#task: sri lanka

[kravmagasrilanka]

Empowering STF through Krav Maga: A Decade of Achievements!

Established in 2011, Krav Maga Sri Lanka (Krav Maga Kapap Lanka International) has been a pioneer in introducing the Krav Maga Kapap or Israeli hand-to-hand combat system to Sri Lanka. Our visionary founder, Master Sathis Thiramunige, laid the foundation for a journey that has transformed self-defense in our nation. Over the years, we’ve collaborated with esteemed institutions such as the…

[g-xix]

Chaos Crew MASTERLIST

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥

ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢ ꜰᴏʀ: ᴀʀᴛʜᴜʀᴛᴠ, ɢᴇᴏʀɢᴇ ᴄʟᴀʀᴋᴇʏ, ᴀʀᴛʜᴜʀ ʜɪʟʟ, ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴍᴅ, ᴀʟᴇx ᴇʟᴍꜱʟɪᴇ, ᴄᴀᴍ ᴋɪʀᴋʜᴀᴍ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪᴛᴀʟɪᴀɴʙᴀᴄʜ!

☁️= fluff, 🔞= smut, 💢 = angst

REQUESTS ARE OPEN!!! Send litr anything in thru the inbox n i'll write it (or not)... No promises it'll be done any time soon tho :DD

Arthur ATV Frederick

☁️"Pub golf forfeit" - Chippo catches wind of your little YouTube crush on ArthurTV and decides to put you in a team with him to try and set you up- but when Harry, Chris and the rest of the boys do their best to embarrass you in front of your crush, how will the night really end as you fight the cameras, pints and awful pub gold forfeit cards... | ChrisMD half-sister!OC x ATV

💢☁️"Caught" - Months of sneaking around behind your brother's back with his best friend gets exposed as you and Arthur get a bit too careless and get yourselves CAUGHT...

📸Zesty University ATV

🔞"Submissive" - pwp (porn w/out plot), desperate, whiny, sub!Arthur x dom!reader

☁️Head Scritches" - Short 800 word blurb of Arthur just kinda realising that he likes the feeling of your hands between his hair a lot.

🔞"Locked In" - Xtra long 7.3k word smutshot set in S3 locked in house. Y/n is set the strenuous task of ignoring Arthur all day by Sugarlips - yet when Arthur realises this, he does everything in his power to break her... Will you successfully pass your challenge or succumb to Arthur's antics?

🔞"Eating Out HC's" - headcanons of what the Chaos crew would be like giving head

☁️"Return from Sri Lanka" -inspired by Chip's Sri Lanka vids w ATV, a hyper-fluff oneshot of what it's like for gf!reader, seeing Arthur after a whole week of being apart

"Harry Potter x Chaos Crew HC's" - what these goofies would be like in a Harry Potter/Hogwarts Alternate Universe ✨

🔞"SuperMilker3000" - don't be scared by the title. Silly lil 800 word drabble on using a toy w Arthur... taken from my ArthurTV NSFW alphabet that's currently in the works!

📸ATV getting zesty w G Clarkey in a Camden Bar

🔞"Same Time." - when stranded in a little village after a platform roulette with George Clarkey n ArthurTV leads to all three of you sharing a hotel room with one bed and loosened inhibitions... xtra long 6.1k wordcount and very smutty.

🔞"ArthurTV NSFW Alphabet"

📸ATV n G Clarkey Nasty Girl TikTok

🔞"Boxer" - In which Arthur has a certain predilection for the coach's daughter who is subsequently the first aid woman that drives him feral, especially after a boxing match whereby he's got a lot of pent up testosterone to take out...

Chris Chrismd Dixon

🔞"ChrisMD NSFW alphabet"

🔞"Threesome" - W2s x reader x ChrisMD in a post-pub drunken mess of horny brains and hard cocks

🔞"Eating Out HC's" - headcanons of what the Chaos crew would be like giving head

🔞"Piercings" - in which gf!reader gets nipple piercings as a surprise for Chris, which leaves Chris battling his inner demons and resisting all urges to pull or touch those sensitive buds to see you scream whilst he pounds you | part of [KINKTOBER]

"Harry Potter x Chaos Crew HC's" - what these goofies would be like in a Harry Potter/Hogwarts Alternate Universe ✨

☁️💢"Gone, Gone/iloveyou" - Sharing the sadness that comes with your best friend, first love, absolute world, leaving you <3 (tw: mildly cringe if u dont deep it)

☁️🔞"Señor Frogs HCs" - Inspired by Señor Frogs driving team getting their first podium: headcanons of what it'd be like returning to each of the drivers as gf!reader after each of their stints.

Cam Kirkham

<tbc!>

Arthur Hill

🔞"Eating Out HC's" - headcanons of what the Chaos crew would be like giving head

"Harry Potter x Chaos Crew HC's" - what these goofies would be like in a Harry Potter/Hogwarts Alternate Universe ✨

George Clarkey

🔞"Rodeo Ride" - Something about George riding that bull machine at the pub just looks so sinful, and the alcohol gives you an extra buzz of confidence when you're talking to him afterwards, leading to a good night with George...

☁️"Nights out" - Just a plain, fluffy cuddles n kisses style oneshot reflecting on what it'd be like when George came home after a night out- a huggy, touchy drunk bf ༼ つ ◕_◕ ༽つ

☁️"Christmas Imagines" - A note-form story of getting Christmas decorations out and celebrating alongside boyfriend!George... V fluffy and wholesome :)

☁️ "Snow!" - Friends to lovers, featuring ATV, ChrisMD, WillNE, Mia, Immallexx, Alice, Cam n Chloe all celebrating in the apartment when the snow starts covering the London streets which they race down to play in. Super fluffy G Clarkey x y/n festive Winter vibes

🔞"Eating Out HC's" - headcanons of what the Chaos crew would be like giving head

"Harry Potter x Chaos Crew HC's" - what these goofies would be like in a Harry Potter/Hogwarts Alternate Universe ✨

📸ATV getting zesty w G Clarkey in a Camden Bar

🔞"Same Time." - when stranded in a little village after a platform roulette with George Clarkey n ArthurTV leads to all three of you sharing a hotel room with one bed and loosened inhibitions... xtra long 6.1k wordcount and very smutty.

