Learnings from the pandemic to help India in efforts to become $5 tn economy

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 17: University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas reacts after winning the 500 Freestyle prelims during the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships on March 17th, 2022 at the McAuley Aquatic Center in Atlanta Georgia. (Photo by Ric ATLANTA - Lia Thomas took control in the final 100 yards of the 500-yard freestyle to make history Thursday as the first transgender woman to win an NCAA swimming championship.Thomas, the University of Pennsylvania senior who entered the NCAA women’s swimming and diving championships as the top seed, had a season-best time of 4 minutes, 33.24 seconds."I didn’t have a whole lot of expectation for this meet," said Thomas, a former male swimmer for Penn State.

Prince William and Kate Middleton kicked off St. Patrick's Day with a memorable visit that produced plenty of laughs, smiles and adorable moments! The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the 1st Battalion Irish Guards during the St. Patrick's Day Parade on Thursday at Mons Barracks in Aldershot, England.The royal couple was greeted by a raucous crowd upon arrival, and Kate got a special greeting from Turlough Mὸr, the Irish wolf hound regimental mascot, also known as Seamus.

A study of mental health (MH)-related emergency department (ED) visits during the pandemic found fluctuating patterns of visits relative to COVID-19 case surges, with increases after surges and variations both within and across racial and ethnic groups, researchers reported yesterday in JAMA Psychiatry.

With more medical aid needed throughout Ukraine, Canadians are stepping up to help. Mike Drolet explains what Canadian doctors are creating to help save lives half a world away.

Humza Yousaf has claimed this week is the ‘toughest’ yet for the NHS since the pandemic struck.

Almost 70 per cent of Lanarkshire youngsters struggling with their mental health are waiting more than 18 weeks to begin treatment.

Federal Reserve hiked interest rates on Wednesday for the first time since the 2020 outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and said there could be another six hikes this year if inflation remains high. This comes at a time when economists warn that if inflation does not begin to subside in response to these initial moves, policymakers will end up raising rates too high, sending the economy into a recession and financial markets into a slump, as per news agency ANI report.

PHILADELPHIA - Gas prices in the Delaware Valley continue to hover around $4 per gallon which has forced some people to seek alternative forms of travel to relieve the pain inflicted at the pump. Cars aren't the only thing going electric, electric bikes have also exploded in popularity since gas spiked to a record-setting $4.43 per gallon. The bikes have a range of 40-50 miles on a single charge and retail for around $1,500."As the gas prices as they increase people do cycle more," John Weniter from Cycle Fit said.

WASHINGTON - The Federal Reserve launched a high-risk effort Wednesday to tame the worst inflation since the 1970s, raising its benchmark short-term interest rate and signaling up to seven rate hikes this year.The Fed's quarter-point hike in its key rate, which it had pinned near zero since the pandemic recession struck two years ago, marks the start of its effort to curb the high inflation that has followed the recovery from the recession. The rate hikes will eventually mean higher loan rates for many consumers and businesses.The central bank's policymakers expect inflation to remain elevated, ending 2022 at 4.3%, according to updated quarterly projections they released Wednesday.

Accountant and Turbo Tax Canada spokesperson Susan Watkin has timely advice to help make the most of your tax returns, especially if you’re a recent post-secondary graduate.

Unity, a popular engine for creating games, has shared that the pandemic has brought “long-lived and sustainable” changes to the games industry, with a record number of people creating and playing games.The Unity Gaming Report 2022 uses data from over 230,000 developers who create games using Unity, and is a comprehensive look at the world’s gaming habits over the last year.In the latest report, Unity claimed that “far from a “pandemic spike” the changes in the games industry appear to be long-lived and sustainable,” and added that “in 2021, the number of people playing games is at far higher levels than they were pre-COVID and the industry has continued to step up to feed the demand”.Unity stated that the number of games made via its engine rose by 93 per cent in 2021, with a 31 per cent bump in new creators.

WASHINGTON - Amid a tumultuous and deadly battle against invading Russian forces, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to speak virtually before the United States Congress on Wednesday to potentially discuss stronger sanctions and more meaningful action against Russia.Zelenskyy has used his public campaign to help ensure a global spotlight that might have faded amid the coronavirus pandemic and fatigue after the end of the long U.S. war in Afghanistan. The Ukrainian president’s video appearances are beaming the boyish but unshaven president into households and smartphones around the world as he speaks from undisclosed locations in Kyiv while Russia bombards his country, a heroic figure at the center of what many view as the biggest security threat to Europe since World War II.

