Chris Infotainment

Recognition of Leadership and Vision Vidyani Hettigoda, the Director of the Hettigoda Group of Companies, has been honored as one of the Sri Lankan Top 100 Iconic Women 2025 at the SLBC Centenary Awards. The event took place on August 29 at the BMICH, celebrating her remarkable contributions to business and society. With over three decades of experience, Vidyani has played a crucial role in transforming the family-owned enterprise into a global well-being brand. Under her guidance, Siddhalepa has expanded its presence to more than 40 countries, offering a diverse range of Ayurvedic products and services. Her vision has helped position Ayurveda as a respected and sought-after wellness solution worldwide. Beyond her professional achievements, Vidyani is a passionate advocate for women's empowerment and entrepreneurship. She has mentored numerous rural women, providing them with the tools and support needed to become successful entrepreneurs. Her efforts have not only empowered ind...

Understanding the Science Behind Decomposition in Forensic Investigations Cape Town, a city known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, has long struggled with high rates of violent crime. Among these challenges is the issue of unidentified bodies, which complicates the process of justice and leaves countless families without closure. The city's Observatory Forensic Pathology Institute deals with over 3,500 unnatural deaths annually, yet around 9% remain unidentified. This not only delays investigations but also creates emotional and legal hurdles for those affected. Forensic taphonomists play a critical role in addressing these challenges. Their work involves studying how human remains decompose under various environmental conditions. By understanding this process, they can help determine the time since death, identify potential trauma, and reconstruct what may have happened to the individual. This information is essential in cases involving unidentified bodies, where...

Enhancing Communication with AI-Powered Context Truecaller has grown into a global platform with over 450 million active users, evolving beyond its original purpose as a caller ID service. It now serves as a reliable guide for users to understand not only who is calling but also the intent behind each call. This transformation has been driven by the integration of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) that provides deeper contextual insights on incoming calls. AI-Driven Insights for Every Call The new AI features go beyond simply displaying a caller's name. They include summaries of user comments and real-time analysis of call patterns. These insights help users identify potential fraud, recognize spam, and determine if a call might be from a business or an important contact. The information is delivered instantly, powered by advanced AI classification models and enriched by millions of daily reports from its engaged user community. This real-time intelligence significantly enh...

Evolution of Japanese Romanization Rules The Japanese government is updating its rules for romanizing Japanese characters, shifting from the traditional Kunrei system to the English-style Hepburn method. This change reflects a broader effort to align with international standards and accommodate the evolving needs of a more diverse society. Historical Context of Romanization Systems The Hepburn style was developed by American missionary James Hepburn in the 19th century as a way to write Japanese words using an English-based approach. In contrast, the Kunrei system was introduced during the early Showa era (1926-1989) by the Ministry of Education to standardize various romanization styles. While the Kunrei system was designated as the official style in 1954, it never gained widespread acceptance among the general public. The Hepburn style, on the other hand, became the preferred method for writing names, places, and traffic signs. It has been widely used in passports and other offic...

A Photography Exhibition Shaping Perceptions of Autism Autistic children and young people from south Wales have come together to create a powerful photography exhibition aimed at challenging negative perceptions about autism. The project, titled “But you don’t look autistic,” showcases portraits of neurodivergent individuals, both adults and children, offering a platform for them to express their identities and experiences. Jade West, a representative from Rewild Play, a Newport-based charity, emphasized the importance of this initiative. She noted that neurodivergent children often face overwhelming messages of limitation, but the exhibition seeks to shift that narrative. “We want to show that being autistic is not a barrier, but a different way of thinking and living,” she said. Fifteen-year-old Liam, whose portrait is featured in the exhibition, expressed a sense of pride in being part of the project. He shared his frustration with how others often respond when he reveals his au...

A Call for Innovation and Collaboration in the Fight Against Malaria As the world observes World Mosquito Day, a global effort to raise awareness about the dangers of mosquitoes and the diseases they carry, Target Malaria—a not-for-profit research consortium—has issued an urgent call for increased investment in technology, talent, and partnerships. This initiative aims to combat malaria, a deadly disease that claims over half a million lives annually in Africa, with children being the most vulnerable. Target Malaria is at the forefront of developing gene drive technology, a cutting-edge approach designed to reduce populations of malaria-transmitting mosquitoes. The group emphasizes that ending this public health crisis requires more than just scientific innovation; it also demands trust, community engagement, and capacity-building across the continent. Dr. Léa Paré Toé, Stakeholder Engagement Lead for Target Malaria Burkina Faso at the Health Sciences Research Institute, highlighted...

