Health ministry asks aviation ministry to initiate random testing of 2% passengers post arrival at all international airports

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said that a conspiracy is afoot to underminde the people's mandate by implementing various regulations.He told Parliament on Wednesday (18) that he would not allow for the upcoming Local Government Election to be delayed via such conspiracies.The Opposition Leader said that the Election Expenditure Bill is a vital piece of legislation, however, the timing of the legislation is cause for concern.The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Justice, Prisons Affairs and Constitutional Reforms on Tuesday (17) decided to postpone the second reading debate of the Regulation of Election Expenditure Bill by one months’ time.However, Special Party Leaders meeting will has been called for on Wednesday (18) afternoon with the President and Prime Minister in attendance to discuss the Election Expenditure Bill, said the Speaker.The Opposition Leader speaking in Parliament expressed that trying to discuss the Bill while the nomination and bond acceptance process is taking place, creates a state of confusion and concern."If this bill is passed tomorrow, it will become an obstacle for the election that is expected to take place in March 2023," warned Premadasa.He said the Election Expenditure Bill contains a section where candidates are expected to produce a comprehensive report on their campaign expenses, donations, funds, etc.While noting that such articles are of paramount importance, he said failure to produce such a report will be termed as an offense, and when that happens petitions can be filed against the candidate.The Opposition Leader noted that if this Bill is passed ahead of the Local Government Election, it would also apply to the 2023 Local Government

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The visiting high level delegation of China’s Communist Party (CPC) led by Vice Minister Chen Zhou told Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena that Sri Lanka would have “some good news soon” with regard to debt restructuring.The visiting high level delegation of China’s Communist Party (CPC) led by Vice Minister Chen Zhou, Head of the CPC International Department assured Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena that China would stand by Sri Lanka in the current economic crisis.He told the Prime Minister that Sri Lanka is a very special friend of China and they are considering how China could assist Sri Lanka to get over the current crisis.Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena had noted that Sri Lanka was looking forward to China’s support in restructuring its debt at the moment and further strengthening its economy in the near future.The Prime Minister's Media Division said that Vice Minister Chen Zhou had assured China’s assistance to Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring.Vice Minister Zhou had noted that Several Ministries and financial institutes of China are working closely on this issue for quite a long period, and he is confident that Sri Lanka will have good news very soon.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Police have arrested a student of the University of Colombo over the gruesome murder in broad daylight of a female student of the same university, whose body was discovered near the Race Course in Colombo's fashionable Cinnamon Gardens, just yards from the police station.The arrest was made in Wellampitiya on Tuesday (17), Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Talduwa said.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – India's External Affairs Minister  Dr. S. Jaishankar will pay an official visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka from 18-20 January 2023, confirmed the Indian External Affairs Ministry.Dr.

Bella Ramsey has opened about her departure from The Worst Witch children's television series after leaving the CBBC show in 2020 after three seasons.The 19-year-old English actress reflected on her departure from The Worst Witch that she announced in February 2020 in an Instagram post in which she urged her followers to prioritize their mental health.'I know it's sort of been publicized a lot that I left [The Worst Witch] for mental health reasons,' Bella told Elle in an interview while promoting her new HBO series The Last Of Us. Opening up: Bella Ramsey, shown earlier this month in Los Angeles, has opened about her departure from The Worst Witch children's television series after leaving the CBBC show in 2020 after three seasons 'I would say the more accurate description is that I had resolved a lot of my mental health problems by that point.

According to a recent media report, in answer to an RTI inquiry, ICMR and CDSCO acknowledged ‘multiple side-effects’ of COVID-19 vaccinations. The Union Health Ministry has reiterated that only a small percentage of patients who receive the COVID-19 vaccine may develop serious adverse events depending on certain predisposing circumstances, refuting the reports of various side effects of the vaccine.

₹3.6 trillion packaged food market. “During lockdown, we saw in-home consumption growing with home becoming the new social hub. Convenient food products that are high on trust and hygiene along with easy accessibility were key factors for consumers that have contributed to the uptick in demand for packaged snacks," Anshul Khanna, senior director and category head, foods, PepsiCo India, said.

