PM-CARES Fund: 50,000 Made-in-India ventilators; Maharashtra, Delhi get most

A study in Qatar estimates that previous COVID-19 infection imparts 56% protection against future symptomatic infection caused by the highly transmissible Omicron variant, down from about 90% for other SARS-CoV-2 strains.The study, published yesterday in the New England Journal of Medici

COVID-19 update since Sunday, the Saskatchewan government reported 5,401 provincial PCR confirmed cases and 22 new deaths between Jan. 30 and Feb.

Super Bowl this weekend. The DHS said in a bulletin sent to local and state law enforcement agencies that it has received reports that truckers are planning to "potentially block roads in major metropolitan cities" in a protest against vaccine mandates and other issues. DHS said the convoy could begin in Southern California as early as this weekend, possibly disrupting traffic around the Super Bowl, and reach Washington in March in time for the State of the Union, according to a copy of Tuesday’s bulletin obtained by The Associated Press. It said that the protest could be disruptive and tie up traffic but that there have been no calls for violence. Meanwhile, the truck blockade by Canadians protesting the country’s COVID-19 restrictions is tightening the screws on the auto industry, forcing Ford, General Motors and other car companies to shut down plants or otherwise reduce production on both sides of the U.S.

Middlesex-London Health Unit said Thursday that anyone who visits any of its vaccine clinics will be able to choose between the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.However, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is currently the only COVID-19 vaccine approved by Health Canada for children aged five to 11 years old. COVID-19 vaccine and booster tracker: How many Canadians are vaccinated? The MLHU’s decision impacts all of the health unit’s mass vaccination clinics, as well as the pop-up vaccination clinics hosted by the Middlesex-London Paramedic Service and the Community Hub COVID-19 vaccination clinics in schools.Since late December, the MLHU had been prioritizing the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for people age 29 and under and providing the Moderna vaccine to clients 30 and over, citing limited supply of the Pfizer vaccine.The health unit is hoping the ability to choose will help increase vaccine availability and uptake, noting that only 51.9 per cent of eligible residents aged 18 and older had received a third dose as of Jan.

PHILADELPHIA - Investigators with the Philadelphia Police Department are offering a $20,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest in a homicide from January. According to police, the department is working to identify the people responsible for the death of an 18-year-old woman on Jan. 13, 2022.

CULPEPER, Va. - President Joe Biden on Thursday touted how his "Build Back Better" policies would limit the cost of prescription drugs and make life more affordable for U.S. families during an appearance in Virginia.Biden’s visit to the town of Culpeper, Virginia, came on the heels of the release of the U.S.

Boris Johnson ending Covid isolation rules is a "distraction" from the PM's lockdown party scandal, said Professor Devi Sridhar who is a member of the Scottish Government Covid-19 Advisory Group.

2022 Academy Awards are just over a month away and while the night is sure to be unforgettable with surprises and snubs, one thing will not be in the cards: covid-19 vaccinations.Hollywood’s biggest night won’t require COVID-19 vaccinations proof for anyone attending the event.The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, according to The Hollywood Reporter, is only asking for attendees to show a negative PCR test or a negative rapid antigen test on the day of the ceremony. Nominees, presenters and stars will gather on March 27 at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theater to celebrate the best and brightest in film.This year’s SAG Awards and Critics Choice Awards, on the other hand, will both require vaccinations.A rep for the SAG Awards (to be held on Feb.

The Queen is being monitored despite not showing any COVID-19 symptoms after her son Prince Charles contracted the virus for a second time Thursday.

Middlesex-London Health Unit reported seven deaths and 115 COVID-19 cases on Thursday, compared with three deaths and 189 cases last Thursday.The deaths involved three men and four women ranging in age from their 60s to 90s. Three were associated with long-term care.LHSC, meanwhile, is caring for 91 inpatients with COVID-19, 22 of whom are in adult critical care.As noted, LHSC is caring for 91 COVID-19 inpatients, with 22 inpatients in adult critical care.

NEW CASTLE, Del. - Delaware State Police is investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that took place on Wednesday evening. According to police, the incident happened near Frenchtown Road in the area of Quigley Boulevard around 5:58 p.m. A 21-year-old woman, who has not yet been identified, was walking on the right shoulder of eastbound Rt. 273.

