Modi faces growing pressure to lock down India as COVID-19 crisis devastates country

trucker protesters as discussions on how best to implement them continue.The government published details late Tuesday on the requirements covering a wide range of the financial industry including banks, credit unions, insurance companies, portfolio managers and investment counselling services.The Canadian Bankers Association said in a statement Wednesday that, as with other financial service providers, banks will “need to diligently implement the required measures.”“Banks in Canada follow all applicable laws and regulations in carrying out their operations, in keeping with their commitment to protect the integrity of Canada’s financial system,” the association said.

the ongoing blockades in Ottawa and elsewhere, and some Canadians have been left scratching their heads about the impact it will have on their lives.Meanwhile, police are already notifying demonstrators in the downtown core that the new order will affect their blockade. In a pamphlet wedged into truck doorways and slapped under windshield wipers, police warned the blockaders that they “must leave the area now.”“The Federal Emergencies Act allows for the regulation or prohibition of travel to, from or within any specified area,” it warns.

ongoing convoy protests a “threat” to Canadian democracy in a letter justifying emergency powers to the country’s premiers.The letter, released by the federal government late Wednesday night, said fatigue and frustration with COVID-19 public health measures and vaccine mandates are “no longer the motivation of many of the (protest) participants and organizers.” Ottawa police issue new warning amid convoy blockade: ‘leave the area now’ “We are seeing activity that is a threat to our democracy and that is undermining the public’s trust in our institutions,” Trudeau wrote.“The Government of Canada believes firmly in the right to peaceful protest. But as we discussed, the activities taking place across the country have gone well beyond peaceful protest.”Trudeau declared a public order emergency on Monday, giving federal authorities exceptional powers aimed at bringing the convoy protests to an end after almost three weeks of unrest.

Ottawa city council has voted to oust Councillor Diane Deans as chair of the local police services board amid the so-called “freedom convoy” protests that have taken over much of downtown Ottawa for weeks.The move on Wednesday comes after a report that Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson was seeking to replace Deans as the chair of the police services board at a special city council meeting to address the ongoing blockade of the city’s downtown core, according to Deans’ office. Ottawa police pressed for answers on end to convoy blockade: ‘This will take time’ Jessica Bradley, a spokesperson for Deans, a city councillor planning to run for mayor later this year, confirmed a CBC News report that she was called into Watson’s office Wednesday and was asked to resign from her leadership role at the police services board, but she refused.Councillors who voted to remove her said they were concerned after learning the board agreed to hire a new interim chief to bolster the senior command at the Ottawa Police Service without a consultation process.They also suggested the board was not effective in its oversight of the Ottawa police, who have faced heavy criticism for its inaction in the ongoing demonstrations in the city.Somerset Coun.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has informed the Ceylon Electricity Board to permit companies and people that use electricity on a large scale to source electricity using their generators and suspend the supply to them from the National Grid.PUCSL Chairman Janaka Ratnayake told News 1st that the PUCSL is prepared to pay Rs. 36/- per unit for those sourcing electricity via generators.On 13 February, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) sought the PUCSL permission for scheduled load shedding due to lack of fuel to operate oil-fired power plants, depleting water reservoirs for hydropower generation.On Tuesday (15) the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka rejected the CEB request to go for power-cut for a period of three and introduced alternatives for the CEB to consider.To manage the limited resources available ahead of the dry season, the PUCSL said hydropower generations will be slashed by 50% from today, while large-scale consumers were instructed to purchase standby generators.“If residents in condos need to have air conditioners operated during peak hours between 6:00 p.m.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Rev. Fr. Jude Krishantha, the Media Director of the Archdiocese of Colombo was back at the Criminal Investigations Department on Thursday (17) to make a statement with regard to a complaint he filed in December 2021, over the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks.The Rev.

