Daily Exchange Rate from CBSL

PHILADELPHIA - A 30-year-old man is in the hospital after he was shot in Kensington on Wednesday night.Police say officers on bike patrol heard gunshots in the area of the 2100 block of East Lippincott Street. The responding officers found a 30-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds on the neck and back, authorities say. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESAccording to officials, the man was transported to Temple University Hospital, where he is in critical condition. Police say an arrest has been made and the weapon was recovered. The investigation is active and ongoing. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Multi-day boats in the Bay of Bengal and North Andaman sea are advised to return to shore or move to safer areas immediately due to strong winds and rough seas.The Met Department warned that a a Low-Pressure Area formed over North Andaman Sea and adjoining areas of south Andaman Sea & Southeast Bay of Bengal on 20th October, 2022.It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a Depression over same region around 22nd October 

US President Joe Biden speaks at a Labor Day event with United Steelworkers of America Local Union 2227 in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania on September 5, 2022. - Biden is celebrating Labor Day by delivering remarks on the dignity of American workers in P PHILADELPHIA - As Democrats fight to keep control of the Senate, President Joe Biden has been practically absent from midterm election campaigning in pivotal states such as Georgia, Nevada and Ohio.But he keeps coming back to Pennsylvania, where he spent his childhood and his low approval ratings won't keep him away.

₹560 lakh and the main building of the PHC in Padhegaon, at a projected cost of over ₹214 lakh.

A mentally healthy workplace includes growth opportunities, work-life balance and community, according to America’s doctor The U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka has been ranked 48 among 100 countries in the Freedom on the Net 2022 Index.While the Government of Sri Lanka announced plans to implement strict control plans on social media, Sri Lanka has been given a very bad rating at  the in the newest Freedom of the Net report for 2022. China has been ranked worst, while Myanmar, Iran, Cuba and Vietnam occupy the top five positions, while Sri Lanka has been ranked at 48. Iceland had the best ranking. Sri Lanka's rank has reduced, according to the report, due to social media platforms being blocked, political, social or religious content being blocked and pro-Government commentators manipulating online discussions.However, other factors which contributed to the ranking also are; new law or directive increasing censorship or punishment being passed, Blogger or ICT user arrested, imprisoned, or in prolonged detention for political or social content, a blogger or an ICT user being physically attacked or killed (including in custody), and technical attacks against news outlets, government critics, or civil society.

Also Read: Do you have COVID cough? Here’s how to find out Everyone should use a mask when going outside, especially in crowded areas, Guleria advises. Although it is expected that new variants may emerge and that existing types will continue to mutate, the current circumstance is different.

PHILADELPHIA - An off-duty security guard has died after he was shot in West Philadelphia on Wednesday night. According to police, officers responded to 62nd and Market Streets just after 11:30 p.m. Authorities say they found a crime scene with evidence of a shooting and witnesses told authorities that someone was shot. The victim, 37, was driven to Mercy Hospital with multiple gunshot wounds to his chest and torso, police say. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESAccording to officials, the man succumbed to his injuries. Authorities say 14 shots were fired in the shooting and investigators believe the man was sitting in a vehicle when a shooter walked up to the driver's door and fired multiple shots. The victim was a security guard at a bar on the 6100 block of Market Street, but authorities say he was off duty. This is a developing story.

OCALA, Fla. - Soon Floridians will be able to buy medical marijuana at the same place you fill up your gas tank.Circle K, the global convenience store retailer, has signed a deal with Green Thumb Industries Inc. – one of the largest U.S.

The Pillars of Creation are set off in a kaleidoscope of color in the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope’s near-infrared-light view, NASA says. (NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI; J. DePasquale, A. Koekemoer, A. Pagan (STScI) )NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has provided a new detailed look at the Pillars of Creation that shows the scene in high definition.The new Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) image shows the lush landscape with glowing, bright red, wavy lines appearing at the edges of some pillars.JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE IMAGES WOW BY SHOWING STAR NURSERY, GALAXIES IN A COSMIC DANCE"The three-dimensional pillars look like majestic rock formations but are far more permeable," NASA said, "These columns are made up of cool interstellar gas and dust that appear – at times – semi-transparent in near-infrared light."The Pillars of Creation are a region where young stars are forming and lie 6,500 light-years away.NASA also says that while it may look like it, there are no galaxies within this view.