🔞"Hate Sex" - basically porn w/out plot, in which you hate George Clarkey yet somehow end up with him between your legs, fucking you like he's your worst enemy.

📸ATV n G Clarkey Nasty Girl TikTok

☁️"George Clarkey Crying HC's"

Isaac ItalianBach Smith

<tbc!>

ALL!! - silly little drabbles

"Chaos Crew as lawyers" "Chaos Crew on a Roadtrip" "Chaos Crew Cooking" "Chaos Crew as good mornings" "Do they kiss the homies goodnight?"

Cutesy lil platform roulette moments (1),(2),(3)

POLL: Which of the Chaos Crew do the masses wanna see more written for?

looking for someone you can't find?

Head back to the main masterlist to check out the other masterlists to see if the person you're looking for is there! Don't be scared to send a message via DMs or thru the inbox if you need any help xx

p.s. Customise which Oneshots YOU want to be tagged in by submitting your preferences on THIS GOOGLE FORM!

[probablyasocialecologist]

Israel has thus fully embraced the “war on terror” and richly profited from it. One of the most successful though bloody counterinsurgency battles of the early twenty-first century was the Sri Lankan government’s destruction of the Tamil Tigers militant group. Israel played a key, though largely unpublicized, part in Colombo’s successful campaign in a civil war that killed and disappeared more than 200,000 people, mostly Tamils, over a quarter-century that ended in 2009. Israel sold Kfir fighter jets and trained the Special Task Force, a brutal unit of the Sri Lankan police. Sri Lanka borrowed the Israeli playbook during the last stages of the civil war and ignored calls by NGOs, human rights organizations, and foreign governments to cease violence. The military stopped when the Tamil Tigers were completely decimated and Velupillai Prabhakaran, its leader, killed. Israel also helped generations of Sinhalese politicians build and maintain Sinhalese enclaves in the north and east of Sri Lanka, areas where most Tamils live. The aim was to create buffer zones around Tamil-majority areas and establish an unofficial occupation of Tamil territory. These plans continued after 2009 and Sinhala colonization has never stopped. These ideas were directly taken from Israel’s presence in the West Bank, where Palestinian sovereignty is denied with numerous fortified Jewish colonies. Israel signed a US$50 million deal with Sri Lanka in 2021 to upgrade the country’s Kfir jets.

Antony Loewenstein, The Palestine Laboratory: How Israel Exports the Technology of Occupation Around the World

[talonabraxas]

Ganapati – Great Red Lord of Hosts Talon Abraxas

Explaining Ganapati Thangka – the Great Red Lord of Hosts

Ganapati is one of the best-known and most worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon. Ganapati is also known as the Great Red Lord of Hosts. Ganesh originated with Brahmanism (Vedism). In Buddhism, there are two sutras that mention Ganapati, and one with his “Dharani” (mantra) which can be chanted by anyone. In the sutra, Buddha says:

Any son or daughter of high birth, whether monk or nun, lay brother or sister who undertakes any matter accomplishing the rites to call a sacred being by means of mantras, worshipping the Three Jewels, traveling to another country, going to the royal court or concealing should upon worshipping the Blessed Buddha, practice seven times the Arya Ganapati Hrdaya: for him, all tasks will be accomplished; no doubt about this!

Etymology of the Ganapati

The meaning of Ganapati is tsog gi dag PO, mar Chen in Tibet.

Ganapati is called the Tantric Buddhist form of Ganapati related to the Chakrasamvara Cycle of Tantras.

Spritual power of Ganapati

Ganapati is known as Ganesh and Vinayaka who is one of the best-known and most worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon.

Ganapati’s image is found throughout India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Fiji, Thailand, Mauritius, Bali, and Bangladesh.

Hindu denominations worship him regardless of affiliations and devotion to Ganesha is widely diffused and extends to Jains and Buddhists. This form of Ganapati is regarded as an emanation of Avalokiteshvara.

This form of Ganapati is regarded as an emanation of Avalokiteshvara.

Vakratunda Ganesh Mantra

One of the most important and also one of the most common Ganpati Mantras, this is the Ganesh mantra for wealth, and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Goddess Riddhi (Hindu Goddess of Prosperity) and Goddess Siddhi (Hindu Goddess of spiritual enlightenment).

“Vakratunda Maha-Kaaya Surya-Kotti Samaprabha Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Kaaryeshu Sarvadaa ||”

Meaning :

Vakra – means one that is not straight. Vakratunda – means curved trunk. Mahakaya – means large body, if we see that in a more divine sense it means most powerful. Suryakoti – means ‘Surya’ or sun and koti means crore. Samprabha – means ‘prabha – aura, grandeur’ , ‘sama- like’. Suryakoti samprabha – means whose aura is like light of crores of sun put together. Nirvgnam – obstacle free. Kurume – give me. Deva – means God. Sarva – means all. Karyeshu -work. Sarvada -always.

Full meaning : “Oh god with curved trunk, large body whose aura is like light of crores of sun, Please make my entire work obstacle free, forever.”

Benefit : Chanting of this mantra invokes Lord Ganesha to remove every obstacle between one and one’s well-being and helps to achieve wealth, wisdom, good luck, prosperity and success in all the endeavors.

[silvercabarets]

María Manuela de Portugal (oil on canvas, 16th century)

Portrait of princess Maria Manuela of Portugal, based on a work by Antoine Trouvéon in 1542. Trouvéon was part of the French diplomatic mission that year and was tasked with painting the Portuguese royal family. It was also in 1542 that a delegation from the Kingdom of Kotte (in modern Sri Lanka) arrived in Lisbon, bearing gifts from King Bhuvanekabāhu VII. This was the first delegation from Asia to visit Europe.

The princess is richly dressed, wears a crown of flowers on her head and is adorned with a wealth of jewels. In her hands she holds a Japanese-style hand fan, which was adopted by the Portuguese court as an element of etiquette and coquetry. Maria Manuela, who used to cover her face with a fan, introduced this custom to Madrid upon her marriage to the future Philip II of Spain. (Source.)

[dailyunsolvedmysteries]

Bruce McArthur: The shopping mall Santa Claus who murdered eight men

It was January 2018 in Toronto, Canada, when residents of Mallory Crescent peered outside to see an influx of police activity in their middle-class neighbourhood. Between the years of 2010 and 2017, a total of eight men vanished from Church and Wellesley, Toronto’s LGBTQ-oriented district that is also known as the Gay Village. However, the nation was blissfully unaware that they had found themselves victims to a prolific serial killer that had gone undetected for almost a decade.

