Social media ban to be lifted

(With inputs from agencies)

This May, The Greater Manchester (GM) Walking Festival will start for the first time since the start of the pandemic. Coinciding with National Walking Month, more than 200 free walks will be on offer.

West Lothian Leisure’s chief executive, Tim Dent, is to retire at the end of June 2022 after more than two and a half years leading the award-winning group.

Covid challenge has yet not been surpassed. "Despite managing the Covid crisis well as compared to the other countries, we can see cases' uptick in states now. we have to stay alert," PM Modi said.

New Delhi: India has detected nearly 3,000 cases in the last 24 hours, a jump of 400 cases from the previous day, taking the tally of active cases to 16,279, the union health ministry said on Wednesday.

NEW DELHI: tHE National Health Authority (NHA) has rolled out a module for nurses on Health Professional Registry (HPR) under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). With the rollout, nurses providing health services across modern and traditional systems of medicine can enroll on HPR, the NHA said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin's health concerns are growing after a video went viral of the despot failing to control his hand in a plush meet and greet with a fellow dictator. Putin, who likes to project an image of strength at all times, is likely frustrated that the clip has gone viral at a time when his rumoured health problems have been thrust into the spotlight.

EUGENE, Ore. - Police in Oregon are calling an off-campus drinking party an "embarrassment" after responding officers were pelted with bottles and cans. Eugene officers responded to the very large party, estimated to have up to 1,000 people, Saturday. Cops said the party started at 10 a.m.

coronavirus pandemic has further propelled the growth of the pharma sector in the country. The US-China trade tensions and the aftermath of covid pandemic and have created a huge opportunity for India.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Education announced that school hours have been extended by one hour from April 18th, 2022.Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Prof. Kapila Perera stated that these steps have been taken to complete the school hours from the first school term which commences on the 18th of April to the end of the 23rd of December, 2022.Accordingly, school schedules, including interim vacations, have been submitted to the principals, he said.

Matthew Broderick has tested positive for COVID-19, and will not be able to perform Tuesday in the Broadway production of the Neil Simon play Plaza Suite held at The Hudson Theater.The 60-year-old actor registered a positive test for the virus 'before today’s performance of Plaza Suite, despite strict adherence to COVID safety protocols,' a Plaza Suite spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter in a statement, adding that Broderick took a second test which also came up positive.'Everybody wishes him a speedy recovery,' the spokesperson said, adding that Broderick is slated to come back to the stage April 15. The latest:Matthew Broderick, 60, has tested positive for COVID-19, and will not be able to perform Tuesday in the Broadway production of the Neil Simon play Plaza Suite held at The Hudson Theater.

Matthew Broderick will not be stepping onstage for the Tuesday, April 5 Broadway performance of “Plaza Suite”.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Lawyers representing the family of Tyre Sampson, the teen who fell off a drop tower ride at ICON Park in March and died, visited the amusement park Tuesday morning in Orlando, Florida to get their first look at the ride.CONTINUING COVERAGE: Icon Park Death InvestigationAttorney Ben Crump, who represents Yarnell Sampson, Tyre's father, and Michael Haggard, who represents Tyre's mom, Nekia Dodd, were seen talking with various people – presumably inspectors – near the ride.At one point, someone was seen measuring each of the seats, which along with size, weight restrictions, and restraints have become focal points of the investigation from outside experts, lawmakers, and officials into the teen's death."We are doing a thorough investigation into the tragic killing of this 14-year-old child who should have never been killed. We believe this was completely preventable," Crump told reporters in brief remarks.Asked if there was anything that stood out to him during his investigation, Crump reiterated that he and his team were doing a thorough investigation and that they believed the teen's death was preventable."Other than George Floyd's tragic torture video, I think this is the worst tragedy captured on video that I've ever seen," he said.

Matthew Broderick has tested positive for COVID-19.

PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia mother is searching for answers after her teenage son was shot and killed while walking home from school Monday afternoon in North Philadelphia. Officers from the Philadelphia Police Department were called to the 2200 block of North 15th Street just before 3 p.m. for reports of a shooting. Philadelphia Police Captain John Walker told reporters a 15-year-old student, later identified as Juan "J.R." Carlos Robles-Corona, had just left Dr. Tanner G.

PHILADELPHIA - Prosecutors in Pennsylvania have dismantled a large-scale drug ring accused of peddling more than 800 pounds of methamphetamine and other drugs in multiple states.Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele was joined by local and federal agencies Tuesday in announcing charges against Tyrone Baker, 29, Shakeem Johnson, 27, Joshua Quiles, 31, Jhamir Winans, 21, and Rickey Evans, 28. Investigators said Evans shipped "large quantities" of drugs from Los Angeles to Baker, Quiles, Winans, Johnson and others in the Philadelphia-area for nearly a year.

FILE-"All Boys Aren't Blue" is one of the books on a list of the 10 most challenged books in school libraries. (Stephen M.

COLOMBO (News 1st):  Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has revoked the proclamation on Public Emergency with effect from midnight on 5th April 2022.

PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia health officials are recommending that people wear masks in public indoor spaces to help thwart a growing number of COVID-19 infections in the city. Philadelphia Department of Health said in a Monday press release that coronavirus case in Philadelphia have increased by more than 50% in the last ten days. This jump comes as COVID-19 infections in Philadelphia have been slowly rising over the last several weeks, according to officials."As we see more cases of COVID-19 in the city, everyone’s risk goes up," Health Commissioner Dr.

Concerns are rising among some health workers, as Canada reports another uptick in COVID-19 hospitalizations.

