two territories, according to recent reports from Protocol and The Financial Times. In the US, the TVs will reportedly be branded as XClass TVs. An Xfinity landing site confirms the “XClass TV” branding, while an FAQ spotted by Protocol says they’ll aggregate “your favorite apps, live channels, and On Demand movies and shows together in one place.”Meanwhile in the UK, Comcast subsidiary Sky is reportedly planning to launch smart TVs of its own. As well as smart TVs, in the UK Sky is also reportedly testing a version of its Sky Q service that runs solely over the internet rather than satellite, ISPreview reports. But in the UK, Sky is planning a launch event on October 7th, when it’s teasing that “something magical is coming.”Disclosure: Comcast is an investor in Vox Media, The Verge’s parent company.
Source:The Nation
September 21, 2021 08:37 UTC
US agencies consider a ban for newly-independent Honor
Security agencies in the United States are debating whether to place Honor, the former Huawei brand, on an export blacklist, The Washington Post reports. Personnel at these agencies was split whether Honor deserves its place on the list as a threat to US national security. The top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee has stated that “same concerns about technology exports” should apply to Honor since it is a state-backed company. However, The Washington Post reminded the brand is now owned by Zhixin New Information Technology - a company formed by two state-backed investors, tied to the Shenzhen municipal government. Honor hasn’t commented on the matter at this point.
Source:The Nation
September 21, 2021 08:26 UTC
District percentages for university entrance released
September 21, 2021 by Ruwani Fonseka No CommentsDistrict-wise percentages for university entrance based on the results of G. C. E. Advanced Level Examination in 2020 have been released. However, the Z-Scores will be released in October, the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) stated. Further details can be obtained from the website: ugc.ac.lkhttps://www.scribd.com/document/526606453/Notice-for-Percentages-by-the-University-Grants-Commission-English#from_embed526606453-Notice-for-Percentages-by-the-University-Grants-Commission-English
Source:The Nation
September 21, 2021 07:18 UTC
Kate Garraway teams up with incredible Make-A-Wish program
Kate Garraway has shared her joy after spending time at the Elvetham Hotel in Hampshire on Monday where Disney and Make-A-Wish UK have transformed the grounds into an Enchanted Manor, hosting 150 families for a magical three-day experience. Whilst the last two years have been tough for so many people, it's brilliant to see the Make-a-Wish children finally able to experience the magic.' Deborah Armstrong, Senior Vice President and Country Manager, Disney UK & Ireland, said: 'This event exceeded our expectations on every level. 'To see the positive impact this Disney Wish Experience has had on children and families has been humbling and inspiring. Disney UK, Make-A-Wish UK and The Kentown Wizard Foundation have joined forces to deliver the Disney Wish Experience, a first-of-its kind three-week event supporting 150 wish children and families from across the UK.
Source:The Nation
September 21, 2021 07:03 UTC
Opposition questions Finance Minister’s absence
Members of the opposition in parliament today (21) questioned the absence of the Finance Minister in the House when several financial regulations were taken up for debate. Whereas, this raised concern amongst many opposition members as Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Finance is currently not present during the morning session of Parliament sitting today. ‘What is the point of even talking and asking questions related to Finances and the economy, if the Minister of Finance is not present today? Today we have convened parliament to discuss valuable decisions for the country, whereas the person who should be here is not present. In response to this concern, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) members had clarified that the Minister of Finance had an important meeting to attend to, and was informed prior about the convening of Parliament today.
Source:The Nation
September 21, 2021 06:56 UTC
10 Examples Of Chemical Warfare In An Ordinary Garden
For others, a garden is a place to invite friends, have picnics outside, fire up the barbecue, and socialize. To survive in the garden ‘jungle’, you have to make use of anything at your disposal- including some targeted chemical weapons. Some fungi, however, are a bit more proactive in their use of chemical warfare. This fungus makes use of elm bark beetles, which lay eggs in dying elm trees. However, it isn’t just the exotic species that have chemical means to defend themselves; the common black garden ant (Lasius Niger) uses formic acid as a weapon.
Source:The Nation
September 21, 2021 06:56 UTC
PM Johnson sits down in New York with Jeff Bezos
But Mr Johnson also hailed a commitment from Mr Bezos to give $1billion to protect forests and remove carbon from the air. No10 said after the talks: 'The Prime Minister met founder of Amazon and the Bezos Earth Fund, Jeff Bezos, in New York today. But, speaking to reporters at the UN on Monday, Mr Johnson said: 'We have been here before. Mr Johnson will today become only the second European leader to visit Mr Biden at the White House, following Angela Merkel's trip in July. Prior to his meeting Mr Johnson had said he would challenge Mr Bezos on Amazon paying a fair share of taxes in the UK.
