Minister Monsef says calling Taliban ‘brothers’ was ‘cultural’ reference

Business owners in Northern Ireland are hopeful of a return to normality, as remaining Covid-19 restrictions are set to be lifted later today.

Novak Djokovic said he would skip the French Open and Wimbledon, foregoing the chance to overtake Rafael Nadal's record haul of 21 Grand Slams titles, rather than get vaccinated against COVID-19.And the No. 1-ranked tennis player is also still smarting about being deported last month from Australia in a drama about his vaccination status that polarized opinion worldwide.Speaking in an interview broadcast Tuesday by the BBC, the 20-time Grand Slam champion said he is still not vaccinated, and prepared to sacrifice titles to stay that way.If need be, not defending his titles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon and missing other tournaments is "the price that I am willing to pay," said the 34-year-old Serb, comments likely to further boost his hero-status among some opponents of vaccination.Djokovic said he is not opposed to vaccinations and sought to distance himself from anti-vaccination campaigners, saying: "I have never said that I am part of that movement."But he said "everyone has the right to choose, to act, or say what ever they feel is appropriate for them" and that he believes in "the freedom to choose what you put into your body.

PHILADELPHIA - COVID-19 cases are down in Philadelphia and people want to know when the city will loosen restrictions like in New Jersey and Delaware.The Philadelphia Health Department has indicated that masks will last indefinitely.During the height of omicron variant in early January, health officials reported a 38 percent positivity rate, which is roughly 2600 new cases a day. Currently, the city says they're seeing fewer than 200 cases a day.Despite the encouraging numbers, health officials are taking a slower approach to easing mandates.We reached out to the city’s Health Department, who referred us to the health commissioner's briefing this Wednesday, saying they plan to address metrics guiding their decisions.LATEST COVID-19 HEADLINES___DOWNLOAD: FOX 29 NEWS APP | FOX 29 WEATHER AUTHORITY APPSUBSCRIBE: Good Day Digest Newsletter | FOX 29 Philly on YouTubeAdvertisementFOLLOW: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

PHILADELPHIA - A man is fighting for his life after he was shot multiple times in the city's East Frankford neighborhood. The shooting happened around 6 p.m.

Many Brits will be looking to get away on a holiday abroad as coronavirus travel restrictions continue to ease.

Saskatchewan’s proof of vaccination health order or a negative test is no longer in effect when going to events, restaurants, bars, or the gym.

flock of yellow-headed blackbirds suddenly dropped from the sky on a street in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua — but the reason behind the mysterious fall remains unclear.Several dead birds were discovered early on Feb. 7 by residents in the city of Cuauhtémoc, the Spanish-language El Heraldo de Chihuahua reported.

SENKIVKA- UKRAINE: Members of the Ukrainian Border Guard patrol along the Ukrainian border fence at the Three Sisters border crossing between, Ukraine, Russia and Belarus on Feb. 14, 2022, in Senkivka, Ukraine.

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A shipment carrying 2,000 small-calibre firearms was stolen from a Peterborough-based trucking company.

From its symptoms to infectivity, here is all that you need to know about Deltacron.  

COLOMBO (News 1st) ; The Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Sri Lanka, Hanaa Singer states that the protection of Journalists and Activists play a fundamental role in ensuring a democratic society. In a tweet, she further stated that while their protection is vital to ensure freedom of expression, transparency and accountability. The silencing of critical voices, undermines public debate, freedom and the human rights of everyone. #Journalists & #activists play a fundamental role in ensuring a democratic society and their protection is vital to ensure freedom of expression, transparency and accountability.

Canada won its first ever Olympic gold medal in women’s team pursuit speed skating at the Beijing Winter Games on Tuesday, after a stunning crash by Japan.

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Stephen Webb has revealed he's had no choice but to pull out of Friday's episode of Gogglebox as he's tested positive for Covid-19.The 50 year old, who recently shared a first glimpse into his new Brighton home with Daniel Lustig, took to his Instagram feed to share the news with the "Gogglebox crew" and his 187,000 followers. Sitting in a grey T-shirt with a black cap on his head alongside his round glasses while Daniel stood behind him through a window, he explained: "This is for the Gogglebox crew, good luck filming this week, can't wait to see you Friday.

