Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins dies aged 90
By Stacy Liberatore For Dailymail.comPublished: 12:39 EDT, 28 April 2021 | Updated: 12:48 EDT, 28 April 2021Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins has died at the age of 90 after a battle with cancer, his family confirmed Wednesday morning. Collins was part of the three-man crew that made history with a lunar landing in 1969, but unlike Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, he never walked on the moon. However, Collins was tasked with piloting the command module that circled 60 miles above his comrades and took home a different and unique experience of the mission. 'The thing I remember most is the view of planet Earth from a great distance,' he said later. Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins has died at the age of 90 after a battle with cancer, his family confirmed Wednesday morning'Today the nation lost a true pioneer and lifelong advocate for exploration in astronaut Michael Collins,' said acting NASA Administrator Steve Jurczyk.'
Source:The Nation
April 28, 2021 17:03 UTC
Chris Lynn's girlfriend stands by him after asking Cricket Australia to organise flight from India
Chris Lynn's girlfriend has stood by the batsman after he caused outrage by asking Cricket Australia to arrange a charter flight from Covid-ravaged India - revealing she is eager for him to come home as soon as possible. Lynn, who is earning about $357,000 playing for the Mumbai Indians, has led calls for Cricket Australia to organise a plane to get players out of India. 'Even if Cricket Australia hire a private jet... why should us Australians allow them back in? Australian Cricketers' Association boss Todd Greenberg confirmed his organisation and Cricket Australia are in talks regarding the prospect of a charter flight, which would require government approval plus significant funds. Sports Minister Richard Colbeck, asked about potential approval for a Cricket Australia charter flight at a time when thousands of Australians are trying to flee India, was coy on Wednesday.
Source:The Nation
April 28, 2021 16:52 UTC
Fully vaccinated seniors are 94% less at-risk of being hospitalized for Covid
'These findings are encouraging and welcome news for the two-thirds of people aged 65 and up who are already fully vaccinated,' said CDC director Dr Rochelle Walensky in an emailed statement. Being fully vaccinated with Covid shots made by Pfizer or Moderna cuts the risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19 by 94% for seniors, a new CDC report found. Americans who are 65 or older make up more than 80 percent of the Covid death toll in the U.S., according to CDC data. Just one of the 19 people who was hospitalized for COVID-19 was fully vaccinated, while the other 18 had had just a first dose. That means that the risk of hospitalization for Covid was reduced by 94 percent for fully vaccinated people 65 and older, and by 64 percent for those who got just one dose.
Source:The Nation
April 28, 2021 16:02 UTC
India Covid: Death toll rises above 200,000 in country's deadliest day
Another investigation by NDTV found that crematoriums in Delhi recorded 3,096 Covid cremations last week, while the official Covid death tally stood at just 1,938. 'I can easily say that around 1,000 Covid-19 cases are getting funerals every day. In southern Telangana state too, doctors and activists are contesting the official death counts. It's unclear whether all were due to the virus, but experts say COVID-19 deaths across India aren't being listed as such. But Suresh Chandra, who operates its Bhaisakhund electric crematorium, said his team had cremated 58 COVID-19 bodies by Tuesday evening, and another 28 bodies were cremated at a nearby crematorium the same day.
Source:The Nation
April 28, 2021 14:02 UTC
Coronavirus outbreak; SLCPI assures continuity of medicines
“SLCPI and its member companies reassure the availability of adequate supplies of medicines for those in need of them” quoted a statement to media. While thanking consumers for being responsible in their purchasing of prescription drugs, SLCPI assured the general public that inventory of adequate stocks will sustain the supply and availability of medicines and not create any shortages, particularly with the current outbreak. SLCPI also noted that they are working with relevant stakeholders to ensure an uninterrupted supply chain, while dismissing fears of possible shortages, as unnecessary and creating undue panic. “SLCPI members are committed to working on measures to ensure that there are no shortages and that there is continuity in the pharmaceutical supply chain through focused engagement with all critical stakeholders and supply chains, including the principals, worldwide”. “We will ensure that access to medicines will continue for those that need them and urge the public to be sensible and judicious in their reaction to the current situation.”Post Views: 3
Source:The Nation
April 28, 2021 13:52 UTC
The best Boost Mobile deals: Save 40% on the 5GB plan, and more
The Sprint and T-Mobile merger has resulted in one major change for the best Boost Mobile deals — the MVNO is now part of Dish Network. Best Boost Mobile deals:Editor’s note: We’ll be updating this list of the best Boost Mobile deals regularly as new ones are announced. Save $250 on the Samsung Galaxy S20 FEAmong the best phone deals from Boost Mobile is the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE. Boost Mobile Smartphone deals (online and in-store)Boost Mobile offers some impressive instant deals on smartphones, particularly on Android phones. There you have it — these are the best Boost Mobile deals currently available.
