Assam issues new rule for incoming domestic flights. Read here

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.

JetBlue pilot was removed from the cockpit of a Florida-bound plane before departure from New York on Wednesday after Transportation Security Administration agents said they noticed that he appeared impaired.The JetBlue plane was about to depart from Buffalo Niagara International Airport on Wednesday when Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority police removed James Clifton, 52, from the flight after TSA agents alerted them of the possibly impaired pilot, according to The Buffalo News.TSA agents said they noticed that Clifton could have been impaired while he was passing a security checkpoint at the airport.NFTA police gave Clifton a breathalyzer test, and he was recorded with a blood-alcohol level of 0.17%, which is over four times Federal Aviation Administration standards for pilots, according to the report.The flight's scheduled destination was Fort Lauderdale, Fla., according to the report.Following the breathalyzer test, Clifton was taken into police custody before being released to JetBlue security.MORE NEWS: 'It's a nightmare!': Bride's flight to destination wedding canceledClifton could face federal charges after the incident, the NFTA told The Buffalo News.A JetBlue spokesperson told FOX Business that the crew member involved in the incident "has been removed from his duties.""The safety of JetBlue’s customers and crewmembers is our first priority.  We adhere to all DOT rules and requirements concerning alcohol at all times and have a very strict zero tolerance internal alcohol policy. We are aware of the incident that occurred this morning in Buffalo and are cooperating fully with law enforcement.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko hold a press conference following their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow on September 9, 2021. WASHINGTON - The White House released a fresh round of sanctions on Russia Wednesday as well as its ally, Belarus, for supporting Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Export restrictions on technology and software that are currently in place for Russia will be extended to Belarus, in a move that will "significantly degrade both countries’ ability to sustain their military aggression and project power," the White House said. Russian forces started invading Ukraine from the north through Belarus last week.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 02: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the New York Knicks in the second half at the Wells Fargo Center on March 2, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Knicks 123-108.

President Donald Trump greets the crowd at the "Stop The Steal" Rally on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. WASHINGTON (AP) - The House Committee investigating the U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Minister of Health has issued an extraordinary gazette declaring the maximum retail price of a tablet of 500mg Paracetamol as Rs. 2.30.The revised price came into effect from 28th February 2022.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a news release. "We know this takes a devastating toll on children’s mental health and well-being."Bonta said the investigation aims determine if TikTok is violating the law in promoting its platform to young people.Government officials and child-safety advocates maintain that TikTok’s computer algorithms pushing video content to users can promote eating disorders and even self-harm and suicide to young viewers.TikTok has said it focuses on age-appropriate experiences, noting that some features, such as direct messaging, are not available to younger users.

COVID-19 wastewater data has offered clarity throughout the pandemic, providing glimpses into what cities and hospitals could be facing in the coming weeks. And it remains one of the only sources of timely information regarding the spread of the coronavirus in the province.But the lead scientist at the University of Saskatchewan’s Global Institute for Water Security, which monitors the levels of virus RNA in the wastewater of three cities in the province, told Global News the information is not as helpful as it once was.“What I used to be able to do was get on the (COVID-19) dashboard for the province and take those numbers off of there and put them into my calculations,” toxicologist John Giesy said.“Well, I can’t do that anymore.” Saskatchewan students and teachers react to COVID-19 restrictions lifting Giesy said the numbers can still show trends and overall increases or decreases in the amount of COVID in cities.

Health Matters March 3: University of Alberta researchers are using space-age technology to make new discoveries about knee osteoarthritis. As Su-Ling Goh reports, the findings could help women in space and on Earth.

LOS ANGELES - How long can you go without your phone? According to a recent survey published by data company OnePoll, six out of ten people say they "couldn’t cope" with being separated from their phones for a single day. Additionally, more than half of the survey’s respondents said they get anxiety from their phones being low on battery. 55% of respondents called having their phones die a "nightmare scenario."The survey, conducted by HMD Global, took data from 2,000 smartphone users."Smartphones offer so much, it’s unsurprising that we’re dependent, making the common complaints around battery life a real issue," Petri Hayrynen of HMD Global said in a statement.Ironically, while many people expressed that being without a phone would cause them to be anxious, only three in 10 people said they never leave the house without their phones.Advertisement"There are other ways we can preserve our phone battery and offset that angst," Hayrynen said.

