Sri Lanka launches first satellite ‘Ravana-1’

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s first satellite ‘Ravana-1’, designed and developed by two local engineers, was successfully launched into orbit this week from the International Space Station along with two other BIRDS 3 satellites from Japan and Nepal. The 1.05-kg satellite is expected to fulfil five missions, including the capturing of pictures of Sri Lanka and surrounding regions. It will have a minimum lifespan of one-and-a-half years but was expected to be active for up to five years. PTI

Gun ‘that ended Van Gogh’s life’ auctioned

PARIS: The revolver with which Vincent van Gogh is believed to have shot himself goes under the hammer at a Paris auction house on Wednesday. Billed as “the most famous weapon in the history of art”, the 7mm Lefaucheux revolver is expected to fetch up to 60,000 euros ($67,000). The troubled Dutch painter died in July 1890 and experts believe he shot himself with the revolver in field near Auvers-sur-Oise, a village north of Paris. PTI