Crisis-hit Sri Lanka seeks further $1 bln credit line from India – Reuters

New coronaviruses armed with the capacity to cause severe human disease are becoming more frequent, raising the stakes for global preparedness, along with a need for a vaccine that could broadly protect against the most dangerous ones, such as SARS-CoV-2.

Coronation Street.Viewers have recently watched him become embroiled in a tricky romance with Eileen Grimshaw.The 54-year-old actor has appeared in a slew of impressive roles before he stepped onto the Cobbles.Fans of the ITV soap may recognise him from his secret Corrie role dating back 30 years while others may know is his voice from a major Harry Potter role.From a little-known appearance in a rival soap to several major appearances in Hollywood blockbusters, Daily Star has taken a look into Tony's life away from the cameras.The star snagged a major role when he appeared in Harry Potter’s fifth blockbuster instalment, The Order of the Phoenix.Tony played Hagrid’s giant half-brother that he brings back from his travels.But the star has since revealed that playing Grawp was one of the toughest roles of his career.While voicing the half-human, half-monster character, Tony said he needed a golf buggy to be transported across the set because his costume was too heavy.Tony recalled to Female First: "I played Grawp in Harry Potter: The Order Of The Phoenix, and it was one of the hardest jobs I've ever done playing half-human, half-monster!"I was weighed down with these huge monster feet that were so heavy, that I could never get into the canteen and back in time.

TORETSK, Ukraine - Russia pounded eastern and southern Ukraine on Tuesday as the U.S. promised to "keep moving heaven and earth" to get Kyiv the weapons it needs to repel the new offensive, despite Moscow's warnings that such support could trigger a wider war.For the second day in a row, explosions rocked the separatist region of Trans-Dniester in neighboring Moldova, knocking out two powerful radio antennas close to the Ukrainian border and further heightening fears of a broader conflict erupting across Europe.

BENSALEM, Pa. - Bensalem police are looking for a suspect after three 7-Eleven robberies over the past two months.One robbery occurred at the 7-Eleven on the 3500 block of Street Road at 2:20 a.m. on April 20.Police say a man, 25-30 years of age, in a Philadelphia Eagles hoodie attempted to rob the store at gunpoint.

David Hofmann, 62, was sentenced to 25 - 50 years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing a boy for a 12-year period.  BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, Pa. - A Bristol Township man was sentenced to 25 - 50 years in prison for repeatedly sexually assaulting a boy during a 12-year period. According to the Bucks County District Attorney's Office, David Charles Hofmann, 62, was found guilty on charges of rape of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 13, indecent assault of a person less than 13 years old and related charges. During sentencing on April 25, the victim said Hoffman destroyed his childhood and impacted every part of his life. According to the DA's office, Hofmann began sexually abusing the victim in 1995 and most of the assaults took place at the victim's home. The victim said Hofmann bought him several gifts over the years to buy his silence. Authorities say he was considered a friend of the victim's family who was referred to as "Uncle Dave." Hofmann also lived with the victim's family at various times over the 12-year-period he abused the victim, officials say. ___MORE LOCAL HEADLINESIn 2007, the victim told his parents about the abuse, but it was not reported to police at that time, authorities say, but the victim's parents recorded a video conversation with Hofmann, where he admitted to sexually abusing their child. The video conversation was played in court during the trial, the DA's Office says. Hofmann also admitted to repeatedly sexually abusing the victim when he was a child in a phone conversation. The victim, who is now in his 30s, reported the abuse in February 2020, 13 years after it ended, authorities say. Advertisement"With his brave decision to come forward

AUSTIN, Texas - Twitter announced on Monday that they have agreed to Elon Musk acquiring the social media platform for $44 billion, and now some of the biggest names in Hollywood are reacting to the change in ownership of Twitter.It appears stars have mixed feelings about Musk’s purchase.Rob Reiner took to Twitter on Monday morning and wrote, "Now that Elon Musk is buying Twitter, the question for all of us is: Will he allow a Criminal who used this platform to lie and spread disinformation to try to overthrow the US Government to return and continue his Criminal activity? And if he does, how do we combat it?" He received thousands of responses, with Twitter users weighing in on what they believe Twitter will become under new ownership. PREVIOUS COVERAGE:Actor and former rapper, Ice-T, took to Twitter ahead of the announcement to show his support if the world’s richest man bought Twitter. "It would kinda dope if Musk bought Twitter and just shut it off…. Lol," he wrote.After getting mixed feedback, Ice-T clarified that his stance is not political."For the Record..

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Watch the full press conference with Tyre Sampson's mom, Nekia Dodd, in the player above.The mother of Tyre Sampson said she wants the Orlando FreeFall drop tower ride at ICON Park to be taken down after her son fell to his death while on the ride in March, and also demanded that there be stricter laws for those types of rides.CONTINUING COVERAGE: Orlando FreeFall Death Investigation"They can take the ride down completely. Get rid of it altogether.

