Covid-19: India detects 175 new infections in 24 hours

Colombo (News 1st) – Watch Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, founder Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), in conversation with Faraz Shuaketaly.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – 12,000 affidavits signed seeking the release of Wasantha Mudalige, the convener of the Inter-University Student's Federation who remains in remand custody under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, were handed over to the Attorney General on Monday (30).Student activists from the Inter-University Student's Federation along with activists from Mass Organizations visited the Attorney General's Department on Monday (30) morning to hand over 12,000 affidavits that were signed seeking the release of Wasantha MudaligeThese 12,000 affidavits claim that the signees were also engaged in the public protests that took place since March 2022 to bring about change by ending a corrupt and inefficient governance that burdened the people with a failed economy.The signees also claim they were involved in the protests that took place on the 9th of July 2022.They also note that the Inter-University Student's Federation was just one organization among many that took part in those protests, and that Wasantha Mudalige is just one student leader who took part in the demonstrations.These 12,000 affidavits claim that they too should be treated in the same manner as Wasantha Mudalige.The group attempted to hand over these affidavits from the back entrance to the Attorney General's Department, however, those attempts were futile.Thereafter, two representatives were allowed to enter the Attorney General's Department and the affidavits were taken inside the using a Police Jeep."If Wasantha Mudalige is a terrorist for his involvement in the Aragalaya, then the millions who joined the protests are also terrorists.

Regular listeners of Zoe Ball’s Radio 2 Breakfast show were left confused this morning when the star was absent from her slot due to illness.

(With inputs from agencies)  

On Friday, Jeremy appeared to be feeling better as he received a head massage from Kym in a video shared on Instagram.In the clip, the actor showed off his bruised and swollen face while his sister massaged his head in a shower cap.The Hawkeye star slurred his words in the video while explaining that this was his first shower while confirming he was "definitely weak of something".He captioned the video: "ICU SPA MOMENT TO LIFT MY SPIRITS.“Thank you mama Thank you, sister.Thank you all for your love."Jeremy was run over by a seven-tonne snow plough on New Year's Day as he worked to free a trapped family member from the snow covering his Lake Tahoe home.He was left in critical condition and has been reported to have undergone two surgeries to help his recovery.Authorities have said Jeremy tried to use his 14.330-pound snow plough to help free a family member with a personal vehicle that was stuck in the snow.The actor got out of the vehicle to speak with the family member, during which time, Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said: "It was observed that the PistenBully [snow plough] was starting to roll."In an effort to stop the rolling PistenBully, Mr Renner attempts to get back into the driver seat of the PistenBully."Based on our investigation, it’s at this point that Mr Renner is run over by the PistenBully."A 911 call made in the aftermath indicates that the right side of the actor's chest collapsed and his upper torso was crushed.The actor, who owns his own fire truck, plough and other heavy machinery took a snowcat to help clear the way for some of the snow early hours of New Year's Day.A publicist for Jeremy said in a statement Monday that he had "returned from surgery and remains in the intensive care unit in

Al Jazeera – Republican Congressman Kevin McCarthy has been elected speaker of the House of Representatives, overcoming the opposition of right-wing dissenters who had derailed for several days his bid to lead the chamber.It took 15 rounds of voting for McCarthy to secure the House’s gavel, securing 216 of the 428 votes cast late on Friday. The Democrats’ Hakeem Jeffries got 212 votes.It was the first time in a century that a speaker was not elected in the first round.McCarthy’s speakership bid appeared up in the air before the House meeting on Friday.

Lanarkshire residents are being warned about a new Covid variant described by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the "most transmissible yet".

NEW DELHI : India will seek to buttress its reputation as the pharmacy of the world to talk about vital health issues, including health emergencies and preparedness, during the G20 Summit this year, union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Thursday. India assumed presidency of the G20 on 1 December last year.

Here’s a list of the new measures different regions are imposing: Hong Kong People traveling from the mainland will need to show a 48-hour negative PCR test result. Traveling via land borders is capped at 50,000 people per day while some land control points, including Lo Wu, will stay shut initially, Chief Executive John Lee said at a briefing Thursday. Thailand Thailand is mandating Covid insurance for foreign visitors from countries that require negative PCR test results before returning home.

