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Health insurance policies come with different term... moreHealth insurance policies come with different terms and conditions, which can be confusing for policyholders.

NEW DELHI : In a major relief to small suppliers, the Centre on Monday asked various ministries to refund the performance security, bid security and liquidated damages forfeited or deducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The move gives effect to finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcement on 1 February in her budget speech that in cases of failure by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to execute contracts during the Covid period, 95% of the forfeited amount relating to bid or performance security, will be returned to them by the government and state-owned companies. The minister said in her speech that this would provide relief to MSMEs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Laugfs Gas announced that it has increased the prices of its domestic gas cylinders.The price hike will come into effect from midnight on Monday (06).The price of a 12.5 kg gas cylider was increased by Rs. 200 to Rs.5,280. The price of a 5 kg cylinder was increased by Rs.

COLOMBO (News1st) – Social media activist, Darshana Handungoda who was arrested by the CID last night was granted bail by the Fort Magistrate's Court. He was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport, upon arrival from Dubai.

Colombo (News1st) – Imagine having to risk your life and the lives of your family, just to get to work, or to school, or to rush a patient to hospital.Imagine living a life where you have to make a daily choice between possibly being killed by herds of wild elephants or falling to your death off a rickety wooden bridge with rotting planks that could give way at any moment.This may not be easy for people who live in cities to understand. But this is the harsh daily reality for the 300 families who live in the villages of Pussalavinna and Sooriyapokuna in the Dehiaththakandiya region, on the border of the Maduru Oya National Park.This bridge is the shortest route for children to go to school and connects the two villages to the town. The dilapidated state of this bridge has left the 300 families living here in dire straits because they must gamble with their lives every time they cross this bridge when it rains. Residents who have been battered for decades by the Human Elephant Conflict, don't have a proper road to travel on.

This took place in the presence of President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Office. Meanwhile, High Court Judge M. A. R. Marikkar was also sworn in as an appellate court judge before the President.

The level of homelessness in Dumfries and Galloway is higher than it was before the pandemic.

Gemma Atkinson was left terrified when she gave birth for the first time in July 2019, as severe complications led to her haemorrhaging, and concerned doctors were forced to perform an emergency C-section.The experience was so traumatic that the 38-year-old initially vowed never to give birth again, so when fans noticed that she seemed to be "breathless" during her Instagram videos while pregnant with baby number two, they spoke up.One fan urged Gemma to have her iron levels checked, only for the star to hit back and reassure her that breathlessness was "common" in pregnancy.The message from a concerned fan read: "Have u had your iron levels checked missus u sound a bit breathless, that can be a sign of low iron in pregnancy [ask] your midwife to run some bloods for u x (sic)."Gemma, who revealed last month that she was expecting her first baby boy with Strictly Come Dancing pro Gorka Marquez, sparked alarm due to the level of trauma she'd endured the first time around.The presenter replied: "I've been asked this a lot.Thanks for concern", but then added: "My bloods are checked regularly as is my [blood pressure]."Both before and during pregnancy (because I find it amazing how our bodies work) my results are spot-on and luckily have been for years," she continued."In fact, [at] my last blood pressure check a week ago I was told 'Gosh you are as chilled as you look'…"She then added that the tell-tale signs everyone had been so concerned about were actually "common"."Breathlessness is common in pregnancy due to everything shifting and moving about to make room," she wrote."I'm across my health and in very good hands with my midwife too."Gemma originally shared her baby news just weeks earlier, confessing on Instagram that

Scientists believe that there are less chances of another wave given that a large number of India’s population has been exposed to the virus and vaccinated and have thus developed hybrid immunity. New Delhi: India reported 91 new coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours, while the country’s active caseload remained unchanged at 1,817, according to an update by the health ministry on Monday. Total reported cases climbed to 4.46 crore (4,46,83,454), while death toll stands at 5,30,745.

A doctor is being probed over the alleged theft of thousands of pounds of protective equipment at the height of the Covid pandemic.

Social media activist Dharshana Handungoda has been arrested last night by the Criminal Investigation Department.He was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport, upon arrival from overseas.

Colombo (News 1st) – Litro Gas has announced that it will increase prices from midnight tonight. A 12.5kg cylinder will be up by LKR334; a 5kg cylinder by LKR134, and a 2.3kg cylinder by LKR61.