DARBY TOWNSHIP, Pa. - Briarcliffe Fire Company has been shut down for at least the next 30 days as Delaware County officials investigate the alleged use of racial slurs on a recent virtual meeting. The fire company, located in Darby Township will not be receiving fire calls during the suspension. The suspension comes after a Jan. 27 virtual meeting between township fire companies and commissioners about a potential consolidation. According to a letter from the Goodwill Fire Company obtained by FOX 29, following the end of the meeting, a group of people remained on the call. The letter says there was then a group of people that could be heard discussing the meeting using foul language, and identifies those involved in the conversation as members of the Briarcliffe Fire Company. The conversation, which lasted an hour and 45 minutes, allegedly included racial slurs when discussing members of other fire companies and township residents.One of the Briarcliffe Fire Company members was also accused of making a joke about, Fanta Bility, a young girl who was killed in a shooting in Sharon Hill last fall.Derogatory and otherwise offensive comments were also allegedly made about other township officials.Township officials say the incident is under investigation, and that a criminal referral is expected to be made to the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office. MORE HEADLINES:In their letter, the Goodwill Fire Company Board of directors expressed their concern for the fire companies and safety of the community. "This is not appropriate and does not belong in the township," the letter read. Darby Township officials are scheduled to speak on the issue at 2 p.m.

PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia 76ers have reportedly agreed to a trade that would send Ben Simmons, Seth Curry and draft picks to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for James Harden. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that backup center Andre Drummond will also be heading to Brooklyn as part of the deal, and the 76ers will receive Paul Millsap as part of the deal. Wojnarowski reports that the picks Philadelphia is sending to Brooklyn include an unprotected 2022 first-round pick and a protected 2027 first-round pick.Harden and Simmons have dominated trade deadline headlines in recent weeks as the disgruntled Simmons had yet to suit up for the 76ers this season. Meanwhile the Nets were caught up in the rumor mill as they faced a risk of potentially losing Harden to free agency after the season and losing him for nothing. With Thursday's trade, the Sixers pick up a former league MVP in Harden to pair with MVP candidate Joel Embiid.

Stormont's Minister for Health has said he needs to talk to other ministers before decisions can be taken about further relaxation of Northern Ireland's Covid-19 restrictions.

trucker convoy in Ottawa are spilling over onto new fronts Thursday, with police reporting “a concerted effort to flood” 911 lines, protesters mobilizing at the local airport and hackers taking aim at city council.Earlier in the day, city officials had warned of traffic disruptions at the city’s international airport as the trucker convoy encamped across the city enters its 14th day, and some members appeared to be encircling the airport.That now appears to have ended, but it remains unclear whether the group will move to a different site or return to the airport.Ottawa police had told Global News they are “aware” of the convoy’s presence at the airport and shortly after, issued a tweet warning of attempts to target emergency lines.“We are aware of a concerted effort to flood our 911 and non-emergency policing reporting line. This endangers lives and is completely unacceptable,” the police service said.“It is a crime to unnecessarily call 911 or our non-emergency number (613-236-1222).

Beth Potter, president of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, Dr. Dominik Mertz, division director of infectious diseases at McMaster University, and Dr.

Bengaluru/New Delhi: The pressure on hygiene and paranoia over the spread of the coronavirus is slowly leading to a reversal of the central government’s push to phase out single-use plastic.The dependence on disposables, such as plastic cutlery, cups, containers, carry bags, and garbage bags, and greater consumption of packaged drinking water as a safety measure to avoid contracting covid-19, as well as the increasing use of packaging material for online purchases, has dampened efforts to phase out single-use plastic, in line with a call given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech in 2019.“Use of plastic is something that we have allowed in Bengaluru in view of the prevailing situation," said Bruhat Bengaluru

Covid-19) in the last 24 hours taking its death toll to 17,400, according to Union Health Ministry.

NEW DELHI : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday reviewed India's preparations for vaccinating its vast population against COVID-19 once a vaccine is available and asserted that vaccination must be affordable and universal.Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review planning and preparations for vaccination against the novel coronavirus.At the meeting, the current status of vaccine development efforts were also reviewed and the prime minister highlighted India’s commitment to play an enabling role in the vaccination efforts against COVID-19, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement.Prime Minister Modi noted that vaccination of India’s vast and diverse population will need to factor in issues, including those related to

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the nation for the sixth time since the novel coronavirus outbreak. He spoke on a slew of issues concerning the nation including India’s Unlock 2.0 plan of resuming services in a phased and calibrated manner and on Centre's 'free food grains for poor' scheme.Modi stressed on the importance of wearing masks and maintaining social distance in order to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today chaired a high-level meeting to review the preparations being undertaken for vaccination against novel coronavirus, as and when a vaccine is available.The current status of Indian and global vaccine development efforts was also reviewed at the meeting. During the meeting, PM Modi highlighted India’s responsibility and commitment to the global community to play an enabling role in global vaccination efforts against Covid-19.Modi directed officials to evaluate various technology tools to ensure efficient and timely vaccination in due course of time.

