Canada will spend $40B over 20 years to upgrade NORAD defences amid ‘new threats’

covid cases rose to more than 4.37 crore, according to the health ministry. Since the onset of covid-19, more than 5,25,760 deaths have been reported across the country. While Delhi has witnessed an active caseload of 1,974, Maharashtra has 15,525 cases, Haryana has recorded 2,055 cases while Kerala has reported more than 24,033 covid cases at present.

COLOMBO (News 1st); According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the second shipment of 21,000 MT of fertilizer received under the Indian Credit Line is scheduled to reach the country in the next two weeks.The vessel carrying the first stock of 44,000 MT of fertilizer received under Indian loan assistance reached the country last week.The relevant fertilizer stock is currently being distributed to farmers by Ceylon Fertilizer Company Ltd and Colombo Commercial Fertilizer Company.The Ministry of Agriculture said that the fuel crisis was a problem during the distribution of that fertilizer and the money required for the purchase of the required fuel is to be given to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) today (18).

COLOMBO (News 1st); There are less than 24-hours left for MPs to announce their candidacy to run for President of Sri Lanka.Acting President Ranil Wickramasinghe, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and Dullas Alahapperuma have already announced that they will contest for President.The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) is currently divided regarding the selection of its presidential candidate.The Leader of the Democratic Left Front Vasudeva Nanayakkara said that the support of the Democratic Left Front will be given to Dullas Alahapperuma.Meanwhile, E.P.D.P Leader Douglas Devananda announced that his party will support Acting President Ranil Wickramasinghe.The Leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Rauf Hakeem said that he agrees with any decision taken by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya in this regard.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) says that approval has been given for power cuts for the 18th & 19th of July as follows;  

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Church of Ceylon has called responsible conduct from all those who are wielding powers, the youth who are seeking change and the security forces and police who are expected to maintain the peace.In a statement the Church of Ceylon said that it is deeply concerned at the unfolding events of our country.The statement said “We seem to be having a President in exile, an acting President on the ground and a Prime Minister under siege.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has warned that a power hungry group is gradually destroying the country.In a statement he said that it is the responsibility of the armed forces to protect the people who are engaged in the struggle, and the Sri Lankan population.He requested the Inspector General of Police and the Commanders of the three-armed forces to show restrain and NOT to respond with weapons during protests.Maithripala Sirisena said that the President, and the Acting President has not mandate at all, and one must think twice before executing their directives.He further called on the people to consider that state property as their own, and NOT to destroy them.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, Attorney-at-Law Sagara Kariyawasam says that he will reply to the letter directed by the party Chairman, Prof. G.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe has stressed his commitment to protecting law and order, democracy, and the constitution of the country.“I will never pave the way for, or aid in any unconstitutional act,” he said in a special televised statement, adding the collapse in law and order will negatively impact the country’s economy.He warned that the supply chain of food, electricity, and water may be disrupted, and the people must understand the dangerous situation ahead.He said a special committee has been appointed with the Chief of Defence Staff, Inspector General of Police, and Commanders of the three-armed forces to maintain law and order in the country with zero political intervention.He said the 19th Amendment to the constitution should be implemented again in its entirety, and the necessary groundwork will be implemented.He called on the politicians to cast aside their ambitions aside, and think about the country.“Rather than protecting individuals, protect the country,” he noted adding that the country must exist to live and engage in politics.He said as the Acting President he decided to prohibit the use of the word ‘His Excellency’ when addressing the President.He also said that the Presidential Flag will be abolished as the country must gather around only one flag, that is the national flag.Commenting on the protests that have been taking place in the country, Wickremesinghe said that immediate measures will be taken to maintain the law and peace in the country.“Peaceful protests are accepted, however, there are some engaged in acts of sabotage.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres has urged all Sri Lankan Party Leaders to embrace the spirit of compromise for a peaceful and democratic transition.“I continue to follow the situation in Sri Lanka very closely.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Army in a statement to protestors earnestly urged them to desist from all forms of violence immediately or be prepared to face consequences as members of the Armed Forces are legitimately empowered to exercise their force, if the situation deems necessary as security to the public property, key installations, vulnerable points and human lives, does fall within the purview of their responsibility.Members of the Armed Forces and the Police in terms of provisions, vested in them by the Constitution of Sri Lanka have been empowered to enforce law and order of the country and maintain the same in order to protect her people, public property and the country at large at the expense of their own lives.This has been practiced since the country became an independent state and a free nation, through which the sovereignty of the republic, freedom of expression and free movement of the public as enshrined in the Constitution are upheld and exercised as it has been distinctly manifested in the most recent months during the series of public protests that began in May this year.It is worthwhile to mention here that except for a few negligible arguments and skirmishes between the protesters and members of the Army, NO major incidents of violence of considerable nature occurred due to enforcement of law and order or breach of it during those mass protests, including the one on 9 July in Colombo, Fort.The Chief of Defence Staff, Tri service Commanders and the Inspector General of Police on more than THREE occasions publicly appealed to protesting groups to remain calm, safeguard state buildings and all property and earnestly urged the protesters to resolve the issues constitutionally with the exit of the