Colombo (News1st) – Billionaire businessman Onesh Subasinghe has been found dead in an apartment in Jakarta Indonesia.This was confirmed to News1st by Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia Admiral Professor Jayanath Colombage. He said that a police investigation is underway in Jakarta Indonesia.When News1st reached out Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Director Public Diplomacy said the ministry was "looking into the matter".Onesh Subasinghe was the Managing Director of Opex Holding (Pvt) Ltd, a family business.

LOVE Island star Olivia Attwood is ‘set to return’ to the I’m A Celebrity jungle after being forced to leave just days into her time on the show last year. She was told to leave the jungle after a routine blood test showed she was "dangerously anaemic" and she was rushed to A&E.

 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka says that a special probe has been launched into the firing of water cannons and tear gas on silent protestors who led a Satyagraha opposite the Elphinstone hall in Maradana on Friday (03).The HRCSL says that the preliminary investigations have begun in this regard as teams from the commission had visited the scene on the day of the incident and on Saturday (04).The Commission added that a preliminary report is to be submitted to them on Monday (06).The Satyagraha was organized by social and civil rights activists who were engaging in a silent protest against the 75th Independence Day celebrations that were held at huge public expense.During this silent protest, it was reported that another group had arrived and had created a heated situation with those engaged in the silent protest.It was following this that the police intervened in removing the protestors from the site of the Satyagraha using water cannons and tear gas.03 individuals who were arrested following the incident were granted bail after being produced before the Maligakanda Magistrate Court, yesterday (04).Meanwhile, the 75th Independence Day celebrations were held in Colombo on Saturday (04) at Galle Face Green.

Laura Hamilton, 40, has admitted she was left “frightened” by the state of her skin when she got it professionally scanned today.The A Place in the Sun presenter said that, despite always wearing factor 50 sunscreen, she was shocked by the amount of damage to the skin on her face.Laura took to Instagram to share her experience of getting her skin scanned in view of her 175,000 followers.“This was insane…” she captioned the clip, tagging @toniobagiuk and @liftingspiritsx.“Happy Saturday!” Laura told her followers. “Hope you’re having a good weekend so far.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Nugegoda Magistrate's Court has issued an order against the Convener of the Inter University Students' Federation Wasantha Mudalige, Convener of the Inter University Bhikku Federation Ven.

Under the Covid vaccination drive, more than 220.56 crore vaccine doses have been administered to people across the country so far. In the last 24 hours, around 1,60,769 vaccine doses were administered New Delhi India has reported 128 new Covid cases in the last 24 hours, according to the union health ministry data. The total number of Covid cases reached 4.47 crore, with 530,745 Covid-related deaths since the onset of the Covid pandemic.

Sri Lanka's President and Prime Minister issued statements to mark the 75th Independence Day.In his message, President Ranil Wickremesinghe says there is a new economic and social reform agenda before the country with the objectives focusing first on recovery and then on renewed development. The Head of State stated it is imperative for us to unite in its implementation so that we can emerge with a high level of economic prosperity. He pledged to make the extremely difficult though vital decisions to achieve this goal with courage and determination. Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in his message to mark the 75th Independence Day said "today, we not only celebrate our freedom, but also pay tribute to the ones who fought for it, to the ones who held a vision for our country, and to the ones who sacrificed themselves for the same." The Premier says the bravery, heroic acts as well as untold miseries suffered by our forefathers during their struggle for freedom of the Motherland must not be allowed to fade away from our memories.The Prime Minister adds the government has taken a series of measures to ensure recovery of the economy, and increase agricultural production to attain self-sufficiency and food security. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa also issued a statement to mark the 75th Independence Day. He stated "despite the fact that Sri Lanka has been independent for 75 years, we have failed to make that independence meaningful on national, social, educational, and religious levels."The Opposition Leader stated being trapped in "narrow chauvinism and communalism" is not the way to experience true freedom.

President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka President's Counsel Saliya Pieris has raised concerns over peaceful protesters, who were detained while they were staging the 'Satyagraha for freedom' yesterday in Maradana, being denied access to lawyers.He stressed that the Police detaining access to legal counsel is in direct violation of Enforced Disappearance Act No.5 of 2018 which requires Police to give access to lawyers and relatives.Police last night dispersed a group of peaceful activists staging a Satyagraha opposite Elphinstone Theatre in Maradana.Police Media Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa confirmed that four people have been arrested.Posting on social media President's Counsel Saliya Pieris further stressed that "Independence and freedom must be for the people and not limited to those in power."