Kate Garraway has updated fans on husband Derek Draper's health woes as she admitted having a family garden has become a lifeline for her.The Good Morning Britain host appeared on Love Your Garden as she spoke about nurturing a space the family can spend time in together and how it will help them to deal with Derek's condition.Kate, 54, has been caring for Derek ever since he came home from spending over a year in hospital when he contracted Covid-19 and suffered organ failure as a result of complications of the virus.Now she has created a well-being garden for her, Derek, and their two children Darcey, 16 and Billy, 12.Kate is hoping the open space will help them to cope with the stress and strain of coping with Derek's illness.She said: "The garden needs to be more than a space to go into. I really want to grow some plants to improve our health and wellbeing."Getting to work on the green masterpiece she raised her hopes for the garden, which will feature three separate holistic flowerbeds - an aromatherapy bed, one for plants that can be transformed into healthy teas, and one for medicinal plants that have properties such as antioxidants.She added: "I love the idea that there's plants that look good, smell good and do good.

WASHINGTON - Americans are one step closer to never having to "fall back" or "spring forward" with resetting their clocks after the U.S. Senate approved a measure that would make daylight saving time permanent. Senators on Tuesday unanimously voted for the Sunshine Protection Act, or S.623, sponsored by Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida.The proposed bill will now move to the House.

coronavirus pandemic obliterated 9.3 million jobs in Southeast Asia as lockdowns hit the region’s traditional engines of growth such as hospitality and tourism, according to the Asian Development Bank.

Prince William and Kate Middleton were slammed by royal fans for breaking an important Covid rule during the height of the pandemic. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met with David Attenborough in September 2020 at a private viewing of his documentary – A Life On Our Planet. The royal couple were joined by their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis and took a picture with the veteran broadcaster at Kensington Palace.

NEW YORK, (Reuters); Oil prices tumbled more than 6% on Tuesday (15) to their lowest in almost three weeks, as Russia suggested it would allow a revival of the Iran nuclear deal to go forward and as traders worried growing pandemic lockdowns in China could dent demand.Both Brent and U.S. crude futures benchmark settled below $100 per barrel for the first time since late February.

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Ontario government plans to provide $673 million to long-term care homes this year to help “hire and retain staff” across the province.The government issued a press release on Tuesday, saying the money would help to hire and retain up to 10,000 staff members across the province and will lead to “more direct care for residents.”“This is part of the province’s $4.9 billion commitment to hire more than 27,000 long-term care staff over four years and ensure that residents receive on average four hours of direct care per day by 2024-25.” Many Ontario long-term care homes keeping COVID vaccine mandates as province lifts policy According to the release, before the provincial investments, residents were receiving “an average of only two hours and 45 minutes of direct care from nurses and personal support workers.”The government says the next funding increase will push the daily average in the province to three hours and 15 minutes per resident, every day by the end of the 2022-23 fiscal year.Included in the funding is also $106.76 million for homes to increase the direct care provided by allied health care professionals who the government says are “key to ensuring quality care for residents (such as physiotherapists and social workers) by 10 per cent by the end of the fiscal year.”The provincial government said the $4.9 billion will be delivered over four years:According to the release, the province’s plan to provide residents with four hours of direct care will be enshrined into law via the Fixing Long Term Care Act 2021, which received royal assent in Dec. 2021.

Many stores and service providers went virtual during the pandemic in order to survive and continue serving their customers.

South Salem High school created a "calm room" to help students cope with mental health challenges.  (Salem Keizer Public Schools)SALEM, Ore. - A high school is taking an extra step to help students battling anxiety and depression, creating a safe space for them.South Salem High School in Oregon created a "calm room" to help improve students’ mental health. The designated classroom opened in the fall of 2021. School officials said the idea came about after they noticed a growing trend of students suffering from headaches and stomach aches.