Health Ministry data revealed. The death toll climbed to 5,25,760 with 51 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated. The active cases comprise 0.33% of the total infections, while the national Covid-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.47%, the ministry said.

Four people were killed in a shooting Sunday evening at a mall in Greenwood, Indiana, and two other people were taken to the hospital with injuries, local police say.

PHILADELPHIA - The Biden Administration is urging people to stay up-to-date on COVID vaccines. It comes as what experts are calling the most immune evasive variant begins to spread nationwide.Health experts are say don’t panic, but be prepared. As adults grapple with whether to get boosted, the Please Touch Museum turned into the perfect place for kids to roll up their sleeves and get their first COVID shot."The fact that there are vaccine clinics out there, go for it.

NORTH PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police are investigating a death, they say, is suspicious in nature, in North Philadelphia.Officials say 22nd District police were called to the 2500 block of Germantown Avenue Sunday, a little before 7:30 in the evening.A 55-year-old naked woman was found inside a park when police arrived.

A nurse who quit over safety issues claims nursing homes were “bullied” into accepting patients who had tested positive for Covid. Lesley Roberts said First Minister Nicola Sturgeon must respond to an English court ruling that it was unlawful to move patients from hospitals to care homes without them being Covid tested.

The World Health Organization has declared Ghana‘s first outbreak of the Ebola-like Marburg virus disease after labs confirmed the infections in two cases announced earlier this month.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Litro Gas says that cooking gas will be distributed to many areas out of Colombo today (18).Chairman of Litro Gas Muditha Peiris said that few more gas vessels are scheduled to reach the country after Wednesday (20).

COLOMBO (News 1st): Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe has issued a special gazette notice imposing the State of Emergency across the country with effect from today (18)

COLOMBO (News 1st); A vessel carrying petrol is scheduled to reach the country today (18) or tomorrow (19).The Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekara said on Sunday (17) that payments have been made for the relevant fuel vessels.The number of people who have registered for the National Fuel Pass has now exceeded 100,000 and the distribution of new fuel stocks will NOT commence until the registration is completed.In the meantime, the Chairman of the All Ceylon Petrol Station Owners’ Association W.S.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Department of Meteorology announced that several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-Western provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle, and Matara districts.Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva and Eastern provinces during the afternoon or night.The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Today we are reporting 7,612 community cases, 797 current hospitalisations, and 22 deaths.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) says that there is a delay in fuel delivery to several SLTB depots.The Deputy General Manager of SLTB Panduka Swarnahansa said that if fuel delivery is further delayed there will be a reduction in the number of buses in operation.Meanwhile, the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association says that due to the shortage of fuel the operation of private buses will be restricted today (18).The Chairman of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association Gemunu Wijeratne said that if sufficient fuel is received today (18), steps will be taken to operate more buses tomorrow (19).Sri Lanka Railways says that trains will operate as usual (18).