CHANELLE Hayes has revealed she has been given a heartbreaking health diagnosis at the age of 35. The TV personality, who rose to fame on Channel 4 show Big Brother back in 2007, took to her Instagram stories to open up about her secret health battle.

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

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A young woman was found murdered with her throat slit close to Race Course, Colombo on Tuesday (17) afternoon.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa speaking to News 1st said that the deceased was identified as a 24-year-old Science Faculty student of the University of Colombo.She was attacked by a male at around 12 noon, said Police adding that an investigation is underway.

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

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers have decided to slash 6% of the recurrent expenditure from the government expenditure estimations approved for the year 2023.It was decided to suspend 5% of the recurrent expenditure in the government expenditure estimations for the year 2023 at the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held on 09.01.2023 so that sufficient financial provisions can be ensured for the control of government expenditure within the existing limited financial space as well as the finances for essential and priority activities. The Department of Government Information said that the Cabinet of Ministers decided to with hold 6% from the recurrent provisions in approved government expenditure estimations instead of 5% from the recurrent expenditure.It was also decided to allocate a portion equal to 1% of the aforementioned amount to the Ministry of Health as additional provisions to purchase essential pharmaceutical drugs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A university student was arrested in Wellampitiya over the killing a young woman by slitting her throat at Race Course, Colombo on Tuesday (17).A young woman was found murdered with her throat slit close to Race Course, Colombo on Tuesday (17) afternoon.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa speaking to News 1st said that the deceased was identified as a 24-year-old Science Faculty student of the University of Colombo.She was attacked by a male at around 12 noon, said Police.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Convener of the Inter-University Students' Federation Wasantha Mudalige was returned to remand custody on Tuesday (17).Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis ordered for the suspect to be remanded to the 31st of January 2023. The Chief Magistrate ordered the prosecution and the defense to file submissions on the 24th of January 2023.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – For the first time in Sri Lanka, Members of the Parliament have revealed their educational and professional qualifications for the perusal of the public. From the 225 Parliamentarians, 208 have declared either their educational or professional qualifications, or both to the Parliament Secretariat.After parliamentary officials refused to divulge the information initially, the Right To Information Commission ruled that the information must be disclosed.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps will commence exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT)/Marine Exercise (MAREX) Sri Lanka 2023 with the Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Air Force in Colombo.The exercise will commence on the 19th of January, and will end on the 26th of January. CARAT/MAREX Sri Lanka is a bilateral exercise between Sri Lanka and the United States designed to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance maritime interoperability.

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

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 33-year-old man who was injured following a shooting in Peliyagoda, succumbed to his injuries in hospital, confirmed Sri Lanka Police on Tuesday (17).The man was injured following a shooting close to the 'Kalu Palama' in Peliyagoda on Tuesday (17) morning.Sri Lanka Police said that two men on a motorcycle had visited the residence of the victim and carried out the shooting.The injured man was rushed to the Colombo National Hospital for treatment, and he later succumbed to his injuries.On Monday (16), a 36-year-old man was injured following a shooting in Kumbuka, an area located along the Piliyandala – Horana road.He is currently receiving treatment at the Horana Hospital, and Sri Lanka Police said that he was injured in the neck.Police investigations are underway over the shootings.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – India formally notified that it would support Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring plan, according to a person with knowledge of the matter, reported Bloomberg News.This would clear a major hurdle for the bankrupt nation to unlock a $2.9 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund.India, one of Sri Lanka’s major bilateral creditors, gave its assurances late Monday (16), the person said, asking not to be identified as the details aren’t public, reported Bloomberg News.An announcement could be made as early as Tuesday, another person said, according to the report.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A delegation of investors from the United Arab Emirates, led by His Royal Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, visited Port City Colombo on the 14th of January 2023, during a special visit to Sri Lanka for the purpose. According to a post of Facebook, the discussions were held between the members of the delegation, representatives from the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (CPCEC) and Port City Colombo (PCC) with a view to attracting foreign direct investments to the project.The delegation was given a tour of the project and received an overview of its development and plans for the future as the Port City Colombo project is expected to bring significant economic benefits to Sri Lanka, including job creation and increased foreign investment.The UAE delegation included Mr. Luke Sellwood – Advisor to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, Mr.

