The South Asian Games have been postponed from their original January dates to March 23–31, 2027.&nbsp; The decision was unanimously approved by the South Asian Olympic Committee (SAOC) during the 46th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in Tashkent.&nbsp;&nbsp; Pakistan’s Olympic Association (POA) can make minor logistical adjustments within a one-week window if needed. Despite the delay, the sports disciplines and events remain the same as planned in Lahore in 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp; Regional sports leaders, including representatives from Sri Lanka, India, and Bangladesh, emphasized building a sustainable model for regional sports during the session, chaired by HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck. Pakistan’s Ministry of Sports has invited regional delegates for follow-up consultations and venue reviews in May 2026 to ensure smooth preparations.

South Asian Games rescheduled to March 2027

Americans pulling into a Starbucks drive‑thru may be greeted by a friendly staff member. But at some locations, it is actually an AI robot entering the orders. Behind the counter inside the store, baristas can lean on a virtual personal assistant to recall recipes or manage schedules.In the back of the shop, a scanning tool has taken on the painstaking process of counting the inventory, relieving staff of one of retail's most tedious chores, in a bid to&nbsp;fix the out-of-stock gaps that have frustrated the firm. The new technology is part of the hundreds of millions of dollars the 55-year-old coffee giant has been investing as it tries to win back customers after several years of struggling sales.And there are signs that the effort is working. Last week, the company reported its first sales increase in two years at established stores in the US - its biggest and most important market, accounting for some 70% of revenue. Still, the firm's share price slid 5% reflecting investor concerns that all the spending, which includes $500m (£363m) to boost staffing, had hurt profits. Chief executive Brian Niccol says he is confident that consistent sales growth will ultimately address that problem.But with the company promising to find $2bn in cost savings over the next three years, investments in technology are crucial to ensuring that improved sales also yield better profits. "I think that's all going to come," he told the BBC. "I really do believe we've got the right plan in place."Niccol joined the company in 2024, at a time when the business was under pressure. Customers were balking after a string of price increases. Competition was heating up and the brand faced boycott calls tied to unionised barista disputes over pay and benefits, as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-67777506" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the company's stance on the Israel-Gaza war</a>.The 52-year-old, who had wowed the industry with his turnaround of fast-casual burrito chain Chipotle Mexican Grill, quickly began making changes. He declared a halt to price increases, simplified the menu and set a target for baristas to complete orders in four minutes or less.Starbucks also cut thousands of corporate roles, closed underperforming stores and sold off a huge stake of the firm's business in China. But the father-of-three, and former fraternity brother at Ohio's Miami University, tends to talk about Starbucks’ challenges in fuzzier terms, describing a company that got caught up in spreadsheets and financial averages and strayed too far from its roots as a community coffeehouse. "We lost our focus because we got a little too distracted on efficiency and technology, and lost, I think, our focus on experience, customer and connection," he said. "The business is not an average business. The business is a coffee shop-by-coffee shop business." To improve the vibes, staff were urged to return to writing customer names on cups by hand. The firm also started sprucing up shops with inviting armchairs, new paint and ceramic mugs - all part of a $150,000-per-store "uplift" that is expected to take four years to complete. Those changes were accompanied by more hard-edged policies, such as stricter uniforms for staff and rules that bar people from using the bathroom without a purchase. The firm's push to deploy AI at a time when top brass are emphasising the importance of a personal touch might seem loaded with irony, but Niccol sees little tension. "It's a way for us to make the experience... have less friction," he said. The company is trialling an AI-powered chatbot, which can help match drinks with customer moods, and is introducing the ability to schedule orders in a bid to reduce customer waits. At drive-throughs, Starbucks is testing a system to process orders and free up staff to focus on hospitality or making the coffees.At the firm's recent investor day, Niccol told analysts he was confident the business had momentum, outlining ambitious expansion plans - especially overseas, where it hopes to nearly double its footprint to almost 40,000 stores in the years ahead."Things are really taking hold," he said, before analysts started peppering him with questions about profits. Unlike last year, the company is not ruling out price increases. However, Niccol said: "It really is the last lever I want to pull. In the event we do have to take pricing, it should be fairly muted."He is banking that the firm will be helped by wider trends, as general inflation recedes, and the price of coffee, which has soared in recent years, subsides a little. In recent months, US President Donald Trump also removed coffee from the list of items facing tariffs, which had pushed up costs last year. Social media fervor against the brand has died down as well, though the union battle continues to dog the company, with organisers accusing Niccol of stonewalling contract talks. That fight has also put a spotlight on Niccol's remote working arrangements, private jet use and compensation. He was granted a package worth $97m in 2024 and $30m last year, compared with the average employee's earnings of about $17,300. Niccol said he was "wildly open" to the conversation but declined to give a timeline for when the two sides might reach a contract."I would love to get to a deal. It's got to be one that can be a viable, sustainable deal," he said. The boss told analysts Starbucks did not plan to backtrack on its labour investments as it hunts for savings, confident that what sets the firm apart is not its coffee, but its cafes. "People want these places to gather," he told the BBC. "It doesn't matter if you're eight years old or 80 years old, a third place is relevant and when we can provide the third place that everybody feels safe, welcome and a part of, then I think the Starbucks brand is the solution." Source : BBC