COVID-19 makes its way in Canada, long-term care facilities in some provinces are seeing a major spike in infections.In Ontario, COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care homes more than doubled in the first week of July, according to the province’s public health unit. Ottawa rolling out new COVID-19 travel testing strategy amid airport delays A total of 42 outbreaks were reported in the long-term care sector during the week of July 3 to 9, according to the province’s latest data.That’s a 110 per cent increase from the previous week’s 20 reported outbreaks.Ontario, like other provinces, is no longer reporting daily COVID cases.

, and others are injured following a shooting at a shopping mall in the suburbs of Indianapolis, according to local reports. Officers responded to a call regarding an active shooter at the Greenwood Park Mall in Greenwood, Indiana just after 6 p.m. Emergency services arrived on the scene while law enforcement officers worked to secure the scene. Several people – including the suspected shooter – were killed and several others were wounded, FOX 59 reported, citing police. UVALDE SCHOOL SHOOTING: ACTING POLICE CHIEF ON DAY OF MASSACRE PLACED ON ADMINISTRATION LEAVEIndianapolis police said it was assisting the Greenwood police. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPFox News has reached out to the Greenwood Police Department seeking more information. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. - An investigation by Delaware State Police near a Rehoboth Beach apartment complex is not a threat to the public, officials said.Delaware State Police were called to a wooded area near East Atlantic Apartments, in Rehoboth Beach, Sunday morning, around 11:30. It was initially called a criminal investigation.Troopers found the body of a man in the wooded area near the apartments.

UVALDE, Texas - The acting City of Uvalde police chief has been placed on administrative leave following the release of a report investigating the May 24 mass shooting that left 19 children and two teachers dead at Robb Elementary School.According to a statement from Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin, Lt. Mariano Pargas was the acting Chief of Police for the City of Uvalde the day of the shooting. "This administrative leave is to investigate whether Lt.

Miner Dennis J. Hall is rescued from the Quecreek Mine in the early morning of July 28, 2002 in Somerset, Pennsylvania. All nine miners were successfully rescued after being trapped in a flooded mine shaft since July 24, 2002 which was located approx ((Photo by Gene J. Puskar-Pool/Getty Images))JENNERSTOWN, Pa. - Six of the nine men trapped in a flooded mine in southwestern Pennsylvania two decades ago gathered at a raceway over the weekend to kick off 20th anniversary celebrations of the dramatic rescue that ended their 77-hour ordeal.The six took in the races Saturday at Jennerstown Speedway in Somerset County, only miles from the Quecreek Mine, sitting with former Pennsylvania Gov.

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - MAY 25: Craig Robinson attends the 11th Annual Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation "Big Fighters, Big Cause" charity boxing night at The Beverly Hilton on May 25, 2022 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty A comedy show featuring "The Office" star Craig Robinson was cut short in North Carolina Saturday night when an active shooter stormed into the club and opened fire, according to the actor and police. During an Instagram livestream, Robinson was seen outdoors during the concert for the band "Big Time Rush" underway at the Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheater. He said he was moved there from a venue just steps away called The Comedy Zone when someone opened fire during his own performance. "I’m performing at the Comedy Zone in Charlotte, North Carolina.

PALAIOCHORI, Greece (AP) - Experts investigated a cargo plane crash in northern Greece on Sunday, finding no evidence of dangerous substances but saying there’s a lot of ordnance that the plane was carrying spread around the crash site. Serbia’s defense minister confirmed that all eight crew members died in the crash.The An-12 cargo plane from Serbia was being flown by a Ukrainian aviation crew before it smashed into fields between two Greek villages late Saturday. The plane crashed shortly before 11 p.m.

Chandrakant Lahariya is a physician and infectious diseases specialist and tweets at @DrLahariya.

ROXBOROUGH - A 96-year-old woman is dead and a man is in custody, suspected in her death, in Roxborough.Officials said police were called to the 4200 block of Houghton Street Sunday afternoon, just after 1 p.m., for a disturbance.A 96-year-old woman was found dead in a living room inside a residence when they arrived. According to authorities, the woman sustained blunt force trauma to her head and body and died at the scene.Police said the weapon was found at the location and a man was taken into custody.