COVID-19 pandemic, Niagara Region has lifted the measure as of 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday morning, deeming it “no longer necessary.”In a release on Monday, Regional Chair Jim Bradley and municipal mayors cancelled the condition in a joint statement thanking residents who did their part wearing masks, following directions to stay home, limiting personal contact and getting vaccinated.“As the heads of council, we declared the State of Emergency together in an effort to help save lives, protect our hospital system and to underscore the critical nature of the situation,” councillors said in a release.“After two years, we are in a significantly different position and appears that it is now the appropriate time to move forward as a community.” Ontario to table legislation making PSW wage increase permanent, government source says The region declared the situation on April 3, 2020, saying the pandemic was “a real and pressing risk” to the health of the community and that residents needed to work with government to slow the spread of the virus.“We recognize how hard this time is for everyone, and the sacrifices you are making to practice physical distancing, and even complete isolation in some cases,” the mayors and Bradley said in an April 2020 joint statement.As of Tuesday, Niagara Health hospital reported just 22 patients with COVID-19 among its network, with three people requiring the intensive care unit (ICU).In all, the hospital has treated 1,899 total COVID-19 patients since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020.

FILE IMAGE - A sign for the Lyft ride share pick-up area is seen on Aug. 20, 2020, at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, California.

so much after school. Over-the-counter pain meds didn’t help. I’d need to just take a nap and leave my homework for later.

Ukraine could have a serious impact on the conflict, experts warn. But it’s unlikely China will grant the reported Russian request, which Chinese leadership has denied they even received, and the Kremlin says was never made.“I don’t think China can afford to be a full-throated backer of Russia,” said Melinda Haring, deputy director of the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center.“Russia’s becoming increasingly isolated.

Russia is leaning on China for military and economic supports, according to the U.S., spawning fears a wider, global conflict is on the horizon.

PHILADELPHIA - If only just pennies, drivers in parts of the Delaware Valley have noticed that pumped up gas prices have started to dip ever so slightly from historic highs.According to AAA, the average price of a gallon of regular fuel in Pennsylvania was $4.42 on Monday; 10 cents higher than the national average. Driver in New Jersey paid $4.33 per gallon, and Delaware's gas prices sat at $4.21 on average. The average price for a gallon of gasoline in the U.S.

WASHINGTON - Gas prices are not going up because of the Keystone Pipeline cancelation or because the Biden administration paused oil extraction permits. The real reasons are more complicated than that.Last year, with the U.S. and much of the world shut down for the pandemic, driving and travel cratered – and with it, the demand for oil and gas.

WASHINGTON (FOX 5 DC) - The Capitol will begin phase one of its reopening plan starting on March 28, according to sources close to Fox News.Download the FOX 5 DC News App for Local Breaking News and WeatherFox is told that phase one of the reopening plan will allow groups of up to 15 persons for office visits or staff-led tours.Public tours will also resume, but only for school groups. The Capitol will launch up to four tours an hour for a maximum of 50 students between the hours of 8 a.m.

A student prepares lunch in the cafeteria during the first day of school at Stamford High School on September 08, 2020 in Stamford, Connecticut. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many school districts nationwide delayed the first day of school until a WASHINGTON - Public schools have been serving all students free meals during the COVID-19 pandemic, but that is likely coming to an end this summer after Congress rejected calls to maintain federal funding to extend the practice. The pandemic disrupted many aspects of education, including the ability for public schools to continue offering quality meals through government child nutrition programs.

A study of COVID-19 rates among inmates and staff at 101 US federal prisons compared with surrounding counties from May 2020 through January 2021 finds three-times-higher infection rates in prisons.

The Start.“Maybe with the exception of pharmacies and a few independents.”As for customers, Graham suggested it may take a while for most people to feel comfortable shedding their masks in crowded stores.“What we saw in other provinces over the past couple of weeks is you start off with maybe 20 per cent not wearing masks, and within a couple of weeks, we see 50 per cent of customers not wearing masks.“But you’ll still see some customers — due to their personal situations — wearing masks, and really just evolving toward whatever the individual’s situation requires.” Nearly two years later, mask mandate in Manitoba schools coming to an end Manitoba's mask mandate ends on Tuesday. Are you ok with that? – Mackling, Megarry & McNabb— 680 CJOB (@680CJOB) March 14, 2022While masks are likely on the way out in most cases, Graham said he foresees other safety items like the plexiglass barriers you see in some stores to remain — at least for a while longer.“I expect it to remain for some time, really in part because we don’t know what future waves may bring us,” he said.“The overall belief of employers is they want to create a safer workplace for their employees.”Epidemiologist Cynthia Carr said masks have been proven to have an impact on reducing the odds of getting infected, especially as the pandemic has progressed and Manitobans have been moving toward higher-quality face coverings.“We do know that it has been difficult to get really solid studies in the beginning of this pandemic.