NEW DELHI :

An Edmonton security firm is warning that critical infrastructure such as airports could be the next target of so-called freedom protesters, and a threat assessment that included a covert operation at the Coutts border blockade also found links between some protest organizers and far-right extremist groups. Breanna Karstens-Smith explains.

attended the big game. Rodgers wasn't one of them. Then, following the loss, Rodgers was named the MVP of the season – because that award is about the regular season, during which Rodgers was pretty spectacular.

People still participating in the so-called “Freedom Convoy” blockade of downtown Ottawa are being warned by police to “leave the area now” in flyers distributed to the demonstrators and in the door jams of trucks participating in the protest Wednesday morning.

Paislee Shultis, a child who was kidnapped two years ago at the age of four, was found alive in a makeshift room underneath a closed staircase that led to the basement of a home in the town of Saugerties in upstate New York, police said.

We have more details on just what the Emergencies Act, invoked by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday, will allow officials to do about truckers protests. Aaron McArthur has the latest.

As concerns over government overreach swirl for the now-invoked Emergencies Act, debates are set to ensue in Parliament on whether it is necessary. David Akin explains the new measures the government hopes will end the disruptive protests, and which political parties will be supporting or pushing back against them.

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa. - A stretch of the Pennsylvania Turnpike was closed for hours Wednesday after a tanker trunk crashed onto its side and spilled fuel across the highway. The crash happened around 5:30 p.m. on the eastbound side near mile marker 337 in Fort Washington.Emergency crews and a hazmat team were quickly dispatched to the crash site.

PHILADELPHIA - Residents in Philadelphia's Fairmount neighborhood have reported frightening encounters with a man asking for money, including at least two homeowners who said the panhandler threatened them at their doorstep.Geno Rapone said he was making dinner for his children on Tuesday night when the man started banging on his front door. Rapone noticed the man from a picture that a neighbor posted on the NextDoor app about a threatening encounter. "I asked him what he wanted, he said ‘I need money to get to 52nd and Market.

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) will issue a directive on Thursday (Feb. 17), requiring consumers who have defaulted on their electricity bills, to settle the outstanding bills within 03-months.As per the directive, the power supply will be suspended to the consumers, who fail to settle the bills, Janaka Ratnayake, the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission told News 1st.The PUCSL informed the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) on Wednesday (Feb.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Criminal Investigations Department had recorded a statement from Fathima Hadiya, the wife of terrorist Zaharan Hashim, on Tuesday (15).Police Spokesperson and Attorney-at-Law SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that detectives recorded the statement from the accused at the Welikada Prison for approximately five hours.He said further statements will be recorded as investigations continue into the terror attacks of April 21, 2019.

Covid scare, the Queen has made her first public appearance since her son Prince Charles tested positive.Major concerns had been raised after the Queen, 95, and Charles, 73, met at Windsor Castle two days before he tested positive with the virus. A Palace source said that Her Majesty was not displaying any symptoms but that the situation was being monitored as she attended official royal duties.On Tuesday, the Queen was snapped holding virtual audiences with new ambassadors from Estonia and Spain via a video call in her first public appearance.On Wednesday, the Palace said she had received both the outgoing and incoming Defence Services Secretaries at Windsor Castle.The Queen, who was walking with the support of a stick, said: "Oh, I am here."When asked how she was, the Queen chuckled: "Well, as you can see, I can't move."Her Majesty then pointed towards her feet before shuffling forward and greeting the pair with a handshake.The update comes after many were concerned that the Queen could also test positive after coming into contact with Charles.Charles would typically greet his mother in public with both a kiss on the hand and a kiss on the cheek.Prince Charles's wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, has since also now tested positive for Covid.Last week, a Palace source said the Queen, who this month celebrated the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne, would be returning to normal duties.After a long-anticipated nervous wait, it's understood that the Queen, who has been triple jabbed, is showing no symptoms and has submitted a negative result.Prince Charles is currently self-isolating after catching Covid last Thursday.

Police say a 30-year-old man was stabbed several times Wednesday night near SEPTA's Arrott Transportation Center.  PHILADELPHIA - Authorities say a man is expected to survive after he was stabbed several times Wednesday night near a SEPTA station in Frankford.Officers from the Philadelphia Police Department were called to the 4700 block of Oxford Avenue just after 9 p.m.