Starbucks bets on robots to brew a turnaround in customers

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has started a series of programs to educate police officers on anti-human trafficking laws, the SLBFE Act, and investigative techniques. The initiative comes after a rise in Sri Lankans falling victim to foreign employment scams via social media and other platforms. The first program was held at the Anuradhapura District Secretariat auditorium, aiming to help law enforcement protect job seekers and prosecute offenders effectively.

SLBFE launches awareness programs to combat foreign employment scams

Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, emphasized the importance of the rule of law for Sri Lanka to attain complete freedom.&nbsp; In a special message on Independence Day, he stated, “Rule of law is essential to achieve full freedom.”&nbsp;&nbsp; He expressed concern over the country's current situation, noting that Sri Lanka has yet to make significant progress in economic, political, social, and cultural spheres. The Cardinal urged efforts to strengthen the rule of law as a vital step toward national development and true independence.

Cardinal Ranjith calls for strengthening rule of law to achieve full freedom

A protest was held on 2 February in Nedunkerny against the proposed Kivul Oya Reservoir Project. Representatives of Tamil political parties and local residents took part, demanding the project be halted. Protesters stated that they oppose plans to use the project to resettle people from the South in the Northern Province, while providing irrigation to Welioya.

Demonstration held in Nedunkerny against Kivul Oya reservoir project

Dr. Ruchitha Perera has been re-elected as Honorary Co-Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), UK. His term will run through April 2028, following ratification at a board meeting held at CIM headquarters in Moor Hall, United Kingdom. Dr. Perera was first elected to the CIM Board of Directors in December 2022 and assumed the role of Honorary Co-Vice Chair in April 2024. His re-election reflects continued confidence in his contribution to the institutes governance. With more than three decades of expertise in marketing, business strategy, and innovation, Dr. Perera is a recognised thought leader in his field. He is actively involved in mentoring entrepreneurs and delivering academic lectures on marketing qualifications. Additionally, he facilitates international masters and doctoral programmes, with specialised focus on financial sustainability, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and value creation. Currently, serving as Executive Director of The Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka (FPA), Dr. Perera leads comprehensive strategic initiatives advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health, Rights and Justice (SRHRJ). His work encompasses community outreach, medical service delivery, policy advocacy, social enterprise development, and comprehensive sexualityeducation, aimed at ensuring equitable access to services across all communities. About The Chartered Institute of Marketing The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) is the world&amp;#39;s largest professional marketing body,supporting the profession globally through professional standards, industry-recognised qualifications, and comprehensive training programmes.