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

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

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's High Commissioner to India Milinda Moragoda met with the National Security Advisor of India Shri Ajit Kumar Doval, on Monday (16).The High Commission said that duo discussed matters pertaining to India-Sri Lanka relations.  The discussion focused on mutual strategic interests of the two countries and priority areas for cooperation, it added.The meeting took place as part of the regular and ongoing dialogue between the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka and the National Security Advisor of India, noted the High Commission.The meeting took place days ahead of the reported visit of Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to pay the salaries of non-executive state sector employees on time and to delay the salaries of executive-grade staff by a few days, considering the current financial situation of the government.The Department of Government Information in a statement said that the 2023 revenue proposals have been implemented, and because revenue generation would take some time, the government has decided to manage its expenses from January 2023.And thus, the cabinet has approved to delay the salaries of executive-grade staff by a few days.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Freedom Party has decided to contest under the symbol of the Hand for a majority of the Local Government Institutions, and contest under the symbol of the Helicopter for a few Local Government Institutions at the upcoming elections.The Sri Lanka Freedom Party Media Unit said that this was the decision reached by a majority membership of the political committee of the SLFP that met under the Chairmanship of Former President Maithripala Sirisena.

The Sri Lankan government should immediately end the arbitrary detention of Wasantha Mudalige, a student activist who was arrested on August 18, 2022, seven human rights organizations said on Monday (16).This statement was issued by Amnesty International, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), CIVICUS, Frontline Defenders, Human Rights Watch, International Working Group on Sri Lanka, and Sri Lanka Campaign for Peace and Justice.Since August 21, Mudalige, 29, has been held on orders signed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), a draconian law that the government has long promised to repeal, said a statement.A hearing on Mudalige’s bail application has been scheduled for Hulftsdorp Magistrates Court on January 17, 2023. Under the PTA, the court does not usually grant bail if the Attorney General's Department, acting on the government’s behalf, opposes it.The Sri Lankan government detained Mudalige as part of its crackdown since an economic crisis in 2022 sparked largely peaceful protests demanding governance reform and action against alleged official corruption.

Steven Spielberg shared that his fears over the Covid-19 pandemic inspired him to make his latest film, The Fabelmans, which is based on his life.'I was terrified this was an end-of-days, and epic-level event, I mean an extinction-level event, that was happening to the world,' the legendary movie director, 76 — who picked up a Best Director Golden Globe for the film last week — revealed in a new interview with the Daily Star.He said his fear made him decide which movie he truly needed to make, in case it would his last one: 'If I got the chance to make one more movie, it was going to be this story.'  Important to him: Steven Spielberg shared that his fears over the Covid-19 pandemic inspired him to make his latest film, The Fabelmans, which is based on his life; Pictured 2022The Jaws director said, 'By the time I had serious discussions about writing this, we'd lost 250,000 Americans to Covid.' The filmmaker explained that he told his family that if there was going to be 'one thing I was able to leave behind' it would be that movie. Spielberg added that like the rest of the world he was glued to watching different news outlets and following the trajectory of the pandemic. 'Terrified': 'I was terrified this was an end-of-days, and epic-level event, I mean an extinction-level event, that was happening to the world,' Spielberg, 76, said in an interview with Daily Star 'All the experts that were coming out and the denial from the White House that this wasn't so bad, it was just like a passing flu epidemic,' he remembered.'I really thought were were not heading in a good direction and this was not going to end well for many of us.

