MPC Minutes: Economic recovery from pandemic needs continued support, says Das

92 per cent of deaths in India has occurred due to unvaccinated individuals. He also said that India is the second country in the world, which has its own vaccine tracker.

KATE Garraway told of how husband Derek's Covid battle "turned her life upside down" in her new TV show. The broadcaster has bravely continued working while raising her two children and caring for Derek over the past two years.

Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

COLOMBO (News 1st); The International Monetary Fund says that due to Sri Lanka’s persistent external debt service burden, international reserves would remain inadequate, despite the authorities’ ongoing efforts to secure FX financing from external sources.In a statement, the IMF adds that unless the fiscal and balance-of-payments financing needs are met, the country could experience significant contractions in imports and private credit growth, or monetary instability in case of further central bank financing of fiscal deficits.The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Sri Lanka on February 25, 2022.The IMF Executive Directors have called for continued improvements to expenditure rationalization, budget formulation and execution, and the fiscal rule.They also encouraged the authorities to reform state-owned enterprises and adopt cost-recovery energy pricing.Directors called for renewed efforts on growth-enhancing structural reforms.They stressed the importance of increasing female labor force participation and reducing youth unemployment. Further efforts are needed to diversify the economy, phase out import restrictions, and improve the business and investment climate in general.Directors also called for prudent management of the Colombo Port City project and continued efforts to strengthen governance and fight corruption.FULL STATEMENT:The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Sri Lanka on February 25, 2022.Sri Lanka has been hit hard by COVID-19.

Prince Charles has provided an update regarding the health of Queen Elizabeth II after her coronavirus diagnosis. The Prince of Wales, 73, provided the update to Janice Jacom, a local administrative worker, at an area golf course during a visit in Southend-on-Sea, England, for its City Day, according to Hello! magazine. "I asked the prince about his mother, and he said, 'She's a lot better now.

KATE Garraway will be shown how Covid-19 ravaged her husband Derek Draper's body in her new medical TV show. The star, 54, is hosting BBC2's Your Body Uncovered and the series will feature a segment about how the deadly virus can affect the lungs. Virtual reality technology will be used to give an almost real-life look inside the body.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a real blow to Calgarians who put on live performances. But as Gil Tucker shows us, there are encouraging signs that they are now bouncing back.

While the pandemic has taken a toll on small businesses, one business owner in the Beach neighbourhood says empty store fronts have been a problem in her community for decades and she’s had enough.

Ontario may have dropped proof of vaccination Tuesday, but some businesses like Pomarosa are continuing to implement the program. As a result, the coffee shop says it has been facing backlash online. Brittany Rosen reports.

Signage at the Google headquarters in Mountain View, California, U.S., on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022. Alphabet Inc.

Kate Garraway has admitted that her life was "turned upside down" when her husband Derek Draper was diagnosed with coronavirus. The presenter, 54, spoke about Derek, 54, on her new BBC series, Your Body Uncovered, on Wednesday night.Talking at the star of the episode, Kate said: "Having a serious health condition is terrifying and having someone you love with a health condition can be just as daunting.

month-long decline in COVID-19 infections, according to figures from the World Health Organization.In its weekly report on the pandemic issued late Tuesday, the U.N. health agency also said that deaths fell by 10%, continuing a drop in fatalities first seen last week.

FILE - President Joe Biden speaks on the January jobs reports during an event in the State Dining Room of the White House February 4, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) The strategy comes on the heels of Biden's State of the Union address, in which he repeated that the U.S.

Russia renewed its assault Wednesday on Ukraine’s second-largest city in a pounding that lit up the skyline with balls of fire over populated areas, even as both sides said they were ready to resume talks aimed at stopping the new devastating war in Europe.The escalation of attacks on crowded cities followed an initial round of talks between outgunned Ukraine and nuclear power Russia on Monday that resulted in only a promise to meet again. It was not clear when new talks might take place — or what they would yield.

sent into Ukraine to hunt down and assassinate President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was "eliminated" by security forces, a top Kyiv defense official told national media.Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council Oleksiy Danilov reportedly told the Ukraine 24 TV channel that defense forces countered two death squads sent after Zelenskyy on Tuesday, according to a translation of his remarks.He said Ukrainian forces got intelligence about a planned attack on Zelenskyy and destroyed an elite Chechen unit. "The special operation that was to be carried out directly by the Kadyrovites to eliminate our president is fully known to us today, and I can say that we received information from representatives of the FSB, who today have no desire to take part in this bloody war," he said. Ramzan Kadyrov is the leader of the Chechen Republic, which is a semiautonomous part of Russia. He is an ally of Vladimir Putin, and his commandos are considered fierce, highly skilled fighters.