Pramit Bhattacharya is a Chennai-based journalist. His Twitter handle is pramit_bNever miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

Dr. Sumon Chakrabarti reflects on two years of the pandemic shares insight on the easing of restrictions and what’s next for Canada in the fight against COVID-19.

Bowing to pressure, the U.S. now says it will supply Ukrainian fighters with more weapons and security assistance.

the start of daylight saving time. Well, you're in luck because Monday is National Napping Day.National Napping Day was created to spread awareness of the positive health benefits of taking a nap, according to Sleep Advisor.org. It adds that napping between 20-30 minute intervals has been shown to improve an individual’s awareness and energy. The unofficial day of slumber was created by William Anthony and his wife Camille Anthony in 1999.

A Ukrainian serviceman stands guard on a street in front of a damaged church in the city of Irpin, northwest of Kyiv, on March 13, 2022. (DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP via Getty Images) WASHINGTON - A U.S. official said Russia asked China for military equipment to use in its invasion of Ukraine, a request that heightened tensions about the ongoing war ahead of a Monday meeting in Rome between top aides for the U.S.

FILE - Jamie Lee Curtis attends The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Opening Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on Sept. 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. Jamie Lee Curtis is no longer hiding herself.Right up until the pandemic sent the world into hibernation, the 63-year-old actress was hard at work filming her upcoming movie, "Everything Everywhere All at Once," a project that is due out April 8 and sees her portray an IRS auditor named Deirdre Beaubeirdra.Curtis introduced her character to the world in a social media post explaining that she didn’t feel right "concealing" her figure for the role."In the world, there is an industry — a billion-dollar, trillion-dollar industry — about hiding things.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The price of multiple goods in Sri Lanka were increased with effect on Friday (10), after the government allowed the currency to float.Here’s a list of what was increased on #PriceHikeFriday:1. Fuel Prices:Lanka IOC raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs. 50/- and Rs.

Dedicated dentists from three Lanarkshire practices have pledged their time in the urgent fight to stem a growing oral health emergency affecting the country’s children.

FILE - Tins of Purina 'Gourmet' Gold premium cat food sit on display. Pet owners may have a harder time than usual searching for their dog or cat’s favorite canned food and — you guessed it — the supply chain backlogs are still to blame. In June 2021, the Pet Food Institute (PFI), which represents America’s dog and cat food and treat makers, sent public comments to the U.S.

Millions of wild pigs are eating and destroying their way through Canada and the United States, causing billions in crop and ecological damage every year. Another concern is their ability to spread disease.

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After two years of COVID-19 lockdowns and travel advisories, things are beginning to return to normal as countries around the world lift restrictions.

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PHILADELPHIA - A Ukrainian-American woman from Philadelphia boarded a plane to Romania on Friday night with the goal of reaching Ukraine to help evacuate women and children besieged by war.Svetlana Tikhonov is the founder of Quadrat Academy, a Montessori middle and high school in Northern Liberties. Her school has been collecting supplies for Ukrainian refugees. Tikhonov is personally collecting monetary donations through givebutter.com with a plan to use the funding on the front lines."We’re bringing the money there, and I’m going to hopefully provide supplies: medical aid, housing, anything we need to do not he ground," Tikhonov said. The husband of a Ukrainian woman shared the story of his wife's harrowing escape from her war-torn homeland as Vladimir Putin's Russian army commenced a full-fledged invasion two weeks ago.Tikhonov grew up in Kiev and left Ukraine with her family when she was 14.

LOS ANGELES - Rideshare drivers have been hit hard with the recent spike in gas prices and soon rideshare customers could be impacted as well. The recent surge in gas prices has prompted Uber to add a fuel surcharge in order to help drivers and couriers struggling with the recent financial burden. "Beginning Wednesday, March 16, consumers will pay a surcharge of either $0.45 or $0.55 on each Uber trip and either $0.35 or $0.45 on each Uber Eats order, depending on their location—with 100% of that money going directly to workers’ pockets," Uber wrote in a press release. "We know that prices have been going up across the economy, so we’ve done our best to help drivers and couriers without placing too much additional burden on consumers. Over the coming weeks, we plan to listen closely to feedback from consumers, couriers and drivers.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are signing their names on an open letter which called out loosening COVID-19 policies across the world.