Source:The Nation
April 28, 2021 13:52 UTC
Over 30,000 people in Sri Lanka acquire digital skills during COVID-19
Microsoft and LinkedIn launch next stage to help job seekers and employers move to a skills-based economyASIA PACIFIC, SRI LANKA — Microsoft has helped over 30 million people in 249 countries and territories gain access to digital skills, of which over 30,000 of them are from Sri Lanka. “Sri Lanka’s economic growth and competitiveness will require the development of new digital skills, among a substantial part of the workforce,” said Microsoft Sri Lanka Country Manager Hasitha Abeywardena. Skills Path brings together LinkedIn Learning courses with Skill Assessments to help recruiters source candidates in a more equitable way — based on their proven skills. This includes a video Cover Story that allows job seekers to demonstrate their soft skills to recruiters and hiring managers. We’ve seen people across the globe express a desire to learn and build their skills, and organizations too, are hiring based on skills instead of traditional qualifications.
Source:The Nation
April 28, 2021 13:04 UTC
HNB partners DIMO to offer special leasing facilities for agricultural machinery
The partnership will provide customers with flexible repayment options, low interest rates and exclusive benefits until February 2022. “DIMO prides itself on being the perfect partner, and in that regard we have a strong alignment with HNB. This will provide valuable support to ongoing efforts to rejuvenate Sri Lankan agriculture,” DIMO Group CEO, Gahanath Pandithage said. DIMO will also offer customers purchasing Mahindra and Swaraj tractors a two year warranty in addition to a free farmers’ kit, oil filters for two years and three services. Additionally, DIMO will also offer prospective owners of CLAAS and Loval harvesters with three free services and warranties of one year and six months respectively.
Source:The Nation
April 28, 2021 13:04 UTC
Chinese Defence Minister meets PM
Following Chinese State Councillor and Defence Minister, General Wei Fenghe’s meeting with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa this morning (28), the General is currently in talks with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. Prime Minister Rajapaksa mentioned that Sri Lanka looks forward to China’s continued support with regard to the Covid-19 crisis. On behalf of Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Rajapaksa conveyed warm wishes on the 100th year anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party this year. The Chinese Defence Minister also held talks with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa earlier today (April 28). Commenting on the meeting with the President, General Wei Fenghe has stated that the bilateral discussions were extremely fruitful.
Source:The Nation
April 28, 2021 12:56 UTC
Elections watchdog launches probe into 'offences' over No11 flat
Boris Johnson clashed bitterly with Keir Starmer today as his crisis deepened after the elections watchdog launched a formal probe into whether 'offences' have been committed in the Downing Street flat row. Downing Street yesterday said Mr Johnson had made all relevant declarations after the ten-day luxury villa break, which was worth £15,000. But senior Tories are braced for fresh criticism of Mr Johnson over how his and Carrie Symonds' trip was funded. 'The Prime Minister hasn't answered the question, he knows he hasn't answered the question, he never answers the question,' he said. 'People are willing to go under oath confirming that the Prime Minister said these exact words… Parliamentary rules stop me from saying that the Prime Minister has repeatedly lied to the public over the last week, but can I ask the question, are you a liar Prime Minister?'