Aditya Birla Health Insurance on Thursday announced the launch of ‘Activ Fit’, a comprehensive health insurance plan that targets consumers with active lifestyles and aims to reward them for their good health behaviour. The plan will give an upfront 10% good health discount basis an assessment done through a unique facial scan. “All customers below the age of 35 years can avail an Early Bird Discount at renewal, 5% from 4th to 7th policy year & 10% from 8th policy year for the lifetime of the policy," the insurance company said in its statement.

A rapidly spreading Covid strain has been dubbed the Nightmare Variant after it was found to double infections in a matter of days.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A decision has been taken to wind up operations of the “Covid 19 Health and Social Security Fund”, which was established to provide relief to those affected by the Covid 19 epidemic, and Cabinet approval has been obtained for it.The Secretary of the Covid-19 Health and Social Security Fund, Dr Tharaka Liyanapathirana notified the public that the “Covid-19 Health and Social Security Fund” at the Bank of Ceylon, account number 85737373 has been closed down effective from October 18th and requested the public not to donate to this fund from now on.He also notified donors not to send cheques or money towards this fund, to the Presidential Secretariat.The secretary of the Covid-19 Health and Social Security Fund extended his appreciation to the donors who contributed to this fund to make this program implemented throughout the country during the Covid-19 epidemic, a success.The Covid-19 Health and Social Security Fund had received a total of Rs. 2,207,164,785.58 (Rs.

Hong Kong is unlikely to make any major changes to Covid restrictions for inbound travelers before a banking summit next month, but is considering concessions including allowing attendees to leave the city via private jet should they test positive for the virus. The health bureau is in discussions with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority to finalize details for the two-day summit set for early November, including what to do if a participant is infected, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified because they’re not authorized to speak publicly.

pregnancy-related deaths last year, according to a government report released on Wednesday. It says that it is a crisis that has disproportionately claimed Black and Hispanic women as victims. The report lays out trends across the country for expectant mothers and their newborn babies, the news agency AP reported.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne symbolically handed over 400 thalassemia infusion systems to the Deputy Director General (Non-Communicable Diseases) of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Champika Wickramasinghe at the Navy Headquarters on 19th October 2022. The infusion systems were produced by the Research and Development Unit of the Navy, under Naval Social Responsibility (NSR) initiatives.The infusion system is very much essential for thalassemia patients for the removal of excessive iron deposits in blood gathered in vital organs.Since the unit price of an infusion system in the market is generally not affordable, in 2011 the Navy set its mind to manufacture a low-cost thalassemia infusion system. So far, the Sri Lanka Navy has handed over 2774 thalassemia infusion systems to main hospitals and selected children down with the disease, in several phases. The Navy Research and Development Unit received the CDDA – (Cosmetics Devices & Drugs Regulatory Authority) for production of thalassemia infusion pumps in 2011.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Chief Incumbent of Ruwanweli Maha Seya Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thero announced that the final rites of the late Most Venerable Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Sri Lanka Navy conducted a special operation to chase away Indian poaching trawlers from Sri Lanka’s waters on the night of 19th October 2022. The operation led to the seizure of an Indian trawler with 03 Indian nationals poaching in the island's waters off the Kovilan Lighthouse, Kareinagar.Sri Lanka Navy has stepped up its patrols and operations in Sri Lanka’s waters to curb illegal fishing practices of foreign fishing trawlers.In a similar operation conducted in the dark hours of 19th October, the Northern Naval Command deployed a Fast Attack Craft of the 04th Fast Attack Flotilla to chase away a cluster of Indian poaching trawlers, after having spotted them engaged in illegal fishing in Sri Lanka’s waters off the Kovilan Lighthouse, through the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

Garrett Brown being honored at a school assembly after saving a choking student. (Credit: Norman Public Schools) NORMAN, Okla. - An eight-year-old boy is being hailed a hero after saving a classmate who was choking. The incident took place on September 15 at Lakeview Elementary School in Norman, Oklahoma. Music teacher Jordan Nguyen said she was the adult on duty during 3rd grade lunch period when she heard "He's choking! Cashton's choking!""I immediately ran over to help," Nguyen told FOX Television Stations. RELATED: Video shows NJ teacher save student choking on water bottle capThe teacher said student Cashton York was taking a bite, started choking, and couldn’t breathe.His classmate, 8-year-old Garrett Brown, noticed right away. "Without thinking twice, he [Garrett] ran to the other side of the table and began performing the Heimlich Maneuver while the other boys around him called for help," Nguyen added.

