WHO says it is monitoring a new Covid variant called ‘mu’.

The World Health Organization is monitoring a new coronavirus variant called “mu,” which the agency says has mutations that have the potential to evade immunity provided by a previous Covid-19 infection or vaccination. Mu — also known by scientists as B.1.621 — was added to …

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Cristiano Ronaldo breaks men’s international goal scoring record.

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo has scored his 110th international goal to overtake Iran’s Ali Daei as the top men’s career international goal scorer. The newly minted Manchester United player’s record mark arrived in the 89th minute of Portugal’s World Cup qualifier against th…

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China clamps new rules to regulate foreign ships in its waters.

China on Sunday (29) notified new maritime rules warranting vessels carrying radioactive materials, bulk oil, chemicals and a host of other supplies to report the details of the cargos upon their entry into Chinese waters. The new rules are expected to increase tensions if C…

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Small cracks found in International Space Station module.

Russian cosmonauts have discovered small cracks in a module on the International Space Station (ISS), leading to fears that they could widen and cause air leaks. Small cracks have been discovered in the International Space Station's Zarya module, according to a new repor…

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Taiwan Plus Launched as English-Language Streaming Platform.

Taiwan has launched a government-backed English-language streaming platform that is intended to carry a mixture of news, international affairs and local stories. Taiwan Plus went live on Tuesday (31) after a Monday launch event. The project was commissioned by Taiwan’s Minis…

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08th Meeting of Agricultural Experts of BIMSTEC Countries.

India hosted the 8th Meeting of Agriculture Experts of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Countries through video conferencing. The meeting was chaired by Dr Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Res…

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The Pulitzer Prize Board Awards Special Citation to Honor and Assist Afghanistan Journalism Workers.

The Pulitzer Prize Board announced a special citation for people in Afghanistan who risked their safety to help produce news stories and images from their war-torn country. “From staff and freelance correspondents to interpreters to drivers to hosts, courageous Afghan reside…

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Paris shrinks speed limit to protect climate.

The speed limit for most of Paris is now 30 kilometers per hour (less than 19 miles per hour).  The new rule takes effect Monday (30) almost everywhere in the city except for a few wide avenues like the Champs-Elysees and the bypass circling the capital. It’s the latest init…

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Russia warns of increase in cases of West Nile Virus.

On Monday (30), Russia warned of a likely spike in West Nile Virus (WNV) infections this autumn, citing mild temperatures and copious rainfall as favorable circumstances for mosquitos that spread the virus. More than 80% of Russia’s West Nile fever cases are in its southwest…

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United Nations Security Council adopts resolution on Afghanistan.

The United Nations Security Council, under the current Presidency of India, on Monday, August 30, 2021, adopted a resolution on the situation in Afghanistan, demanding that the war-torn country not be used to threaten or attack any nation or shelter terrorists. The resolutio…

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The Final U.S. Military Plane has left Afghanistan as America's longest war ends.

The United States announced the end of its 20 years old war in Afghanistan before the deadline of August 31, 2021. The last U.S. plane departed Afghanistan's Hamid Karzai International Airport, marking the end of America's longest war and leaving the country's fu…

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Max Verstappen wins Belgian Grand Prix 2021.

Max Verstappen (Red Bull – Netherlands) has been declared the winner of the Belgian Grand Prix 2021. The Belgian Grand Prix was stopped due to rain and only two laps were completed. The winner was decided based on progress made in these two laps. George Russell, Williams ca…

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CCPI based Inflation increased to 6.0 per cent in August 2021.

Headline inflation, as measured by the year-on-year (Y-o-Y) change in the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI, 2013=100), increased to 6.0 per cent in August 2021 from 5.7 per cent in July 2021. This was driven by monthly increases of prices of items in both Food and Non-foo…

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Sri Lanka, Norway discuss potential for investment partnerships in renewable energy.

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Sri Lanka Trine Jøranli Eskedal paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris on Monday (August 31) at the Foreign Ministry. During discussions, the foreign minister appreciated the mutually beneficial partnership exist…

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CSE’s ASPI closes above 9,000 points for first time in history.

The Colombo Stock Exchange’s All Share Price Index (ASPI) surpassed 9,000 points today (Sep. 01). The ASPI closed at 9,163.13 points as at the end of the day, marking an increase of 165.53 points (1.84%) compared to yesterday’s trading, according to the country’s main stock …

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International Day for People of African Descent - 31 August.

