Everything New in the June 2021 Pixel Drop Update
Google is rolling out its latest Pixel Drop as part of the June 2021 Android security update. All variants of the Pixel 5, 4, 4a, 4a 5G, 3, and 3a smartphones can download the update, but just like past Pixel Drops, some features are only available for specific Pixel devices. Below, we’ll cover all the new features in the June 2021 Pixel Drop, and note which phones can use them. Google Photos now lets you create a password-protected Locked Folder to store your “sensitive photos and videos,” as Google calls them. Again, the June 2021 Pixel Drop is rolling out now to all Pixel 5, 4, 4a, 4a 5G, 3, and 3a Pixel devices, including XL models.
Source:The Nation
June 08, 2021 20:04 UTC
6 Ways To Get Outside And Stay Active This Summer
Here are 6 of the very best ways that you can get outside and stay active. One of the best ways for you to do so is to take up a few simple games. This will be a great way to keep active and focused on your weight loss goal. Go On A Summer Canoe TripOne of the best ways to stay fit and healthy is also one of the most relaxing. Summer means that you now have the best chance to stay active, lose weight, and feel alive at the best time of the year.
Source:The Nation
June 08, 2021 19:41 UTC
Sri Lanka ensured development projects were not delayed by pandemic
Preserving the national economy has been a decisive factor for Sri Lanka before the pandemic, during the pandemic and will be in post-pandemic too. We have emphasised on safe tourism, giving the guarantee to long-and short-term tourists that Sri Lanka is a safe destination. Sri Lanka has proven its competencies in providing a bio secure environment from the port of landing back to the departure. In this regard, Sri Lanka has special consideration for identical Sri Lankan agricultural products such as tea and spices. If we superimpose the strategic location of Sri Lanka, it is possible to identify the opportunities that can reap mutual benefits to Sri Lanka and partners around the world.
Source:The Nation
June 08, 2021 18:56 UTC
Criminalising expression and the messy realities of public discourse
Social media use on the rise, leading to increased public engagement in sharing informationPlethora of downsides due to increased social media use to circulate newsDefining inappropriate social media use, a subjective matterBy Sumudu ChamaraWhen it comes to the direction of a country, the media has a certain unmatchable role and power in determining that direction. Though it is true that some people on social media are not responsible at all, the CID’s special engagement with social media would do more harm than how it is right now. Among them are 6.4 million active social media users, while 98% of them were social media users who accessed such via mobile phones. According to the APIDM report, 87% of the people received news via social media platforms and 91% of them were in the 25-34-year age category. Overall, the three most popular social media platforms in the country were Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, respectively.
Source:The Nation
June 08, 2021 18:56 UTC
Must ‘3rd class journalists’ die?
A video widely circulated via the electronic media recently showed the Health Ministry’s Communications Director and the Public Health Services Deputy Director General Dr. Hemantha Herath, saying that a majority of journalists who got killed were ‘third class journalists’. However, following the statement in question, Dr. Herath told The Morning on 7 June that he had already expressed his apologies in this connection, and conveyed regret. It also begs the question as to whether those journalists were in fact and indeed ‘third class journalists’. The discourse the aforementioned statement led to is neither about Dr. Herath, nor about how we as a country gauge the professional work of journalists. They have to understand that the freedom of speech and the right to not be unfairly punished for their actions in whatever capacity is not just a right of journalists.
Source:The Nation
June 08, 2021 18:56 UTC
Provision of Banking Services Amidst the COVID-19 Outbreak
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) upon obtaining approval/consent of the Director-General of Health Services and the Inspector General of Police has already requested licensed commercial banks and licensed specialized banks (licensed banks) to carry out essential banking services, strictly adhering to all relevant safety measures and guidelines issued by the relevant authorities in providing banking services, under ongoing travel restrictions during the COVID-19 outbreak. Having observed the recent communications/notices published by licensed banks on the provision of banking services, CBSL has reiterated the need for all licensed banks to make necessary arrangements to provide uninterrupted banking services. Source: Central Bank of Sri Lanka
Source:The Nation
June 08, 2021 18:45 UTC
The Real History of 'LGBT Pride Month'
Sylvia Rivera at a march in 1994Photo: Justin Sutcliffe (AP) Sylvia Rivera at a march in 1994Photo: Justin Sutcliffe (AP)What is Pride today? Similar marches took place in cities across the globe shortly thereafter, giving rise to the events of Pride Month as we know them now. Still, Pride wasn’t officially recognized as such for over 30 years; former President Bill Clinton eventually declared June “Gay and Lesbian Month” in 1999. Former President Barack Obama expanded this moniker to become more inclusive in 2009 with “LGBT Pride Month.”By 2016, Obama designated the Stonewall Inn a national monument, too. Today, what was once a one-day parade has expanded into a month-long series of Pride events around the world.