Police in Radnor Township are warning about theives stealing items and checks from mailboxes.  RADNOR TOWNSHIP, Pa. - Police in the Pennsylvania suburbs are warning about thefts from mailboxes. According to police, thieves are going through boxes, stealing checks and then cashing in. In Radnor Township, one thief scored big, allegedly taking $25,000. Superintendent Chris Flanagan with the Radnor Police Department said this type of crime is unusual for the department. Authorities say thieves are waiting for residents to raise the red flags on mailboxes that typically alert mail carriers to collect mail. "They'll take them somewhere, alter them and attempt to pass them at a bank related to that account or something they may have, and then they are cashing what we're calling bad checks."The issue is widespread, hitting every corner of the township from Ravenscliffe in Wayne to Boxwood Road in Bryn Mawr. "We are asking residents if you see people in a private vehicle touching or altering or it looks like they are taking mail out of a private mailbox, then we want you to contact us," Flanagan said. Residents are also encouraged to take their mail directly to the post office or send money electronically as a precaution. MORE LOCAL HEADLINES ___DOWNLOAD: FOX 29 NEWS APP | FOX 29 WEATHER AUTHORITY APPSUBSCRIBE: Good Day Digest Newsletter | FOX 29 Philly on YouTubeAdvertisementFOLLOW: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

While many restaurant owners are breathing a sigh of relief now that the vaccine mandate for indoor dining has been dropped, some plan to continue enforcing it.  PHILADELPHIA - City officials announced an end to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for indoor dining, but not all restaurants are on board. COVID-19 cases continue to drop, leading city health officials to roll back the mandate. Masks will still be mandated and customers can now leave their vaccine cards in their wallets. One restaurant owner told FOX 29 they still want to see vaccine cards, while another is breathing a sigh of relief. "I was actually happy about it," Debbie Betten, the owner of Sweet Lucy's Smokehouse in Northeast Philadelphia, said.

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CHICAGO - The carjacking task force announced well over 100 arrests since the start of this year.However, there is still a bigger problem.CPD Supt. David Brown says about 60 percent of the offenders taken into police custody are juveniles.

FILE - Police lights are shown in a close up image. (Credit: FOX TV Stations) PHILADELPHIA - Police are investigating a deadly shooting that happened Wednesday night in Philadelphia's Lawcrest neighborhood, according to authorities. Officers from the Philadelphia Police Department were called to the 5500 block of Whitaker Avenue just after 8 p.m.

COLORADO - Officials with the Colorado State Patrol have a simple message for drivers, as they post a shocking video of a crash that was captured by a dashcam.The video was posted to the department's Twitte page on Feb. 16, and shows a CSP trooper pulling a driver over along a freeway.

A Sharon Hill mother is searching for her family dog, which serves as an emotional support animal for her son, who has autism.  SHARON HILL, Pa. - A local family is hoping for the safe return of their beloved dog, but the animal is more than just a pet. The Bolar family in Sharon Hill has now had several sleepless nights knowing their dog Ruzteze is gone. The 15-pound Parson terrier is the emotional support dog for 14-year-old Amare, who has autism. Rusteze got out of a back door on Friday without his collar and hasn't been seen since. Amare has been beside himself without his best friend. "He is his companion.

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Jason Lubell holds ‘Frank Sinatra,’ his Hungarian Puli dog, in Washington Square Park on January 19, 2022 in New York City. "We all share the same goal – to get to a point where COVID-19 is no longer disrupting our daily lives, a time when it won’t be a constant crisis – rather something we can prevent, protect against, and treat," Walensky said.With the omicron variant waning and Americans eager to move beyond the virus, government and business leaders have been out ahead of the CDC in ending virus measures in the last week, including ordering workers back to offices, eliminating mask mandates and no longer requiring proof of vaccine to get into restaurants, bars and sports and entertainment arenas.RELATED: California ends mask mandate, but not all counties are ditching masksThe efforts have been gaining more steam each day.Philadelphia officials on Wednesday said the city’s vaccine mandate for restaurants was immediately lifted, though indoor mask mandates remain in place for now.