Dr. Ruchitha Perera Re-elected as Honorary Co-Vice Chair of the Chartered Institute of  Marketing Board of Directors

Gold prices in Sri Lanka have fallen in line with global market movements. Traders at Colombo Sea Street noted that the price of a 24-carat gold sovereign has dropped by Rs. 12,000. As of today(02), a 24-carat gold sovereign is priced at Rs. 368,000, while a 22-carat gold sovereign stands at Rs. 338,600. Traders stated that the local price reduction follows fluctuations in global gold prices.

Gold prices drop by Rs. 12,000

Israel reopened the border between Gaza and Egypt on Monday for people on foot, a move that would allow Palestinians to leave the enclave and let back in those who want to return after fleeing Israel’s war in the enclave. The reopening of the Rafah border crossing will be limited, with Israel demanding security checks for Palestinians entering and exiting. Israel and Egypt were expected to impose caps on the number of travellers. Israel seized the border crossing in May 2024, about nine months into the Gaza war that was brought to a tenuous halt by an October ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. Rafah’s reopening was an important requirement under the first phase of Trump’s broader plan to stop fighting between Israel and Hamas militants. An Israeli security official said that European monitoring teams had arrived at the crossing, which “has now opened to the movement of residents, for both entry and exit.” FOREIGN JOURNALISTS BARRED FROM GAZA In the first nine months of Israel’s assault in Gaza, launched after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel, Palestinians were generally able to flee to Egypt through the Rafah crossing. Palestinian officials say about 100,000 Palestinians have fled Gaza since the war began, most of them during the first nine months. Some were sponsored by aid groups. Others paid bribes to parties in Egypt to secure permission to leave. Israel closed the Rafah crossing after its forces swept into the area and has also closed the Philadelphi corridor that runs the length of Gaza’s border with Egypt. The closure cut off an important route for wounded and sick Palestinians to seek medical care outside Gaza. A few thousand have been allowed out to seek medical treatment in third countries via Israel over the past year, though thousands more are in need of care abroad, according to the United Nations. Despite the reopening of Rafah, Israel is still refusing to allow the entry of foreign journalists, who have been banned from Gaza since the start of the war, which has caused widespread destruction and laid waste to swathes of territory. Gaza’s about 2 million Palestinians mostly live in makeshift tents and damaged homes, surrounded by the ruins of their destroyed cities. Israel’s Supreme Court is considering a petition by the Foreign Press Association that demands foreign journalists be allowed to enter Gaza from Israel. Government lawyers have said that letting journalists into Gaza could pose risks to Israeli soldiers, while also highlighting potential risks to reporters. The FPA rejects this, saying the public is being deprived of a vital source of independent information. It also points to the fact that many aid and United Nations workers have been allowed to enter the enclave since the war started. Trump’s plan for Gaza, now in its second phase, foresees governance being handed to Palestinian technocrats, Hamas laying down its weapons and Israeli troops withdrawing from the territory while it is rebuilt. Israel has cast doubt on the prospect of Hamas laying down its arms and some officials say the military is preparing for a return to war. Since the October deal was struck, Israeli attacks in Gaza have killed more than 500 Palestinians, health officials say, while militants have killed four Israeli troops. On Saturday, Israel launched some of its most intense airstrikes since the ceasefire, killing at least 30 people, in what it said was a response to a Hamas violation of the truce on Friday. Source: Reuters