Bruce McArthur was born in Lindsay, Ontario on 8th October 1951.He later settled down with his wife, Janice, and had two children. Unbeknownst to McArthur’s family, he had begun having affairs with men in the 1990s. In the mid to late 1990s, McArthur came out, and by 1997, he and Janice had separated. He moved to Toronto because there was a much more prevalent gay scene. Here, McArthur became a familiar face in the Gay Village, where he met Skandaraj Navaratnam, originally from Sri Lanka, and the duo embarked on a romantic relationship.

In 2001, McArthur pleaded guilty to attacking a man with a metal pipe. After the guilty plea, he saw Dr. Marie-France Dionne, a psychologist, who prepared a report for his sentencing on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and assault causing bodily harm. She noted he was embarrassed by his arrest, and that he had no recollection of it.  He was also ordered to not be in the presence of male sex workers and to not visit a specific section of downtown Toronto that included the Gay Village. That did not deter McArthur, and he took to setting up profiles on online dating apps.

During the holiday season, he moonlighted as a Santa Claus for local malls. With his white hair, beard, and outwardly jolly demeanour, he looked the perfect part, but behind that façade of normalcy, McArthur was concealing a deep and dark secret.

In 2010, Skandaraj inexplicably vanished, but it was not until two years later that ‘Project Houston’ was set up to investigate his disappearance, alongside the disappearances of Majeed Kayhan and Abdulbasir Faizi. All three men were frequent visitors of the Gay Village, and all had disappeared between 2010 and 2012. Skandaraj was last seen in the early morning hours of 6th September 2010, when he was spotted leaving a gay bar with an unknown man.

The following year, an anonymous tip came to investigators about McArthur’s relationship with Skandaraj. This same tipster suggested that McArthur had also known Majeed. McArthur was questioned, and while he admitted he knew both men from the local gay scene, he denied that he was ever in a romantic relationship with Skandaraj. However, he did acknowledge that Majeed had once worked for him in his landscaping business and that they had once had a sexual encounter. He claimed to know nothing about either disappearance and after an 18-month investigation, Project Houston was closed due to a lack of evidence that anything criminal had taken place.

Then on 26th June 2017, Andrew Kinsman disappeared. He was observed on surveillance cameras climbing into a red van and this surveillance was handed over to investigators. They were able to identify that the red van was a 2004 Dodge Caravan. A town hall meeting was held to discuss the disappearance of Andrew as well as another gay man, Selim Esen. The meeting brought in an influx of media attention to the disappearances and curiously, just two weeks later, McArthur purchased a new vehicle. As investigators would soon enough learn, he was the owner of a red 2004 Dodge Caravan.

Another task force was set up to investigate these two disappearances, Project Prism. Investigators began looking into Andrew’s background, and they discovered that on his calendar, he had an engagement with ‘Bruce’ scheduled. Investigators now knew the brand of the car involved and a potential suspect’s name. They just needed to somehow connect the two.

Investigators sought from the provincial Ministry of Transportation a list of 2003 – 2006 Dodge Caravans registered in Toronto. There were 6,181, but only five were linked to the name Bruce. They quickly discovered that Bruce McArthur was the only one who owned the 2004 model. One of the investigators who worked on Project Houston recognized the name immediately.

Investigators embarked on McArthur’s apartment, where they obtained surveillance footage of him driving the red 2004 Dodge Caravan. They were able to trace the license plate and track it down to a wrecking yard where they seized it. A forensic examination was conducted of the vehicle, and it revealed traces of Andrew and Selim’s DNA. In December, investigators acquired a search warrant for McArthur’s apartment where they found graphic photographs of several men, all of whom were deceased and posed.

The investigators had searched the apartment covertly, and after the grim findings, they placed McArthur on surveillance. On 18th January 2019, they were watching over his apartment when McArthur appeared with a man. He unlocked the front door and welcomed the man inside. Investigators feared that this man could be an intended victim; they broke down the door, arrested McArthur and found the terrified man, nude and tied to the bed.

With McArthur behind bars, the investigation would finally uncover the truth about him, that he was a predatory serial killer that had been killing men since 2010. He had been using his landscaping business to conceal human remains. In total, eight bodies were found buried in various locations that were connected to McArthur, including the bodies of Skandaraj, Majeed, Abdulbasir, Andrew and Selim.

Many of the remains were found hidden inside large plastic planters at a home on Mallory Crescent. The homeowner had allowed McArthur to keep items on their property in exchange for lawn care. He was completely unaware that McArthur was using it as a dumping ground for his victims.

Many of McArthur’s victims were immigrants of Middle Eastern or South Asian descent. While they were all members of the LGBTQ+ community in Toronto, some of them were not openly gay and lived that aspect of their lives in private. Ontario Superior Court of Justice John McMahon commented on this, stating: ‘There is evidence Mr. McArthur sought out and exploited these vulnerabilities to continue his crimes undetected.’

Bruce McArthur pleaded guilty to all eight murders. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years.

[redeyedroid]

Scots generally don't go much for cricket. Which I find odd, considering how consistently terrible England have been for most of my life. If there's one thing that brings the people of Scotland together, it's England losing at sport.

Cricket's eccentric as hell; the objectives often incomprehensible and bizarre, even to people who follow the game; it's impenetrable terminology has multiple ways of labeling the same things; the simple idea of who is winning and who is losing may be undiscernable for days; it can go on for five days and still end in a draw and they only decided to end matches like that because once, decades ago, a test match went on so long one team risked missing their boat back home; a series of five or more matches can go on for months; people are forced to keep playing long after the result has been decided; bowling and batting require completely different skills and techniques, yet some players master both; it's greatest trophy, The Ashes, is only contested by two nations and is, essentially, a self-deprecating shitpost; and one of the greatest memes of all time originates from a dropped catch in 2019.

