The Indian government has urged households to shift their electricity use to daytime hours as a way of reducing the country’s dependence on energy imports, which have been affected by the US-Israeli war on Iran. Speaking at the Economist Resilient Futures Summit in New Delhi on Wednesday, renewable energy minister Pralhad Joshi claimed that India’s exposure to the conflict was largely limited to commercial LPG, with petrol and diesel supplies unaffected. The greater opportunity, he said, lay in getting people to harness cheap solar power during the day for cooking, charging vehicles and running appliances instead of drawing on fossil-fuel generation at night. "If that can be shifted before 5pm, then shifting of the use of energy before the sunset will add maximum to our import reduction," he said. "Install rooftop solar, charge your EV and entirely, in real sense, it is net zero." Iran’s retaliatory closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries about a quarter of the world's oil, has sparked what the International Energy Agency has described as the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market. Brent crude has surged over 55 per cent since the war began on 28 February, hitting nearly $120 per barrel at its peak. India, which imports about 89 per cent of its crude oil requirement, has so far insulated its petrol and diesel supplies from the closure of the strait by buying from Russia. But LPG, which accounts for the bulk of cooking fuel in the South Asian country and 60 per cent of which passes through the strait, is running short, causing long queues at distribution centres. Experts gathered at the summit stressed the need for electrifying key sectors. Sagar Adani, executive director of Adani Green Energy, one of the country’s biggest energy companies, made the case for electrification as India's most credible path out of import dependence. "We have all seen how a conflict in one region can disrupt supply chains across continents," he told the summit. "We have all seen how shocks in energy markets can ripple through economies overnight. In that world, the question for every economy today is not how fast you can grow but how well can you withstand disruptions.” India reported its highest-ever single-year renewable energy addition of 55 gigawatts – 44 gigawatts solar and six wind – in 2025-26. Renewable sources now contribute over 50 per cent of the installed electricity capacity, a milestone Mr Joshi noted no other G20 nation had reached, although he acknowledged that installed capacity did not reflect actual generation. Earlier in the day, Mr Adani used his keynote address to argue that energy security had moved from theory to urgent reality. "Today, resilience is no longer a concept that is confined to classrooms or simulated in war rooms," he said. "We have all seen how a conflict in one region can disrupt supply chains across continents. We have all seen how shocks in energy markets can ripple through economies overnight. In that world, the question for every economy today is not how fast you can grow but how well can you withstand disruptions,” he said. He argued that for India to reach developed economy status by 2047, the scale of ambition required went far beyond renewable energy targets. "We are not talking about incremental growth. We are talking about a structural leap. We are talking about adding nearly 2,000 gigawatts of new capacity over the next two decades," he said. The path forward, he added, was unambiguous. "We must electrify everything. We must reduce structural dependence on imported energy. And we must build an energy backbone anchored in resources that are available within the country." He cautioned, however, that renewables alone could not close the gap. "Renewables will, and must, scale rapidly. Storage technologies will continue to evolve. But there are real constraints, particularly around land and intermittency." Source : BBC

Indian government calls on people to use electricity before 5pm amid energy crisis

