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Your Tuesday Briefing Sri Lanka, India, China: Your Tuesday Briefing
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Good morning,Good morning,
We start today with a rising death toll in Sri Lanka, a growing threat to China’s pork industry and an unexpected demand for pet otters.We start today with a rising death toll in Sri Lanka, a growing threat to China’s pork industry and an unexpected demand for pet otters.
The number of people killed in a series of coordinated suicide bombings climbed to almost 300. So far the authorities have arrested 24 suspects and blamed the little-known radical Islamist group National Thowheeth Jama’ath.The number of people killed in a series of coordinated suicide bombings climbed to almost 300. So far the authorities have arrested 24 suspects and blamed the little-known radical Islamist group National Thowheeth Jama’ath.
One official said the group had to have had help from “an international network,” which he did not name.One official said the group had to have had help from “an international network,” which he did not name.
The government acknowledged that a foreign intelligence agency gave Sri Lanka’s security officials a detailed warning of a possible attack on churches by the group at least 10 days ago. But bitter political infighting may have led to the catastrophic failure to pass the warnings on. Here’s the latest.The government acknowledged that a foreign intelligence agency gave Sri Lanka’s security officials a detailed warning of a possible attack on churches by the group at least 10 days ago. But bitter political infighting may have led to the catastrophic failure to pass the warnings on. Here’s the latest.
Blasts — possibly from police officers detonating suspicious packages — hit parts of the country on Monday, compounding an atmosphere of fear and grief that hangs over the country.Blasts — possibly from police officers detonating suspicious packages — hit parts of the country on Monday, compounding an atmosphere of fear and grief that hangs over the country.
Closer look: We have maps of the sites of Sunday’s bombings, and photographs and video from Monday.Closer look: We have maps of the sites of Sunday’s bombings, and photographs and video from Monday.
Victims: Identities of those who died are beginning to emerge. Among them were several dozen foreigners — three of them the children of a Dutch billionaire. Victims: Identities of those who died are beginning to emerge. Among them were several dozen foreigners — three of them the children of a Danish billionaire.
The electric automaker said it had sent a team to the Chinese city to look into why one of its cars appeared to have spontaneously combusted in the basement of an apartment complex.The electric automaker said it had sent a team to the Chinese city to look into why one of its cars appeared to have spontaneously combusted in the basement of an apartment complex.
Other Teslas have caught fire, raising fresh questions about the safety of Tesla’s cars, which use lithium-ion batteries.Other Teslas have caught fire, raising fresh questions about the safety of Tesla’s cars, which use lithium-ion batteries.
Looking ahead: On Wednesday, Tesla is expected to release what will likely be a bleak quarterly earnings report. The company has said sales fell by 31 percent.Looking ahead: On Wednesday, Tesla is expected to release what will likely be a bleak quarterly earnings report. The company has said sales fell by 31 percent.
A recent outbreak of African swine fever, which affects only pigs and is harmless to humans, has spread to every Chinese province and region.A recent outbreak of African swine fever, which affects only pigs and is harmless to humans, has spread to every Chinese province and region.
It’s catastrophic. Already, more than a million pigs have been culled, according to the Chinese government, and there may be many more unreported cases of infection.It’s catastrophic. Already, more than a million pigs have been culled, according to the Chinese government, and there may be many more unreported cases of infection.
Impact: China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of pork and the spread of the disease is eroding trust in the authorities. Farmers are skeptical they will receive timely help and shoppers are beginning to shun the meat.Impact: China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of pork and the spread of the disease is eroding trust in the authorities. Farmers are skeptical they will receive timely help and shoppers are beginning to shun the meat.
The pork shortage is also pushing up inflation amid a broader economic slowdown.The pork shortage is also pushing up inflation amid a broader economic slowdown.