But, because the people of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka love it like nothing else, it is the second most popular sport in the world. And I love it, too. Be it Mitchell Starc clean bowling Rory Burns with the first ball of the 2021/22 Ashes, beginning a series of quite staggering English ineptitude; or Virat Kohli, the greatest batter of this generation, hitting back-to-back sixes off Haris Rauf in front of 95,000 people at the Melbourne Cricket Ground while leading India to an extraordinary win against Pakistan at the 2022 T20 World Cup, cricket offers dramatic moments of brilliance with a regularity other sports struggle to match.

If you want an idea of exactly how popular cricket is in India, Kohli has 60 million more instagram followers than Brady, Serena and LeBron combined. His is the 16th most followed account in the world. The only sports stars with larger followings are Messi and Ronaldo. Like the greatest players in any sport, time appears to slow down around him when he's at his best, his balance and timing perfect as he makes an almost impossible task look like the easiest thing in the world (batters have a fraction of a second to react to a ball being bowled at them. Against the fastest bowlers, they might not even be able to see the ball at all, instead relying on triggers and clues and experience to hit it.)

I picked up a love for cricket from my dad, who himself picked it up one rainy summer afternoon (what do you think happens in summer in Scotland?) when he was young and there were only two TV channels. He loves the great West Indian team of the 1970s and 80s like no other. They're probably his favourite thing in sporting history. A found love, rather than the familial support for Hibs he inherited from his father.

(For that, I'd recommend the excellent documentary, Fire In Babylon. No knowledge is needed, beyond that in cricket, unlike baseball, there is no restriction against a bowler aiming at the batter's body. And the West Indian team had a succession of players who bowled at the speed of light and terrorised batters across the world. They also had, in Gordon Greenidge and Viv Richards, the two great batters of the - possibly any - era).

I missed much of their quarter century of dominance, being too young or not actually alive, but I do remember their last great bowlers, Courtney Walsh and Curtley Ambrose, while the great Trinidadian, Brian Lara, twice set records for the highest individual score in test cricket, first scoring 375, then an unbeaten 400, a record that still stands today and which may now never be bettered. Of course, both those scores came against England.

There was a lot of listening to cricket on the radio, driving places when we were on holiday in the summer. It was a summer sport then, coverage only following teams when they came to England. In the winter, when England went away, we got little, for this was the age before wall-to-wall sports TV.

For instance, I remember bits of Australia's 1993 Ashes rampage coinciding with daytrips along Hadrian's Wall, among other places, but I have no memory of the following, equally one-sided series in Australia in 1994/95.

Not that test cricket is at all rampageous, containing, as it does, breaks for lunch and tea, and even at it's most fast paced only has a ball bowled every 45 seconds or so, this being repeated about 500 times a day, with maybe 1 in 4 actually being scored from. You can miss great chunks of matches only to find nothing has fundamentally changed when you return. One man dressed in white hurls a small red ball at another, who most often declines the opportunity to hit it as it whizzes past. It is often as close to being a day-long nap as any sport can be.

Today, like football, the sport is played everywhere, all the time. The South Asian nations have spread it across the world, far beyond the borders of the British imperial possessions where the colonial administrators introduced it. Wherever there is a strong community of people from the subcontinent, cricket will be found and while there are less than a dozen full members of the ICC, there are now lots of associate members all competing against each other (the USA is the 18th-ranked men's ODI team, for example). There's almost always something to watch somewhere.

Powered by TV money (rights for the Indian Premier league are, on a per-game basis, now the second most expensive sporting event in the world, after the NFL) the compressed, high-scoring excitement of T20 has become the most popular format of cricket, which is bad for me. Because my preference is for the full-fat, slow-motion weirdness of a test match. It's what I grew up with and in my mind, the game is not for the swift. There's a reason they're called tests. The game should be an examination of technique and concentration and endurance that lasts for ages and ends with two poor bastards trying to scratch out a draw by batting for a day and a half because their side trails by 450 runs and the other 9 players on their team are idiots who got out in ridiculous ways. And then, after they inevitably fail, they do it again a week later. And maybe they lose horribly two more times and their team finds itself 3-0 down with two matches to play, but those matches still get played, even though they won't change the result of the series, because that's also part of the test. Or maybe it rains all summer and no matches are played, because the English, with maniac optimism, like to invent games that cannot be played if it's raining (see also: tennis).

I recognise that this is churlish of me. The women's game, like in so many other sports a niche afterthought, is being supercharged by an influx of cash from India, as the men's IPL has this year expanded into a women's tournament. The TV rights for this sold for £95m, the 5 franchises sold for half a billion. The top players - most players, probably - will make more from it than they do for the rest of the year. T20 is an extraordinary boost for the women's game, where tests are rarely played.

This is A Very Good Thing, but I'll always prefer tests.

Only three nations now have the economic power and talent pool to devote equal attention to all three formats of the game. Only England, India and Australia still play full test series against each other. The rest now play two- or maybe three-match series and only occasionally. The form the future of the game will take is in doubt. The West Indies might fracture amidst a proliferation of T20 franchise leagues, their players - naturally and understandably - touring the world and playing in half-a-dozen dozen leagues, their talents auctioned and drafted and paid far more than they get from tests.

But today I'm going to ignore the question marks about cricket's future and the maybe slow death of anything other than T20. Because today, one of the last remaining marquee matchups begins. Tomorrow, the women's T20 World Cup starts in South Africa. In a couple of months I will consume as much of the two IPLs as I can. In the summer, England will host Ashes series for both men and women that promise much. Australia's men currently holds the ridiculous little urn and are the top ranked side. England's men are actually very good right now and have many fine and likeable players, and a part of me finds that very irritating. Either or neither could win. For the other, England's women are also good, but Australia's are much gooder (for real. Ellyse Perry should be counted among the greatest female sports stars of all time. A world class bowler and batter, she has represented Australia at World Cups in both cricket and football).

All that is for tomorrow and beyond. Today, Australia's men begin a 4-match test series in India. India will probably win. It is incredibly hard to win anywhere as a touring team because weather and pitches vary a great deal from country to country and strongly favour the home team, no matter how lowly they are ranked. The West Indies comfortably beat England last year, and Australia struggled to a draw in Sri Lanka. And of all the places to tour, India is the hardest place to win of all. A series win in India is a rare and treasured thing.