Source:The Nation
September 21, 2021 06:00 UTC
Amazon will announce new hardware on September 28
An invite has been sent out by Amazon to The Verge and other media regarding a new hardware event taking place on September 28. The focus of the event, as noted by the invite, is "news about our latest Amazon devices, features, and services." Amazon Echo Show 10 Amazon Echo (2020)Around this time last year, Amazon launched a new Echo, Echo Dot, and Echo Show 10. It also announced a new Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick Lite (earlier this month, Amazon announced the Fire TV Stick 4K Max). At next week's event, Amazon may be announcing new Echo speakers and we wouldn't be surprised if we saw the just-leaked Kindle Paperwhite 5 and Paperwhite 5 Signature Edition.
Source:The Nation
September 21, 2021 05:48 UTC
Covid-19 medications, a double edged sword?
Health experts have expressed that certain medicines used to treat Covid-19 can be viewed as double edged swords as they do come with a number of side effects. Such patients are treated with immunosuppressants, the chief among them being steroids and certain medications used to treat joint ailments. “All these drugs are like a double edged sword, they can bring both positive and negative results. Common side effects in patients who are given steroids are development of diabetes or exacerbation of existing diabetes, muscle weakness, bone issues, stomach ulcers and mental stress. Accordingly, it was stressed that such patients should be vigilant on the development of these side effects.
Source:The Nation
September 21, 2021 04:18 UTC
Parliament to convene today, proceedings announced
The Parliament is scheduled to convene at 10.00 a.m. today (21) with questions for oral answers being taken up for one hour until 11.00 a.m. From 11.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., a notification under Excise Ordinance, 05 Orders under the Ports & Airports Development Levy Act, 06 Orders under the Special Commodity Levy Act, 03 Regulations under the Foreign Exchange Act, Order under the Foreign Exchange Act, Regulation under the Imports & Exports (Control) Act, No. The Committee on Parliamentary Business decided to limit this week’s sittings of the House to two days. Therefore, the Parliament will convene again tomorrow (22). October 04 (Monday) has been declared a special sitting day for Questions for Oral Answers considering the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.
Source:The Nation
September 21, 2021 04:07 UTC
Gold Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max unboxed on video
The first Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max unboxing video is now up and was posted by SalimBaba Technical to YouTube. The device unboxed was in the gold finish and all that's included in the box is the Lightning to USB-C charging cable, SIM-eject tool, and the Apple stickers. iPhone 13 Pro colorways: Sierra Blue • Silver • Gold • GraphiteThe Apple iPhone 13 lineup is currently on pre-order in 30 countries and regions until Friday September 24. The second wave of markets will see pre-orders begin on October 1 with the new iPhone 13 smartphones going on sale in those markets on October 8. We're expecting the first wave of iPhone 13 coverage and reviews to be posted tomorrow, September 21.
Source:The Nation
September 21, 2021 03:45 UTC
Prez and Kuwait PM hold bilateral talks in New York
A meeting between President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Hamad Al-Sabah took place in New York on Sunday (19). With large number of Sri Lankans employed in Kuwait, President Rajapaksa has made a request for more employment opportunities for skilled workers. Meanwhile, The President also drew the attention of the Kuwaiti Prime Minister to the investment opportunities available for Kuwait in the Colombo Port City, in solar and wind energy and oil refining sectors. Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage were also in attending.
Source:The Nation
September 21, 2021 03:45 UTC
Let’s oust this virus of a Government says SJB
Referring to the Government as a virus to the entire nation, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harin Fernando stated that it is important to work together to oust the Government at this critical juncture. He made these remarks at a press conference held yesterday (20). The MP also alleged that the Government is planning an event to mark the progress of inoculating citizens against Covid-19. “We have information that the Government is planning on organising a huge ceremony to celebrate the fact that they vaccinated the people of the country with a vaccine given to save face of the Government instead of saving the people,” he stated. Fernando also reminded the Government that none of the pressing issues in the country will be resolved unless they “cure the virus of corruption that has been created in the country”.
Source:The Nation
September 21, 2021 03:33 UTC
Parliamentary sitting to be convened today
The Parliament is scheduled to convene at 10.00 a.m. today (Sep. 21) with questions for oral answers being taken up until for one hour until 11.00 a.m. 1 of 1969 will be taken up for debate. Thereby, the Parliament will convene again tomorrow (Sep. 22). Time has also been allocated from 4.30 p.m. to 4.50 p.m. for Questions at the Adjournment Time and the Motion at the Adjournment Time by the Opposition will be from 4.50 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. In the meantime, October 04 (Monday) has been declared a special sitting day for Questions for Oral Answers given the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.
Source:The Nation
September 21, 2021 03:22 UTC