The Education Secretary's Concerns About White Working-Class Students The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has raised concerns about the performance of white working-class students in the UK. She emphasized that these students are not receiving the support they need to succeed academically and professionally. As GCSE results day approaches, she highlighted that four-fifths of children from white working-class backgrounds struggle with basic English and maths skills. This issue is having a significant impact on the country’s productivity and economy. In 2024, only 19% of white British, working-class children achieved a strong pass in both maths and English GCSEs. This trend has been consistent since 2017, raising serious concerns about the long-term implications for society. Phillipson expressed her dismay at the situation, stating that it is not just the future of these children that is at stake but also the health of the nation as a whole. She pointed out that many indi...

The Unseen Hustle of Nigeria’s “Tuale” Industry In the bustling streets of Nigeria, where the air is thick with the sounds of honking horns and the scent of street food, a unique form of survival has emerged. Known as the “Tuale industry,” this informal hustle involves men who hail passing vehicles in exchange for small amounts of money. While some view it as a way to earn a living, others see it as a symbol of desperation and societal neglect. The story begins with a woman on a Lagos radio program, frustrated by her inability to provide for her four children. When asked about her husband's occupation, she revealed that he was involved in the “Tuale business.” In Nigerian slang, “tuale” refers to a respectful greeting, often involving a bow or raised hands. However, in the context of street life, it has taken on a different meaning. These men stand at bus stops, junctions, or major roadsides, hoping to catch the attention of affluent motorists who might offer them a few coins. F...

The Evolution of Human Connection in the Digital Age In today’s world, the concept of friendship has undergone a significant transformation. While we may have hundreds of "friends" on social media platforms, how many of them are truly real friends? These digital connections often lack the depth and authenticity that traditional friendships once provided. You might find yourself scrolling through updates of people you haven’t seen in years, yet you’re constantly informed about their latest life events. This raises an important question: do these online relationships reflect genuine human connection or just a superficial illusion? The rise of social media has also created a unique phenomenon where individuals can gain a sense of fame or celebrity status without ever being recognized by the general public. A person could be a prominent influencer among millennials or even baby boomers, yet remain unknown to those outside their specific circles. This contrast highlights how the...

The Erosion of Moral Values in Modern Society In recent years, our society has experienced a significant decline in moral values. Fundamental principles such as honesty, respect, kindness, responsibility, and empathy are increasingly being overshadowed by selfishness, dishonesty, and social indifference. This shift is not just an individual issue; it has far-reaching consequences that affect the entire structure of society. As trust, justice, and cooperation begin to erode, the fabric of our communities weakens. One of the primary contributors to this moral decline is the pervasive influence of modern technology and media. While technological advancements have brought numerous benefits, they have also exposed individuals—especially the youth—to content that promotes materialism, violence, and vulgarity. Social media platforms often prioritize fame, wealth, and power over character and integrity. This creates a culture where appearance and short-term gains are valued more than long-te...

Embracing the Power of Creativity and Community in Namibia As a native of Namibia, I have always felt a deep connection to the vibrant cultural heritage that defines our nation. From the vivid expressions of our artists to the evocative stories told by our poets, there is an abundance of creative talent that deserves global recognition. However, for far too long, our artists have faced systemic obstacles that have limited their growth and visibility. It's time to shift this narrative. Through my work with Black Society Namibia, I've had the opportunity to engage with numerous talented individuals. Their passion, resilience, and dedication to their craft are truly inspiring. Yet, I have also witnessed the challenges they face—lack of representation, economic disparities, and limited access to essential resources. These barriers have hindered the development of our creative industry for too long. Despite these challenges, I remain optimistic. I believe we are on the verge of a...

Decline in Brown Bear Population in Hokkaido The population of brown bears in Hokkaido has seen a significant decrease, with an estimated 11,600 bears recorded at the end of 2023. This represents a drop of 500 from the previous year, marking the first decline since population tracking began in 1991. The reduction is largely attributed to an increased number of captures during fiscal 2023, with 1,804 bears being relocated or removed. The Hokkaido Prefectural Government has set a long-term goal of capturing 1,254 bears annually through 2034. The objective is to reduce the overall population to approximately 8,220 by that year, aiming to restore conditions similar to those before brown bear sightings became a social concern. These measures are part of broader efforts to manage human-bear interactions and ensure public safety. At a recent meeting of the prefectural assembly's environment and lifestyle committee on August 5, the brown bear countermeasures office provided detailed ins...