Kate Garraway has revealed her husband Derek Draper is still unable to speak after his brutal and lengthy Covid-19 battle. Derek, 54, returned home in April 2021 after spending a year in hospital fighting for his life after contracting coronavirus in 2020, which has since left him battling a number of ongoing health issues. He now needs round the clock care as he recovers from the lasting damage the deadly bug had on him and his body.

The level of Covid-19 infections continues to fall across Greater Manchester neighbourhoods, with some areas seeing fewer than ten cases.

NEW DELHI :

Dancing on Ice contestant Brendan Cole will skate with male professional Brendyn Hatfield after his partner Vanessa Bauer tested positive for Covid-19. Announcing the news, hot favourite Brendan, 45, explained: "I am absolutely gutted that Vanessa is unable to skate this weekend.

A controversial Scottish Government measure aimed at improving ventilation and cutting covid risk in schools will not go ahead in Renfrewshire.

Novak Djokovic has revealed he would rather miss out on tennis greatness than be forced to get the Covid vaccine against his will. The men's tennis No.1 was deported from Australia last month over his vaccination status in a row that made headlines around the world.

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Hollywood film The Breakfast Club is 37 years old today.The film featured huge stars including Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez and Anthony Michael Hall, who all went on to even bigger success in the decade.They joined other 80s teen heartthrobs including Rob Lowe and Andrew McCarthy, who were on the walls of thousands of fans across the world, following their appearances in films including Pretty in Pink and About Last Night, to name a few.To celebrate The Breakfast Club's anniversary, Daily Star has taken a look at where some of the decade's most famous 80s teen film heartthrobs are now.Andrew McCarthy was one of the original 80s teen heartthrobs and part of the so called 'brat pack' alongside Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson and Rob Lowe in films including Class and St.Elmo's Fire.However, it is his famous role as Blaine in 1986's Pretty in Pink that cemented his teen heart throb status across the world, with the actor going on to new levels of fame in hit films including Mannequin opposite Sex And The City's Kim Cattrall.It was during this time that Andrew McCarthy also revealed that he entered rehab following an alcohol addiction at the age of 29 years old, telling The Washington Post: "I often had an image of a rock and a piece of metal soldered on top of it — and that was my drinking and my career.He added that he has been sober ever since, adding: "It took me a long time after I stopped drinking to separate those. My success did not cause my drinking.

COLOMBO (News 1st); 40,000 metric tons of fuel purchased by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation from the Indian Oil Corporation reached the Colombo Port on Tuesday (15).The IOC had submitted a quotation for fuel supplies based on a request by the Energy Ministry while the IOC has also granted them a 60-day period to make the payment.The Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila, speaking at the event stated that while Sri Lanka is undergoing a large foreign exchange crisis, therefore has been experiencing difficulties in financing oil imports. However, the Minister added that Sri Lanka could not wait until the US$ 500Mn credit line is finalized, and the country was in need of fuel urgently due to the newly created demand which came from the power sector. Reiterating that friends in need are friends indeed, the Minister emphasized that India has proven itself a good friend of Sri Lanka, not by words, but by actions. The Indian High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Gopal Bagley also speaking at the event said that this as two countries have shared history and also underwent difficulties due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, India is committed to stand by Sri Lanka at this time of crisis.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Electricity Board said that a decision will be made on Tuesday (15) on the number of hours that it would impose power outages in the country.Sri Lanka’s Public Utilities Commission also noted that power cuts would be inevitable given the present fuel crisis as well as decreasing water levels at major reservoirs.The Public Utilities Commission to Sri Lanka (PUCSL) will reach a final decision today, on the proposed schedule and methodology for Power Cuts amidst the prevailing power crisis in the country.The PUCSL pointed out that disruptions to the supply of electricity are highly likely in the coming weeks, given the prevailing fuel crisis and the declining water levels at the reservoirs of Hydropower Plants.Speaking to News 1st this morning, Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission to Sri Lanka (PUCSL), Janaka Ratnayake said the remaining hydropower reserves should be used sparingly to manage the hydropower generation in the coming two months.He said in order to manage the remaining resources, power cuts are required.However, the PUCSL Chairman also emphasized that the schedule for power cuts will be prepared in a manner to minimize the inconveniences faced by the consumers.

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Hong Kong's leader has said she would not impose a mainland China-style hard lockdown as the city faces its worst coronavirus wave to date, even as she vowed no switch to living with Covid-19.

