Delhi to achieve target of 25% EV fleet by 2024 despite Covid impact

NEW DELHI : New Delhi-based Aakash Healthcare Pvt. Ltd on Wednesday said it has acquired Asia Med Centre in Uzbekistan’s Tashkent for $4 million. The upgraded 60-bedded multi-speciality hospital will be opened to public on 23 November.

CHARLENE White’s sister Carina has revealed that their great-aunt who died from Covid became a mother figure to them after their mum tragically passed away aged 47.   The ITV newsreader, 42, was left heartbroken when her great-aunt Dell passed away from the virus in 2020 at St Thomas’ Hospital in London.  Charlene opened up about tragically losing her great-aunt while in the I’m A Celebrity camp as she slammed MP Matt Hancock, 44, for breaking social distancing guidelines through his affair with his aide Gina Coladangelo.  The Loose Women star, who shares children Florence, three, and Alfie, five, with TV producer Andy, was just 21 when her mum Dorette died from bowel cancer in 2002 which led to her looking after her younger siblings Carina and Joshua.  Reflecting on their great-aunt stepping up as a mother figure to Charlene, Carina said: “Yes the elders in our family were all very much like mother figures and with my great-aunt she was very much a kind of grandmother.  “She was there for us when my mum passed so not having her around and having to go to her funeral and stuff was very, very tough.  Read More on The SunPARKED OFF I use bags of rubble to stop neighbours taking my parking space – they hate itALL WEATHER READY Oodie fans scramble to get their hands on new outdoor hooded blanket “But in our family we have all been instilled with values and morals and strength to be able to overcome adversity and to move forward and to turn pain into strength - I think that is what we have all done following our aunt’s death.” Recalling her great-aunt’s death in the camp to the under-fire politician, Charlene said: “We couldn’t go to the hospital to go and visit her. "I had to sit by myself in the church at her funeral.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Inspector General of Police Chandana Wickramaratne and DIG in charge of Administration Nandana Munasinghe unconditionally expressed deep regret before the Supreme Court on Wednesday (16).The duo expressed regret over the delay in carrying out the order issued by the Supreme Court on the 8th of May to promptly pay outstanding remuneration to Sub Inspector of Police Sugath Mendis for the period during which he was interdicted.Sub Inspector Sugath Mendis was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department for allegedly aiding and abetting former Director of the Criminal Investigation Department retired Senior Superintendent of Police Shani Abeysekara to fabricate evidence against former DIG Vaas Gunawardena, and was then remanded.The Supreme Court on the 8th of May issued an order for outstanding remuneration to be paid after taking into consideration a Fundamental Rights petition filed by Sub Inspector Sugath Mendis.However, the Supreme Court after considering facts presented on behalf of the petitioner stating the order has not been fulfilled, ordered the IGP and the DIG to appear before the court in person to provide an explanation.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan women are being taken to Abu Dhabi in the UAE using Visit Visa, and are being taken away to Oman against their will where they are being auctioned to the highest bidder.According to reports obtained by News 1st, a group of 12 women have been taken to Oman by force.The group of women were taken away to Oman on Tuesday (16), and since then their mobile phones are switched off.Shashikala is one of them, and her husband stepped forward to speak to News 1st on the issue."They are kept in an office and were told that jobs will be given on Monday. I don't have many details.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – It has been reported that the Sri Lankan government had taken a decision to restructure domestic debt.This was revealed in the first-ever report produced by the Sub-Committee in identifying short and medium-term programmes related Economic Stabilization of the National Council.Appointment of the Sub-Committee:The Resolution to constitute the National Council, moved by Dinesh Gunawardena, the Prime Minister was approved by Parliament on 20th of September 2022.According to the above Resolution, the National Council shall have general responsibilities and jurisdiction over three main areas. One of them is to agree on short and medium-term common minimum programmes in respect of the stabilization of the economy.At the first meeting of the National Council which was held on 29th of September 2022, the Secretary-General of Parliament, presenting the way forward of the Council, suggested to appoint a Sub-Committee to recognize short and mediumterm programmes for the stabilization of the economy. The members of the SubCommittee were announced as per the preferences indicated by them at the Second meeting of the National Council which was held on 6th of October 2022.The committee is chaired by Patali Champika Ranawaka and includes MPs Naseer Ahamed, Tiran Alles, Sisira Jayakody, Sivanesathurai Santhirakanthan, Wajira Abeywardana,  A.