On Sri Lanka’s 75th Independence Day, Gammadda gave the people of Hengamuwa village in the Kobeigane region of the Kurunegala District something to celebrate, by providing a source of safe drinking water to the entire community, with the presentation of a Reverse Oscillation (RO) Plant.This community, which relies on agriculture and whose produce feeds thousands in the nation, had no source of healthful drinking water. The water in the wells was not of suitable standard for drinking and authorities seemed deaf to the pleas of the villagers.

Michael Mosley has been raving about a certain 'overlooked' form of exercise that can have countless health and weight loss benefits.

An expert has outlined the potential problems that can arise as a result of going to the toilet when you don't really need.

Colombo (News 1st) – Violence broke out in Maradana close to the city centre in Sri Lanka’s capital city as police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse a group of peaceful protesters practicing a satyagraha.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police said that no Independence Day rehearsals will take place on Monday (30), and none of the roads in the area will be closed.Sri Lanka Police said that the special traffic plan for the 75th Independence Day celebrations will be in effect from the 1st of February to the 4th of February.According to this traffic plan, 20 roads around Galle Face will be closed from 5 AM to 12 noon.During the said time period, residents can use those roads based on the directives issued by the Traffic Police Officers. 

The actor Zachary Levi left fans wondering if he was opposed to vaccinations after he posted tweets critical of the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer in the early hours of Sunday.The Shazam! Fury Of The Gods star — whose new DC Comics film is set to hit theaters on March 17 — set off the controversy after he quote tweeted a post from an account espousing anti-vaccine views that claimed Pfizer was 'a real danger to the world.'Levi wrote in his retweet, 'Hardcore agree

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Police say that a new traffic plan is to begin today due to the rehearsals of the independence day celebrations.The officer in charge of the Western Traffic Division Senior DIG Roshan Wijesingha says that the new plan will be in place today (28), tomorrow (29), and from the 1st to the 4th of February as well. He says that during the aforementioned days, certain roads in the areas surrounding the celebrations will be closed, and limited road access will be given to some areas as well. Officer in charge of the Western Traffic Division Senior DIG Roshan Wijesingha added that road closures surrounding the areas will take place from 5:00 am to 12 noon during those days. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has given out instruction to celebrate the 75th Independence Day with pride, at minimal cost.A pre-discussion was held on Thursday (26) at the President's Office chaired by President Ranil Wickremesinghe regarding the Independence Day celebration being held in a grand and proud manner, but maintaining minimum cost.Accordingly, in conjunction with the 75th Independence Day celebration, many special programs are scheduled to be implemented from February 2nd to the 19th. According to the President's Media Division the following events have been planned:Special Dalada Pooja and Pirith chanting Religious ceremonies of all faiths Cultural show held at Independence Square Traditional Independence Day celebration main event held at Galle Face Green National parks and Zoo's will be open to the public free of charge Opening of the Jaffna Cultural Centre Kandy republic parade Cycle race from Dondra Head to Point PedroThe President advised the officials that it is their responsibility as well as that of the political authority, to pay attention to the current financial situation of the country while estimating the expenses required for these activities.The President had advised that spending must be practical, and minimal.While pointing out that there is huge opposition among the people regarding the allocation of funds for the 75th Independence Day celebration, the President emphasized that efforts should be made to minimize the related expenses.Expressing his views further, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said, “We must celebrate the 75th Independence Anniversary, otherwise, the world will say that we are not capable of celebrating even our independence.

Assessing the risks The debate stemmed in part from a December study in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, which is a peer-reviewed journal. It analyzed previous studies on gas stoves as well as US census data and concluded that nearly 13% of U.S. childhood asthma cases can be attributed to gas stove use.