Beijing Winter Olympics on Tuesday, his second medal of the 2022 Games.Parrot won the gold in the slopestyle event last week. So far, it is Canada’s only gold of these Games.The 27-year-old Quebec native fell in his first of three runs, but recovered on his second jump by landing a huge cab 1800 to earn a score of 94 — the second highest overall for that run.He then scored a respectable 76.25 with a 1620 in his third and final run, his top two scores combining to claim second place.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Minister granted approval on Monday (14) to provide 15 kg of wheat flour per month at a concessionary rate to 115,867 beneficiary families working in the estate sector.According to the Department of Government Information approval was granted to the Finance Minister’s proposal ‘Implementation of proposals to minimize economic constraints confronted by the public’, on the 18th of January 2022.A committee led by the Trade Minister had thereafter issued a recommendation considering the resolution for wheat flour relief for estate worker families, and thus the recommendations were approved.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The head of Sri Lanka’s Catholic Church His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith on Tuesday (15) called on the masses to respond at the appropriate time to the attempts being made to suppress the truth through intimidation.“If Shehan Malaka did not go live on social media, the country would have never known that he was being forcefully taken away by a group in a white van. He had the courage to reveal this to the country,” said His Eminence.He slammed the police over its conduct in arresting people adding that Sri Lanka Police must be present in uniform when making an arrest and must use a police jeep for such purpose.“Police officers must read the charges against any accused when making an arrest,” he said adding that the Shehan Malaka was not arrested, but abducted in broad daylight.His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith termed such conduct as uncivilized and immoral, which is not suitable for a democratic community.The Archbishop of Colombo also took a blow at the present Attorney General, noting that he is a public servant and NOT a political stooge.He said the Attorney General who is expected to enforce the recommendations of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry that probed the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks, is making attempts to arrest those who are calling for justice over the Terror Attacks.“I request the people to understand the conspiratorial conduct of the government.

Thousands of nurses in Australia's most populous state walked off the job for the first time in nearly a decade to begin a 24-hour strike after talks with the government to plug staff shortages and secure a pay rise failed.

The current COVID-19 restrictions are set to expire this week and the province is expected to announce an easing of restrictions Tuesday. Many are wondering what our lives will look like over the next few weeks and months, especially those working in the affected industries.

After a long and disruptive blockade against COVID mandates was cleared, the Ambassador Bridge border crossing in Windsor, Ontario, is open to travel, despite a heavily police presence. As Mike Drolet reports, a small group of protesters remain.

Trudeau invokes Emergencies Act for 1st time to aid convoy blockade response Kenney referenced the Critical Infrastructure Defence Act, legislation that allows law enforcement to arrest and fine anyone impeding what is deemed critical economic infrastructure, including railways and highways.He said the legislation gives the province sanctions “that are quite similar to the court injunction obtained by Ontario” to break up a blockade on the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, Ont., over the weekend.Kenney said he is concerned invoking the Emergencies Act could have the potential to make things worse at the Coutts blockade.“I think at this point, for the federal government to reach in over top of us, without offering anything in particular, would frankly be unhelpful,” Kenney said.“I think we need to find ways to effectively enforce without escalating the situation.” RCMP arrest 13 people, seize weapons and ammunition near Coutts border blockade Kenney’s comments come after several arrests were made and more than a dozen long guns, handguns, ammunition and body armour were seized at the blockade. The premier described the group as a “militant cell” and said it’s why there has been “a relatively light touch on enforcement.”It’s the first time the Emergencies Act has been enacted in Canada, which Trudeau said would have a time and geographic limitation to areas impacted by the blockades and where law enforcement deems the expanded powers are needed.According to Trudeau, the expanded powers will give police more tools for enforcement and allow the RCMP to enforce municipal bylaws and provincial offences where it’s necessary.“The potential for violent acts I think remains.