COVID-19 response.Her appointment follows the recent departure of St. Mary’s General Hospital’s Lee Fairclough, who announced earlier this month that she is running for the Liberal Party in the upcoming Ontario election.

PHILADELPHIA - On Monday, the City of Philadelphia announced the new timeline for the implementation of the workforce vaccine mandate. According to an arbitration panel governing the mandate for employees represented by the Fraternal Order of Police, this is the final update on the matter. On February 1, the panel issued requirements, including a mandate for officers to be vaccinated by February 18. That mandate was delayed on February 28 and unvaccinated or partially vaccinated employees were not punished or placed on leave at that time. According to the panel, as of April 13, 97% of the Philadelphia Police Department have either been fully vaccinated, received at least a single dose or requested a medical or religious exemption. "Only a handful of active-duty officers remain out of compliance with the City's COVID-19 vaccination mandate policy as of Wednesday, April 13," a release from the City said. Under the new timeline, employees who do not provide proof of at least a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine or a request for exemption by May 31 will be placed on Unvaccinated Leave beginning June 6. Employees who are currently on leave must comply with the mandate by May 31.Unvaccinated employees will be required to follow additional protocols including, double-masking, wearing an N95 mask or submitting to routine COVDI-19 testing. ___RELATED HEADLINESEmployees who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by May 31 will have 14 days of the schedule prescribed for the vaccine they received. For employees whose exemption requests were denied, 10 calendar days will be given to file for an appeal.

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Tuesday urged countries to maintain surveillance of Covid-19 infections, saying we are "blind" to how the virus is spreading because of falling testing rates.

FILE-Aspirin tablets spilled from a bottle. (Photo by Chris Walton/South China Morning Post via Getty Images) WASHINGTON - Asprin is no longer recommended to prevent a first heart attack or stroke among people 60 years and older, according to new guidance from the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).On Tuesday, the USPSTF published a final recommendation statement on Asprin use to prevent heart disease and stroke, also known as cardiovascular disease (CVD). The new guidance states that people between the ages of 40 and 59 should decide with their healthcare professional whether to start taking Asprin.

Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks following a visit with expecting families and caregivers at UCSF Mission Bay on April 21, 2022 in San Francisco, CA. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Vice President Kamala Harris tested positive for COVID-19, a statement from her press secretary announced Tuesday. Press secretary Kirsten Allen said Harris tested positive on both rapid and PCR tests. "She has exhibited no symptoms, will isolate and continue to work from the Vice President’s residence," Allen stated. Harris has not been in close contact with President Joe Biden or first lady Jill Biden as their travel schedules haven’t aligned recently. Harris, 57, received her first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine weeks before taking office and a second dose just days after Inauguration Day in 2021.

Organic ground beef from the supermarket is in a bowl. Photo: Daniel Karmann/dpa (Photo by Daniel Karmann/picture alliance via Getty Images) NEW JERSEY - A New Jersey company is recalling approximately 120,872 pounds of ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli. Lakeside Refrigerated Services, a Swedesboro, N.J.

US Vice President Kamala Harris has tested positive for Covid, news agency AFP reported citing White House.

Russia accused NATO of creating a serious risk of nuclear war by arming Ukraine in a proxy battle as Washington and its allies met on Tuesday to pledge the heavy weapons Kyiv needs to achieve victory.U.S. officials have shifted emphasis this week from speaking mainly about helping Ukraine defend itself to bolder talk of a Ukrainian victory delivering a blow to Russia’s ability to threaten its neighbors.They have approved shipments of hundreds of millions of dollars in arms, including artillery and drones they held back from sending in earlier phases of the war.“Nations from around the world stand united in our resolve to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s imperial aggression,” Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said, welcoming officials from more than 40 countries to Ramstein Air Base in Germany, headquarters of U.S.

A US flag on the uniform of a US soldier. (Photo by Armin Weigel/picture alliance via Getty Images) The U.S.

Photo of Paxlovid, a life-saving COVID-19 antiviral treatment, manufactured by Pfizer (Photo by Fabian Sommer/picture alliance via Getty Images) WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden's administration is taking steps to expand availability of the life-saving COVID-19 antiviral treatment Paxlovid, as it seeks to reassure doctors that there is ample supply for people at high risk of severe illness or death from the virus.Paxlovid, produced by Pfizer, was first approved in December. Supply of the regimen was initially very limited, but as COVID-19 cases across the country have fallen and manufacturing has increased it is now far more abundant.