In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a massive 25%, according to a scientific brief released by the World Health Organization (WHO) today. The brief also highlights who has been most affected and summarizes the effect of the pandemic on the availability of mental health services and how this has changed during the pandemic.

TRENTON, N.J. - The old debate about whether drivers in New Jersey should be able to pump their own gas has returned. On Monday, a group of bipartisan legislators introduced a new bill that would allow drivers in the state to have the option for self-service stations. RELATED: Rising gas prices: Ways to maximize your fuel economyThis comes as gas station owners say they are struggling with staff shortages and lack of business fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic and rising gas prices. The Motorist Fueling Choice and Convenience Act, sponsored by Democratic Assemblywoman Carol A. Murphy and Republican Assemblymen Edward H.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Public Utilities Commission said that the 7.5 hour blackout will continue for Thursday (3) as well.“Power shedding for all areas will be 5 hours between 8 am to 6 pm. And further 2 and half hours between 6 pm to 11 pm.”, said the Chairman of the PUCSL.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ships ‘URAGA’ and ‘HIRADO’ which belong to the Minesweeper Division One arrived at the port of Colombo on a formal visit on 01st and 02nd March 2022 respectively.Upon their arrival, the two ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval tradition.The Minesweeper Division One to which both these ships belong is commanded by Captain NOGUCHI Yasushi.Meanwhile, the 141m long Minesweeper Tender ‘URAGA’ is commanded by Commander KONDO Koji and the ship is manned by a crew of 130.The Minesweeper Ocean ‘HIRADO’ is a 67m long ship where 55 crew members serve under the command of Lieutenant Commander ITO Akira, the ship’s Commanding Officer.Before their arrival at the port of Colombo, the duo of JMSDF ships conducted a successful naval exercise with the Sri Lanka Navy Ship (SLNS) Sindurala off Colombo on 28th February.Among the exercises worked off, Divisional Tactics (DIVTACS), Maneuvering Exercises and Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX) were chief.The proceedings of the visit of the ships will be conducted adhering to COVID-19 protocols owing to the pandemic concerns. Meanwhile, the ships are scheduled to depart the island on 03rd March.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Addressing a concerned nation and anxious world, President Joe Biden vowed in his first State of the Union address Tuesday night to check Russian aggression in Ukraine, tame soaring U.S. inflation and deal with the fading but still dangerous coronavirus.Biden declared that he and all members of Congress, whatever political differences there may be, were joined "with an unwavering resolve that freedom will always triumph over tyranny." He asked the lawmakers crowding the House chamber to stand and salute the Ukrainians as he began his speech. They stood and cheered.Biden highlighted the bravery of Ukrainian defenders and the commitment of a newly reinvigorated Western alliance that has worked to rearm the Ukrainian military and cripple Russia’s economy through sanctions.

WASHINGTON - During President Biden's State of the Union address, many members of Congress chose to show a sign of solidarity with the people of Ukraine by wearing the embattled country's colors: blue and yellow. Some lawmakers could be seen wearing blue and yellow pocket squares in their suit jackets or holding small Ukrainian flags. And others, like House Speaker Nanci Pelosi, wore a Ukrainian flag or ribbon brooch pinned to their left lapel.Several legislators took to Twitter to share their sartorial choices with their followers. RELATED: Russia-Ukraine updates: Russian convoy nears Kyiv on day 6 of assault"Today, I'm wearing blue and yellow to President Biden's #StateOfTheUnion to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

Alberta is now dropping most of its public health measures, as the province enters Step 2 of its reopening plan during the pandemic. As Heather Yourex-West explains, the province’s goal to be open for spring is causing concerns.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Addressing a concerned nation and anxious world, President Joe Biden vowed in his first State of the Union address Tuesday night to check Russian aggression in Ukraine, tame soaring U.S. inflation and deal with the fading but still dangerous coronavirus.Biden declared that he and all members of Congress, whatever political differences there may be, were joined "with an unwavering resolve that freedom will always triumph over tyranny." He asked the lawmakers crowding the House chamber to stand and salute the Ukrainians as he began his speech. They stood and cheered.Biden highlighted the bravery of Ukrainian defenders and the commitment of a newly reinvigorated Western alliance that has worked to rearm the Ukrainian military and cripple Russia’s economy through sanctions.