The problem with touring India are the pitches. They are slow and dusty and - like most subcontinental tracks - favour the arcane arts of spin bowling, where a bowler uses his fingers or wrist to put spin on the ball in the hope that when it hits the pitch it grips and it's trajectory changes, deceiving the batter. Pitches are prepared to take advantage of this and push India's home field advantage as much as possible. Teams who play warm-up matches before tests in the hope of acclimatising will find placid, grassy pitches that offer not a hint of the demonic conditions the test series will likely bring. Cricket has never been a gentleman's game.

Australia have one, very very good spin bowler in Nathan Lyon and a number who are either untested or not good. They are likely to suffer against Indian batters who have known how to play spin since picking up a bat. India have Ravichandran Ashwin, also a very very good spinner, but in Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav they have several who are merely very good and likely to prosper against Australian batters who are less good away from Australia (Jadeja, injured for most of the last 6 months is arguably the best all-rounder in men's cricket today. A prodigiously talented bowler and batter, he is also among the best fielders in the men's game).

Australia have barely toured anywhere since the pandemic began, but their team has played very well at home and their glitchy batting goblins Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith are incredibly good. I have hope they make the series competitive (though for me, their approaches to batting are too angularly idiosyncratic compared to the gloriously pure techniques of Kohli and Babar Azam of Pakistan). But I also hope that Kohli finds form and has a series for the ages.

The man's due.

PS Old Deadspin did a decent primer on cricket years ago and you can still read it, if you don't mind giving the site clicks...

[head-post]

Sri Lanka’s new president appoints first female PM in 24 years

Sri Lanka’s new president Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Harini Amarasuriya, a member of his National People Power (NPP) coalition, as the country’s Prime Minister on Wednesday, The Independent reports.

The leftist president, known as AKD, was sworn in on Monday after winning the first presidential election held after the 2022 anti-government protests that forced then President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign and flee. He called for snap parliamentary elections, dissolving parliament shortly after winning the weekend’s election.

Ms. Amarasuriya, 54, is the first woman in more than two decades and only the third woman in the history of independent Sri Lanka to serve as prime minister. She teaches sociology and is known for her activism on gender and minority rights.

The last woman PM was Sirimavo Bandaranaike, who became the world’s first female head of government when she took office in 1960. Her daughter Chandrika Kumaratunga took over in 1994.

A government notification issued on Tuesday said the 225-member parliament has been dissolved since midnight and fresh elections have been scheduled for November 14, almost a year ahead of schedule.

The move is seen as an attempt by the president to consolidate power in parliament, where Mr. Dissanayake’s NPP has just three seats. Party member Namal Karunaratne told reporters:

“We will have the smallest cabinet in the history of Sri Lanka.” 

Mr. Dissanayake’s lack of a majority makes it difficult for him to appoint a full cabinet and during the campaign he vowed to dissolve parliament and call snap elections. The five-year term of the current parliament ends next August.

President is trying to strengthen his grip on parliament

Despite a minority in parliament, the 2022 protests, sparked by the island’s economic crisis, paved the way for Mr. Dissanayake’s rise to power. He wrote in a post on X after securing 42 per cent of votes:

“Your commitment has brought us this far, and for that, I am deeply grateful. This victory belongs to all of us.”

Jonathan Spencer, emeritus professor at the University of Edinburgh, told The Hindu:

“The task facing her is extraordinarily challenging, but she is a woman of extraordinary capacities.” 

Mr. Dissanayake retained the portfolios of defence, energy and agriculture, handing the justice, education, labour, science, health and investment ministries to the prime minister.

A third coalition member, Vijitha Herath, was appointed as the new foreign minister with additional powers in the area of public security.

Read more HERE

[auditmindziso]

Global ISO 9001 Certification

ISO 9001 certification is a globally recognized standard for quality management systems. Achieving this certification can bring many benefits to organizations including improved customer satisfaction and increased efficiency.

One key player in the process of achieving ISO 9001 certification is the consultant. “auditmindz” can provide valuable guidance and support to organizations as they work towards meeting the requirements of the standard.

The role of “auditmindz” in ISO 9001 certification can vary depending on the needs of the organization. Some common tasks that “auditmindz” may perform include:

· Conducting a gap analysis to identify areas where the organization’s current processes do not meet ISO 9001 requirements

· Develop a plan to address these gaps and implement necessary changes

· Providing training and support to employees to help them understand and comply with ISO 9001 requirements

· Assisting with documentation and record keeping

· Conducting internal audits to ensure ongoing compliance with the standard

Working with “auditmindz” can be beneficial for organizations seeking ISO 9001 certification. “auditmindz” can provide expert knowledge and guidance, helping organizations navigate the process more smoothly.

In conclusion, achieving ISO 9001 certification can bring many benefits to organizations, and working with “auditmindz” can provide valuable support in this process. The role of “auditmindz” may vary depending on the needs of the organization but can include tasks such as conducting gap analyses, developing plans for improvement, and providing training.

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[mynewshq]