Michelle Pfeiffer took to Instagram to explain why she missed the Critics' Choice Awards on Sunday night.The Scarface star, 64, was nominated in the Best Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television category for her work in The First Lady, however she could not attend after testing positive for COVID-19.The Hollywood legend - who was going to present Jeff Bridges with a Lifetime Achievement Award - shared a photo of her fellow actor explaining how disappointed she was to miss the special moment. MIA: Michelle Pfeiffer took to Instagram to explain that she missed the Critics' Choice Awards on Sunday night after testing positive for Covid 'I'm so sorry to be missing the Critics Choice Awards today.

(With inputs from PTI)

Jeff Bridges is opening up about his recent health battles.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Cabinet paper presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe for the provision of 10 kg of rice per month for two million low income families, including Samurdhi beneficiaries for a period of two months, has been approved, said the President's Media Division.It also added that the government will purchase 61,600 metric tons of paddy to meet the requirement of 40,000 Metric Tons.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – 10 suspects who were arrested on the high seas, along with two local fishing trawlers, suspected to have smuggled narcotics into the island were brought to the Colombo Harbour on Monday (16).The apprehension was made based on information revealed by the suspects of a local fishing trawler which was held during a special operation carried out by the Navy in waters west of Beruwala on 05th January. The same operation also led to the seizure of 23kg and 235g (including packages) of heroin smuggled by those suspects.According to a coordinated operation carried out by the Navy together with other intelligence services, it has been revealed that a number of local multi-day fishing trawlers are involved in the smuggling of drugs into Sri Lanka. During the apprehension made by SLNS Wickrama II on 05th January off Beruwala, 22 packages of heroin weighing 23kg and 235g (including packages) were recovered from the suspicious trawler (Reg. No.

Eamonn Holmes has been plagued with a number of health issues after undergoing surgery on his back, including fracturing his shoulder.The GB News presenter has since returned to work after taking several months off to recover.The broadcaster has been open about his struggles with a dislocated pelvis and a trapped sciatic nerve, amongst his other health concerns.The 63-year-old was visited by his pal Rylan-Clark on Sunday evening who couldn't resist using the presenter's latest at home machinery.Eamonn and Ruth have since purchased a stair lift to help Eamonn move more freely around their home.Rylan, 34, who jokingly referred to Eamonn as "dad" took the opportunity to get on the former This Morning presenter's new toy, while Ruth filmed.Ruth was heard saying: "Wait until it stops beeping, don't bloody break it." To which Rylan replied: "Can I just do it now? It's the noise! Oh, this is great," before mimicking a royal wave as the stair lift started moving down.The Loose Women presenter starts giggling which in turn sets off Rylan with a fit of giggles before she sarcastically asks "Are you Rylan? Can I have your autograph?"Rylan quipped: "Can I just say, I know you've been through it Dad, but you've got an easy life here!"Eamonn retorted: "It's a fun fair, it's the fun palace," to which Rylan replied: "Honestly, you could rent this out."The BBC Radio 2 presenter took to Instagram and shared the clip with his 1.6 million followers, and captioned the post: "Well someone had to go and check out the tech…. @eamonnholmes.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  A high-level delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC), led by International Department Vice Minister Chen Zhou called on Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Colombo on Sunday (15).Former Minister Pavithra Vanniarachchi, MP Namal Rajapaksa, State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya, and SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam attended the meeting as well.A high-level delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC), led by International Department Vice Minister Chen Zhou landed at the Bandranaike International Airport, on Saturday (Jan.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 43rd Brigade led by Patali Champika Ranawaka, and the Nawa Lanka Freedom Party led by Kumara Welgama entered into an agreement to contest the upcoming Local Government Election, together.The agreement was signed between two political groups on Monday (16).

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration (Ombudsman) of Sri Lanka and Ombudsman Institution of Türkiye entered into Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 11 January 2023 in Ankara.The signing of the MoU took place on the sidelines of the International Ombudsman Conference 2023.The Ministry of External Affairs said that the main objective of the MoU is to focus on the role of the two institutions in Sri Lanka and Türkiye in the field of protection of human rights and remedies for injustices while protecting citizens from injustice and discrimination.Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) further creates organizational conditions for cooperation between the two parties in the field of protection of citizens’ rights, complaints and other activities related to the tasks and purposes of the work of each party and thus contribute to the protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms within the powers vested by legislations.The Memorandum of Understanding between the Office Ombudsman of Sri Lanka and Ombudsman Institution of Türkiye was signed in the presence of the Speaker of the Parliament of Türkiye Mustafa Şentop, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Türkiye Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake, Ombudsman of Sri Lanka Justice (Retd.) K. T.