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Joe Biden will vow to make Vladimir Putin "pay a price" for Russia's invasion of Ukraine in his first State of the Union address, rallying allies abroad while also outlining his plans at home to fight inflation and the fading but still dangerous coronavirus.In addition to recounting U.S. and allied economic sanctions against Russia, Biden planned to announce that the U.S.

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia released proposed regulations for city streeteries last month and some in the industry feel they will be nearly impossible to comply with."They didn’t save our life but they kept us alive," said Mark Grika, pointing to six enclosed structures for private outdoor dining at his East Passyunk Ave restaurant, Flannel.Under the new rules passed by Philadelphia City Council in December, approximately 70 percent of the existing streeteries can stay open, according to the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association. But Senior Director of Operations Ben Fileccia fears only five to ten percent of the streeteries will survive the proposed regulations released through newspapers in mid-February.They include a $2,200 annual license fee, a $60,000 security bond, a requirement to break down the structures before inclement weather and electrical changes that include generators or wiring underground."Right now I have it in the grooves on the sidewalk and no one has ever tripped on any of them, and I have one also overhead, and they’re saying you can’t have either," Grika said.

Medicare beneficiaries with Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia—particularly nursing home residents and racial minorities—died at higher rates than others during the COVID-19 pandemic, finds a large study published yesterday in JAMA Neurology.

 A costumed reveler attends the 2022 Krewe of Freret parade on February 19, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 2021 Mardi Gras parades were cancelled in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images)Mardi Gras couldn’t have come at a better time during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as cases and hospitalizations drop and states ease restrictions. Revelers decked out in traditional purple, green and gold came out to party on Fat Tuesday in New Orleans’ first full-dress Mardi Gras since 2020.

Toronto Zoo says it will continue checking for proof of vaccination against COVID-19, likely until at least the end of April.In a statement posted to social media, the zoo said that while the province is easing more COVID-19 measures Tuesday, it will keep all of its policies in place.“We understand that high community vaccination rates continue to reduce the risk of serious illness in humans,” the statement said. Capacity restrictions, proof of vaccination system eliminated as Ontario reopens further “Your Toronto Zoo’s animals remain vulnerable to the risks of COVID-19 infection, and as such we will continue to employ all measures that ensure their continued protection and wellbeing.

Wastewater data has provided some key insight into COVID-19 decision making over the past two years and while still important, it may not offer the insight it once did.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the textNever miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Wednesday, April 28, 2021.

As the war in Ukraine rages on, Edmontonians are turning to each other for comfort as many worry about what could happen to loved ones overseas. Sarah Komadina reports from a rally held at the University of Alberta.

Some independent suppliers of Personal Protective Equipment to the health service in Northern Ireland increased prices by up to eight times after the outbreak of the Covid pandemic, according to a report published today.

Subsidy rates for the Government's Employee Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) are to be cut further from today.

PHILADELPHIA - Ukraine's resistance fighters continue to hold strong against a full-scale invasion from Russia, but a member of parliament on the front lines says they still need help amid another day of bombardment. Russian troops have been advancing slowly on the capital city of nearly 3 million people. On Monday, a military convoy consisting of hundreds of armored vehicles, tanks, artillery and support vehicles was no more than 17 miles (25 kilometers) from the city center, according to satellite imagery from the Maxar company.It was believed earlier Monday to be 17 miles (25 kilometers) long, but additional satellite imagery showed it stretching for 40 miles.

Linda Nolan has been supported by fans over feeling "vulnerable" amid her health struggles. The ITV Loose Women star Coleen's sister spoke out on Twitter.