Wendy Williams is looking happy and healthy in a brand new video.

COVID-19.The preventive isolation policy had been criticized by family members who said their relatives’ health declined during the isolation period.Dr. Luc Boileau, Quebec’s interim public health director, told reporters Wednesday that residents will only have to isolate if they are in contact with someone who later tests positive for COVID-19 for more than 10 minutes without a mask.

Edmonton Police Service Chief Dale McFee is defending officer’s actions at the recent convoy demonstrations and counter-protests, saying his top priority is safety for everyone. As Sarah Komadina explains, on Wednesday he shrugged off suggestions of selective enforcement.

The province says it has more than 20 million take home COVID-19 tests on the way. How will those tests get into the hands of British Columbians though? Richard Zussman has more on the plan.

BJP president J P Nadda on Tuesday accused the Congress of "misleading" people and creating "false panic" in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, and alleged that the conduct of its leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, will be remembered for "duplicity and pettiness".Nadda wrote a four-page letter to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, a day after the Congress Working Committee hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government over the handling of the coronavirus crisis.The BJP president also accused Congress leaders, including a chief minister, of trying to actively create vaccine hesitancy during the once-in-a-century pandemic.Under Modi, the fight against the pandemic is driven by unwavering belief in science, support to

Chandigarh district administration on Monday decided to extend the "corona curfew" by another one week.The Chandigarh administration had already imposed a weekend "corona curfew" from 5 am on 8 May till 5 am on 10 May.The night curfew from 6 pm to 5 am will also be implemented, reports news agency ANI, adding, that day-time movement will be allowed.Meanwhile, Chandigarh on Sunday registered a record 895 fresh cases, taking the count to 50,207, according to a medical bulletin.Ten more deaths due to Covid-19 took the toll to 568.The number of active cases was 8,511, as per the bulletin.Punjab CM urges PM Modi to increase oxygen, vaccine suppliesPunjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to increase the total

NEW DELHI : The Congress Working Committee on Monday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his handling of the coronavirus crisis, saying he must "atone for his mistakes" and serve the people instead of carrying on with his "personal agenda" oblivious to the sufferings all around.The CWC, the Congress' highest decision-making body, in a resolution also questioned the government data on coronavirus cases and fatalities, and alleged non-reporting of deaths.The solution lies in facing challenge, not in concealing the truth, it said.The CWC also expressed deep concern over the government's coronavirus vaccination strategy, alleging the supply was grossly insufficient and the pricing policy opaque and discriminatory.Congress leaders K C

₹150 a dose while to states for ₹300 a dose.

BHUBANESWAR : Rajya Sabha MP and renowned sculptor Raghunath Mohapatra passed away on Sunday due to COVID-19.He was admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for treatment after being diagnosed with COVID-19.Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the demise of Mohapatra and said that he will be remembered for his contributions towards traditional crafts."Saddened by the demise of MP Shri Raghunath Mohapatra Ji. He made pioneering contributions to the world of art, architecture and culture.

Narendra Modi spoke to Tirath Singh Rawat, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, on Sunday to assess the coronavirus situation in the state. During the conversations, the prime minister also assured the state of all possible help to combat the deadly virus.The COVID-19 situation continues to be grim in Uttarakhand with around 7,000 to 9,000 people testing positive daily for the disease for the last several days.A total of 8,390 people had tested positive for coronavirus on Saturday while 118 more people succumbed to the infection.Later, the chief minister took to Twitter to say "Prime Minister Narendra Modi called up for an update on Covid cases in Uttarakhand.