Sri Lanka swears in new left-leaning president

Sri Lanka's new president Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been sworn into office, promising "clean" politics as the country recovers from its worst economic crisis. The left-leaning Dissanayake has cast himself as a disruptor of the status quo, and analysts see his victory as a rejection of corruption and cronyism that has long plagued the country. Saturday's election was the first since 2022, when discontent over the economy fuelled mass protests and chased former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa from power. "We need to establish a new clean political culture," he said. "I commit to achieving this. We will do the utmost to win back the people’s respect and trust for the political system." The 55-year-old, also known as AKD, told Sri Lankans that "democracy doesn’t end with appointing a leader". "We need to strengthen democracy. I pledge to do my utmost to safeguard democracy," he said. "I have said before that I am not a magician – I am an ordinary citizen. There are things I know and don’t know. My utmost objective is to gather those with the knowledge and skills to help lift this country." Dissanayake received a Buddhist blessing at the end of his speech. Representatives of Sri Lanka's other religions - Islam, Hinduism and Christianity - were also present during the oath-taking, highlighting the new president's emphasis on diversity. In a statement on the eve of the ceremony, Dissanayake said the "unity of Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and all Sri Lankans is the bedrock of this new beginning". During the campaign, Dissanayake promised voters good governance and tough anti-corruption measures. He has promised to develop Sri Lanka's manufacturing, agriculture and IT sectors. He has also committed to continuing the deal struck with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to bail Sri Lanka out of the economic crisis while reducing the impact of its austerity measures on the country’s poorest. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena resigned before Dissanayake was sworn in, paving the way for the dissolution of parliament. In an earlier interview with BBC Sinhala, Dissanayake signalled that he would dissolve parliament soon after being elected. "There is no point continuing with a parliament that is not in line with what the people want," he said at the time. Dissanayake won after the counting stretched into a second round on Sunday, as no candidate was able to win more than 50% of the total votes in the first round. Once the second and third-choice votes for president had been tallied, the Election Commission said Dissanayake had won with a total of 5,740,179 votes. Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa came in second at 4,530,902. Outgoing President Ranil Wickremesinghe got 2,299,767 during the first round of counting and was excluded from the second round. Wickremesinghe congratulated his successor, saying: "With much love and respect for this beloved nation, I hand over its future to the new president". Until this weekend's vote, all of Sri Lanka's eight presidential elections since 1982 had seen the winner emerge during the first round of counting. This poll has been described as one of the closest in the country's history. Dissanayake's anti-corruption platform resonated strongly with voters who have been clamouring for systematic change since the crisis. This enabled him to overcome trepidation over the violent past of his political party, the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), which carried out two armed insurrections against the Sri Lankan state in the 1970s and 80s. Dissanayake's alliance, the National People’s Power – of which the JVP is a part – rose to prominence during the 2022 protests, known as the Aragalaya – Sinhala for struggle. Dissanayake has also sought to moderate the hard-left stance of his party in more recent years. The country's new president will be faced with the twin tasks of reviving the economy and lifting millions from crushing poverty. An economic meltdown fuelled the Aragalaya uprising that unseated Rajapaksa from the presidential palace in 2022. At that time, Sri Lanka's foreign currency reserves had dried up, leaving the country unable to import essentials such as fuel. Public debt ballooned to $83bn while inflation soared to 70%. This made basics such as food and medicine unaffordable to ordinary people. The country's economic misery has been blamed on major policy errors, weak exports and years of under-taxation. This was exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, which choked tourism, a key economic driver. Many people have also blamed corruption and mismanagement, however, stoking anger against Rajapaksa and his family, who collectively ruled Sri Lanka for more than 10 years. "The most serious challenge is how to restore this economy," Dr Athulasiri Samarakoon, a political scientist at the Open University of Sri Lanka, told the BBC Sinhala Service. During his termWickremesinghe secured a $2.9bn lifeline from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which is crucial to opening additional funding channels but comes with strict economic and governance policy reforms. Sri Lanka is restructuring the terms of its debt payments with foreign and domestic lenders, as mandated by the IMF. The main focus has been the country's $36bn worth of foreign debt, of which $7bn is owed to China, its largest bilateral creditor. Like Dissanayake, Premadasa also pushed for IT development, as well as the establishment of 25 new industrial zones. He said tourism should be supported so that it becomes the country's top foreign currency earner. Wickremesinghe said during the campaign that he would double tourist arrivals and establish a national wealth fund, as well as new economic zones to increase growth. Read the full article

[xnewsinfo]

Tens of millions of Sri Lankans forged ballots on Saturday to elect a president tasked with boosting the South Asian nation's fragile financial restoration from its worst monetary disaster in many years.Greater than 17 million of Sri Lanka's 22 million individuals are eligible to vote in an election that's shaping as much as be a good contest between President Ranil Wickremesinghe, foremost opposition chief Sajith Premadasa and Marxist rival Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who led in a latest opinion ballot.Residents within the capital Colombo lined up early on the polls, which had been guarded by safety personnel, as voting started at 7 a.m. (0130 GMT). Voting was peaceable throughout the island nation, native media reported.Polls shut at 4 p.m. (10:30 GMT) and counting is scheduled to start shortly after. The Electoral Fee is predicted to announce the winner on Sunday.Greater than 13,000 polling stations have been arrange throughout the nation and 250,000 civil servants have been deployed to handle the elections, RML Rathnayake, head of Sri Lanka's election fee, informed Reuters.That is the primary election since Sri Lanka's economic system collapsed in 2022 as a result of a extreme scarcity of international foreign money, leaving the Indian Ocean island nation unable to pay for imports of important items together with gas, medicines and cooking fuel.1000's of protesters marched in Colombo in 2022 and occupied the President's workplace and residence, forcing then President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee and later resign.Sri Lanka's economic system, supported by a $2.9 billion bailout from the Worldwide Financial Fund, has staged a tentative restoration, however the excessive price of residing stays a central problem for a lot of voters.Though inflation cooled to 0.5% final month from a disaster peak of 70%, and the economic system is forecast to develop in 2024 for the primary time in three years, tens of millions of individuals stay mired in poverty and debt, with many pinning their hopes for a greater future on their subsequent chief.Whoever wins the election should guarantee Sri Lanka adheres to the IMF programme till 2027 to place its economic system on a steady development path, reassure markets, appeal to buyers and assist 1 / 4 of its inhabitants out of crisis-induced poverty."The choice you make on the poll field at this time will decide the way forward for our nation, not only for the following 5 years, however for generations to come back," Overseas Minister Ali Sabry posted on X in help of Wickremesinghe. "Use your vote correctly in order that Sri Lanka can proceed its restoration and transfer ahead in direction of a sustainable and affluent future."Sri Lanka's ranked-choice voting system permits voters to forged three preferential votes for his or her chosen candidates.If no candidate will get 50% within the first depend, there might be a runoff between the 2 front-runners, wherein the opposite candidates' preferential votes might be redistributed, an end result analysts say is probably going given the shut nature of the election.Tune in

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Best Sharpening Tools File Manufacturer in US, UK, Indonesia, Vietnam, Kenya, Netherland, Taiwan, Canada, Nigeria and Sri Lanka - Ralph Martindale

Ralph Martindale is the best sharpening tools file manufacturer in the US, UK, Indonesia, Vietnam, Kenya, Netherlands, Taiwan, Canada, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka. Our high-quality files are essential cutting tools, designed for removing rough or sharp edges, shaping metal, and resizing materials. Made from high carbon steel, each file is hardened and tempered for maximum efficiency, durability, and performance. With a range of shapes and sizes, our files are ideal for various tasks like smoothing surfaces, filling holes, and straightening edges, making them a versatile choice for professionals worldwide. Our top-quality Sharpening Tools File lineup includes Flat file, Extra Slim Taper Saw File, Double Edge Saw File, Cant Saw File File, Knife File, Hand File, and more.

