TOP NEWS
Large-scale extortion racket in Sri Lanka via social media – SLCERT warns.
2026-08-10 07:45:00The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Response Team (SLCERT) has been able to uncover information about a large-scale organized extortion racket using social media networks including Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp. According to the information revealed, it is suspected that this racket is operating from India, and it is said that the racketeers first identify the relatives and friends of the targeted individuals and connect to their social media accounts. SLCERT says that one of the main methods of this racket is to contact the targeted individual through a fake Instagram account using a photo of a beautiful young woman, and after chatting for a while, they persuade him to obtain personal photos or videos. It has been revealed that the extortion is carried out by threatening to send the sensitive photos and videos obtained in this way to family members, relatives or friends and demanding money. Therefore, SLCERT urges the public to exercise extreme caution when responding to messages, friend requests and calls from unknown social media accounts or phone numbers. The public is also urged not to share personal photos, videos or sensitive information, especially with unknown individuals.
Australian silicon producer to withdraw from US market after 40% new tariff.
2026-08-10 04:33:00Australia's sole silicon producer, Simcoa, has decided to withdraw from the US market from August 14 due to additional tariffs imposed by the US on Australian silicon imports. According to the decision of the US Trade and Industry authorities, an additional tax of almost 40 percent is to be imposed on Simcoa's silicon exports. The company says that with that decision, it is economically difficult to continue its business activities in the US market. According to a decision of the US Trade Commission, it has been determined that the local industry is being harmed by silicon metal imported from Australia and Norway, and a dumping margin of 6.16 percent and a countervailing duty rate of 32.57 percent have been determined for Simcoa. Simcoa's Vice President David Miles has stated that the company has no other option but to withdraw from the US market. Instead, the company plans to focus on other markets, including Southeast Asia, India and Europe. Meanwhile, Australian Resources Minister Madeleine King says the tariffs are being discussed with the US government and will not affect the crucial Australia-US Minerals Relations Agreement.
Good news for Perth drivers
2026-08-09 21:03:00The new Fremantle Traffic Bridge in Western Australia has been prepared to open to traffic ahead of schedule. The authorities say that the bridge will be able to open before the end of this year. The closure of the bridge had affected traffic between Perth and Fremantle. The opening time has been shortened due to the fact that the construction of the new bridge is ahead of schedule. The old bridge is about 86 years old, and the new bridge is expected to improve the traffic facilities at the place. The new bridge also includes more space for pedestrians. The cost of this project has so far risen to 596 million dollars. Businesses and motorists in areas including North Fremantle were severely affected due to the closure of the bridge. The exact date of the opening of the new bridge is to be announced soon and is expected to be before Christmas.