Meanwhile, states have been asked to continue monitoring incoming international travelers, undertake constant genome sequencing and step-up vaccination. NEW DELHI: India reported 2,141 new covid infections in the last 24 hours, the Union health ministry said in an update on Thursday. Active cases now stand at 25,510, with total reported cases since the pandemic hit in early 2020 at more than 4.46 crore.

PHILADELPHIA - A man is in critical condition after police say he was shot at multiple times in North Philadelphia Tuesday night.Reports of gunshots were called into police on the 3200 block of West Allegheny Avenue around 9:33 p.m.The 34-year-old man was later found to be the victim of that shooting.

China's capital, Beijing, has dialled up measures to stop Covid, strengthening public checks and locking down some residential compounds after a quadrupling of its case load in recent weeks, just as a key Communist Party congress entered full swing.

Also Read: COVID-19 lockdown, mass testing in China despite minor cases - here’s why On October 20, the 21 million-people city reported 18 additional locally-transmitted cases for the day before, bringing the total for the preceding 10 days to 197. The 49 infections found in the prior 10-day period were outnumbered by that number by a factor of four.

Covid-19: The cumulative caseload of India has gone up to 4,46,36,517, while the active cases declined to 25,510. India again witnessed an increase in daily Covid-19 cases with the country reporting 2,141 coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday. The country had logged around 1,500 cases on Tuesday.  With this, the cumulative caseload of India has gone up to 4,46,36,517, while the active cases declined to 25,510.

COLOMBO (News 1st)- Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has determined that the 'Bureau of Rehabilitation' bill as a whole is inconsistent with Article 12(1) of the Constitution and as such may be enacted only by the special majority required by Article 84(2) of the Constitution.However, However, this inconsistency shall cease if:(i) All references to “ex-combatants,” “violent extreme groups” and “any other group of persons” are deleted from the Bill;(ii) The Bill is limited to the rehabilitation of drug dependent persons and such other persons as may be identified by law. Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena announced the Supreme Court's determination on Thursday (20) to parliament.The complete determination is as follows: I wish to announce to Parliament that I have received the Determination of the Supreme Court in respect of the Bill titled “BUREAU OF REHABILITATION” which was challenged in the Supreme Court in terms of Article 121(1)of the Constitution.On an overall consideration of the provisions of the Bill, the Supreme Court has made the following Determination:—A. The Bill as a whole is inconsistent with Article 12(1) of the Constitution and as such may be enacted only by the special majority required by Article 84(2) of the Constitution. However, this inconsistency shall cease if:(i) All references to “ex-combatants,” “violent extreme groups” and “any other group of persons” are deleted from the Bill;(ii) The Bill is limited to the rehabilitation of drug dependent persons and such other persons as may be identified by law.B.

The Independent Investigation’s Office of B.C. says the Burnaby RCMP officer killed in the line of duty Tuesday was able to shoot their assailant.

In a newly released 911 call, popular Miami-based OnlyFans model Courtney Clenney pleaded frantically with police to save her boyfriend as he bled from a stab wound to the chest.

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. - It's an historic time in Bucks County as a recent announcement left LGBTQ youth with resources and support in a time of need. The Rainbow Room is a keystone Planned Parenthood youth program that provides a supportive environment for LGBTQ youth, ages 14-21. Originally only located in Doylestown, the program just announced its expansion into Lower Bucks County.Ry Ogden, a non-binary 18-year-old, says they love being a part of The Rainbow Room because they say it's a space that empowers them and lets them be their authentic self."I think it's very important for all queer youth everywhere to have a place where they can go and be themselves and not be judged in any way," said Ogden. For 17-year-old Carson Delany, The Rainbow Room has helped him overcome some of his fears after coming out and identifying as non-binary three years ago. "Just being in a super supportive place with such supportive and beautiful people has helped me really come out of my shell in the past 3 years and learn to love myself despite what people say about who I am and how I present," said Delany.RELATED: First trans-focused LGBTQ plus safe haven coming to PhiladelphiaOn Wednesday, The Rainbow Room had their weekly meeting, which had a self-care theme.