Al Roker has been seen for the first time in public since he experienced serious health issues late last year.The Today show weatherman looked healthy as he was strolling in the rain in New York City while in casual clothing that included a blue jacket, gray slacks, navy blue tennis shoes and a lime green cap.In just two days the 68-year-old personality is expected to return to his early morning TV show to resume his job. A spring in his step: Al Roker has been seen for the first time in public since he experienced serious health issues late last yearThis sighting comes just as Savannah Guthrie told Entertainment Tonight on Wednesday that she was excited that Roker is coming back to the set on Friday after an eight week absence.'Back and better than ever,' Guthrie told ET’s Rachel Stern at the New York Stock Exchange.

Terrifying images from China appear to show families burning the bodies of loved ones as Covid infections overwhelm hospitals in the country.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday that China's recent Covid-19 outbreak is predominantly led by the Omicron subvariants BA.5.2 and BF.7, which together account for 97.5% of all local infections, while urging Beijing to deliver rapid and regular data on hospitalisation and death.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

A new Covid strain nicknamed 'the Kraken' is sparking concern around the world.XBB.1.5, a subvariant of Omicron, is already dominant in parts of the US. Now it has started to sweep across the UK and Telangana.XBB.1.5 is a mutated version of Omicron XBB, a strain that was first detected in India in August. Concern about XBB.1.5 is largely based on how it is currently surging in the US.But it has also already been spotted in Britain and other countries around the globe.Experts are concerned XBB.1.5's rapid rise in the US could be caused by mutations that help it to better infect people and dodge protection from vaccination and prior infections.The XBB15 Covid super variant, which is behind the recent wave of Covid infections across the United States and United Kingdom, has made its way to Telangana.The latest genomic sequencing data by Hyderabad-based genetic laboratories attached to Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortium (INSACOG) have reported 3 XBB15 positive cases in Telangana.Between December and January 2, a total of six XBB14 infections have been reported in India out of which three were from Telangana, two from Maharashtra and one XBB15 infection was from Gujarat.– Input from Agencies

Renee Elise Goldsberry started off a hilarious social media thread after she mis-read a posting from her friend Laura Benanti Monday.Laura, 43, who is co-starring with Jennifer Lawrence in the upcoming, No Hard Feelings, shared the results from a positive Covid test on social media, writing, 'Happy New Year? (I tested the day of the ballet and was negative…I also wore my mask so everyone is safe, don’t worry!)'Renee apparently only saw the 'positive' and 'test' part of the message, and wrote and enthusiastic 'AAAAAAH! Congratulations!' - believing it to be a pregnancy announcement. Funny: Renee Elise Goldsberry started off a hilarious social media thread after she mis-read a posting from her friend Laura Benanti MondaySeveral well wishers were a little confused by the comment and questioned if she had read it correctly.

India on Tuesday reported 134 new coronavirus infections and no deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the health ministry. New Delhi: Protected by herd immunity and early vaccination, Indians appear to have escaped the havoc being wreaked by the BF.7 Omicron sub-variant in China and some other countries. At the moment, the most prevalent variant in India is the XBB, accounting for 63.2% of cases, according to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics (INSACOG).

Trigger warning: suicideThe mental wellbeing of Love Island contestants has increasingly taken center stage in as more and more Islanders have been subjected to trolling and criticism during and after the show has aired.Questions about whether the show bosses were doing enough to prepare and protect their came under fire after former Love Island and Celebs Go Dating contestant Mike Thalassitis took his own life in 2019.Thalassitis is the second former Love Island contestant to die by suicide after appearing on the show. Sophie Gradon died in June 2018 and , who hosted the show, took her own life in 2020.

Myalgia is regarded as ‘top’ symptom for COVID and is now widely reported. With new COVID strains striking at regular intervals and the symptoms related to infection also changing over time, it is now hard to identify the disease.

A West Lothian dad has been honoured with an OBE for helping in the fight against covid.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

New Delhi: A group of high-ranking Sri Lankan Buddhist Monks, who were on a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya recently, is now seeking His Holiness Dalai Lama's visit to Sri Lanka, which is reeling under a severe economic crisis.They met the Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama in Bodh Gaya on December 27 and were overwhelmed by witnessing a large gathering at the holy city.Most Venerable Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayake Thero, Mahanayake Thero, Sri Sambuddha Sasanodaya Sangha Sabha told ANI in an interview, "His Holiness came to India and people should know why he came to India. Why he settled down in India? India helped His Holiness, and now because of His Holiness, we know thousands of tourists are in Bodh Gaya."He added, "These days, Bodh Gaya is very cold and people usually don't come, but people are there because of His Holiness.