Source:The Nation
June 08, 2021 17:37 UTC
Death toll from adverse weather rises to 20
June 8, 2021 10:14 pmThe death toll from floods and earth slips following torrential rains in Sri Lanka climbed to 20, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said Tuesday. Further, five persons have sustained injuries and another is reported missing. According to officials, 176,419 persons in 10 districts have been affected by the prevailing adverse weather conditions.
Source:The Nation
June 08, 2021 16:41 UTC
Youth arrested over fake news on cyber attack remanded
The youth who was arrested over fake news regarding a cyber attack on government institutions has been remanded until tomorrow (June 09). The self-proclaimed president of the aforesaid society, on June 04, had circulated a press release claiming that several government institutions including the Presidential Secretariat and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have come under a cyber attack. In his press release, he claimed the authorities had failed to take necessary action on the forewarnings his organization had issued before on such cyber attacks. The misleading press release posted by the suspect has caused detriment to the national security as well as the economy, the CID stressed. The suspect, identified as Rajeev Yasiru Kuruwitage Mathew, was taken into custody on Monday (June 07).
Source:The Nation
June 08, 2021 15:56 UTC
French President slapped in the face during walkabout
A man slapped President Emmanuel Macron in the face on Tuesday during a walkabout in southern France, an incident which his prime minister denounced as an affront to democracy. The man, who was dressed in a khaki T-shirt, then shouted “Down with Macronia” (“A Bas La Macronie”) and slapped Macron on the left side of his face. He could also be heard shouting “Montjoie Saint Denis”, the battle cry of the French army when the country was still a monarchy. The identify of the man who slapped Macron, and his motives, were unclear. Two years later, anti-government “yellow vest” protesters heckled and booed Macron in an incident that government allies said left the president shaken.
Source:The Nation
June 08, 2021 15:33 UTC
Daily coronavirus case count moves to 2,637
June 8, 2021 09:10 pmThe Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry reports that another 514 persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in Sri Lanka, moving the daily total of new cases to 2,637. This brings the total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus reported in the country to 210,661. As many as 178,259 recoveries and 1,789 deaths have been confirmed in Sri Lanka since the outbreak of the pandemic. The Epidemiology Unit’s data showed that 30,613 active cases are currently under medical care.
Source:The Nation
June 08, 2021 15:33 UTC
Group extorts money by falsely accusing people of links to Easter attacks
Sri Lanka Police has received reports of an organized group extorting money from various individuals claiming that they have been accused of connections to the Easter attacks. Police Media Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana stated that vigilance should be exercised against such acts. Reportedly, the perpetrators, posing as police officers, had made telephone calls to various individuals posing accusing them of being involved in the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks. They had then demanded ransom money to prevent a charge from being filed against them. DIG Ajith Rohana said that the police have also identified the details of persons who actually paid the ransom money as well.
Source:The Nation
June 08, 2021 15:02 UTC
One million Sinopharm doses to arrive tomorrow
June 8, 2021 by Mihi Perera No CommentsA consignment of one million doses of Sinopharm commercially purchased by Sri Lanka is expected to arrive tomorrow (09). The country previously received 1 million doses of Sinopharm in the form of a donation from China and with this consignment, it would cover two million of the 13 million doses of Sinopharm the country has ordered. “We have been able to expand the vaccination program to 12 more districts in a week,” State Minister of Pharmaceutical Production, Supply and Regulation Prof. Channa Jayasumana said.
Source:The Nation
June 08, 2021 14:48 UTC
Sri Lanka reports 2,123 new cases of COVID-19
June 8, 2021 06:45 pmThe Ministry of Health reports that another 2,123 persons have tested positive for coronavirus today (June 08). All new cases are associated with the New Year Covid-19 cluster. This brings the total number of COVID-19 cases confirmed in the country thus far to 210,102. Presently 30,054 infected patients are being treated at hospitals and treatment centers across the island. Meanwhile, the number of total recoveries has reached 178,259.
Source:The Nation
June 08, 2021 13:52 UTC
Uber announces additional COVID relief for drivers and couriers
Drivers and couriers diagnosed with COVID will be unable to access the platform while they’re receiving partial earnings support as a safety measure to help limit the spread of the virus. We are pleased to be able to offer partners who contract the virus partial earnings support while they recuperate at home. Additionally, Uber has invested LKR 17.4 million in safety supplies and protective equipment for drivers and couriers, including masks, sanitisers and disinfectants. We are pleased to be able to offer partners who contract the virus partial earnings support while they recuperate at home. Additionally, Uber has invested LKR 17.4 million in safety supplies and protective equipment for drivers and couriers, including masks, sanitisers and disinfectants.
Source:The Nation
June 08, 2021 13:52 UTC