As the country entered the second day of the 21-day lockdown in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday announced an economic relief package that lays out various schemes to provide cash and free ration.

The government also relaxed the rules for withdrawal of funds from the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) account. In general, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) allows account holders to take “non-refundable advance" or withdraw for specified purposes such as a medical emergency, marriage, higher education or purchase of a house.

This amount cannot be used for reinvestment in other products. Also, EPF account holders, who have been unemployed for more than a month, can withdraw up to

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Alberta ending vaccine passport program and other COVID-19 public health restrictions

Premier Jason Kenney says Alberta’s vaccine passport will end almost Tuesday at midnight and most other big COVID-19 health rules will be gone in three weeks from now. Dan Grummett, Tom Vernon and Morgan Black have team coverage on what is happening, how the health-care system is doing and how Albertans feel about the changes.

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Alberta restaurants, gyms have mixed feelings about scrapping vaccine passport

Starting Wednesday, Alberta restaurants, gyms and concert venues will no longer be required to ask for proof of vaccination. As Morgan Black explains, owners have mixed feelings about scrapping the restrictions exemption program.

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Alberta removes Restrictions Exemption Program effective at midnight: Kenney

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announces the Restrictions Exemption Program will end at 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 8, 2022.

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Kenney: Turning public health policy into ‘political football’ not helpful

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney responds to a question about municipalities and the provincial governments being on the same page when it comes to COVID-19 policy.

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Businesses can continue using COVID-19 QR codes as long as they are issued: Kenney

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says businesses who want to continue to use the Alberta COVID-19 vaccination QR code are allowed to do so as long as they are issued.

Jason Kenney Alberta Covid covid-19 vaccine

Restrictions Exemption Program has been ‘extremely tough’ on rural Alberta businesses: Kenney

Premier Jason Kenney says the Restriction Exemption Program has been “extremely tough” on businesses in rural Alberta with low COVID-19 vaccine uptake.

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Kenney announces removal of mask mandates for Alberta students

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announces that all mask mandates for children 12 and under will be removed.

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Alberta will continue lifting COVID-19 restrictions in phased approach: Kenney

Premier Jason Kenney announces the final two steps in relaxing COVID-19 restrictions in Alberta based on hospitalizations.

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Alberta expands COVID-19 vaccination eligibility for youth

Alberta Health Minister Jason Copping announces expanded eligibility for youth to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

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The COVID-19 trends that will decide B.C.’s path forward

Global’s Keith Baldrey looks at what COVID-19 trends B.C. officials will take into account, when deciding on which restrictions to ease.

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Philadelphia man accused of road rage shooting in Montgomery County

WHITEMARSH TWP, Pa. - A Philadelphia man is accused of shooting a driver in an apparent road rage incident last month on a highway in Montgomery County. Keith Choice, 31, was taken into custody on Tuesday after police said he shot another driver on the northbound side of State Route 309 in late January. According to investigators, a 65-year-old man was driving in the far left lane when Choice pulled up next to him and fired a single shot that hit the victim in the right upper arm. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESPolice said the bullet narrowly missed striking the victim's neck.

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Tequila could become America’s favorite liquor, data trends show

General Declaration on the Protection of the Appellation of Origin Tequila, as put forth by Mexico’s Tequila Regulatory Council. Tequila popularity has been steadily growing since 2002 and in 2021 alone, 26.9 million 9-liter cases of tequila were sold, according to the Distilled Spirits Council. Compared to vodka, which still has the top spot in Americans’ hearts, tequila sales grew by 30.1% compared to vodka sales which only grew by 4.9% in 2021 alone. "As of 2021, agave-based spirits are the third largest spirits category in the US, behind vodka and whisky. Agave spirits are set to continue on their growth path, fueled by a mix of drivers, including authenticity, product diversity and consumer engagement," according to IWSR which analyzes and tracks alcohol trends. Americans’ consumption of tequila rose 30% between 2015 and 2020, according to IWSR. Tequila also drove industry growth, accounting for nearly one-third of the total increase in spirits revenue, according to the Distilled Spirits Council.