NEW DELHI :

Isabel Romea says TikTok led to her anorexia diagnosis. PHILADELPHIA - What began as an innocent app on her phone, turned into a life-changing realization for one 20-year-old woman.Isabel Romea, a computer science major at Swarthmore College, says her life took a turn after she started scrolling on TikTok.Like many during the pandemic, Romea turned to social media as a distraction.

The 2022 Broad Street Run is scheduled for May 1.  (Philadelphia Parks & Recreation)PHILADELPHIA - Runners are set to gather at Broad Street and West Fisher Avenue for the 42nd annual Blue Cross Broad Street Run on May 1 at 8:00 a.m. "I'm thrilled to welcome back runners to the Blue Cross Broad Street Run on its traditional May date," Mayor Jim Kenney said. "Thank you to everyone who got vaccinated so we can have a safe race." Although the date of the race is back to its original time, there are still several changes runners and spectators should be aware of. Here is what you need to know as the city prepares for the 10-mile event. According to the City of Philadelphia, thousands of runners have registered for the event, but only runners who submitted proof of vaccination can run in person.

SANTA FE, N.M. - New movie set footage released this week shows Alec Baldwin rehearsing with a gun on the set of "Rust" just before the fatal shooting of the film’s cinematographer last October. Footage from the Western movie, which was being filmed on a ranch near Santa Fe, New Mexico, was among the video evidence shared publicly on Monday by the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office.The rehearsal clips show Baldwin in costume sitting inside a small church as he practices a quick-draw maneuver with a gun. The shooting, which occurred on Oct.

Carl Girouard is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the killings of Suzanne Clermont, 61, and François Duchesne, 56, in the Old Quebec neighbourhood on Oct. 31, 2020.

Delhi on Tuesday reported 1,204 new coronavirus cases, 863 recoveries and 1 death in the last 24 hours, according to the data updated by the state health department.

VIJAYAPURA :

Notably, the daily Covid-19 cases more than doubled in the last two days in Mumbai. On Sunday, the city had registered 45 cases

PTI reported on Tuesday that the government has deployed over 70 enforcement teams in all 11 districts of Delhi to check violations. 

COVID-19 as hospital numbers jumped Tuesday.Pandemic-related hospitalizations stood at 2,409, a rise of 64. This comes following 204 admissions and 140 discharges in the last day.Health authorities say intensive care unit cases linked to the disease totaled 90, an increase of four.The province recorded 1,670 new novel coronavirus cases, though it’s not an accurate portrait of the situation.

Sharon Osbourne opened up about everything from her family life to her health in a tell-all interview over the weekend. MORE: Sharon Osbourne makes shocking confession about oldest daughter AimeeAnd during the chat, the TV favorite spoke out about her devastating battle with bulimia, which she has been living with for many years. Talking to The Times, she told the publication that she can empathise with people who are unhappy in their bodies, because she has bulimia.

COVID-19. There are 219 people in intensive care with or due to the virus.That marks an increase of 275 hospitalizations and no change in the number of people in intensive care compared to Monday’s report.

PHILADELPHIA - A woman is in critical condition after police say she was hit by a car just after midnight Tuesday.The woman was running across the street on the 6000 block of Harbison Avenue when she was struck by a car.Police say the car, a Chevrolet Cruze, was traveling northbound on Harbison at the time.

Mehmet Oz, celebrity physician and U.S. Republican Senate candidate for Pennsylvania, takes photos with attendees during a campaign event in Bristol, Pennsylvania, U.S., on Thursday, April 21, 2022.

Family and friends of the late Love Island host Caroline Flack have decided to create a festival in her honour.

CORONATION Street's Simon Gregson has started his health kick and is back in the gym after joking he "needs a sports bra". The actor has been enjoying his life out on the town recently - and was spotted getting topless during a boozy fight earlier this month.

NEW DELHI :

A health worker takes a swab sample from a man to be tested for Covid-19 at a testing site in Zhongguancun in Beijing on April 26, 2022. (JADE GAO/AFP via Getty Images) BEIJING - Workers put up fencing and police restricted who could leave a locked-down area in Beijing on Tuesday as authorities in the Chinese capital stepped up efforts to prevent a major COVID-19 outbreak like the one that has all but shut down the city of Shanghai.People lined up for throat swabs across much of Beijing as mass testing was expanded to 11 of the city's 16 districts.Another 22 cases were found in the last 24 hours, Beijing health officials said at a late afternoon news conference, bringing the total to 92 since the outbreak was discovered five days ago.

PHILADELPHIA - An investigation is underway after police say a 19-year-old was stabbed in Northeast Philadelphia early Tuesday morning.The teen was stabbed in the shoulder by his girlfriend on the 3100 block of Willits Road around 3:30 a.m., according to police.He was transported to a local hospital where he is said to be in stable condition.A motive for the stabbing is not known at this time.