Israel reopens Gaza’s Rafah border crossing to Egypt, with limits

India’s budget introduced a customs duty of 30% on imports of animals and birds from Monday, a move set to boost expenses for the nation’s most prominent zoo, run by the family of Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani. The 3,500-acre (1,400-hectare) Vantara zoo, housing about 2,000 species in the western state of Gujarat, is run by the philanthropic arm of Ambani’s Reliance. None of India’s many zoos, often state-run, imports animals on a similar scale. Since 2022, a Reuters analysis found in September, it has imported animals such as cheetahs, rhinoceroses and scores of reptiles from countries such as South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and Venezuela. The government gave no rationale for its decision to scrap an existing duty exemption for such imports. Vantara did not respond to Reuters queries. “Even large, globally benchmarked zoological and conservation projects, including facilities such as Vantara, will be affected,” said Rajat Mohan, a senior partner at Indian law firm AMRG &amp; Associates. “While the overall import volume in this segment may be limited, the impact on cost structures is significant.” CONCERN OVER INTERNATIONAL RESCUES Vantara featured in pre-wedding celebrations in 2024 for the centre’s leader Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani. It has been visited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and soccer star Lionel Messi toured it with Anant Ambani in December. Vantara has previously told Reuters it never pays commercial consideration for any animal acquired, but incurs costs for insurance and freight as it transfers them only for rescue, conservation and rehabilitation purposes. “While (the new tax is) designed to accelerate domestic breeding and self-sufficiency, its application imposes a significant financial burden on international rescue missions,” said Delhi-based lawyer Manuj Sabharwal. Vantara has been at the centre of contention after a U.N. wildlife trade body, CITES, found discrepancies last year in trade data and flagged insufficient checks on the origin of some animals. However, India’s Supreme Court cleared it of any wrongdoing. While Vantara says it complies with all laws, European officials have said they are keeping close watch on any exports it receives. Vantara’s shipments had a declared value of $9 million so far, the Reuters analysis found. The value of one consignment of 26 rare parrots from Germany in 2023 was declared as $25,194 for insurance and freight purposes, with import tax of $7,500 waived in line with tax exemptions prevailing at the time. Source: Reuters&nbsp;

South Asian Games rescheduled to March 2027

Starbucks bets on robots to brew a turnaround in customers

Starbucks bets on robots to br ...

SLBFE launches awareness programs to combat foreign employment scams

SLBFE launches awareness progr ...

Cardinal Ranjith calls for strengthening rule of law to achieve full f ...

Cardinal Ranjith calls for str ...

Demonstration held in Nedunkerny against Kivul Oya reservoir project

Demonstration held in Nedunker ...

Dr. Ruchitha Perera Re-elected as Honorary Co-Vice Chair of the Charte ...

Dr. Ruchitha Perera Re-elected ...

Gold prices drop by Rs. 12,000

Gold prices drop by Rs. 12,000

Israel reopens Gaza’s Rafah border crossing to Egypt, with limits

Israel reopens Gaza’s Rafah bo ...

Indian tax on animal imports spells setback for billionaire Ambani fam ...

Indian tax on animal imports s ...

Starbucks bets on robots to brew a turnaround in customers

Starbucks bets on robots to br ...

SLBFE launches awareness programs to combat foreign employment scams

SLBFE launches awareness progr ...

Cardinal Ranjith calls for strengthening rule of law to achieve full f ...

Cardinal Ranjith calls for str ...

Demonstration held in Nedunkerny against Kivul Oya reservoir project

Demonstration held in Nedunker ...

Dr. Ruchitha Perera Re-elected as Honorary Co-Vice Chair of the Charte ...

Dr. Ruchitha Perera Re-elected ...

Gold prices drop by Rs. 12,000

Gold prices drop by Rs. 12,000

Israel reopens Gaza’s Rafah border crossing to Egypt, with limits

Israel reopens Gaza’s Rafah bo ...

Indian tax on animal imports spells setback for billionaire Ambani fam ...

Indian tax on animal imports s ...

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Starbucks bets on robots to brew a turnaround in customers

Starbucks bets on robots to br ...

SLBFE launches awareness programs to combat foreign employment scams

SLBFE launches awareness progr ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Cardinal Ranjith calls for strengthening rule of law to achieve full f ...

Cardinal Ranjith calls for str ...

Demonstration held in Nedunkerny against Kivul Oya reservoir project

Demonstration held in Nedunker ...

Dr. Ruchitha Perera Re-elected as Honorary Co-Vice Chair of the Charte ...

Dr. Ruchitha Perera Re-elected ...

Gold prices drop by Rs. 12,000

Gold prices drop by Rs. 12,000