COLOMBO (News 1st): President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his new year message stated that Sri Lanka has gone through the "bleakest of times" and thanked the public for their "patience and courage" in the face of measures taken to stabilise the economy. "2023 will be a critical year in which we plan to turn around the economy," stated the President while wishing all Sri Lankans a "happy and peaceful new year."The Head of State admitted that the cries of the youth for a system change "cannot be ignored" adding that "proposed social, economic and political reforms" need to be implemented boldly. President's New Year Greeting "We are looking at the New Year 2023 after having undergone the bleakest of times, immense hardships, as well as the uncertainties and hopelessness of the last year. I understand the great burdens that are placed on all of us and the setbacks that a majority of us have suffered due to the country’s abject economic collapse.

Covid-19: Currently, India's active caseload stands at 2,670. India saw a decline in daily Covid-19 cases as the country reported 173 new coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours, taking the cumulative tally to 4.46 crore (4,46,78,822), according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.  On Sunday, the country logged 265 fresh coronavirus infections.  Currently, India's active caseload stands at 2,670, that comprises 0.01% of the total infections.

A company linked to the husband of Scottish businesswoman Michelle Mone ploughed tens of thousands of pounds into the Conservatives.

THE Pogues singer Shane MacGowan has shared an alarming health update after being taken to hospital. The 65-year-old star went to hospital earlier this month, as revealed by his wife Victoria May Clarke. Victoria, 56, did not say what was wrong with the star at the time, but he’s known to have faced health problems in recent years.

Risk profile!

As the first case has been found in India, here are five things you must know about this new Covid strain - XBB.1.5 variant. Experts believe that the new Covid version XBB.1.5 in the scene is the "next big thing" and has the potential to trigger a significant upsurge globally.

On Friday, Covid guidelines were revised by the Centre for passengers arriving on international flights. Negative RT-PCR tests will be mandatory from January 1 to enter India from countries that are seeing massive COVID surge currently. These countries include China, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Republic of Korea, Thailand and Japan.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

Jonathan Ross, 62, has given an update on the health of his daughter Betty, 31.The presenter’s daughter suffers from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and POTS syndrome.Jonathan shares three children with his wife Jane Goldman, 52: Betty, Harvey, 29 and Honey, 25.Speaking on Loose Women, the talk show host discussed how his eldest child is showing signs of improvement following her treatment. He spoke about how it had been a “tough couple of years" following Betty's fibromyalgia diagnosis.The NHS describes Fibromyalgia as “a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body”. Jonathan went on to explain how his daughter struggles with depression and how she is now using an electric wheelchair.“She has fibromyalgia and she has chronic fatigue syndrome and POTS syndrome as well, which is where your heart rate shoots up,” he told Loose Women panellists Kaye Adams, Frankie Bridge, Dame Kelly Holmes and Denise Welch.Speaking about the way Betty’s illness had affected the family, he said: “She still can't walk very far. “We got her an electric wheelchair in the summer, so we can at least go out and go for walks with the dogs and that's lifted her spirits a lot. “Because that's the problem, if anyone out there who knows or who's got someone with a long term illness, you know, it's the depression."Being stuck indoors and not being able to join in with things because even stairs are a challenge to her."So if we're going out we have to give her plenty of time to get ready, get downstairs and then have a rest before we go to the next step, you know."“It does have an impact but the good news is she's definitely showing improvement and feeling better in herself.So we're relieved and we're happy with that.”However, Jonathan

TESTS Not all countries are imposing tests. European Union members, in particular, are divided. Over the past days, officials in France, Germany and Portugal have said they saw no need for now for new restrictions, while Austria has stressed the economic benefits of Chinese tourists' return to Europe.

AB-HWCs also encompass wellness sessions on yoga, zumba, cyclathons, walkathons and provide guidelines on diet, physical activity, positive parenting, tobacco, alcohol cessation among other aspects to imbibe a mindset for community well-being New Delhi: In a significant achievement demonstrating strengthening of the country’s health infrastructure, India has surpassed a notable landmark- 150,000 Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) have been operationalised before 31 December, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a statement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded the efforts of the nation in accomplishing this feat before the set deadline and said that these centres will help provide citizens easy access to primary healthcare facilities.

The show did go on for Perth Theatre’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk after two days of panto performances were cancelled due to a COVID outbreak among the cast.