However, the Centre suggested that passengers should preferably use them Mask no more compulsory during air travel but passengers should preferably use them: Govt.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Lanka Sathosa has decided to reduce the price three products with effect from Wednesday (16).1 Kg of Red Kekulu Rice (Local) will be reduced by Rs. 5/- and will be sold for Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Five inmates have escaped from the Protective Accommodation & Rehabilitation Centre (PARC) in Poonthoddam, Vavuniya.Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Major General Darshana Hettiarachchi told News 1st the inmates were between the ages of 22 & 30, and a manhunt is underway to locate them.In addition, a manhunt continues to locate seven inmates who fled the Kandakadu Treatments and Rehabilitation Center following a recent brawl at the premises.225 inmates responsible for the brawl were arrested and remanded.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka, India and several other countries abstained from voting on a draft resolution approved by the UN General Assembly that recognised that Russia must be responsible for making reparations to Ukraine.The draft resolution, ‘Furtherance of remedy and reparation for aggression against Ukraine’, introduced by Ukraine, was adopted on Monday (14) in the 193-member UN General Assembly by a recorded vote of 94 in favour, 14 against and 73 abstentions, including by India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Israel, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka.Those voting against the resolution were Belarus, China, Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Russia and Syria.General Assembly resolutions are non-binding, but they carry political weight.The resolution, co-sponsored by nearly 50 nations, recognised that Russia “must be held to account for any violations of international law in or against Ukraine, including its aggression in violation of the Charter of the United Nations, as well as any violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and that it must bear the legal consequences of all of its internationally wrongful acts, including making reparation for the injury, including any damage, caused by such acts.” In March, 141 members of the General Assembly voted to denounce Russia’s invasion, and 143 in October voted to condemn Moscow’s attempted annexation of parts of Ukraine. India had also abstained on those two votes.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation had blamed the unruly conduct of a caretaker or mahout for causing serious harm and torture to the Muthu Raja Tusker who was held at the Kande Viharaya in Aluthgama.The tusker Muthu Raja was gifted by Thailand to Sri Lanka in 2001 during the presidency of Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, and it was moved to the Kande Viharaya in Aluthgama.The tusker, however, fell ill multiple times while at the Kande Viharaya in Aluthgama.Recently, a delegation from the Thai Embassy in Colombo visited the Kande Viharaya in Aluthgama to inquire into the well-being of the tusker, and following their inspection it was decided to move the tusker out of the temple and place it under the case of the Dehiwala National Zoo.The Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation said the Muthu Raja tusker is now under the protective care of the Dehiwala Nationa Zoo and its staff.However, the Thai Ambassador had decided to send the tusker back to Thailand.A statement from the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation noted that Minister Mahinda Amaraweera had instructed the Secretary to the Ministry to immediately discuss the matter with the Thai Ambassador, as the Department of National Zoological Gardens had agreed to take care of the tusker.

A Scottish woman ended up with 28 cats after being unable to get her pets neutered during the coronavirus pandemic.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The principal of the Millaniya Primary School, the Millaniya Police Inspector, and a Police Sergeant who were arrested and remanded for torturing children, were released on bail by Colombo Additional Magistrate Keminda Perera.The suspects were released on two personal bails of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe told a forum organized by the Ceylon Institute of Builders that the country's construction sector boomed due to government-funded projects, but the same model will not apply in the future."After the end of the war mega-infrastructure development projects took place, largely are government-funded projects, either borrowed-money or taxpayers money," he said, adding that when the Sri Lankan government was finding it difficult to finance a comfort letter was given to the private commercial banks, where funding can be obtained from the banks for the government project and the money will be paid later."That was a trap," revealed the Central Bank Governor.He said that the country's construction sector developed to its present state was mainly due to government-funded projects, and going forward the sector cannot rely on government-sponsored projects."If we are going forward with the same model, we will see another round of restructuring, and debt sustainability issues.