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA - Streeteries are here to stay. After first popping up during the pandemic, Philadelphia is making them permanent. The city is unveiling its new outdoor dining program, meant to address concerns about allowing streeteries to take up public space.Good Dog Bar, on South 15th Street in Center City, has an expansive streetery.

PHILADELPHIA - Authorities say a man is fighting for his life after being shot during a fight with his next door neighbor Wednesday night in Philadelphia's Port Richmond section. Officers from the Philadelphia Police Department were called to the 2100 block of East Lippincot Street around 9 p.m.

ANI, he said, “I would suggest to everyone that if they are going out and especially in crowded places then they must wear a mask." Dr Guleria also warned that high-risk patients can get serious infection. "High-risk groups, elderly people should avoid going out because there are high chances of spreading infection and some can also get a serious infection," he said.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency is asking Canadians to keep an eye out for an invasive bug that could spell disaster for the country’s wineries and fruit growers.The spotted lanternfly is a pest native to China that has been making inroads in the United States since 2014.Thus far, the small grey-and-red insect with spotted wings has not been found alive in Canada. Avian flu outbreaks confirmed on B.C., Alberta farms after brief pause in cases But in early September, hundreds of adults were found in a residential area in Buffalo, N.Y., just 45 km away from the Canadian border.The reports set off alarms at the CFIA, which in a tweet last week asked Canadians to report any sightings of the pest on this side of the border “immediately.”The insect feeds on sap, mainly from fruit trees, and can cause serious harm to orchards and vineyards.“We’re becoming more and more concerned about the proximity to Canada, and particularly our grape-growing industries, because this is a pest that has had significant impacts on the grape and fruit industry in the United States,” said Diana Mooij, a specialist in the invasive alien species program within the CFIA.The first North American sighting of the pest was in Pennsylvania in 2014, and since then, a tracking program monitored by Cornell University has documented the pest in 14 U.S.

LOS ANGELES - A new study is calling into question the validity of body mass index (BMI) as a practical way of measuring healthy weight in patients. Researchers for the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Stockholm say waist-to-hip ratio, and not body mass index is a better measure of healthy weight which may also predict early death better than BMI. Scientists say the new method should replace BMI, which the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention commonly cites as a preferable tool to analyze weight and health. BMI is calculated by taking a person's weight in kilograms and dividing by the square of height in meters, with a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 considered healthy.

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - Irate that a session to discuss a proposed smoking ban during a major casino industry conference was snuffed out, casino workers and patrons opposed to smoking in the gambling halls held a noisy protest outside the meeting Thursday.About 100 people rallied in the rain underneath a walkway outside the Hard Rock Casino, demanding that the state Legislature act on a bill to ban casino smoking that has the support of more than half of state lawmakers and Gov. Phil Murphy.The bill has been stalled without a hearing in a state Senate or Assembly committee, and a similar measure died without a vote last year as well.Thursday afternoon, the East Coast Gaming Congress was to have included a panel discussion on casino smoking, an issue that is roiling workers, customers and lawmakers not only in New Jersey but in states including Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and others.It was scrapped when the casino industry representative, Resorts Casino President Mark Giannantonio, withdrew.

Jan. 6 insurrection, her lawyer said Wednesday.Attorney Mark Paoletta said Thomas is "eager to answer the committee’s questions to clear up any misconceptions about her work relating to the 2020 election."The committee has sought an interview with Thomas in an effort to know more about her role in trying to help former President Donald Trump overturn his election defeat.