US singer D4vd has been accused of purchasing tools online - including chainsaws - after prosecutors say he stabbed a teen girl to death. The allegations were released in an evidence filing, which details his alleged motive and steps prosecutors say he took to cover his tracks before 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez's dismembered body was found in his car. Prosecutors say he met Rivas Hernandez when she was 11, and allege he started sexually abusing her when she was 13 and he was 18. They allege the teen sent text messages threatening to reveal their illicit relationship and "destroy his life" before she was killed. D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, has pleaded not guilty. Attorneys for D4vd have maintained they "will vigorously defend David's innocence" and said they believe the "evidence will show that David did not kill Celeste". He appeared in court on Wednesday as attorneys and prosecutors argued over the public release of the filing. He wore an orange Los Angeles County jail jumpsuit and was shackled while being escorted into the courtroom. He said very little aside from "yes, your honour" when the judge asked if he was OK with his preliminary hearing being delayed until late May. In the court filing on Wednesday, prosecutors allege that Burke stabbed the teen multiple times at his home. The filing states prosecutors tracked purchases he'd made online using a fake name in the days after, including two chainsaws, an inflatable blue pool, a body bag and a shovel. They allege he also purchased a "burn cage" and made plans to incinerate evidence, the filing states. The filing outlines previous interactions authorities had with the singer, including after the teen was reported missing in 2024 by her family. Prosecutors say that text messages outline a lengthy argument on 22 April 2025 over the singer's relationship with other women. Rivas Hernandez texted threats to "disclose damaging information about her relationship with the defendant to end his career," the filing states. Prosecutors say in the court document that they believe the teen was killed the following day. Prosecutors say D4vd ordered an Uber for Rivas Hernandez that day to come to his home and she was dropped off there. They say he texted her multiple times, asking where she was, but prosecutors allege that the messages were part of his plan "to cover up the murder," the filing states. D4vd's first studio album was released that week - on 25 April. In the days after her alleged killing, prosecutors say the singer made an array of purchases online to dispose of Rivas Hernandez's body. The filing alleges he dismembered her remains in the garage of his Hollywood Hills home. The court document also states that surveillance footage shows Burke was the last person to drive his Tesla, where the body was found in September 2025. The filing released on Wednesday has offered the most detailed timeline since the case captured international attention last year. In court on Wednesday, his attorneys tried to block the release of the nine-page filing, saying it will lead to more media coverage and could affect him getting a fair trial. "We do have a very real concern about the amount and white hot focus and attention on this case for the last seven months and specifically in the last two weeks," his lawyer Blair Berk told the judge, arguing for the document to be sealed. Judge Charlaine Olmedo allowed for the document to be released but did agree to keep other pieces of evidence sealed from public disclosure. Another hearing in the case is due to take place next month. D4vd, who rose to fame on TikTok with the viral hits Romantic Homicide and Here With me, was on tour when police found Rivas Hernandez's body in the front truck of his Tesla in September 2025. His worldwide tour was cancelled and he largely retreated from public life and social media. Los Angeles police announced his arrest earlier this month. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman filed seven criminal charges against him, including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child and the mutilation of remains. They said the teen had been reported missing by her family and was last seen at Burke's Hollywood Hills home on 3 April 2025. Her body was found decomposing in Burke's Tesla five months later. Rivas Hernandez's family made their first public statement shortly after that, describing the love they had for the teen and calling for justice in her death. Source : BBC

US singer D4vd bought tools online to dispose of girl's body, prosecutors allege

A new concept paper proposing a “tobacco-free generation” for children born&nbsp;after 2010 has been officially submitted to Sri Lanka’s Minister of Health, Nalinda Jayatissa.&nbsp; Developed by the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA), the plan aims to eliminate future exposure to tobacco by implementing key legislative reforms, including restricting access for the younger population. The proposal highlights the urgent need to address the health, social, and economic burdens caused by tobacco and alcohol. Experts emphasize that these substances are major contributors to non-communicable diseases and act as gateways to other drugs.&nbsp; With around 22,000 deaths annually linked to tobacco and alcohol, the initiative seeks to curb initiation among youth, especially given rising smoking rates among schoolchildren. Minister Jayatissa welcomed the initiative, emphasising its importance for a healthier future.&nbsp; The Government and health stakeholders support measures to strengthen regulations and prevent access to tobacco for future generations, aligning with global strategies proven effective in reducing smoking-related harm.