Days after 50 Muslims were killed in New Zealand in an attack attributed to an Australian white supremacist, Australia’s prime minister, Scott Morrison, unveiled a plan to protect the nation: curb immigration.Days after 50 Muslims were killed in New Zealand in an attack attributed to an Australian white supremacist, Australia’s prime minister, Scott Morrison, unveiled a plan to protect the nation: curb immigration.
The plan, which would slow visa approvals and reduce the annual immigration cap to 160,000 a year, had been in the works for months and was presented as a reaction to overcrowding in cities.The plan, which would slow visa approvals and reduce the annual immigration cap to 160,000 a year, had been in the works for months and was presented as a reaction to overcrowding in cities.
But there are concerns that the proposal pointed at growing ambivalence toward a spike in non-European immigrants, especially those coming from Muslim countries.But there are concerns that the proposal pointed at growing ambivalence toward a spike in non-European immigrants, especially those coming from Muslim countries.
Bigger picture: The skepticism toward immigration is a sharp turning point for a country that has been shaped by newcomers since its days as a British penal colony and runs in tandem with a backlash against immigrants around the world.Bigger picture: The skepticism toward immigration is a sharp turning point for a country that has been shaped by newcomers since its days as a British penal colony and runs in tandem with a backlash against immigrants around the world.
In almost every election, the Bharatiya Janata Party makes the same promise: to build a Hindu temple in the city of Ayodhya.In almost every election, the Bharatiya Janata Party makes the same promise: to build a Hindu temple in the city of Ayodhya.
The site is the center of a historical dispute. The minority Muslim population knows it as that of a 16th-century mosque built under a Mughal emperor. And Hindus believe it is where the deity Lord Ram was born.The site is the center of a historical dispute. The minority Muslim population knows it as that of a 16th-century mosque built under a Mughal emperor. And Hindus believe it is where the deity Lord Ram was born.
In 1990, Hindu efforts to claim the site led to deadly sectarian riots and the collapse of the central government. Two years later, Hindu fundamentalists razed the mosque, setting off more riots that claimed 2,000 lives, mostly Muslim.In 1990, Hindu efforts to claim the site led to deadly sectarian riots and the collapse of the central government. Two years later, Hindu fundamentalists razed the mosque, setting off more riots that claimed 2,000 lives, mostly Muslim.
The crisis illuminates India’s special brand of “secularism,” which is not at all like the West’s definition: a formal separation of church and state.The crisis illuminates India’s special brand of “secularism,” which is not at all like the West’s definition: a formal separation of church and state.
For India, it means equal governmental treatment for the constellation of the country’s faiths. In practice, the government can intervene to remedy religious “inequalities and oppressive social practices,” according to a report by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. It can also provide support for sectarian schools — and for temples.For India, it means equal governmental treatment for the constellation of the country’s faiths. In practice, the government can intervene to remedy religious “inequalities and oppressive social practices,” according to a report by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. It can also provide support for sectarian schools — and for temples.
Is that administered equitably? Many Indians are unlikely to think so, especially if the B.J.P.’s vision for Ayodhya becomes a reality.Is that administered equitably? Many Indians are unlikely to think so, especially if the B.J.P.’s vision for Ayodhya becomes a reality.
Send us your feedback or questions on this series here.Send us your feedback or questions on this series here.
Samsung: The South Korean technology company said it would postpone the release of its Galaxy Fold smartphone, which as the name suggests can be folded, after reports of malfunction.Samsung: The South Korean technology company said it would postpone the release of its Galaxy Fold smartphone, which as the name suggests can be folded, after reports of malfunction.
Mueller report: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi decried the “highly unethical and unscrupulous” behavior of President Trump outlined in the special counsel’s report but appeared to urge Democrats to hold off on impeaching him for now. Her comments came as the party remains divided on how to respond, with some Democrats arguing that passing on impeachment proceedings would legitimize Mr. Trump’s actions.Mueller report: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi decried the “highly unethical and unscrupulous” behavior of President Trump outlined in the special counsel’s report but appeared to urge Democrats to hold off on impeaching him for now. Her comments came as the party remains divided on how to respond, with some Democrats arguing that passing on impeachment proceedings would legitimize Mr. Trump’s actions.