(CNBC) WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump announced Tuesday night that he was running for president in 2024, laying out an aggressively conservative agenda that includes executing people convicted of dealing drugs.“We are a nation in decline. We are a failing nation for millions of Americans,” Trump said in a speech at his Florida private club, speaking about President Joe Biden’s first two years running the nation.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Head of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries has assured that China will support Sri Lanka to develop, as a friend and partner.Lin Songtian, the President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries said that China is proud of the fact that Sri Lanka has an ancient civilization."We always unite as one. We always think as one," he said adding that his visit to Sri Lanka is to foster new parterships with the island nation."I visited the Loturs Tower, and toured the Colombo Port City, and it is inspiring as it is the hope this country, and it is also giving hope for us," said Lin Songtian on Tuesday (15).The senior diplomat said that he was requested by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to visit Sri Lanka to inquire into the progresss made with regard to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Bikaji Foods: The shares of Bikaji Food International IPO is expected to be listed today, 16th Nov 2022. The initial public offering of Bikaji Foods International was subscribed 26.67 times on Monday, November 7, 2022, the last day of subscription. The ₹881-crore IPO received bids for 55,04,00,900 shares against 2,06,36,790 shares on offer, as per data available with the NSE.

Director-General and lead of the Public Health Agency Dr Andrew Old, Ministry of Health Chief Science Advisor Dr Ian Town and Te Whatu Ora Interim National Medical Director Dr Pete Watson will host a media briefing today at 12:20pm to provide an update on the response to COVID-19.

Hundreds of runners from Lanarkshire and beyond took to the streets last weekend in memory of a much loved local doctor.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan activists handed over letters to Foreign Missions based in Colombo seeking their intervention to abolish the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act and for the release of IUSF Convener Wasantha Mudalige, and Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero, who are detained under the PTA.The group engaged in a silent protest opposite the UN compound in Colombo, and later handed over a letter to a UN representative.Thereafter the group proceeded to the Norwegian Embassy in Colombo, the EU office in Colombo, the British High Commission in Colombo, the US Embassy in Colombo, and the Canadian High Commission.The group thereafter attempted to hand-over a letter to the Indian High Commission in Colombo, however, it was not accepted.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – All the opposition parties and groups in Parliament made an official request from the National Election Commission to call for Local Government Elections on time.Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa led a group of leading opposition lawmakers to the National Election Commission premises on Tuesday (15) morning to hand over a letter.The Samagi Jana Balavegaya, Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Freedom People's Congress, Uttara Lanka Sabhagaya, Democratic Left Front, Independent Group led by MP Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, National People's Power, All Ceylon Makkal Congress, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, Tamil National Alliance, Tamil Progressive Alliance, Nawa Sama Samaja Party, as well as the Frontline Socialists Party that is not represented in parliament signed the letter.The letter signed by 21 parties and groups represented in parliament, and not represented in the house notes that if a response is not received to the joint request it will be assumed that the National Elections Commission is also planning on delaying the local government elections.The letter notes that if that is the case, necessary actions will be taken.

The owner of an equine training centre in Highland Perthshire – who spent 20 years leading mountain expeditions across the world – says her enterprise is starting to kick on after she bought the land for her business just days before the first Covid pandemic lockdown.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Central Bank Governor stressed that State-Owned Enterprises need to be reformed so that they are not a burden on the economy."For us to come of the crisis we have to address the root causes of the imbalances. This is where the government will have to collect more revenue, curtail expenditure, and maintain a sustainable level of sovereign debt.

A Lanarkshire school pupil has been hailed for her speech on mental health being read in Scottish Parliament.

 COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Minister of Justice, Prisons Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said calling for applications to appoint civil society members to the Constitutional Council is not in accordance with the 21st Amendment to the Constitution.Recently the Sri Lanka Parliament said that applications are called for the appointment of Members, who are not members of Parliament to the Constitutional Council proposed by the 21st Amendment.Applications are called from persons of eminence and integrity who have distinguished themselves in public or professional life and who are not members of any political party, to be considered for the appointment as Members of the Constitutional Council which is to be established under the provisions of Article 41A of the Constitution of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, said the statement.However, Justice Minister said that the 21st Amendment to the Constitution does not allow for such appointments via application, and the appointment of the civil society members to the Constitutional Council should be done by the Speaker, Prime Minister, and the Opposition Leader.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Joint Transport Trade Union Center said that all Expressway Buses will not operate from Sunday (20).Chairman of the Joint Transport Trade Union Center Sampath Ranasinghe told News 1st that this move is against the decision to impose an Rs. 200,000/- Tender Fee per month.He went on to note that at times this fee increases to Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The additional secretary has appointed two officers to coordinate and supervise the work of providing fuel for farming, says the Ministry of Agriculture.The Ministry said Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has appointed an officer to supervise these activities.If there is an issue related to fuel during or after harvesting in a certain area, farmers can meet the district secretaries and request a solution.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Ex-Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra and 14 others who were arrested on Monday (14) were released on personal bail of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Police Commission said that approximately 1,200 complaints were made against Sri Lanka Police since January 1st 2022.Complaints against police brutality can be made to the Police Commission hotline 1960.Sri Lanka's Human Rights Commission summoned the Public Security Secretary and the Police Chief on 21st November over recent incidents of police brutality.A statement from the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka said that it does not in any way accept the conduct of police officers who are committed to upholding the law to be acting in a manner that threatens the Rule of Law.The Human Rights Commission said that the Public Security Secretary and the Police Chief would be questioned on recent events and methods of preventing a recurrence.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Western Province Road Passenger Transport Authority says that 20,700 three-wheelers have registered to obtain the increased fuel quota.The Ministry of Power and Energy earlier noted that the 5L fuel quota will increase to 10L.The supply of fuel to the relevant three-wheelers commenced on the 6th of November.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Health says that there are nearly 4,000 leprosy patients in society who have not been reported to the health authorities.The Director of the Leprosy Control Unit Dr Prasad Ranaweera said that there is a risk of leprosy spreading in society due to undocumented cases.He said during the first 7 months of 2022, over 450 leprosy patients have been treated in this country.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Human Rights Commission had summoned the Public Security Secretary and the Police Chief on 21st November over recent incidents of police brutality.A statement from the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka said that it does not in any way accept the conduct of police officers who are committed to uphold the law to be acting in a manner that threatens the Rule of Law.The Human Rights Commission said that the Public Security Secretary and the Police Chief would be questioned on recent events, and methods of preventing a recurrance.

A look at G20 summit protocols and some of the divergent approaches to COVID-19 among G20 nations. NUSA DUA, Indonesia: Nearly three years into the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders of G20 countries are gathering on the Indonesian resort island of Bali with strict testing and masking requirements, even though such measures have been largely dropped in some member countries. It is Chinese President Xi Jinping's first G20 summit - and only his second trip abroad - since the start of the pandemic as his country continues its zero-COVID policy of lockdowns and quarantine that are among the world's strictest.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said Tuesday he has tested positive for COVID-19 at the Group of 20 meetings in Bali, just days after hosting many world leaders, including President Joe Biden, for a summit in Phnom Penh. In a posting on his Facebook page, the Cambodian leader said that he had tested positive Monday night and that the test had been confirmed by an Indonesian physician on Tuesday morning. He said he was returning to Cambodia and was canceling his meetings at the G-20 as well as the following APEC economic forum in Bangkok.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that showers or thundershowers will occur over most places on the island after 2.00 p.m. Heavy showers of about 100 mm can be expected at some places in Southern, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces.Showers will occur particularly in the coastal areas of Northern, Eastern and Southern provinces during the morning too.The misty condition can be expected in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Uva and Central provinces and Galle and Matara districts during the morning.The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.Condition of Rain:Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in sea areas around the island.Winds:Winds will be North-easterly or variable in direction.

Whoopi Goldberg was missing from Monday's episode of ABC's The View after being struck down with COVID-19.The longtime entertainer, 67, was diagnosed with coronavirus according to a representative for the show.Sara Haines filled in for the actress, addressing her absence as well as Joy Behar's, at the beginning of the program. Sick day: Whoopi Goldberg was missing from Monday's episode of ABC's The View due to illnessAna Navarro, Sunny Hostin and Alyssa Farah Griffin rounded out the rest of the panel on the daily talk show.Goldberg was last seen on-air Thursday, November 10 as the show paid tribute to her ahead of her November 13 birthday.

Oh, no. Chrissy Teigen is suffering from a really unsettling health battle amid her pregnancy!

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday (14) told Parliament that the economic reforms introduced are not limited to those agreed upon with the International Monetary Fund. "These proposed reforms by the International Monetary Fund are limited only to economic stabilization," he said.The President also said that "Our envisaged reforms and reorganizations are what the country has needed for a long time to build a new economy. This is a role that many governments have opted to ignore with popularity in mind.