NEW YORK (AP) - Mortgage rates have jumped, home sales have slumped and credit cards and auto loans have gotten pricier. Savings rates are slightly juicier, though.As the Federal Reserve has rapidly increased interest rates, many economists say they fear that a recession is inevitable in the coming months — and with it, job losses that could cause hardship for households already hurt worst by inflation.Wednesday, the Federal Reserve sharply raised its key short-term rate by three-quarters of a point for a third straight time, even as its previous rate increases are being felt by households at all income levels.The Fed's latest move has raised its benchmark rate to a range of 3% to 3.25%, the highest level in 14 years.

WASHINGTON - The House pushed ahead Wednesday with legislation that would revamp the rules for certifying the results of a presidential election as lawmakers accelerate their response to the the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and Donald Trump’s failed attempt to remain in power.The legislation would overhaul an arcane 1800s-era statute known as the Electoral Count Act that governs, along with the U.S. Constitution, how states and Congress certify electors and declare presidential election winners.

WASHINGTON - Last month, when Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell spoke at an economic conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, he issued a blunt warning: The Fed’s drive to curb inflation by aggressively raising interest rates, he said, would "bring some pain" for Americans.When the Fed ends its latest meeting Wednesday and Powell holds a news conference, Americans will likely get a better idea of how much pain could be in store.The central bank is expected to raise its key short-term rate by a substantial three-quarters of a point for the third consecutive time. Another hike that large would boost its benchmark rate — which affects many consumer and business loans — to a range of 3% to 3.25%, the highest level in 14 years.FILE - A for sale sign is posted in front of a home in Miami, Florida.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Today’s exchange rates from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka:USD Buy 359.1381 Sell 369.9003GBP Buy 408.2941 Sell 424.4361EUR Buy 357.8970 Sell 372.8429JPY Buy 2.4933 Sell 2.5970AUD Buy 239.7194 Sell 250.9472

4,858 Covid cases on Monday.  The country’s active caseload has now dropped to 47,379 from 48,027 yesterday, as per the ministry data. The daily positivity rate has been reported at 1.37 percent, while the weekly positivity rate is 1.81 percent. India conducted 2,95,894 Covid tests in the last 24 hours, with the total number of tests conducted so far at 89.20 crore.

Long Covid. The study has revealed that a person going through phases of anxiety, depression, and loneliness before being infected by coronavirus has a much stronger chance of developing Long Covid.  The finding of the study conducted by researchers at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health was published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry.

DELAWARE COUNY - Police are investigating after several robberies unfolded near the same location in just two days.Three robberies were reported on County Line Road in Delaware County between Hannum Drive and Haverford Road.Police say all three robberies occurred over the course of two nights, Thursday and Friday. A weapon was reportedly displayed in two of the robberies.MORE HEADLINES:Two male suspects are being sought in connection to the robberies.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Today’s exchange rates from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka:USD Buy 358.9434 Sell 369.9135GBP Buy 409.5166 Sell 425.6899EUR Buy 356.6349 Sell 371.6442JPY Buy 2.4897 Sell 2.5921AUD Buy 239.0458 Sell 250.2742

The country’s active caseload stands at 48,027, with total reported cases so far at 4.45 crore. Death toll stands at 528,355. More than 214.55 crore vaccine doses have been administered till date NEW DELHI : India reported 4,858 new covid cases and 18 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to an update by the Union health ministry stated on Monday.

WASHINGTON - A gold judicial collar made of glass beads that belonged to the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has sold at auction for $176,775.The piece was part of a collection of about 75 items of Ginsburg’s that were sold to benefit charity. In total, bidders paid nearly $517,000 for items in the online auction which ended Friday.

India has reported 6,298 fresh Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, according to an update by the Union health ministry on Friday. The country saw a rise in infections on Wednesday with 5,108 Covid cases after it reported 4,369 Covid-19 cases on Tuesday. As per the ministry data, the active cases in the country also saw a rise with caseload at 46,748 from the earlier 45,749.

QUEEN VILLAGE - There is increased security on South Street, after recent violence, including a mass shooting. The community is divided over how long the extra security measures should continue.It's Thursday and Meet Me on South Street signs are outside businesses."It's an invitation to come see our vibrant community," said Dana Feinberg.The goal is to attract more customers and jumpstart weekend business with the promise of discounts every Thursday. Feinberg is with the South Street Headhouse District.