Proposal submitted for smoking ban for people born after 2010 in Sri Lanka

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called on the working people of Sri Lanka to unite and continue driving the nation forward, in his message marking May Day. The President said this year’s May Day comes at a key moment, as Sri Lanka records strong economic progress despite global challenges such as conflicts, rising tariffs, and natural disasters like Cyclone Ditwah.&nbsp; He highlighted that the country achieved its lowest budget deficit since 1977 and highest government revenue since 2007, while export earnings exceeded $17 billion. He also noted record-high foreign remittances, thanking workers for their vital role in these achievements. Recognising the value of labour, the government has taken steps to improve the lives of workers. These include salary increases for public sector employees, higher minimum wages in the private sector, and pension rights for newer public servants. Plantation worker wages have been raised, and laws affecting women working at night have been updated. The Mahapola scholarship has also been increased to support students from working families. The President acknowledged that recent disasters, especially Cyclone Ditwah, had heavily impacted workers. In response, the government provided its highest-ever disaster compensation, along with support for farmers, fishers, and small businesses. Through the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” programme, efforts are underway to restore homes, livelihoods, and improve living conditions. Looking ahead, he stressed the need to modernise the economy and society through key programmes such as education reforms, the digital economy drive, the Clean Sri Lanka initiative, and the ‘Prajashakthi’ programme. Reaffirming his vision of building “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life,” the President said the strength of Sri Lanka lies in its working people. He invited all citizens to come together with commitment and integrity to build a better future, extending his best wishes for a meaningful May Day.

President urges unity on May Day

The Ministry of Finance will make a special statement in Parliament on 5 May regarding the alleged misplacement of USD 2.5 million. Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha is expected to deliver the statement. Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma is scheduled to appear before the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) today (30) at 1.00 p.m. Senior Finance Ministry officials are also expected to be questioned by the committee over the incident.

Finance Ministry to brief Parliament on USD 2.5M cyber incident

Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma is scheduled to appear before the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) at 1.00 p.m. today(30). He will appear following summons issued by COPF over the alleged misplacement of USD 2.5 million. Several senior officials of the Ministry of Finance are also expected to attend the meeting.

Treasury Secretary to appear before COPF today

The Colombo High Court (HC) has postponed the announcement of verdicts in four cases filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena.&nbsp; The verdicts, which were initially scheduled to be delivered today (30th), have now been deferred to 26 May 2026.&nbsp; The cases concern allegations by the Bribery Commission that Gunawardena caused financial losses to the government in 2006 while serving as Chairman of the National Lotteries Board.&nbsp; The charges specifically relate to the leasing and hiring of vehicles for the institution during his tenure.

Court postpones verdict in 4 corruption cases against ex-Dy Minister Sarana Gunawardena

The Artemis II astronauts’ journey to the moon and back landed them at the White House Oval Office on Wednesday afternoon — standing by while President Donald Trump talked UFOs, the Space Force and the Iran war. Sporting blue jackets, NASA’s Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen stood behind Trump at the Resolute Desk — which had a gold-plated model of the moon on it — as White House reporters were brought in. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman also stood alongside the astronauts. “I don’t know how they do it. I wouldn’t want to do it, but it takes people like this to make our country great,” Trump said. Trump briefly ran through his own space-related priorities, some at the prompting of reporters: touting his move to start the military branch Space Force in his first term, reiterating his intention to release classified material related to UFOs and saying there was a “good shot” that another person would walk on the moon during his presidency. “We don’t like to say definitely, because then you say, ‘Oh, we failed,’” Trump said. “So we have a good shot. We’ve authorized it.” Isaacman confirmed efforts to send a person to the moon’s surface again in 2028, as well as detailing continued plans to launch an Artemis III mission in 2027. He also said NASA headquarters will remain in Washington, DC, calling it an “advantage” to be in the nation’s capital — an assertion Trump agreed with. A gold moon gifted to the White House by Isaacman and a model of the Space Reactor-1 Freedom Rocket on loan from NASA were visible on Trump’s desk during the visit, according to NASA spokesperson George Alderman. The rest of the event became a somewhat freewheeling press conference, a common risk during most of Trump’s public events these days. About two weeks ago, Trump welcomed a DoorDash delivery woman to the White House in an effort to tout his party’s tax cuts. The woman then stood next to Trump while he answered questions about the Iran war and tried to solicit her opinion on transgender women playing in women’s sports. Trump didn’t ask the astronauts to weigh in on his comments Wednesday, but they stood by with carefully neutral expressions as he praised a Supreme Court decision to limit the Voting Rights Act, insisted that former FBI Director James Comey had threatened his life with a social media post and said the end of wars in Ukraine and Iran would probably happen on a “similar timetable.” There were parallels to the mission itself, as some of the Artemis milestones were eclipsed by the war with Iran. After the astronauts marked the achievement of traveling the furthest distance from Earth — as they circled around the dark side of the moon on April 6 — much of the news coverage the next day focused on Trump’s remarkable threat on Iran the next morning. He wrote: “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.” Trump had watched the launch alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as photographed by the White House, and the president had touted the mission as an example of American dominance. “We are WINNING, in Space, on Earth, and everywhere in between — Economically, Militarily, and now, BEYOND THE STARS. Nobody comes close!” Trump wrote on Truth Social before liftoff. When the astronauts successfully returned, Trump congratulated them on their “spectacular” feat and invited the crew to the White House. “We’ll be doing it again and then, next step, Mars!” Trump said. Source: CNN

