Author: Rahul M

Colombo, Aug 22 (IANS) In a major development in the island nation, Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe was taken into custody on Friday by the country’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the first such arrest of a former President in the nation’s history, local media reported. Wickremesinghe was summoned by the CID over allegations of misuse of State funds and subsequently arrested following a four-hour-long statement. Extensive security arrangements were made as Wickremesinghe was produced before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court late Friday afternoon where a huge crowd of supporters had also gathered. The investigation relates to Wickremesinghe’s September 2023…

The bean just wants to knit.With their back to me, Poe, the name I gave the animated brown bean in the Focus Friend app, is stitching up a little storm that will eventually become socks—if I can leave them alone. Unfortunately, I need to check my texts. I cancel the timer after six minutes, which warns me that Poe’s knitting will unravel and “they’ll be really sad.” Their shoulders slump as their work falls apart and a little bubble appears over their head. “It’s ok, we tried,” they reassure me. It turns out the text I was so desperate to…

Dhaka, Aug 22 (IANS) Lynching has supplanted trial and vengeance masquerades as justice in Bangladesh which has been gripped with violence since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, a report cited on Thursday. Highlighting data from several rights groups, the report mentioned that 174 people have been killed in mob violence between August 2024 and May 2025, with victims ranging from political workers to small vendors. “At Dhaka University, student Tofajjal was killed; at Jahangirnagar, Masud met a similar fate. Shohagh was crushed under a rock as his killers danced on his chest in broad…

Seoul, Aug 22 (IANS) South Korea’s former first lady Kim Keon Hee, who is currently under arrest, will not appear for questioning by a special counsel team this weekend due to health problems, her lawyer said Friday. Kim, the wife of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is currently in custody, had been summoned to appear at special counsel Min Joong-ki’s office Saturday morning to be questioned over corruption and bribery allegations, Yonhap News Agency reported. Kim’s side recently informed the special counsel team of her intent to skip Saturday’s session, citing health problems, the investigation team said in a…

Vientiane, Aug 22 (IANS) The Lao Central Bank announced Friday to lower its seven-day basic interest rate from 9.5 per cent to 9 per cent, offering relief to businesses and households while stimulating economic growth as inflation continues to ease. This marks the third reduction in 2025, following cuts from 10.5 per cent to 10 per cent in March and to 9.5 per cent in June, according to the announcement of the Bank of the Lao PDR (BOL), Xinhua News Agency reported. The decision aims to lower financial pressure, make borrowing more affordable, and boost domestic spending and investment, it…

Mysuru’s famed Dasara celebrations will open this year under the auspices of acclaimed literary scholar and Booker International Prize winner Bhanu Mustaq. The announcement was made on Thursday by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, putting to rest weeks of speculation over who would be chosen to flag off the state’s premier cultural festival.Also read: Rare lunar shift extends Mysuru Dasara to 11 days after 400 yearsMustaq, who won the 2025 International Booker Prize for her work Heart Lamp, was selected after much deliberation. Several prominent names had been considered, including Shivaratri Deshikendra Swamiji of Suttur Math and former Prime Minister H.D.…

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common health issue that can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. While medication is sometimes necessary, many lifestyle changes can help manage and reduce blood pressure naturally. Here are nine simple and effective tips to get started:- 1. Reduce Salt Intake Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Excess sodium in your diet can raise blood pressure significantly. Opt for fresh, home-cooked meals, use herbs and spices instead of salt for flavor, and limit processed and packaged foods. 2. Eat a Balanced Diet A diet rich in fruits,…

Karachi, Aug 22 (IANS) Protests were held in various neighbourhoods of Pakistan’s Karachi after several areas faced power outage for over 50 hours after heavy rains recently, local media reported on Friday. People living in Amirabad, Bustan Society, University Road, Tipu Sultan Road, Moinabad and adjoining areas stated that power cut happened at around 2:30 pm (local time) on Tuesday, the day when rains lashed the city and it was yet to be restored. Suspension of water supply further enhanced their misery, Pakistan’s leading daily ‘The Express Tribune’ reported Frustrated by the power outage, residents held sit-ins outside K-Electric offices,…

On September 9, WIRED is partnering with KQED for Uncanny Valley’s first live show of the podcast. Join us in San Francisco to see hosts Katie Drummond, Michael Calore, and Lauren Goode shed light on the people, power, and influence of Silicon Valley. Get your tickets here.With original reporting and sharp analysis, Uncanny Valley covers today’s biggest stories in tech. We demystify companies like Palantir, trends like vibe coding, and figures like Sam Altman; we break down WIRED’s essential coverage of DOGE and ICE; we guide listeners through breakthrough innovation like generative AI and sweeping policy changes like the Trump…

Michael Calore: Okay.Lauren Goode: Yeah. But yeah, I’d be curious to see what you come up with.Michael Calore: Okay.Lauren Goode: In fact, I’m probably going to quiz you about it on an upcoming show. So this is an official, this is your vibe coding assignment.Michael Calore: All right. I’ve better roll up my sleeves and get cracking.Lauren Goode: Yeah, you get pair programming,Michael Calore: Get vibing.Lauren Goode: Get vibing, get your Bevi, and your Celsius, and your ZYN ready to go, and your crew neck sweatshirt.Michael Calore: And my dog at my feet. All right, let’s take another break, and…