The U.S.: Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the U.S. would no longer exempt China, India, Japan, South Korea and Turkey from major sanctions against Iranian oil exports, in an attempt to broaden Iran’s economic isolation. Oil and gasoline prices surged even before the announcement.The U.S.: Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the U.S. would no longer exempt China, India, Japan, South Korea and Turkey from major sanctions against Iranian oil exports, in an attempt to broaden Iran’s economic isolation. Oil and gasoline prices surged even before the announcement.
Japan: Prosecutors have charged Carlos Ghosn, the former head of the Nissan-Renault alliance, with breach of trust, adding a count of financial impropriety to existing charges.Japan: Prosecutors have charged Carlos Ghosn, the former head of the Nissan-Renault alliance, with breach of trust, adding a count of financial impropriety to existing charges.
The Philippines: A powerful earthquake shook the northern part of the country, killing at least five people and injuring at least two others.The Philippines: A powerful earthquake shook the northern part of the country, killing at least five people and injuring at least two others.
Climate change: Inequality between rich and poor countries would have been reduced far faster without climate change, according to a new study by two Stanford University professors that underlines the economic toll of global warming.Climate change: Inequality between rich and poor countries would have been reduced far faster without climate change, according to a new study by two Stanford University professors that underlines the economic toll of global warming.
“Game of Thrones”: The second episode was injected with a little human tenderness, writes our television editor, setting the stage for what promises to be an epic battle with the White Walkers next week.“Game of Thrones”: The second episode was injected with a little human tenderness, writes our television editor, setting the stage for what promises to be an epic battle with the White Walkers next week.
Snapshot: Above, customers playing with otters at a cafe in Tokyo, Japan. Asian small-clawed otters are increasingly popular pets in Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia. They’re difficult to breed in captivity, so many conservationists suspect that most of those on the market are captured in the wild, adding to threats to their species’ survival.Snapshot: Above, customers playing with otters at a cafe in Tokyo, Japan. Asian small-clawed otters are increasingly popular pets in Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia. They’re difficult to breed in captivity, so many conservationists suspect that most of those on the market are captured in the wild, adding to threats to their species’ survival.
India: Ice hockey players are looking to push into international competitions but in a country dominated by cricket and field hockey, they’ve received little support. The country has just five indoor rinks and athletes have had to crowdsource funding for equipment.India: Ice hockey players are looking to push into international competitions but in a country dominated by cricket and field hockey, they’ve received little support. The country has just five indoor rinks and athletes have had to crowdsource funding for equipment.
What we’re looking at: This photo essay of the judging of the Pulitzer Prizes. The briefings editor, Andrea Kannapell, writes: “This year, the photojournalist Jose R. Lopez (who happens to be a veteran of the briefings team) was given unique access to the process by which jurors decide on the premier awards in journalism. Their faces record utter seriousness of purpose.”What we’re looking at: This photo essay of the judging of the Pulitzer Prizes. The briefings editor, Andrea Kannapell, writes: “This year, the photojournalist Jose R. Lopez (who happens to be a veteran of the briefings team) was given unique access to the process by which jurors decide on the premier awards in journalism. Their faces record utter seriousness of purpose.”
Cook: White beans and avocado are a perfect match in a simple, flavorful salad.Cook: White beans and avocado are a perfect match in a simple, flavorful salad.
Go: An increasing number of hotels and resorts are ramping up efforts to reduce or eliminate their resource and energy consumption.Go: An increasing number of hotels and resorts are ramping up efforts to reduce or eliminate their resource and energy consumption.