[penandpaper25]

What Is a Good IELTS Score?

A good IELTS score depends on your goals and the requirements of the institution or organisation you are applying to. By following preparatory IELTS classes, which are offered at a reasonable IELTS Sri Lanka course fee, you can be better prepared to achieve a good score at the final examination.

What Is a Good IELTS Score?

Band 9 (Expert User): You have full operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate, and fluent with complete understanding.

Band 8 (Very Good User): You have fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage.

Band 7 (Good User): You have operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings in some situations.

Band 6 (Competent User): You have generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings.

Band 5 (Modest User): You have partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though you are likely to make many mistakes.

For academic purposes, a Band 7 or above is often considered a good score, especially if you are applying to top universities. For immigration purposes, a Band 6 or 7 might be sufficient depending on the country and visa type. This will be explained to you when you follow an IELTS Sri Lanka course, whether it is a physical or IELTS online course.

How to Achieve a Good IELTS Score

Understand the Test Format: Familiarise yourself with the four sections of the IELTS: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section tests different skills, so it is important to know what to expect.

Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key. Use IELTS practice materials, such as sample tests and past papers, to get used to the question types and time constraints.

Focus on Your Weaknesses: Identify areas where you need improvement and focus your practice there. Whether it is speaking fluently or understanding complex reading passages, targeted practice will help you improve faster.

Develop English Skills: Beyond test-specific practice, improving your overall English skills is crucial. Engage in activities that improve your listening, reading, writing, and speaking in English. For example, watch English-language media, read books or articles in English, write essays, and engage in conversations in English.

Time Management: Practise completing tasks within the time limits. This is especially important for the Reading and Writing sections, where time can be tight.

Seek Feedback: If possible, get feedback on your speaking and writing from a teacher or a mentor who is familiar with the IELTS. This can help you understand what you need to improve.

Use Official IELTS Materials: Official materials from the IELTS website or other accredited resources give you a realistic idea of what to expect.

Take a Preparation Course: Consider enrolling in an IELTS preparation course, either online or in-person, to get professional guidance and structured practice.

Stay Calm and Confident: On test day, remain calm and confident. Read the questions carefully, manage your time wisely, and give your best effort.

[tudo-lk]

Rice Cooker – The Ultimate Guide

Ultimate Guide to Rice Cookers: Everything You Need to Know

Rice cookers are a staple kitchen appliance in many households, making it easy to cook perfectly fluffy rice every time. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of rice cookers, answer common questions, and provide tips on selecting the right capacity and troubleshooting common issues. We’ll also highlight the best brands available in Sri Lanka and why tudo.lk is the best online marketplace to buy a rice cooker.

Types of Rice Cookers

Conventional Cookers: Basic models that switch off or keep warm after the rice is cooked. Ideal for straightforward cooking tasks.

Micom (Microcomputer) Rice Cookers: Advanced models with microcomputer technology that adjust cooking times and temperatures for optimal results.

Induction Heating (IH) Rice Cookers: Use induction heating for precise temperature control, ensuring even cooking and better rice texture.

Pressure Rice Cookers: Combine pressure cooking with rice cooking for faster and more flavorful results.

FAQs about Rice Cookers

1. How Do I Cook Rice with a Rice Cooker?

Cooking rice with a rice cooker is simple:

Measure the desired amount of rice and rinse it under cold water to remove excess starch.

Add the rinsed rice to the rice cooker pot and add water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Close the lid and select the appropriate cooking setting.

Press the start button and wait for the rice cooker to complete the cooking process.

Once the rice is cooked, let it sit for a few minutes before fluffing it with a rice paddle.

2. How Do I Select the Capacity of a Rice Cooker?

The capacity of a rice cooker is measured in cups of uncooked rice. Consider the following when selecting the right capacity:

1-3 Cups: Suitable for individuals or small families.

3-5 Cups: Ideal for medium-sized families.

5-10 Cups: Perfect for large families or gatherings.

3. How Do I Troubleshoot Common Issues?

Here are some common issues and solutions:

Rice is Undercooked: Ensure you are using the correct water-to-rice ratio. Check if the rice cooker is properly plugged in and the lid is securely closed.

Rice is Overcooked or Mushy: Reduce the amount of water used or try a different cooking setting if available.

Rice Cooker Doesn’t Start: Check the power supply and ensure the cooker is properly plugged in. Verify if the cooking pot is correctly placed in the cooker.

Best Brands Available in Sri Lanka

Panasonic

Philips

LG

Samsung

Why tudo.lk is the Best Place to Buy Online

tudo.lk is the leading online marketplace in Sri Lanka, offering a wide range of rice cookers from top brands at competitive prices. With detailed product descriptions, customer reviews, and reliable delivery services, tudo.lk ensures a seamless shopping experience. Whether you’re looking for a basic model or an advanced rice cooker, you’ll find it on tudo.lk.

Explore More Products

Shop Rice Cookers

Shop Kitchen Appliances

[sampeterson613]

What Are Face Serums and What Do They Do?

Face serums like Loreal, Neutrogena and Ordinary serum, are skincare products designed to deliver active ingredients directly into the skin. They have a lightweight, often gel-like or liquid texture that allows them to penetrate deeply. Serums are typically more concentrated than other skincare products, such as moisturisers, so they can address specific skin concerns effectively.

Here are some common functions and benefits of face serums:

·      Hydration: Many serums contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps to retain moisture in the skin.

·      Anti-Aging: Serums can have ingredients like retinoids or antioxidants (e.g., vitamin C) that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and promote skin elasticity.

·      Brightening: Ingredients such as vitamin C or niacinamide in serums can help even out skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation.

·      Acne Treatment: Some serums are formulated with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to help control and prevent acne breakouts.

·      Soothing: Serums with ingredients like chamomile or aloe vera can help calm irritated skin and reduce redness.

·      Firming: Peptides and other ingredients in serums can help improve skin firmness and elasticity.

To use a serum, you typically apply a few drops to your face after cleansing and before moisturising. It is usually best to use serums as part of a broader skincare routine tailored to your skin type and concerns.