The International Day for People of African Descent is celebrated for the first time on 31 August 2021. The United Nations aims to promote the extraordinary contributions of the African diaspora around the world and to eliminate all forms of discrimination against people of…

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International Overdose Awareness Day - 31 August.

International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st focuses on reducing the number of deaths caused by overdose and erasing the stigma associated with it. Besides death, drug overdoses also cause permanent injuries. Both of these scenarios devastate family members and friend…

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Another medal for Sri Lanka at Tokyo Paralympics.

Sri Lanka’s Samitha Dulan Kodithuwakku has won the Bronze medal in the Men’s Javelin Throw - F46 – event at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.  Kodithuwakku took third place with a personal best of 65.61 meters while India’s Sumit Antil secured the gold medal with a World Record th…

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Dinesh Priyantha wins first-ever Paralympic gold medal for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s Dinesh Priyantha Herath has set a new world record in the Men’s Javelin Throw - F46 – event at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. Dinesh Priyantha set the new world record clearing a distance of 67.79 meters to win the gold medal in the Men’s Javelin Throw F46 Final. He …

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International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearance - 30 August.

On August 30 of each year, the UN observes the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearance. This day aims to increase awareness about the numbers of enforced disappearances around the world. In 2007, activists and family members of victims of enforced disappea…

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International Whale Shark Day - 30 August.

International Whale Shark Day on August 30th aims to increase awareness about a magnificent sea-dwelling creature. The whale shark’s declining numbers alerts us to their need for protection and conservation. These gentle giants fascinate marine biologists and aquatic enthus…

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Advisory Board appointed in accordance with Prevention of Terrorism Act.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed an Advisory Board as per the Section 13 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, No.48 of 1979, the Director-General of Legal Affairs of the Presidential Secretariat Attorney-at-Law Harigupta Rohanadeera said. The Chairman of the Advisor…

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'Xi Jinping Thought' introduced into curriculum in China.

China will introduce the political ideology of the Chinese President in its national curriculum. "Xi Jinping thought" will help "teenagers establish Marxist beliefs", said the Ministry of Education (MOE) in new guidelines. The ideology will be integrated …

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British stamps banned from Chagos Islands in Indian Ocean.

Mauritius has moved a symbolic step closer to wresting control of the Chagos Islands, in the Indian Ocean, from the UK. The Universal Postal Union (UPU), a UN agency in charge of the world's postal policies, voted to block the use of UK stamps from the remote archipelago…

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Cuba’s central bank now recognizes cryptocurrencies.

Cuba will now recognize and regulate cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, citing “reasons of socioeconomic interest.” Resolution 215, which was published in the state-run Official Gazette, says the central bank will set new rules for how to deal with digital currencies. Commerc…

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International Day Against Nuclear Tests - 29 August.

The International Day Against Nuclear Tests on August 29th raises awareness and educates about the harmful effects of nuclear testing. Nuclear weapons testing began in 1945. Since that time, nearly 2,000 nuclear tests have taken place. When nuclear testing first began, scien…

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Kabul Airport Attack Kills 13 U.S. Service Members and at Least 90 Afghans.

More than 100 people were killed, including at least 13 U.S. service members and 90 Afghans, at the Kabul airport Thursday (26) when two blasts ripped through crowds trying to enter the American-controlled facility, disrupting the final push of the U.S.-led evacuation effor…

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Former England and Sussex captain Ted Dexter passes away.

Former England and Sussex captain Ted Dexter has passed away. Dexter, nicknamed “Lord Ted”, was an aggressive batsman and part-time seam bowler who played 62 tests for England after making his debut in 1958 against New Zealand and was captain between 1961-1964. After retirin…

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Algeria cuts diplomatic ties with Morocco.

Algeria’s Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra said that his country has severed diplomatic relations with Morocco due to “hostile actions”, following months of resurgent tensions between the North African rivals. The countries have long accused one another of backing opposition…

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The Rolling Stones Drummer Charlie Watts died at age 80.

The Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts died on 24 Auguat 2021 in London at age 80. Watts’ passing was confirmed by a statement from the band. Charlie Watts was born in London’s Bloomsbury district on June 2, 1941. He was a teenager when his parents gave him a drum set and …

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