JUNIATA PARK - A 52-year-old man is hospitalized with critical injuries after he was shot multiple times in Philadelphia's Juniata Park neighborhood.Officials said 24th District police responded to the 3900 block of L Street Sunday, just before 2 p.m., on the report of a person shot.Police arrived to find the man in a driveway suffering from six gunshot wounds to his abdomen.Medics rushed the man to Temple University Hospital, where he was placed in critical condition.Police are actively investigating a motive into the shooting.

PAWTUCKET, R.I. - Ever wonder what you would look like as an action figure?Hasbro Inc. will soon roll out the "Selfie Series," described as a new personalization platform that allows fans to 3D print their faces on some of their favorite collector-grade 6-inch action figures.

KATWIJK, NETHERLANDS - MAY 19: A package of Skittles, a fruit-flavored candy, produced by Wrigley Company, a division of Mars, Inc., is seen in this illustration photo on May 19, 2020 in Katwijk, Netherlands. (Photo by Yuriko Nakao/Getty Images) A group of consumers are suing candy maker Mars, alleging Skittles contain a "known toxin" that makes the rainbow candies "unfit" to eat.

PHILADELPHIA - A man died after an apparent accident during a concert at Lincoln Financial Field last week, according to an Eagles spokesperson.Officials say the man fell from an escalator inside the Eagles stadium as The Weeknd concert was coming to an end on July 14.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Speaking to The Wall Street Journal, Governer of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said that Sri Lanka’s economy is likely to contract more than 6% in 2022.The CBSL Governer Nandalal Weerasinghe said that in 2022, the contraction will be much higher than 6% as political instability has affected the discussions on finance relief with the IMF.The Governor mentioned that top-level talks with the IMF on a multibillion-dollar bailout had stalled.He said that the country urgently needs a stable political administration to progress discussions with the IMF on key structural reforms, as well as to secure short-term bridge financing from other countries and multilateral agencies to help pay for key imports like fuel, pharmaceuticals and fertilizers.The Governor stated that a $500 million extension expected last month hasn’t materialized, exacerbating Sri Lanka’s fuel shortages.Similarly, there had been no progress on a $1 billion currency swap with the Reserve Bank of India, nor has China relaxed conditions to allow Sri Lanka to use a $1.5 billion currency swap.Governor Nandalal, speaking to the WSJ, said “if Sri Lanka had gone to the IMF at least a year earlier than it did, and sought to restructure its debts while it still had $4 billion in reserves in hand.

health policy. A multi-year policy, as the name suggests, will provided coverage for an extended duration of two or more years. It typically allows policyholders to pay the premium for the next two or three years in one go at the time of buying the policy, thereby relieving them of the hassle of renewing it every year.

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. - Police are alerting residents to an investigation currently in process in Rehoboth Beach Sunday afternoon.Increased police presence may be seen in the area surrounding East Atlantic Apartments on Atlantic Circle.Police described the investigation as criminal.No further information was given regarding the details of the investigation.This is a developing story.

PHILADELPHIA - Police say a teenage boy became the victim of another weekend shooting in Philadelphia.The 17-year-old suffered gunshot wounds to the elbow and leg, according to police. He was transported to Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, where he was placed in critical but stable condition.Police say the shooting erupted on the 1800 block of Harrison street around 11:37 p.m.

As research suggests that COVID-19 has infected roughly half of the Canadian population, the emergence of an even more contagious version of the virus means some people may be in for another round.

BUENA PARK, Calif. - Knott's Berry Farm closed early Saturday night after several people were injured when multiple fights broke out inside the park, according to Buena Park policeReports of incidents at the park came in just before 8 p.m., according to the Orange County Fire Authority. Initial reports suggested that there was some sort of shooting incident at the park, but police have determined there was no evidence to suggest a shooting happened. "We’re currently working an incident at Knotts Berry Farm involving multiple fights in the park," the department told FOX 11.