ARLINGTON, Va. - A Northern Virginia substitute teacher was suspended by a public school system for allegedly trying to push Russian propaganda on students.Download the FOX 5 DC News App for Local Breaking News and WeatherFOX 5's Maureen Umeh reports Swanson Middle School officials say the incident happened Friday during a world languages class.The substitute teacher identified as 65-year-old John Stanton allegedly made comments supporting the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Umeh says. After the comments were brought to the attention of Arlington school officials, Stanton was suspended.Umeh reports that in a letter to Stanton, school officials wrote in part, "This request is regarding an allegation of comments made to students during instructional hours regarding sensitive world events with Russia and Ukraine."They continue by saying, "In an effort to provide you the opportunity to discuss the concerns that were presented resulting in your assignment suspension status, please respond within five (5) business days of receipt of this letter that you are requesting a "Petition for Reinstatement".FOX 5 reached out to Stanton who told us via email that in his lesson, he suggested that he understood Putin's logic for invading Ukraine, because it made sense from a Russian national security point of view.Stanton told us that he encouraged the students to seek information sources from both the West and East before forming opinions.Umeh says, in his response to Arlington school officials' letter, Stanton wrote, "It is pointless to petition.

Premier Jason Kenney says he wants “unity and clarity” instead of “division and confusion” when it comes to Alberta’s face mask rules. But there are new warnings that such a change, targeted at the City of Edmonton, may have broader consequences.

Further increases in cases and hospitalisations are a reminder of the things we can do to slow the spread of Omicron.

One of the leaders of the convoy protest that occupied downtown Ottawa for three weeks last month was in court Wednesday, hoping to overturn an earlier judicial decision that she be held without bail until her trial on the charges of counselling to commit the offence of mischief and committing mischief.

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.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

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.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has paused all adoption process and some families are left trying to find ways to bring children to safety.

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.

“stop this war.”As Russian forces pound Ukraine’s cities, the sentiments might not be surprising. Their source is — they come from rich Russians, including billionaires close to the Kremlin.Russia’s war on Ukraine has sent shockwaves through the global community of wealthy Russians, who face sanctions that threaten their London mansions, Mediterranean yachts and children’s places at elite European private schools.

Canada’s airline industry is consolidating further as WestJet announced plans to buy Sunwing. As Matthew Bingley reports, the sale could spell worse customer service going forward.

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.

Peel Regional Police are investigating a second homicide in less than 24 hours. Caryn Lieberman reports.

Jan. 6 riot, marking the first person involved in the violent attack on the U.S.

PHILADELPHIA - The prosecution rested Wednesday in the trial of a former Amtrak train conductor charged in the deadly 2015 derailment in the Frankford section of Philadelphia. Defense Attorney Robert Goggin confidently spoke before starting his defense of Brian Bostian, claiming his team will "destroy the prosecution's case.""The prosecution has rested a lot of their case and their gravitas on the timing of the call," Goggin told reporters outside Philadelphia Criminal Justice Center. "The call" Goggin spoke about details an attack on another Amtrak train that was placed before the derailment.

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

PHILADELPHIA - James Harden wrapped a resistance band around his upper torso and took off. He sprinted the length of the basketball court and repeated the drill designed to build strength and endurance.With the 76ers in championship-or-bust mode, Harden needs both traits if he wants to carry the team into June.But parade talk can wait: Philly is in a tizzy over Harden’s impending home debut.

This ninth update of WHO’s guideline on therapeutics includes a recommendation that casirivimab-imdevimab not be used for patients infected with the Omicron variant

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.

Authorities say Tom DeLoach robbed five Rite Aid pharmacies and a Dunkin' Donuts at gunpoint over a three month period. PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia man is facing charges after investigators said he robbed several Rite Aid pharmacies and a Dunkin' Donuts at gunpoint over a three-month period. Tom DeLoach, 24, was arrested just before noon Tuesday on the unit block of Good Street in West Mount Airy, the Philadelphia Police Department reported.Investigators said DeLoach robbed five Rite Aid Pharmacies and a Dunkin' between November and February.

COVID-19 in the province’s hospitals on Wednesday, with 84 of those people receiving care for the virus in the ICUs.Exact data wasn’t available Tuesday due to a technical issue, but the province estimated there were 1,225 Albertans in hospital with COVID-19 with 80 of those in the ICU. Alberta adding up to 50 ICU beds to health system this year Over the past 24 hours there were 27 new COVID-19 deaths reported, bringing the province’s total to 3,939 since the beginning of the pandemic.There were 388 new, lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported on Wednesday from 2,921 tests.