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SpaceX: Geomagnetic storm damaged latest batch of Starlink satellites

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES - 2022/02/03: People watch from Canaveral National Seashore as a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The rocket is carrying 49 Starlink internet s CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - SpaceX says a geomagnetic storm damaged the latest batch of Starlink internet satellites, keeping most of them from making the proper orbit.The 49 satellites were launched on Feb.

Usa state Florida spaceX reports Provident

GOP lawmaker apologizes for cursing at Democrat over mask-wearing

UNITED STATES - FEBRUARY 25: Rep. Hal Rogers, R-Ky., talks with the media after a meeting of the House Republican Conference in the Capitol, February 25, 2015. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call) WASHINGTON - A senior Republican lawmaker apologized late Tuesday for using an expletive when Democratic Rep.

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Boom felt throughout southern N.J. and Del. possibly weather-related

PHILADELPHIA - A disturbance in the mid-level of the atmosphere passed through the Northeast Tuesday. Meanwhile, the jet stream with strong winds was passing through Delaware and southern New Jersey during the day.

state New Jersey state Delaware travelers Provident Southern

Olympic ski jumpers slam officials after 5 female skiers get disqualified over outfits

ZHANGJIAKOU, CHINA - FEBRUARY 07: Katharina Althaus of Team Germany jumps during Mixed Team Ski Jumping First Round at National Ski Jumping Centre on February 07, 2022 in Zhangjiakou, China (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) Slovenia’s win in the Olympic debut of the mixed team ski jumping event on Monday was overshadowed by a number of disqualifications over suit violations that led several outraged athletes and coaches to slam the sport’s governing body. Five female ski jumpers, from Germany, Austria, Norway, and Japan, were all disqualified from the competition after officials said their ski suits did not comply with the International Ski Federation’s (FIS) rules. According to Yahoo Sports, the suits were deemed too loose which seemingly gives the skiers an advantage on their jumps.RELATED: Figure skater Nathan Chen sets record at Olympics after 2018 'poor' performanceGerman head of Nordic events Horst Huttel, whose team was the favorite heading into the event, said, via Reuters, that the situation was "outrageous." "This is a parody, but I am not laughing ...

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Local authorities warn social media scam that attempts to blackmail teen boys, men

A picture taken on October 1, 2019 in Lille shows the logo of mobile app Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook, Google and Messenger are displayed on a tablet.

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Update on Canadian athletes at the 2022 Beijing Olympics

Drew Lawson from the Canadian Sports Institute Calgary joins Global News Morning Calgary to provide an update on the Canadian athletes competing at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

Winter Olympics city Beijing sports Provident Lawson

Big Boost Week kicks off; all DHBs reach 90% fully vaccinated for Pacific Peoples; 204 community cases; 16 in hospital

Today we start a national week of action called ‘The Big Boost’ where we’re making it as easy as possible to get your booster, with pop-up vaccination centres and extended opening hours.

testing vaccine reports

Olympics fans accuse Chinese speed skater of tripping Canadian opponent

Did a Chinese speedskater flick a marker underneath the skate of a Canadian opponent, causing her to fall during Monday’s Olympic women’s 500-metre short-track speedskating quarterfinals?

China city Beijing Beijing Olympics

Global Covid response program 'running on fumes' amid budget shortfall

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!!

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Pfizer’s Covid windfall creates new mRNA opportunities

Pfizer will spend all that Covid cash.

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Philly woman frustrated waiting for PPA to help pay for damaged vehicle

CENTER CITY - A Philadelphia woman says her car was damaged by a Philadelphia Parking Authority tow truck and is seeking help from them to pay for it, but, she says, she’s not getting answers from them."I’m waiting for them to pay me for my car. Or pay for my car fixtures.

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Reaction spreads across Saskatcewan as premier announces public health orders will soon end

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe announced on Tuesday that public health orders will be coming to an end in the province.Moe said on Feb. 8, 2022, that the requirement to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for businesses, workplaces and other public venues will end on Feb.

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Ambassador Bridge Closed to Canada-bound trucks

For a second day, no vehicles are being allowed into Canada on the most important trade bridge between Canada and the United States. As Seán O’Shea reports, protesters are preventing it.