The civil aviation ministry has asked the airlines to modify check-in systems ahead of new Covid norms for travellers from China, 5 other countries The civil aviation ministry on Friday asked airlines to modify their check-in systems for international passengers coming into India as part of the revised Covid guidelines, which makes a negative Covid test report a must for travellers coming from China and five other countries from Sunday. The ministry's direction comes a day after the health ministry decided to make RT-PCR negative test reports compulsory for passengers coming on all international flights from six high-risk countries --China, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Republic of Korea, Thailand and Japan.

(With inputs from PTI)

Indonesia has decided to scrap the mask mandate, ending the coronavirus pandemic restrictions Indonesia will do away with indoor mask mandates and remove the requirement to show proof of vaccination when entering buildings, becoming one of the last few countries to completely end Covid-19 restrictions.  The changes will take effect from Friday and decision was taken as almost all of Indonesia’s population had immunity against the virus, said President Joko Widodo, who is popularly known as Jokowi.   “We once failed in containing Covid, but now we are among the few countries that did not experience a pandemic wave in past 10 to 11 consecutive months," he told a media briefing in Jakarta.

BBC – A Myanmar military court has sentenced Aung San Suu Kyi to a further seven years in prison, taking her overall jail time to 33 years.The country's former democratically-elected leader has been under house arrest since a military ousted her government in a coup in February 2021.Since then she's faced 18 months of trials on 19 charges – which rights groups say are a sham.The UN Security Council called for her release last week.On Friday she was sentenced on the final five charges she faced. A court found her guilty of corruption because she had not followed regulations in renting a helicopter for a government minister.She had already been convicted of 14 different crimes including breaching Covid public safety rules, importing walkie-talkies and violating the official secrets act.Her trials this year have been set behind closed-doors where the public and media are barred access and her lawyers are also banned from speaking to journalists.

Covid-19 update: The death toll stands at 5,30,699 with one fatality reported from Maharashtra in the last 24 hours. India has been witnessing an increase in daily Covid-19 cases, with the country recording 243 new coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.  With this, the country's cumulative tally has gone up to 4.46 crore (4,46,78, 158) and active cases have increased to 3,609, the ministry said.  The death toll stands at 5,30,699 with one fatality reported from Maharashtra in the last 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am stated. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.11 per cent while the weekly positivity was pegged at 0.16 per cent.

HONG KONG : Beijing called on foreign governments to abide by scientific principles in setting travel protocols, after the U.S.

Moves by several countries to mandate COVID-19 tests for passengers arriving from China reflect global concern that new variants could emerge in its ongoing explosive outbreak — and that the government may not inform the rest of the world quickly enough. There have been no reports of new variants to date, but China has been accused of not being forthcoming about the virus since it first surfaced in the country in late 2019. The worry is that it may not be sharing data now on any signs of evolving strains that could spark fresh outbreaks elsewhere.

Why COVID projections have become harder During the early days of the pandemic, simple models could be used to project the number of COVID cases and the likely effect on the population, including demands for health care. Relatively few variables were needed to produce the first projections. That was because there was one main variant of COVID, the original strain, to which everyone in the world was susceptible.

Government officials have warned that the next 40 days will be crucial in determining the possibility of a resurgence of covid-19 cases in India, urging people to follow safety protocol and complete their vaccination. NEW DELHI: India reported 268 fresh coronavirus infections and two deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the Union health ministry’s covid bulletin on Thursday. Active cases stood at 3,552, taking the total number of cases reported in the country so far since the pandemic hit in 2020 to 4.46 crore.

With inputs from agencies

While the Central government has started random sampling and testing of 2% of foreign travellers at Delhi airport, in the last two days, more than 6,000 international travellers have been scanned, out of which 39 passengers have tested covid-19 positive. New Delhi: Government officials warned that the next 40 days would be crucial in determining the possibility of a resurgence of covid-19 cases in India as they urged people to follow safety protocols and complete their vaccination doses.

Italy is now sequencing those tests to see if there are new variants coming from China Italian health authorities will begin testing all arrivals from China for Covid after almost half of the passengers on two flights to Milan were found to have the virus.  The country is now sequencing those tests to see if there are new variants coming from China, the Health Ministry said in a statement. If a new strain is found, officials may impose stricter curbs on travel from China.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Police teams investigating the death of businessman Dinesh Schaffter were summoned by the Police Chief for a meeting on Wednesday (28).IGP C.D.

Next 40 days going to be crucial as India may see surge in Covid cases in January: Official sources citing previous trends, news agency ANI reported 

North Lanarkshire councillors have chosen to have a single pandemic memorial installed in Motherwell’s Strathclyde Park rather than several smaller ones in various towns.