WASHINGTON : India's fight against the novel coronavirus pandemic is driven by its people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, attributing the "success" against the pandemic to the implementation the nationwide lockdown in its initial phase.In an address during the virtual meeting of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) on Saturday, Modi said COVID-19 had been used as an opportunity to work towards making the country self-reliant.This is for the first time that an Indian prime minister addressed the annual meeting of the AAPI, a representative body of more than 80,000 Indian-American doctors in the US.Sharing statistics of various countries, Modi said India had performed much better in the fight against the

Mumbai: Expecting Covid-19 cases to rise in the state, the Maharashtra government has decided not to conduct final year or semester exams of professional and non-professional courses due to the Covid-19 situation in the state.The degrees to students will be awarded based on the formula decided by universities.“Maharashtra government decided not to conduct the final year/final semester exam of non-professional/professional courses as the present atmosphere is not yet conducive to conduct any exam or classes.

NEW DELHI : Stating that the present atmosphere is not yet conducive to conduct any examination or classes, the Maharashtra government has decided to not conduct the final year and final semester examination of both professional and non-professional courses.The state government also said degrees will be given based on the formula decided by universities.

₹20 lakh crore economic package announced to help those affected due to the lockdown clamped to prevent the spread of Covid-19 New Delhi: The government on Wednesday announced a new ₹15,000 crore infrastructure fund to provide interest subvention of up to 3 per cent to private players for setting up of dairy, poultry and meat processing units. A decision in this regard was taken in the Cabinet meeting, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.   "A ₹15,000 crore fund has been approved by the Cabinet that will be open to all and will help in increasing milk production, boost exports and create 35 lakh jobs in the country," Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar told reporters.   Animal Husbandry Minister Giriraj Singh said

New Delhi: Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Monday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the union government to consider extending the free foodgrain scheme for three more months till September.

New Delhi: Entire nation is delighted by Supreme Court decision to ensure Jagannath Rath Yatra goes on, said Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday.The Supreme Court on Monday modified its earlier order and allowed the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha's Puri to be held with the coordination of the Temple committee, State and Central government without compromising with the health issue pertaining to Covid-19.A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde said that the apex court is only considering conducting the yatra in Puri and not anywhere else in Odisha."Prime Minister Narendra Modi not only understood sentiments of devotees but also initiated consultations," said Shah while speaking on Puri Rath Yatra

NEW DELHI : Yoga can help boost immunity, which, in turn, will help fight the coronavirus infection, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on the sixth International Day of Yoga on Sunday.In his message via videoconferencing, the PM said in view of the covid-19 global health emergency, this year’s theme is “Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family". “Today, all of us should stay away from large gatherings and practice yoga at home with our families because of covid-19."“Yoga boosts the immune system of the body.

NEW DELHI : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now addressing the nation on the occasion of International Day of Yoga. Amid the Covid pandemic, this year's theme is 'Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family'.

NEW DELHI : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the Garib Kalyan Rozgar Abhiyan with the aim of providing employment to migrant workers who returned to their villages during the two month long nationwide lockdown imposed to curb spread of coronavirus.The programme aims to provide jobs to labourers in rural areas which have been worst affected by reverse migration. According to the government, the scheme focuses on 116 districts across six states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Odisha.

NEW DELHI : The government aims to train and place around 300,000 migrant workers in villages and small towns so that they don’t have to travel to cities every year in search of work. The move will also formalize their informal work.Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially unveil the massive rural job scheme targeting around 6.5 million migrants who have returned home during the lockdown.

NEW DELHI – India's prime minister is meeting top opposition leaders Friday as the government tries to lower tensions with China after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a military clash in a Himalayan border region this week.Leaders of more than a dozen opposition parties are expected to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting as ties fray between the world's most populous nations.India and China have accused each other of instigating the clash in the Galwan Valley, part of the disputed Ladakh region along the Himalayan frontier. It was the deadliest conflict between the sides in 45 years.