FORMER HOLLYOAKS star Hollie-Jay Bowes revealed that she's been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The actress - who played Michaela McQueen in the Channel 4 soap - said she was relieved to receive the news after being on a waiting list for three years. Hollie-Jay, 34, who also plays Debs Rafferty in the new series of BBC's Waterloo Road, will be part of a new storyline with pupil Kelly Jo Rafferty, played by Alicia Forde, in which she learns whether she has ADHD.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe is hopeful that assurances from creditors can be obtained within the 1st quarter of the year.Speaking at the Monetary Policy Review No. 01 of 2023, the governor said that he is hopeful that the International Monetary Fund would be able to receive necessary financing assurances from all the creditors in a very short period."India has clearly given the financial assurances which are acceptable to the International Monetary Fund.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A 72-year-old woman was rescued 20 hours after she was carried away by strong currents in the Dambulu Oya. News 1st correspondent said that the senior citizen was seen walking towards the Dambulu Oya at around 10 AM on Monday (23), however, as she did not return her children had alerted the neighbours and launched a search.

A cancer patient told how her life was “ruined” afer she was denied cancer treatment because of the Covid lockdown. Fiona Weir, 44, was concerned about the changing shape and colour of a mole but she was unable to see a doctor face to face during lockdown.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet Spokesperson announced that the daily power outages will be limited to two-hours.Speaking at the media briefing to elaborate on cabinet decisions Minister Bandula Gunawardena noted that the two-hour power outage will only take place after 4 PM during the period of the G. C. E.

WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. health officials want to make COVID-19 vaccinations more like the annual flu shot.The Food and Drug Administration on Monday proposed a simplified approach for future vaccination efforts, allowing most adults and children to get a once-a-year shot to protect against the mutating virus.This means Americans would no longer have to keep track of how many shots they’ve received or how many months it’s been since their last booster.The proposal comes as boosters have become a hard sell.

clinician, has long been a powerful tool “for unpacking and making sense of our thoughts and feelings,” says , a licensed marriage and family therapist in New York. Sometimes it can feel like the latest in mental health treatment is overwhelmingly tech-heavy or experimental—hello, and and post-traumatic stress disorder—but the recent rise in interest surrounding writing therapy feels refreshingly grounded and old school. “There are numerous studies linking journaling about our thoughts and feelings to a decrease in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress,” says , a licensed marriage and family therapist in California.

People in one travel hotspot of Spain are being asked to wear face masks to help reduce the spread of new Covid-19 variants.

New Delhi: India reported 94 new covid cases and two deaths in the last 24 hours, the union health ministry data on Monday showed New Delhi: India reported 94 new covid cases and two deaths in the last 24 hours, the union health ministry data on Monday showed. While active cases have declined to 1,934, the country’s total covid cases have reached 4.47 crore so far. The overall death toll stood at 5,30,735 since the onset of covid pandemic.

Express.co.uk about how new year's resolutions push people to pursue “unachievable” goals through “wellness fads”.Lisa explained: “I want to speak out about wellness fads because, in most cases, they are adopted as part of a January ‘new year, new me’ resolution.“Most people set these extreme resolutions, which have good intentions, but are more often than not unachievable and therefore nobody can stick to them.”In a bid to help people understand the inefficacy of some wellness fads, Lisa has partnered with gut health supplement Symprove to design three spoof health fads - The Bowel Counsellor, The Anal Crystal and ‘Bougie Poo-fumée’ candles.The fake methods aim to highlight just how ludicrous some “wellness fads” can be and why it is important to look after your gut and keep a healthy balanced lifestyle.Lisa elaborated: “This is why I wanted to work with Symprove again as they have such a great way of talking openly about our tummies, guts and bowel movements.“In our partnership, we wanted to spoof some of the funny and more extreme wellness fads that are out there to show that you don't have to go to extreme lengths to look after your gut.”The former Strictly Come Dancing star went on: “Although I personally love crystals, candles and counselling - it’s obvious that counselling for your bowel doesn’t exist, poo candles are simply just hilarious and putting crystals in any body orifice is definitely not recommended.“Symprove and I created these health fads to prove that nobody needs to go that far.“Instead, I believe that making smaller, more realistic changes to your daily routine, can have a bigger impact on your general wellbeing.”Elsewhere in the interview, Lisa opened up about her own gut health and how exercise