Denmark has said it is suspending its widespread Covid-19 vaccination campaign.

CHICAGO - A man was taken into custody Monday after leading police on a chase in a stolen Chicago ambulance.Chicago police said around 4:40 p.m. Monday, the Chicago Fire Department ambulance was parked on a Chinatown street in the 200 block of West Cermak Road when an unknown offender jumped in and took off.Officials with Illinois State Police confirm no passengers or patients were inside the ambulance at the time of the incident.CFD Ambulance 66 is assigned to the firehouse located on the corner of Cermak Road and Wentworth Avenue.A man was taken into custody Monday after leading police on a chase in a stolen Chicago ambulance.The driver of the stolen ambulance led police on a chase on southbound Interstate 55 for nearly two hours.DOWNLOAD THE FOX 32 CHICAGO APP FOR BREAKING NEWS ALERTSThe pursuit spanned more than 70 miles, ending near the village of Dwight.

Here's everything you need to know about the development:

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. - The cross-examination of Johnny Depp concluded Monday after four days on the witness stand in a Fairfax County courtroom as part of his defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard.Download the FOX 5 DC News App for Local Breaking News and WeatherAttorneys for Amber Heard questioned her ex-husband Johnny Depp about photos that appeared to show cocaine and large bags of marijuana they say belonged to the actor.During his time on the stand Depp denied ever hitting Heard and accused her of striking him. Depp said Heard threw liquor bottles and paint cans at him during arguments the two had during their relationship.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former Minister Udaya Gammanpila is preparing to move the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution that will prevent foreign nationals from seizing power in Sri Lankan politics.Speaking to reporters in Colombo on Tuesday (29), Gammanpila dismissed claims that his group is attempting to secure the votes lost by the Rajapaksas, and use them for Namal Rajapaksa’s election campaign for the future.“Unfortunately for Namal, with the end of this government, the political journey of the Rajapaksas will come to an end,” said Gammanpila adding it would also end the eight-decade-long nepotism that plagued Sri Lankan politics.“We have no intention of re-electing a Rajapaksa, because no matter which one of them comes to power, it is Basil Rajapaksa who will govern the country,” he said.Udaya Gammanpila said that a measure to address this issue, the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution will be moved in April 2022 in Parliament that will NOT allow any dual citizen to take office in Sri Lanka.Former Minister & Leader of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya Udaya Gammanpila on Tuesday (29) revealed a process within the constitution that would allow to dissolve parliament and call for elections.He said a new leader will emerge to take this cause forward.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Monday (28) morning.During the meeting, President Rajapaksa had thanked India for the US $ 1 Bn Credit Line to Sri Lanka for the procurement of food, medicine, and other essentials.Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe exchanged words at the All-Party Conference chaired by the President on Wednesday (23).The argument broke out when the Former Prime Minister demanded the draft report of the International Monetary Fund to be furnished to Parliament.“I cannot give you the draft,” said the Finance Minister.Wickremesinghe said repeated requests for the IMF report on Sri Lanka were turned down by the Government, adding that this was the reason for many political parties to boycott the All-Party Conference.Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa said that Sri Lanka has not received the full report from the IMF, to which the Former Prime Minister responded that he was informed that the report in its entirety was submitted to the government of Sri Lanka.Rajapaksa said that what Sri Lanka received was a draft, and the government would add its comments to it and the final report will only be released following IMF board approval.

COLOMBO (News 1st); No conditions have been underlined for the USD 1 billion loan given by India, however, the amount will have to be paid back in installments after three years, said Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa.The President is acting on a very prudent and a long-term plan, says Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa on repaying the country’s loans after his entourage returned from India this afternoon. The Finance Minister returned to the country after signing agreements for a US $ 1 billion financial assistance from India. In addition to this $ 1 billion, India has already provided a $ 400 million loan, a $ 500 million loan to purchase petroleum and another $ 500 million via the Asian Clearing Union.Accordingly, the value of loans and relief facilities provided by India to overcome the current economic crisis is about US $ 2.4 billion in total. The Minister of Finance, speaking to media stated that Sri Lanka’s neighbor India has proven that it stands by Sri Lanka with this action, especially with Prime Minister Modi mentioning that all the support that Sri Lanka needs is being provided directly, both economically and socially.The Finance Minister said that Prime Minister Modi has learned of the organic farming and the interest shown by the President with regard to it, and although a shortage of nano fertilizer exists in India, they agreed to provide Sri Lanka with the required quantity.Rajapaksa also stated that India gave Sri Lanka a loan of US $ 1 billion to purchase food and other necessities for the people, especially for the upcoming Sinhala Tanil New Year, and the relevant loan has been in operation since yesterday (17).I urge all business communities to make it very transparent, giving priority to things which