freedom convoy” protesters who have disrupted the nation’s capital.Brad Howland, president of Easy-Kleen Pressure Systems Ltd., confirmed the donation, the largest from within Canada, following a hack of crowdfunding platform GiveSendGo.Howland declined to speak to Global News but said in a statement he had travelled to Ottawa to witness the “beautiful, legal, peaceful protest that overwhelmed us with emotion.”“We are thankful to be blessed enough to support their efforts to do what they have to do in a peaceful way until the government removes the mandates to restore all our freedom as pre-COVID,” he said.Protest organizers have secured millions in pledges from donors on GiveSendGo, the U.S.-based Christian crowdfunding platform that is hosting the fundraising campaign.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers had extensively discussed the need to integrate non-motorized modes of transport, especially cycling, into the national transport system.“The use of non-motorized transport has a positive effect on reducing air pollution as well as on health, air quality, environment, climate change, and personal finances,” said the Department of Government Information on Tuesday (15).Therefore, it has been identified that non-motor systems should be integrated with existing transport systems to maximize economic and environmental benefits, it added.Accordingly, taking into consideration the submissions made by the Minister of Environment, the relevant Ministries and Institutions agreed to take the following steps under a joint approach.– Marking of bicycle lanes suitable for existing roads and upgrading of existing pedestrian lanes– Steps to include bicycle and pedestrian lanes for future roads– Taking necessary measures to encourage the use of bicycles for the staff of government offices– Providing necessary facilities for office cyclists including parking and access.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Minister on Monday (14) granted approval to prepare a road map and strategic plan to make Sri Lanka a Carbon-Net Zero country by 2050.The Department of Government Information in a statement said that ” If a country is to reach a carbon-Net zero, it must primarily reduce its emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and increase its carbon dioxide-absorbing ecosystems.”According to the statement, the Cabinet had identified the need to develop the road map and strategic plan to achieve the goal of making Sri Lanka Carbon-Net Zero.Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Environment to design a road map that is revised every 05 years after reviewing the progress and to formulate a five-year strategic plan, and appoint a committee of experts to do so.

Lockdowns were tough for most musicians – but for one Scot, they provided the opportunity of a lifetime.

WEST CHESTER, Pa. - A Chester County judge granted an injunction against Tower Health on Monday which breathed new life into the potential sale of two recently shuttered hospitals.Texas-based Canyon Atlantic sought to buy Brandywine and Jennersville hospitals last year, but Tower Health officials said the deal fell through, and both hospitals closed in Dec. and Jan. The closure raised concerns among residents and county officials alike that Chester County Hospital would have a hard time managing the influx of new patients. "This is a huge void now, and it’s going to create some serious challenges for patients that would normally be 10 minutes away are going to have to go 30 minutes away, it’s going to put a lot of pressure on EMS," Former Director of Pastoral Care at Brandywine Hospital Reverend Garry Fowler said. Chester County Hospital vouched for a modular emergency room in its parking lot to add additional beds, a move that was unanimously supported by the West Goshen Township Board of Supervisors.Tower Health closed Brandywine Hospital on Monday night, leaving the Chester County community concerned about the availability of healthcare.

PHILADELPHIA - As COVID-19 numbers continue to trend down in Philadelphia, city officials who have been hesitant to pull back restrictions may be ready to take a small step forward.Senior Director of Operations for Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association Ben Fileccia said he expects Philadelphia officials to make an announcement Wednesday about metrics they will use to determine appropriate mandates going forward. The Philadelphia Inquirer on Monday night reported that the city could end its vaccine requirement to dine indoors as early as this week, and the indoor mask mandate may lift soon after.Several states across the country have announced an end to universal mask mandates over the last several weeks, including nearby Delaware. New Jersey Gov.

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CBD Kratom in Wayne, Pennsylvania has been shut down after opening in close proximity to two schools.  WAYNE, Pa. - A CBD shop inside a former Starbucks in Wayne, Pennsylvania, has been shut down after township officials said it should have never opened in the first place. Residents in the town were shocked when they saw a big cannabis leaf outside the old Starbucks store in town. CBD Kratom, located at 218 E Lancaster Avenue, opened up in close proximity to Radnor Middle School and St. Katharine of Siena School. Less than one day after it opened, township officials say they shut it down alleging no business, building or construction permits were applied for.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The United States is relocating its embassy operations in Ukraine from the nation’s capital in Kyiv to the western city of Lviv, officials announced Monday. The move comes amid a "dramatic acceleration in the buildup of Russian forces," at the Ukrainian border."We are in the process of temporarily relocating our Embassy operations in Ukraine from our Embassy in Kyiv to Lviv due to the dramatic acceleration in the buildup of Russian forces. The Embassy will remain engaged with the Ukrainian government, coordinating diplomatic engagement in Ukraine.