MUMBAI : Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has urged the central government to allow states to develop their ownapplications for COVID-19 vaccination programme.In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Thackeray said the vaccination drive in Maharashtra has been the "fastest and the most efficient in the country".At present, people have to register their names on CoWIN platform introduced by the central government for the vaccination."As we plan to open up vaccination for the 18 to 45 age group through the state's procurement, the CoWIN app is seeing a sudden surge in the number of citizens wanting to register nationally.

New Delhi: India on Friday sought Australia’s support for a proposal for a temporary waiver of patent protections for covid-19 vaccines at the World Trade Organisation, a move that would boost supplies of the life-saving inoculations to poorer nations.India put forth its views during a telephone conversation between prime minister Narendra Modi and his Australian prime minister Scott Morrison.

India‘s main opposition leader Rahul Gandhi warned on Friday that unless the deadly second COVID-19 wave sweeping the country was brought under control it would decimate India as well as threaten the rest of the world.In a letter, Gandhi implored Prime Minister Narendra Modi to prepare for another national lockdown, accelerate a country-wide vaccination program and scientifically track the virus and its mutations.Gandhi said the world‘s second-most populous nation had a responsibility in “a globalized and interconnected world” to stop the “explosive” growth of COVID-19 within its borders.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke to the chief ministers of Manipur, Sikkim and Tripura on the COVID-19 situation in their states, government sources said.Modi had on Thursday spoken to the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand and Telangana besides the lieutenant governors of Jammu & Kashmir and Puducherry in this regard.The prime minister's interaction with chief ministers is part of his exercise to deal with the pandemic situation.With a record 4,14,188 new coronavirus cases being reported in a day, India's infection tally climbed to 2,14,91,598, while the active case count crossed the 36-lakh mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.The death toll from the pandemic has

India reported another record daily rise in coronavirus cases, bringing total new cases for the week to 1.57 million, as the country's vaccination rate falls dramatically due to a lack of supplies and transport problems.

NEW DELHI – With coronavirus cases still surging to record levels, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is facing growing pressure to impose a harsh nationwide lockdown amid a debate whether restrictions imposed by individual states are enough.

vaccine wastage with 9.76 per cent of vaccine dose being wasted, followed by Tamil Nadu with 8.83 per cent and Assam with 7.70 per cent," the Ministry of Health and Family welfare said.The ministry added that Manipur recorded 7.44 per cent of vaccine wastage, Haryana recorded 5.72 per cent and Bihar records 4.95 per cent of vaccine wastage. Yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Kerala for reducing vaccine wastage.

NEW DELHI : With India reeling under a national medical emergency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reviewed the public health response to covid-19, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.“PM noted that an advisory was sent to the states to identify districts of concern where case positivity is 10% or more and bed occupancy is more than 60% on either oxygen supported or ICU beds," the statement said.The Union health ministry had earlier asked the states and Union territories to identify districts that should be considered for taking intensive and local containment measures.The meeting was attended by top officials and ministers, including defence minister Rajnath Singh; home minister Amit Shah; finance minister Nirmala

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to Twitter today to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the national capital received 730 metric tonnes of oxygen on 5 May amid an unprecedented Covid-19 crisis that has killed thousands.In a letter, CM Kejriwal said that it was for the first time Delhi received over 700 metric tonnes of life-saving gas.The Delhi CM also addressed a news briefing saying that his government "won't let anyone die" of oxygen shortage if it got 700 tonnes of supply from the Centre daily."If we get an adequate supply of oxygen - 700 tons - we will be able to set up 9000-9500 beds in Delhi. We will be able to create oxygen beds.

spiralling crisis from the resurgence of coronavirus infections in India has dented support for the ruling BJP but voter support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party will remain strong over the coming quarters and through this humanitarian crisis."While there appears to be signs that the spiralling Covid-19 crisis in India has dented support for the ruling BJP, we maintain our view that voter support for Prime Minister Modi and the BJP will remain strong over the coming quarters and through this humanitarian crisis," Fitch Solutions said.Amid an unprecedented surge in the number of Covid-19 cases – the highest-ever 4,12,262 new infections and a record 3,980 daily death toll in the last 24 hours – has crushed the healthcare system,