NEW DELHI : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Union government will launch a massive rural public works scheme, the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan, on 20 June to provide livelihood support to migrant workers and rural citizens and create a new social safety net.The move is aimed at mitigating the impact of a stringent nationwide lockdown that brought economic activity to a standstill across the country and particularly affected the rural economy.The scheme will be launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video conference in the presence of Janata Dal (United), or JD(U), chief and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar.This is politically significant as Bihar accounts for large number of the migrant workers who travelled to their hometowns

New Delhi: Ahead of the sixth International Day of Yoga, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged people to observe the day from the confines of their homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Noting that this year's theme is 'Yoga at home' and 'Yoga with family', he said due to the pandemic, it has to be observed indoors.Though yoga day celebrations are an occasion of mass gatherings, due to extraordinary times, this year people should observe the day at their homes, he said in a video message.Yoga Day is being observed on June 21.He said the pandemic could have affected the mobility, but not enthusiasm. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched the auction process of 41 coal blocks for commercial mining through video conference in New Delhi and said coal sector reforms will make eastern and central India, the tribal belt, into pillars of development.The Coal Ministry in association with FICCI launched the process for auction of these coal mines. A two-stage electronic auction process is being adopted for allocation of the coal mines.Speaking on the occasion, Modi said that India will overcome the Covid -19 pandemic and the nation will turn this crisis into an opportunity.

migrant workers. In a bid to provide relief to daily wage labourers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced to launch Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan on June 20.

NEW DELHI : Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed gratitude to the international community for supporting India's membership to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). "Deeply grateful for the overwhelming support shown by the global community for India's membership of the United Nations Security Council.

NEW DELHI : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address an all-party meeting on Friday on the border conflict with China.The announcement came as Modi broke his silence for the first time on the conflict, assuring the nation that the sacrifices of Indian soldiers would not go in vain.“In order to discuss the situation in the India-China border areas, Prime Minister @narendramodi has called for an all-party meeting at 5 PM on 19th June. Presidents of various political parties would take part in this virtual meeting," the Prime Minister’s Office tweeted on Wednesday.This is the first time since the eruption of border tensions in April that the PM has called for an all-party meeting to discuss the conflict.

HYDERABAD : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday made it clear that lockdown will not be imposed again in the country, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao said.During the prime minister's interaction with the chief ministers on COVID-19 situation, Rao urged him to give clarity on the lockdown issue, as rumours are afloat that there would be one more lockdown in the country.Responding to this, the prime minister made it clear that the lockdown period was over and unlock period had begun."There is a rumour going on that lockdown may be once again imposed in the country. People are speculating that there will be a lockdown imposition announcement.

MUMBAI : Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday, in a meeting with the country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanded an immediate approval of the Centre for some drug treatments; urged farmers to avail immediate loans from nationalized banks; and a single uniform policy for examinations of students across the country.In a video conference Thackeray said in the last two and a half months, Maharashtra has built a large number of health facilities.“On the one hand, while this fight against covid-19 is on, we have started turning the economic cycle around by signing agreements with large investors," said Thackeray, referring to the recent foreign direct investment (FDI) worth Rs.16,000 crore from 12 large investors.“Despite

NEW DELHI – India and China sought Wednesday to de-escalate tensions after flexing their muscles in a fatal clash along a disputed border high in the Himalayas that left 20 Indian soldiers dead.The skirmish Monday in the desolate alpine area of Ladakh, in Kashmir, followed changes by India to the political status of Kashmir amid a geopolitical tug-of-war with the United States in the region. Chinese officials said Wednesday that both sides had agreed to peacefully resolve their Himalayan border tension through dialogue.

NEW DELHI : Noting that the spread of COVID-19 is more in a few big states and cities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday asked chief ministers to make full use of their state's existing testing capacity and also work to augment health infrastructure.Speaking to chief ministers and representatives of 14 states and the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Modi said big crowds, lack of physical-distancing, daily movement of large number of people and small houses in some cities have made the battle against the coronavirus "more challenging".This was the second day of Modi’s sixth round of consultations with chief ministers on fighting COVID-19 pandemic.Saving lives should be the top priority, he said, and called for expanding health

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held the second part of two-day interaction with Chief Ministers via video conferencing to discuss the situation post Unlock 1.0 and said existing testing capacity must be utilised fully.Prime Minister's Office said Modi observed that the spread of the virus is greater in certain big states and cities. "High density of population, difficulty in maintaining physical distancing and daily movement of people in huge numbers has made the situation challenging, yet through patience of citizens, readiness of administration and dedication of corona warriors, the spread has been kept under control.

all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday over the India-China face-off in Ladakh, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday assured the government of her party's support in the "moment of crisis". However, she said Modi should come forward and share details about the incident with the people.In a video message, Gandhi said she is confident that in challenging times like this, the country will come together and take on the enemy.