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Thousands sign petition after U of T gives students “hell money” for Lunar New Year

A petition has garnered thousands of signatures asking for an official apology and investigation, after the University of Toronto’s Graduate House displayed red envelopes containing ‘hell money’ for Lunar New Year.

Ontario considering eliminating yearly license plate renewal fees

According to a government source, the Ford Tories are looking at eliminating the yearly fees to renew license plates. The timing close to the spring budget, but also the spring election. Matthew Bingley reports.

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Philadelphia real estate experts see better future as newcomers move in

CENTER CITY - Philadelphia’s gun violence is finding its way into the heart of Center City, as a man was shot and killed just a few blocks from City Hall.But, real estate experts say the city is bouncing back."I want to cry, I love my city," Cassandra Adams remarked.Adams is as loyal as it comes to Philadelphia, which is why a changing Center City makes her upset."I went to West Catholic. I went to Temple.

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Abortion referrals can continue for now, federal court rules

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Federally funded family planning clinics can continue to make abortion referrals for now, a federal court ruled Tuesday, in a setback for a dozen Republican attorneys general who have sued to restore a Trump-era ban on the practice.The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati denied a request by the 12 states to pause rules for the federal government’s family planning program while their case is heard.

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Washington Commanders Deshazor Everett charged with involuntary manslaughter after car crash kills girlfriend

LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. - Washington Commanders safety Deshazor Everett has been charged with involuntary manslaughter for the fatal car crash that took the life of his girlfriend Olivia Peters. According to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, Everett was charged after investigators determined he was driving over 90 mph just before the crash. Authorities say Everett, 29, turned himself into the Louduon County Adult Detention Center Tuesday afternoon. RELATED: Washington Football Team player discharged from hospital after car crash that killed Maryland womanBoth Everett and Peters were traveling north on Gum Spring Road near Ticonderoga Road in a 2010 Nissan GT-R the night of the crash in December 2021. Loudoun County Sherrif's Office said the vehicle the couple was in veered off the right side of the roadway, struck several trees, and rolled over. Peters was taken to StoneSprings Hospital where she died from her injuries. Everett was taken to Reston Hospital Center and treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Everett posted a $10,000 secured bond and has been released from custody. He is due in court on March 1. Kaveh Noorishad, Everett's attorney, released the following statement to FOX 5 regarding the matter: Advertisement"Mr.

Washington city Washington state Virginia state Maryland county Loudoun hospital travelers

Flyers name Danny Briere assistant to the general manager

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 27: Former Philadelphia Flyer and Buffalo Sabre Daniel Briere acknowledges the crowd during a pre-game ceremony honoring his retirement from the NHL on October 27, 2015 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvani PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Flyers have named former franchise great Danny Briere special assistant to the general manager.The 44-year-old Briere, who retired after the 2014-15 season, will be involved in all aspects of the club’s hockey operations, including scouting and player development. He joins the Flyers operations staff after parts of five years with the Maine Mariners of the ECHL, most recently as team president.He also worked in the Flyers player development department for the past two seasons in a part-time role working with the club’s prospects, as well as current players, on and off the ice.

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ACT-Accelerator calls for fair share-based financing of US$ 23 billion to end pandemic as global emergency in 2022

World leaders will today launch a call to end the pandemic as a global emergency in 2022 by funding the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, a partnership of leading agencies that is providing low and middle-income countries with tests, treatments, vaccines, and personal protective equipment.With a significant proportion of the global population still unable to get vaccinated, tested or treated, US$ 16 billion in grant funding is urgently required from governments to fund the work of the ACT-Accelerator agencies. This investment will allow them to procure essential tools to fight COVID-19 and provide them to low- and middle-income countries. The ACT-Accelerator is calling for the support of higher income countries, at a time when vast global disparities in access to COVID-19 tools persist. Over 4.7 billion COVID-19 tests have been administered globally since the

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Saskatchewan to lift proof of vaccination, negative test requirements for businesses on Valentine’s Day

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe announced Tuesday that the province would be lifting its proof of vaccination and negative test requirements for businesses and other public venues starting at 12:01 a.m. on Feb.