Source:The Nation
April 28, 2021 12:03 UTC
(VIDEO) Frontline Army Personnel Receive 02nd Vaccine Dose
COLOMBO (News 1st): The Colombo Army Hospital began the 2nd dose inoculation programme on Wednesday (28) for Sri Lankan Army Personnel who are working in the frontlines against COVDI-19, on par with the government’s launch of the island-wide second dose of ‘AstraZeneca Covishield’ vaccination. Sri Lanka Army personnel, now playing a prominent role in the practice of quarantining vulnerable categories and healing COVID-19 affectees while actively contributing to arrest its transmission would accordingly receive the final 2nd COVID-19 jab through 15 island-wide Military Hospitals. The project to vaccinate frontline Army health workers was launched in January this year through the initiatives taken by the Commander of the Army. Similarly, Sri Lanka Army medical teams covering frontline health worker serving at all island-wide Intermediate Care Centres, Quarantine Centres and Hospitals will carry out the second Covishield jab vaccination, beginning today (28) as per directions given by General Shavendra Silva, Head, National Operations Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO), Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army.
Source:The Nation
April 28, 2021 12:03 UTC
Sri Lanka s total Covid-19 recoveries surpass 95,000
April 28, 2021 05:35 pmThe Ministry of Health reported that another 227 patients being treated for coronavirus have been discharged from hospital within the past 24 hours after fully recovering as Sri Lanka’s tally of Covid-19 recoveries crossed the 95,000-mark on Wednesday (28). This brings the total number of coronavirus recoveries in the country to 95,083. The total number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 reported in the country currently stands at 103,487. Presently a total of 7,749 patients infected with the virus are under medical care while the country’s death toll has reached 655.
Source:The Nation
April 28, 2021 12:00 UTC
More Ceylinco Life policyholders receive their ‘Family Savari’ gold
Fortune smiled in 22-carat radiance on another 103 Ceylinco Life policyholders recently when the life insurance leader presented gold to the value of Rs 5 million to the third batch of winners under the 14th edition of its ‘Family Savari’ mega promotion. The latest jackpot winner of Rs 1 million in gold was from Matara, while residents of Moratuwa and Piliyandala took home gold to the value of Rs 250,000 each and five residents of Baddegama, Bandarawela, Batticaloa, Kotahena, and Wellawatte won gold to the value of Rs 100,000 each. Another 25 policyholders were each presented gold to the equivalent of Rs 50,000 and 70 others received gold to the equivalent of Rs 25,000 each. Three more draws are to be conducted this year, culminating in a total of 618 Ceylinco Life policyholders winning Rs 30 million in gold. The decision to present policyholders with gold instead of the customary overseas holidays and local excursions of the ‘Family Savari’ promotion was on account of the travel restrictions and safety precautions necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source:The Nation
April 28, 2021 11:06 UTC
India's death toll surging past 200,000 WON'T stop IPL, say the country's 'tone-deaf' cricket board
The Indian Premier League season will continue as scheduled, despite the country's coronavirus death toll topping 200,000 a DAY and players fleeing. 'It's probably more important now to hold IPL, when there is so much negativity around,' the official said, as reported by The Guardian. No fans are being allowed at any of the matches, but the television audience around the world is huge for the competition. The IPL is a huge money-spinner for India and organisers are keen to continue despite growing numbers of deaths from Covid-19. Bhramar Mukherjee, an epidemiologist at the University of Michigan, told the New York Times that his modelling suggests India's death toll is at least double the official tally, but could be up to five times higher.
Source:The Nation
April 28, 2021 10:52 UTC
Top 10 Things Cancel Culture Has (surprisingly) Not Canceled Yet
There’s no doubt that cancel culture – the attempt to ruin someone’s personal or professional life due to a perceived insult or insensitivity – is only getting worse. Among other benefits, the sturdiness provided by bone ash allows bone china to be produced in thinner cross-sections than other porcelains. From its initial development in the early 1800s, bone china has historically been a British product; in fact, the term “English porcelain” often refers to bone china. So, is bone china ethical? In addition to doing no favors to the animals, opponents contend, bone china imposes on vegetarians and people who avoid animal products.
Source:The Nation
April 28, 2021 08:03 UTC