The Canadian Space Agency posted a satellite photo of a region the internet concluded resembles a cat. (Canadian Space Agency)LOS ANGELES - On Feb.

made the announcement on Twitter in response to a tweet by Ukraine’s minister of digital transformation saying that while Musk tries to "colonize Mars," Russia is trying to occupy Ukraine. The minister called on Musk to provide his country with Starlink stations.In his response Saturday, Musk said: "Starlink service is now active in Ukraine.

System Of A Down drummer John Dolmayan has said that the COVID-19 pandemic “has always been about money”.Dolmayan has previously been vocal about vaccine mandates and has received criticism for his views on the Black Lives Matter movement, his support for Donald Trump and has stated that people won’t work with him now because of his views.In February last year, he called Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez “a moron” in an interview, where he also explained that he’s not a fan of “the agenda of a lot of the Democratic platforms”.Yesterday (February 27), Dolmayan took to his Instagram to share a Pokémon-related COVID-19 meme, writing: “And just like that covid will slowly go away. This is and has always been about money , covid was about money , Ukraine is about money.

The Mental Health Foundation Scotland is urging college students living in Lanarkshire to share their experiences on mental health and wellbeing support at college.

told a Russian warship to "go f--- yourself" are "alive and well," according to a Facebook post published by the Ukrainian Navy. "Regarding the Marines and border guards, who were taken captive by Russian occupiers on the island of Snake. We are very happy to learn that our brothers are alive and well," the post, which was published on Monday, read in part. The Ukrainian soldiers were on Zmiiny Island, also known as Snake Island, and were live-streaming on Feb.

Matt Hancock has said he broke coronavirus guidelines - which he created - because he “fell in love” with his aide.

Doug Ford said the province isn’t “far away” from lifting its mask mandate.Ford made the comment at an unrelated press conference Monday morning in response to a question from a reporter about the status of masking requirements in the province.“Right from the get-go, I’m listening to the chief medical officer,” Ford said. Mask mandate will likely be lifted in schools when it is removed for wider public: Ontario top doc “It’s his advice when they’re going to come off and we’ll wait for his advice and recommendations and once he gives the recommendations, we’ll be able to move forward.”Ford hinted that the province’s masking requirements could be lifted in the third week of March.“What I’m hearing: over the next few weeks, maybe after March break when the kids get back, but we’ll see.

the railways have decided to resume general class passenger services. 

MUMBAI :

FILE PHOTO-A we're-hiring sign is posted outside of a Target store in Sausalito, California in 2019. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) NEW YORK - Workers at Target stores and distribution centers in places like New York, where competition for finding and hiring staff is the fiercest, could see starting wages as high as $24 an hour this year.The Minneapolis-based discount retailer said Monday that it will adopt minimum wages that range from $15 to $24 an hour, with the highest pay going to hires in the most competitive markets.

UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report said Monday if human-caused global warming isn’t limited to just another couple tenths of a degree, an Earth now struck regularly by deadly heat, fires, floods and drought in future decades will degrade in 127 ways with some being "potentially irreversible.""The cumulative scientific evidence is unequivocal: Climate change is a threat to human well-being and planetary health," says the major report designed to guide world leaders in their efforts to curb climate change. Delaying cuts in heat-trapping carbon emissions and waiting on adapting to warming's impacts, it warns, "will miss a brief and rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all."Today’s children who may still be alive in the year 2100 are going to experience four times more climate extremes than they do now even with only a few more tenths of a degree of warming over today's heat.

his interview with Matt Hancock, insisting he’ll decide who does and does not appear on his podcast Diary Of A CEO.Today the anticipated interview with Hancock landed, which Bartlett previously said became ‘heated’ in parts as the former Health Secretary was grilled on his exit from the cabinet after being accused of breaking his own social distancing rules amid the pandemic in 2022.The MP stepped down from the front bench in June last year after leaked CCTV showed the then-married Hancock embracing and kissing advisor Gina Coledangelo, who was also married, in his office.Amid criticism of Hancock’s appearance on the podcast, in part owing to the fact he’s not a CEO, Bartlett today insisted it’s up to the audience whether they listen or not and that most of his guests aren’t CEOs, despite the podcast’s title.At the time the episode was teased, some had asked what Hancock was the CEO of, while others questioned why he was being given such a platform in which to attempt ‘reputation rehabilitation’.Flagging the episode, Bartlett began on Monday: ‘This is the first long-form interview @MattHancock has given since resigning as Health Secretary.