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Quebec lays out deconfinement plans

Premier Francois Legault has outlined deconfinement plans for the next 4 weeks, as COVID-19 hospitalizations in the province continue to drop. As of March 14, most measures will have been lifted, leaving only mask mandates and vaccination passport requirements.

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Trevor Bauer will not face criminal charges in assault investigation

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 28: Trevor Bauer #27 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches during the game against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on June 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers defeated the Giants 3-2.

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Fin min, PMO officials burn midnight oil for second fiscal stimulus

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, secretaries and staff at the ministry and senior officials in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) were in hectic parleys all through last week to formulate the second fiscal stimulus to mitigate the impact of covid-19 and ward off prospects of any recession, two persons familiar with the development told Mint.

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Stocks to Watch: Airtel, Vodafone, M&M, Maruti, Aurobindo Pharma, RBL Bank

NEW DELHI : Here’s a list of stocks that may be in news in Friday’s trade:

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Tax deadlines, penalties you needn’t worry about

You heard finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcement on 24 March that tax-related deadlines have been extended from 31 March to 30 June. So even as the new financial year (FY) 2020-21 begins, you need not worry about some of the paperwork you may have left for the last minute. But as you wait out the covid-19 lockdown at home, it’s a good opportunity to take care of unfinished tasks, instead of leaving them for later in these uncertain times, when a new day can bring new challenges of various kinds.

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Sitharaman urges IMF to devise innovative methods to fund Covid-19 requirements

Speaking at the virtual meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors, Sitharaman made specific interventions on reviewing and enhancing the IMF toolkit and further expanding the swap line network

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The exodus of the migrant workers: fear is the key

Such a surge in the gathering of crowds, unless tackled early, will overwhelm administrations

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Covid-19 lockdown: FM says to ensure access to banking services for all

NEW DELHI: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said she will request states to ensure there are no restrictions on movement of banking mitras --mediators between banks and customers --amid the 21-day nationwide lockdown announced by the government to contain the spread of coronavirus.

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Coronavirus: After relief to poor, finmin aims rescue package for businesses

NEW DELHI : Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman is working on a fiscal-stimulus package to help businesses impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, a government official said, requesting anonymity.

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COVID-19: Sitharaman says RBI's 75 bps rate cut needs quick transmission

NEW DELHI: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said the central bank’s decision to cut benchmark interest rates needs to be transmitted quickly to give some relief to borrowers to help deal with the 21-day nationwide lockdown in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

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RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das LIVE: Interest rates cut by 75 bps

NEW DELHI : A day after finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman released a ₹1.7 lakh crore package to combat the impact of the 21-day coronavirus lockdown, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das today cut interest rates by 75 basis points to 4.4%. He also announced several measures to inject ₹3.74 lakh crore liquidity into the system.

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Opinion| In fight against COVID-19, Sitharaman starts right but needs to do more

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman today announced a slew of measures to tackle the negative impact of the shutdown of the Indian economy to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease.

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EPF rules changed to enable easier withdrawal

To tide over hardship caused by coronavirus lockdown, the government said that EPF withdrawal rules will be relaxed. According to the announcements made today, an EPFO subscriber can withdraw 75% of balance or 3 month wages, whichever is lower on a non-refundable basis.

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₹1.7 trillion package for migrant workers, poor

NEW DELHI: The government on Thursday announced an economic package of ₹1.7 trillion for migrant workers, urban and rural poor hit by the Covid-19 lockdown.

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Sitharaman to brief media soon, all eyes on govt's coronavirus relief package

As the country entered Day 2 of a 21-day lockdown to check the spread of coronavirus, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman may today announce an economic stimulus package, news reports said. The finance minister will address the media at 1 pm today.

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United States	Cases: 46 252 513 Deaths: 750 423 Recovered: 0
India	Cases: 34 321 025 Deaths: 459 652 Recovered: 0
Brazil	Cases: 21 835 785 Deaths: 608 235 Recovered: 0
United Kingdom	Cases: 9 215 683 Deaths: 141 607 Recovered: 0
Russia	Cases: 8 494 589 Deaths: 237 619 Recovered: 0

COVID-19: EPF withdrawal rules relaxed to tide over liquidity issues

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