It is important to get good skin care products, even if it is for simple tasks like cleansing and moisturizing your skin. While good brands, like the Cetaphil moisturizer price in Sri Lanka can be high as compared to other brands, it is still worth it, because your skin deserves the best treatment it can have.

How to properly use a face serum

Using a face serum properly can maximise its benefits and ensure your skin gets the most out of it. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1.    Cleanse Your Face: Start with a clean face to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup. Use a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type.

2.    Tone (Optional): If you use a toner, apply it after cleansing. Toners help balance the skin's pH and can enhance serum absorption.

3.    Apply Serum:

·      Dispense: Take a few drops of the serum. Usually, 2-3 drops are sufficient.

·      Apply: Gently press or pat the serum onto your face using your fingertips. You can also apply it in small dots on different areas of your face (forehead, cheeks, chin) and then gently spread it out.

4.    Avoid Overuse: More serum does not mean better results. Follow the recommended amount and avoid applying too much.

5.    Allow Absorption: Give the serum a few moments to absorb fully into your skin before moving on to the next step in your skincare routine.

6.    Follow Up with Moisturiser: After the serum has absorbed, apply a moisturiser to lock in hydration and enhance the serum’s effects. This helps to seal in the active ingredients and keep your skin hydrated.

7.    Apply Sunscreen (Morning Routine): If you are using the serum in the morning, finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage.

8.    Consistency: For best results, use your serum regularly as part of your daily skincare routine, both morning and night if recommended.

Each serum may have specific instructions based on its ingredients, so always check the product label for any special directions or precautions.

How do you choose a face serum that is right for your skin?

Choosing the right face serum depends on your skin type, concerns, and goals. Here is a guide to help you select a serum that suits your needs:

1.    Identify Your Skin Type:

·      Dry Skin: Look for serums with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerine, or squalane.

·      Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: Choose serums with ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide, which can help control oil and prevent breakouts.

·      Sensitive Skin: Choose serums with soothing ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, or centella asiatica, and avoid potential irritants like strong fragrances or alcohol.

2.    Determine Your Skin Concerns:

·      Anti-Aging: Seek serums with retinoids, peptides, or antioxidants (such as vitamin C or E) to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

·      Hyperpigmentation: Serums with vitamin C, niacinamide, or alpha arbutin can help even out skin tone and reduce dark spots.

·      Hydration: Choose serums with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides to boost moisture levels.

·      Texture and Firmness: Look for serums with peptides, growth factors, or retinoids to improve skin texture and elasticity.

3.    Consider Ingredients and Formulations:

·      Active Ingredients: Check the concentration and effectiveness of active ingredients in the serum.

·      Fragrance and Additives: Avoid serums with high levels of fragrance or potential allergens if you have sensitive skin.

·      Patch Test: Before applying a new serum to your face, do a patch test on a small area of your skin to check for any adverse reactions.

·      Consult a Professional: If you are unsure about which serum to choose, consider consulting a dermatologist or skincare professional who can recommend products based on your specific skin needs.

·      Review and Research: Look for reviews and recommendations from others with similar skin concerns to see how well the serum has worked for them.

By matching the serum’s benefits to your skin’s needs, you can find a product that helps you achieve your skincare goals effectively.

[ebelal56-blog]

India vs Russia: The Unlikely Rivalry

India's relationships with its neighboring countries are like a complex tapestry, woven with threads of history, culture, and politics. Each thread tells a story-of shared struggles, of cultural ties, and yes, of conflict. Take Pakistan, for instance. The partition in 1947 didn't just divide land; it divided families, communities, and even dreams. The echoes of that division still resonate today, shaping our diplomatic landscape. Then there's Nepal and Bangladesh, countries with whom we share deep cultural connections, yet also face challenges like border disputes and political tensions. And let's not forget Sri Lanka, where our influence has been significant, but not without its own set of complications. Now, when we look at Russia, the dynamics shift dramatically. Russia's relationships with its neighbors are heavily influenced by its Soviet past. The legacy of the USSR looms large over its interactions, creating a sense of nostalgia and, at times, a desire to re-establish a sphere of influence. This is a nation that often prioritizes its geopolitical interests, sometimes at the expense of its neighbors' sovereignty. The aggressive policies we've seen in regions like Ukraine or Georgia serve as stark reminders of how power can overshadow diplomacy. So, what does this mean for India? Well, India has a unique position. We have strategic interests that are not just about power, but also about regional stability. Security concerns, trade routes, and economic cooperation are all part of the equation. However, balancing these interests with the need for friendly relations is no easy task. It's a tightrope walk, where one misstep could lead to tensions that spiral out of control. Historically, India has leaned on diplomacy and soft power to build its relationships. Think about it-cultural exchanges, economic ties, and shared democratic values have been our tools. But let's be honest, recent years have seen some cracks. The tensions with Pakistan are well-documented, and the situation with Nepal has also soured, particularly over border issues. It's a reminder that even the most well-intentioned policies can hit roadblocks. Now, if we look at Russia's approach, it's often marked by assertiveness. Military maneuvers, economic pressure-these are tactics that have led to strained relations with several neighboring countries. It's a stark contrast to what we aspire to as a nation. We need to learn from these mistakes. Building trust and cooperation is paramount. India could benefit from focusing on confidence-building measures. Imagine increasing people-to-people ties, engaging in cultural exchanges, and participating in multilateral forums where smaller neighbors feel heard and respected. It's about creating an environment where dialogue flourishes, rather than one where fear prevails. Economic integration is another critical area. Strengthening ties through trade agreements and infrastructure projects can create a web of interdependence that reduces the likelihood of conflicts. When our neighbors see tangible benefits from our relationship, they're less likely to view us as a threat. Respecting sovereignty is crucial too. We need to ensure that our actions are perceived as supportive, rather than dominating or interfering. It's about walking alongside our neighbors, not ahead of them. And let's not overlook the impact of domestic issues on foreign policy. Sometimes, internal politics can cloud our judgment and negatively influence our international relationships. By keeping our domestic affairs in check, we can maintain a more stable and constructive foreign policy. In conclusion, India's relationships with its neighbors are multi-faceted and require a delicate balance of power, diplomacy, and mutual respect. While we can learn from Russia's missteps, we must forge our own path, emphasizing cooperation and regional stability. After all, a peaceful neighborhood is not just a dream; it's a necessity for our growth and prosperity.