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police said the target of Wednesday (18) afternoon shooting down 6th Lane in Kotahena was a relative of wanter underworld gangster 'Kimbula Ele Guna'.Two armed on a motorcycle fired several shots at a person inside a car that was parked down 6th Lane in Kotahena at around 1:30 on Wednesday (18) afternoon.CCTV cameras captured the incident, and the car fleeing the hail of bullets.A 30-year-old man identified as Raveendran Deepan, a resident of Jinananda Mawatha Kotahena, was injured in the shooting.The man who is also known as Dileepan is a relative of wanted underworld gangster Sinniah Gunasekara commonly known as Kimbula Ele Guna.Sinniah Gunasekara commonly known as Kimbula Ele Guna is currently detained by the Indian National Intelligence Agency in Tamil Nadu.Kimbula Ele Guna's relative who was injured in the shooting in Kotahena was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital for treatment.Thereafter, according to a spokesperson from the National Hospital, Dileepan's relatives had beaten up a man who made inquiries about the injured man.This man too was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital accident ward for treatment.An individual identified as Sajith Ranga aka Mabima Ranga was killed when two men on a motorcycle opened fire at him close to the Kalu Palama in Peliyagoda on Tuesday (17) morningOn the 15th of January, a 36-year-old man was gunned down by motorcycle gunmen in the Kumbuka area located along the Piliyandala – Horana Road.On the 11th of January, a similar homicide was reported from Panamura.On the 31st of May 2022, two men were targetted by motorcycle gunmen in Fort, Colombo and since then over 50 people have been gunned down in Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe making a special statement to Parliament on Tuesday (17) said that the Independence Day celebration expenditure is an investment for the future.Responding to allegations that the government is spending excessively on the Independence celebrations, the President pointed out that it is an investment for the future and in the 25 years leading up to the 100th anniversary of independence, several new institutions and laws will be introduced for the reform program needed by the country."We have planned a program to provide 02 million low-income families with 10kg of rice per month during March and April. I would be happier if we could give them more.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Supreme Court issued an interim order preventing the acceptance of nominations of the Local Government Election for the Kalmunai Municipal Council until the 19th of January 2023.The order was made by Supreme Court Justices Vijith Malalgoda, Yasantha Kodagoda, and Mahinda Samayawardena upon considering a Fundamental Rights application filed by M. A.

LOVE Island's latest sizzling line-up have only just stepped foot in South Africa - yet one contestant has broken a huge show rule. Viewers gushed over new host Maya Jama, 28, as she met the unlucky-in-love singletons in the lavish villa.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A 32-year-old man was injured following a shooting close to the 'Kalu Palama' in Peliyagoda on Tuesday (17) morning.Sri Lanka Police said that two men on a motorcycle had visited the residence of the victim and carried out the shooting.The injured man was rushed to the Colombo National Hospital for treatment.On Monday (16), a 36-year-old man was injured following a shooting in Kumbuka, an area located along the Piliyandala – Horana road.He is currently receiving treatment at the Horana Hospital, and Sri Lanka Police said that he was injured in the neck.Police investigations are underway over the shootings.

The country's cumulative Covid tally has gone up to 4.46 crore (4,46,81,233). India has recorded lowest single-day Covid-19 cases since March 2020, with the country reporting 89 new coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours, according to the Union Home Ministry data updated on Tuesday.  With this, the country's cumulative Covid tally has gone up to 4.46 crore (4,46,81,233). The active cases declined to 2,035 that comprise 0.01 percent of the total infections.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A 36-year-old man was injured following a shooting in Kumbuka, along the Horana – Piliyandala Road.Sri Lanka Police said the gunmen opened fire at the victim at 12:30 AM, and he was injured in the neck.A police investigation is underway to identify and arrest the suspects, and the injured man is being treated at the Horana Hospital.

Jen Shah has been ordered to take psychiatric medication and get mental health counseling after her release from prison, according to documents obtained by TMZ.The 49-year-old Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City star has a little more than a month to go before she is supposed to surrender to federal authorities and begin serving her sentence for conspiracy to commit wire fraud on February 17.On January 6, a judge sentenced the Real Housewives of Salt Lake star to 6.5 years behind bars at a federal penitentiary in Texas, but with good behavior, she could be out in about five-and-a-half years.  Prison: Jen Shah, 49, Jen Shah has been ordered to take psychiatric medication and get mental health counseling after her release from prison, according to documents obtained by TMZAt her sentencing hearing, Jen entered 'sensitive' information about her mental health saying that, 'Longstanding untreated mental issues caused me to create my own fractured reality. With the proper medication I can now see what happened.'I wish I could have stood outside myself.