Tempe Diablo Stadium SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - On March 1, Baseball players have rejected a final offer by Major League Baseball to end the ongoing lockout.The offer was made by MLB officials about 90 minutes before a self-imposed 5 p.m. deadline for a labor deal to avoid canceled games.

In overwhelming response, the United Nations General Assembly passed a vote on Wednesday to diplomatically isolate Russia by “deploring its aggression against Ukraine” and demanding Moscow withdraw its troops and stop fighting.

Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield and Ministry of Health Primary Care Lead Dr Joe Bourne will give an update on the response to the Omicron outbreak at 1pm.

FILE - Sunflowers in the Ukrainian Carpathians on July 28, 2021, in Mukachevo, Ukraine. (Photo by Pierre Crom/Getty Images) Sunflowers, the national flower of Ukraine, have emerged as a worldwide symbol of solidarity for the country and one of resistance for its people since Russia’s military invasion. Twitter users have been adding the sunflower emoji to their names.

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.

COVID-19- related deaths, according to Waterloo Public Health.“Today we are reporting two deaths in our community related to COVID-19,” Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, medical officer of health, stated.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres told media on Wednesday that Russia must stop its war on Ukraine as the situation could get “much, much worse.” These remarks followed a vote at the United Nations General Assembly to diplomatically isolate Russia, in overwhelming response.

COVID-19 surges continue to intensify in locations such as Hong Kong, where Omicron variant activity got a later foothold, but cases and deaths continue to fall in most regions, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its latest weekly update yesterday.

COVID-19 vaccine passport system a few days earlier than expected.Health Minister Christian Dubé made the announcement in a news release Wednesday, saying the decision comes after discussions with public health officials.The province will no longer require masks in the majority of public places starting in mid-April. The government did not give an exact date, but said it will give a notice of 10 days before the measure is lifted.Quebec also plans to nix masks on public transit, though at the earliest in May.

Today members of the Biden COVID-19 preparedness team addressed the nation unmasked and from the same room as they spoke about the country's move to a "new normal" stage of the pandemic, where COVID-19 is no longer a national emergency.

TAMPA, Fla. - As the Florida governor approached the lectern for a press conference in Tampa, there were a few students waiting while wearing masks.A handful of students from Middleton High School were in attendance for Gov. Ron DeSantis' announcement.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. - Man’s best friend needed some human help after getting stuck in a frozen pond Tuesday morning.South Metro Fire Rescue in Colorado said crews had to rescue the dog, named "Daisy," after she escaped from her owner’s backyard in Douglas County. The owners then called 911.RELATED: 'Hank the Tank,' Lake Tahoe bear, gets exonerated for many home break-insFirst responders released a video showing a firefighter wading through the icy water to attach a cable to Daisy’s leash. The firefighter then hoisted the dog out of the water.

Queen Elizabeth was diagnosed with COVID-19 on February 20 and luckily, it appears as if she has fully recovered after she was photographed for the first time in weeks.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 17: Cain Velasquez reacts after his KO loss to Francis Ngannou of Cameroon in their heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at Talking Stick Resort Arena on February 17, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Josh H SAN JOSE, Calif. - Former UFC star Cain Velasquez is charged with shooting a semi-automatic gun into a Chevy Silverado carrying a 43-year-old man charged with molesting one of the former mixed martial arts champ's 4-year-old relatives at a daycare center, according to newly released court documents.One person was injured in the shooting, but it was not the person who'd allegedly abused Velasquez's relative. Velasquez, 39, of Gilroy, was formally arraigned on Wednesday with 10 counts of attempted murder and multiple gun assault charges in connection with an alleged act of vengeance.He's being accused of firing his .40-caliber handgun at Harry Goularte – charged with molesting a child – and ramming the truck that Goularte was in.

PHILADELPHIA - The School District of Philadelphia plans to make masks optional for students and faculty next week after the city dropped its indoor mask mandate on Wednesday. In a letter to families, Superintendent William Hite Jr. wrote that masks will be optional for students and faculty starting Wednesday, Mar.

SUPERIOR, Wis. (FOX 9) - As war rages in Europe and rising prices cause economic uncertainty in the U.S., President Joe Biden is visiting the Duluth-Superior region Wednesday for his first event after the State of the Union address.During a speech at the University of Wisconsin-Superior's student union, Biden will promote infrastructure spending and call on Congress to move forward with his stalled climate and child care agenda.The president, along with First Lady Jill Biden, landed in Duluth, Minn.