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

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thai Pongal day (15) assured that the 13th Amendment of the Constitution will be fully implemented.President Wickremesinghe said that the Social Justice Commission will be established in order to build a country where everyone can live in harmony, by solving the problems of the people belonging to all sections of the population and that the government expects to fully implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.In addition, the President stated that in order to build a country where all races coexist and achieve economic prosperity, everyone must return to the Sri Lankan identity established by the late D.S Senanayake 75 years ago.The President stated that a statement on the government’s steps toward reconciliation will be made public in February and that a meeting of party leaders will be convened next week to discuss the matter.President Wickremesinghe also stated that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s work will be accelerated in order to provide relief to the families of the disappeared.The full speech of President Ranil Wickremesinghe is as follows:First of all, I wish everyone a very Happy Thai Pongal. Thai Pongal festival in particular is a national festival.

Colombo (News 1st) – Two people have been killed during a dispute between two groups in Udiyawala, Giriulla last night.Police said they were stabbed.The victims were 39 and 41 year old residents of DambadeniyaA Police Special Task Force sergeant was among the deceased.Police investigations are underway to arrest those involved in the incident.

Colombo (News 1st) – The Ceylon Electricty Board says that a special discussion will be held on Monday (16) regarding the continuous supply of electricity for the GCE Advanced Level Examinations. The General Manager of the Board Rohan Senaviratne says that a request has been made by the Department of Education to provide a continuous supply of electricty before the exams, as per the exam schedule. Accordingly he says that a final decision will be reached after the meeting on Monday. Advice from the PUCSL will also be obtained in this regard.

[Warning: Potentially Triggering Content]

The World Health Organization expressed appreciation for China’s sharing of Covid-19 data after Beijing reported around 60,000 Covid-related deaths over the past month, providing the first major accounting of the death toll since the country lifted pandemic restrictions.

Edited excerpts: There is a lot of talk of a possible fourth wave as China is seeing sudden surge. What is the situation in India? We have observed during the last six weeks, the covid-19 cases have not increased. In fact, as a result of enhanced testing from the middle of December, the number of testing is now between 200,000 to 250,000 per day.

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

Jeremy Clarkson, 62, is fearful he could be at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, with the Clarkson's Farm star injecting a Danish drug to prevent it.

Colombo (News 1st) – The National Election Commission requests the government, political parties, citizens of the country and other stakeholders involved to assist in creating an envoirnment to hold free and fair elections.The Chairman of the Election Commission Nimal Punchihewa pointed out several specific attempts made by various parties to disrupt the election even before the date for the calling of nominations. Among those incidents are, the false statements made by certain ministers regarding the election, the letter sent by the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration to the district secretaries asking them to temporarily suspend accepting deposits for the Local Government election, as well as the reporting of false information by certain media outlets regarding discussions between the Election Commission and the Inspector General of Police.Against such a backdrop the Election Commission has appealed to all stakeholders to support the commision in creating an envorment to hold a free and fair election.

Central health authorities have asked states and union territories to gear up for genome sequencing of positive samples and track variants of the virus through the government’s covid network. NEW DELHI: India reported 131 fresh covid infections in the past 24 hours, pulling down the country’s active caseload to 3,408, according to data from the Union health ministry on Wednesday.

Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan directed all states/UTs to ensure that as far as possible samples of all positive cases are sent to the designated INSACOG laboratories on a daily basis. New Delhi: A spurt in covid cases in China and a clutch of other countries has prompted central health authorities to direct states and union territories to gear up for whole genome sequencing of positive samples and track variants of the virus through the government’s covid network.