Trump welcomes Artemis II astronauts to Oval Office and fields questions on Iran, Comey and UFOs

President of the Republic of the Maldives Mohamed Muizzu, will undertake a State Visit to Sri Lanka from 4 to 5 May 2026, at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. This visit marks President Muizzu’s first official visit to Sri Lanka since assuming office in 2023. During his stay, he is scheduled to engage in bilateral talks with President Dissanayake aimed at further strengthening the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations. Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are anticipated to be signed during the visit, underscoring the shared dedication of Sri Lanka and the Maldives to deepen collaboration across various sectors. President Muizzu will be accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, along with several senior Cabinet Ministers, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and other senior officials from the Government of Maldives.

Indian government calls on people to use electricity before ...

US singer D4vd bought tools online to dispose of girl's body, prosecut ...

US singer D4vd bought tools on ...

Proposal submitted for smoking ban for people born after 2010 in Sri L ...

Proposal submitted for smoking ...

President urges unity on May Day

President urges unity on May D ...

Finance Ministry to brief Parliament on USD 2.5M cyber incident

Finance Ministry to brief Parl ...

Treasury Secretary to appear before COPF today

Treasury Secretary to appear b ...

Court postpones verdict in 4 corruption cases against ex-Dy Minister S ...

Court postpones verdict in 4 c ...

Trump welcomes Artemis II astronauts to Oval Office and fields questio ...

Trump welcomes Artemis II astr ...

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu to Visit Sri Lanka

Maldives President Mohamed Mui ...

US singer D4vd bought tools online to dispose of girl's body, prosecut ...

US singer D4vd bought tools on ...

Proposal submitted for smoking ban for people born after 2010 in Sri L ...

Proposal submitted for smoking ...

President urges unity on May Day

President urges unity on May D ...

Finance Ministry to brief Parliament on USD 2.5M cyber incident

Finance Ministry to brief Parl ...

Treasury Secretary to appear before COPF today

Treasury Secretary to appear b ...

Court postpones verdict in 4 corruption cases against ex-Dy Minister S ...

Court postpones verdict in 4 c ...

Trump welcomes Artemis II astronauts to Oval Office and fields questio ...

Trump welcomes Artemis II astr ...

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu to Visit Sri Lanka

Maldives President Mohamed Mui ...

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Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

President urges unity on May Day

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Finance Ministry to brief Parliament on USD 2.5M cyber incident

Finance Ministry to brief Parl ...

Treasury Secretary to appear before COPF today

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Court postpones verdict in 4 corruption cases against ex-Dy Minister S ...

Court postpones verdict in 4 c ...