Racetrax "longshots" brought this Hyattsville woman and her husband back to the Winner’s Circle to claim a second $30,946 prize. (Image: Maryland Lottery) A Maryland woman has hit her lucky streak. The 51-year-old from Hyattsville won another $30,000 playing the same Racetrax horses numbers she played just earlier this year. In May, the specialist at a rehabilitation facility won $30,936 playing her favorite 11, 10 and 12 combination.

NEW YORK - Almost eight years to the day after his death at the hands of NYPD officers, Eric Garner was honored at the location where he took his final breath on Saturday.Members of Garner's family were on hand as the Staten Island street where Garner passed away was renamed Eric Garner Way."That's an honor, that's something my family worked hard for, something that you know seeing my sister, my sister, continuously fighting," said Eric Garner, Jr., Garner's son.Garner's family and community marked the day with a basketball tournament, bringing together the community that has supported them. Death of Eric Garner: A timeline of key eventsGarner died on July 17, 2014, when he was put in a chokehold by an NYPD officer who was arresting him.

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill's daughter Audrey McGraw is becoming a star in her own right thanks to her social media presence, and has been using her platform to help others. MORE: Tim McGraw sparks concern in emotional post about his brotherMost recently, the talented singer took to Instagram to share an incredibly honest post about her current health struggle, detailing the unpleasant side effects from birth control. She shared a lengthy post opening up about how she was feeling, and told her fans to be reassured that nothing is ever as perfect as it appears.

The Maharashtra capital had on Saturday reported 365 cases and two fatalities due to the deadly inflection, a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation official said. Of the 376 new cases, only 24 were symptomatic Mumbai, the financial capital of India, Sunday reported 276 fresh Covid-19 cases at a positivity rate of 2.59% in the past 24 hours, the Public Health Department of Maharashtra said in a statement. The city reported total active cases to 11,21,095 besides two fatalities taking the toll to 19,632.

COLOMBO (News 1st); IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said that countries with high debt levels and limited policy space will face additional strains.“Look no further than Sri Lanka as a warning sign,” she said at the hybrid meeting of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors.She said that emerging and developing countries have also been experiencing sustained capital outflows for four months in a row.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe says that the issues which prevail in Sri Lanka with regard to hunger, are man made.Speaking at an international Panel Discussion on Preventing Hunger and Famine, the acting President said that after the decision to ban fertilizer, which impacted Sri Lanka heavily, resulted in Sri Lanka having to import 1/3rd of its rice requirement from overseas.Moreover, he says that at a time when the country is experiencing a shortage in foreign exchange, it is difficult to meet these demands.The acting President also says that at the moment, Sri Lanka possess enough stocks of rice for 5 months and imports for 3 months. However, in the absence of a solution for the ensuing four months, Sri Lanka will have to depend on other substitutes.Therefore, the Prime Minister said that the Government is initiating a food security program, through which they can provide fertilizer for the maha season.” Then, in 2023, we can be self sufficient in rice and get the real economy functioning as far as agriculture is concerned,” Wickremesinghe said.However, he stated that Sri Lanka has issues with the importation of fertilizer, as Sri Lanka needs 600 million dollars to import as at the moment Sri Lanka only possess 300 million dollars.Our economy is contracting, it will be about -6% this year, he added.Moreover, the acting President emphasized that the loss of jobs during the year will be high, in addition to widespread hunger and the fuel crisis.Pointing out that all this has resulted in political turbulence, Wickremesinghe questioned as to what other countries would do in such a situation.“Asking people to tighten their belts alone will not do.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall poses with Chelsea Pensioners and a cake which has representations of her racing colours and favorite pets as the Duchess celebrates her 75th birthday at a lunch, hosted by the Oldie Magazine at the National Liberal Club LONDON (AP) - Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, will celebrate her 75th birthday Sunday, marking the occasion with a small family dinner at Prince Charles’ Highgrove estate in southwest England.The big occasion follows British broadcaster ITV’s release of a documentary about the duchess’s stint as guest editor of Country Life, during which she helped produce a special edition celebrating the magazine’s 125th anniversary. In a personal tribute, Camilla selected Charles, her husband, as one of her rural heroes."It’s not easy to write about your husband,’’ she said in the film.