The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that in August 2022 there were 5.6 million people across the UK receiving financial support through Universal Credit, a benefit intended to help those out of work or on a low income with daily living costs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  The convener of the Inter-University Students Federation Wasantha Mudalige was presented to Tangalle Magistrate Hemantha Pushpakumara on Monday (14) afternoon following an order issued by the Supreme Court recently. Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on Thursday (10) ordered for the convener of the Inter-University Student's Federation Wasantha Mudalige to be produced to a Magistrate immediately.In addition, the Supreme Court also ordered for Mudalige to be produced to the Judicial Medical Officer of the Karapitiya Hospital.Wasantha Mudalige is being detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act for 90-days.Upali Mohotti, PC told reporters that the state had requested for Wasantha Mudalige to be produced in other cases to which counsel expressed strong objection."His 90-days of detention will be completed on the 18th of November. If he is being moved for other cases, it is an attempt to detain him further," said the counsel.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 2023 Budget document has proposed that vehicles seized by Sri Lanka Customs owing to non-payment of applicable taxes and other reasons, will be released from Sri Lanka Customs, subject to the payment of applicable taxes and fines.The document notes that the vehicles falling under the following two categories can be released.(a) Any vehicle imported into Sri Lanka on or after May, 22, 2020 but before November 12, 2021 and not removed from the Sri Lanka Customs due to restrictions and prohibitions set out in the Regulations made under the provisions of the Import and Export (Control) Act, No.1 of 1969, or(b) Any vehicle propelled electrically, imported before November 12, 2021, and not removed from the Sri Lanka Customs due to nonpayment of applicable taxes.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 2023 Sri Lankan budget has made significant reference to the restructuring of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).The budget document noted that the urgency of restructuring State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) was reiterated several times during the last 6 months, and a Unit has now been established at the Ministry of Finance with the specific task of restructuring SOEs.Initially measures will be taken to restructure SriLankan Airlines, Sri Lanka Telecom, Colombo Hilton, Waters Edge and Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC) along with its subsidiaries, the proceeds of which will be used to strengthen foreign exchange reserves of the country and strengthening the Rupee.In addition, the  Gem and Jewellery Research and Training Institute will be merged with the National Gem and Jewellery Authority in order to provide services with better quality and efficiency to the gem-related craftsmen to increase export revenue. The government will also explore the possibility of setting up of a Gem Emporium (Gem Zone) for the benefit of the industry participants.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's 2023 Budget has proposed to make several amendments to the definitions made in the Betting and Gaming Levy Act, and the Casino Business (Regulation Act).Betting And Gaming Levy Act:The definition of "bookmaker" in the Betting and Gaming Lely Act will be extended to include a person receives or negotiates bets on all type of sports event, including online betting.A licensing mechanism for the business of bookmaker will be introduced, for a fee. Betting and Gaming Lely Act will be amended to permit the licensed bookmakers to register with hland Revenue Department.Engaging in the business of bookmaker without a license and will be prohibited by making it a punishable offence.Casino Business (Regulation) Act:Amendments will be introduced to extend the definition of gaming/ casino to include the oniline gaming/casino.The regulatory and licensing requirements will be applicable for online casinos operate in Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka is proposing to explore the possibility of exporting marijuana.President Ranil Wickremesinghe delivering the 2023 Budget speech said that a committee of experts will be appointed to explore the possibility of cultivating marijuana in Sri Lanka ONLY for export purposes.In addition, to regularize the Beedi industry and deter people from Beedi consumption, the President  proposed to impose a tax of Rs.

OLIVIA Attwood has hinted at a "cover-up" over her shock exit from I'm A Celebrity. The 31-year-old spent just 24 hours in the jungle before being rushed to A&E after abnormal blood test results. Despite getting the all-clear, Olivia's health sparked overnight crisis talks before it was ruled unsafe for her to return.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Four MPs who contested from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna and decided to become independent have cross over to the opposition, and will become a faction of the Samagi Jana Sandanaya.The move came after talks with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa at his office in the Parliament.Accordingly, MPs Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Chandima Weerakkody, Jayaratne Hearth, and Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Hirunika Premachandra who led a protest against harassment was arrested by the Cinnamon Gardens Police on Monday (14) afternoon.Police said that she was arrested on several charges.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lankan Defence Ministry will grant a general amnesty from Tuesday (15) for all servicemen who are absent without official leave to officially discharge from service. The Defence Ministry said that the amnesty period will be from Tuesday (15) to the 31st of December.This amnesty will be awarded to the servicemen who had not reported to their respective stations on or before the 25th of October 2022.In addition, the Defence Ministry said that if the servicemen owe any dues to the military, those must be settled in full in order to be discharged from service.