Watch: We spoke to the creator of “Gentleman Jack,” on HBO, about the real 19th-century Englishwoman the show chronicles.Watch: We spoke to the creator of “Gentleman Jack,” on HBO, about the real 19th-century Englishwoman the show chronicles.
Listen: Our favorite artists told us about the piano music that matters to them.Listen: Our favorite artists told us about the piano music that matters to them.
Smarter Living: “Find your passion” is actually pretty bad career advice, if you assume passion means you won’t be dealing with tedium or struggle. After all, we’re pretty bad at most things when we first try them. There’s an alternative model to consider. Interests and passions are capable of developing with enough time, effort and investment. Try that on, and temper your expectations, build failure into your plan, and learn to recognize and celebrate small milestones along the way.Smarter Living: “Find your passion” is actually pretty bad career advice, if you assume passion means you won’t be dealing with tedium or struggle. After all, we’re pretty bad at most things when we first try them. There’s an alternative model to consider. Interests and passions are capable of developing with enough time, effort and investment. Try that on, and temper your expectations, build failure into your plan, and learn to recognize and celebrate small milestones along the way.
And if you’re off on a solo vacation, we have guidance for how to connect safely with people throughout your travels.And if you’re off on a solo vacation, we have guidance for how to connect safely with people throughout your travels.
In 1995, the United Nations’ cultural and educational agency, Unesco, designated April 23 as the day to honor reading, as well as publishing and intellectual property rights.In 1995, the United Nations’ cultural and educational agency, Unesco, designated April 23 as the day to honor reading, as well as publishing and intellectual property rights.
The date is one on which several prominent writers are traditionally thought to have died — notably William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes, both in 1616. (Some records show that Cervantes died on April 22.)The date is one on which several prominent writers are traditionally thought to have died — notably William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes, both in 1616. (Some records show that Cervantes died on April 22.)
But at the time, the same date didn’t necessarily mean the same day.But at the time, the same date didn’t necessarily mean the same day.
At the time Cervantes died, his home country, Spain, operated under the Gregorian calendar, the one that most of the world uses today. It was introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII.At the time Cervantes died, his home country, Spain, operated under the Gregorian calendar, the one that most of the world uses today. It was introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII.
But Shakespeare’s England, a Protestant country, still followed the Julian calendar. It didn’t adopt the Gregorian version until 1752.But Shakespeare’s England, a Protestant country, still followed the Julian calendar. It didn’t adopt the Gregorian version until 1752.
So April 23 in Shakespeare’s day would have been May 3 in ours.So April 23 in Shakespeare’s day would have been May 3 in ours.
That’s it for this briefing. See you next time.That’s it for this briefing. See you next time.
— Alisha— Alisha
Thank youChris Stanford helped compile today’s briefing and wrote today’s Back Story. Mark Josephson, Eleanor Stanford and Kenneth R. Rosen provided the break from the news. You can reach the team at briefing@nytimes.com.Thank youChris Stanford helped compile today’s briefing and wrote today’s Back Story. Mark Josephson, Eleanor Stanford and Kenneth R. Rosen provided the break from the news. You can reach the team at briefing@nytimes.com.
P.S.• We’re listening to “The Daily.” Our latest episode is about Donald McGahn, the former White House counsel, and his role in Robert Mueller’s report.• Here’s our mini crossword puzzle, and a clue: Manipulate, as an election (3 letters). You can find all our puzzles here. • The New York Times is celebrating the fifth anniversary of the start of The Upshot, a site that covers politics, policy and everyday life in experimental formats, including data visualizations, images and interactive features.P.S.• We’re listening to “The Daily.” Our latest episode is about Donald McGahn, the former White House counsel, and his role in Robert Mueller’s report.• Here’s our mini crossword puzzle, and a clue: Manipulate, as an election (3 letters). You can find all our puzzles here. • The New York Times is celebrating the fifth anniversary of the start of The Upshot, a site that covers politics, policy and everyday life in experimental formats, including data visualizations, images and interactive features.