PHILADELPHIA - Thousands of flights were canceled over the weekend that stymied spring travel plans for pandemic-weary Americans eager to explore.FlightAware, a website that tracks flights, noted major disruptions at several Florida airports, including in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa and Orlando, as well as Baltimore, New York and other airports around the country.

COVID-19 cases spreading at their schools after a change in protocol, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) says.In a tweet Monday, the board said notification letters will now be shared with the entire school community and “include all impacted classes in the school.”The TDSB said the move would provide a “more comprehensive picture” of the pandemic in schools and will continue until the end of this school year.Moving forward, COVID-19 notification letters will now be shared with the entire school community and include all impacted classes in the school. This updated process will provide a more comprehensive picture and continue until the end of this school year.— Toronto District School Board (@tdsb) April 4, 2022Students at TDSB schools have faced a turbulent few pandemic months.In March, a request from the board to delay the end of mask mandates in classrooms was rejected by Queen’s Park.

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Jury selection in the deadliest mass shooting ever to go to trial will begin Monday with preliminary screening for the panel that will determine whether Nikolas Cruz will be put to death for murdering 17 students and staff members at a Parkland, Florida, high school.Court officials say 1,500 candidates or more could be brought before Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer, prosecutors, and Cruz’s public defenders for initial screening over the next several weeks. The final panel will comprise 12 jurors plus eight alternates.

An Afghan farmer cuts into a poppy bulb to extract the sap, which will be used to make opium, in a field May 6, 2002 in the village of Markhanai in the Tora Bora region of Afghanistan. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban announced a ban Sunday on poppy production, even as farmers across the country began harvesting the bright red flower that produces the opium used to make heroin.The order warns farmers that their crops will be burned and they can be jailed if they proceed with the harvest.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Human Rights Commission has noted that imposing a social media ban is a violation of Human Rights.The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has stressed that imposing Public Emergency without proper assessment of a threat to national security, is a violation of Human Rights.Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka retired Supreme Court Judge Rohini Marasinghe told News 1st that this decision was reached at a special meeting held on Sunday (4).The HRCSL Chairperson also said that it is unjust and unfair for the TRC to impose a Blanket Closure of social media upon being requested to do so by the Ministry of Defence.The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka views such actions as a violation of Human Rights.The Human Rights Commission noted that it would inform the TRC to immediately lift the ban on social media.It added that if a person is attempting to mislead the public via social media, the law needs to be enforced against the said individual and that banning social media used by the community at large is a violation of human rights.In addition, the Human Rights Commission has condemned the attacks on journalists during a protest in Mirihana, Nugeogda on the 31st of March.Chairperson of the HRCSL said the Inspector General of Police will be summoned to the Commission for an explanation on Tuesday (5).Further, the HRCSL is also looking into an attack on protestors by a Senior Cop at a protest in Anuradhapura.That senior police officer too will be summoned to the HRCSL on Tuesday (5) for an explanation.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A special meeting of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanlka is scheduled to be held on Monday (4).The Chairperson of the Human Right Commission, Supreme Court Judge (Rtd) Rohini Marasinghe, said the special meeting is aimed at discussing several issues, including examining the legitimacy of imposing a public emergency to control public protests.The HRC emphasized that it will alway be present to protect the Human Rights of the citizens as enshrined in the constitution of Sri Lanka.The commission said it is closely monitoring the human rights records of those arrested on suspicion of their involvement the protests that took place on Thursday (31) night in Mirihana, Nugegoda.The Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka further stated that necessary action to be taken in this regard will be discussed at the special meeting which is to be held on Monday (4).

COLOMBO (News 1st); A blanket closure of social media is NOT permissible under any circumstances, because it is not inciting the people, but the people are expressing their legitimate right, said the Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka.Sri Lanka has blocked access to Social Media following a request by the Ministry of Defense. This was confirmed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Technology.The move comes after the government decided to impose an nationwide curfew that came into effect from 6 PM on Saturday (2) to 6 AM on Monday (4).

COLOMBO (News 1st); State Minister of Digital Technology and Enterprise Development, Namal Rajapaksa has said that he NEVER condones the blocking of Social Media.“I will never condone the blocking of social media. The availability of VPN, just like I’m using now, makes such bans completely useless.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has requested the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka and all Mobile Service Providers to activate/restore all social media platforms immediately.The PUCSL said it is unable to inform the consumers of electricity, which is an essential service, about impending power cuts.

Gwyneth Paltrow, 49, the notoriously disciplined, lithe-limbed founder of the lifestyle brand, must have been tough. Not to mention how the pressure to embody the wellness principles that underpin Goop’s brand philosophy would take its toll on any mortal, especially if you haven’t grown up in Hollywood’s glare as Paltrow has.I can relate to Loehnen’s sentiment. At my core I am a comfort eater, dining like a teenager for bouts of time in a thinly veiled attempt to soothe and distract from the undulating hormones and responsibilities that plague women in midlife.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 01: Cameron Brink #22 of the Stanford Cardinal shoots the ball over Olivia Nelson-Ododa #20 of the UConn Huskies during the 2022 NCAA Women's Final Four semifinal game 2 at Target Center on April 01, 2022 in Minneapolis MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - It’s one of the most remarkable records in sports. Geno Auriemma and his UConn Huskies are 11-0 in NCAA championship games.The Huskies will look to continue that run when they face South Carolina for the women’s basketball title on Sunday night.Auriemma always downplays his role in the undefeated mark saying it’s easy when you have the best players."I think for me the approach that’s worked the best is make sure you bring the best team," Auriemma said. "So I would venture to say that all 11 times that we’ve won — maybe there was one time — but I don’t think we surprised anybody by winning because we had the best team.

MUMBAI :

Matt Tebbutt, has hosted BBC's Saturday Kitchen since the departure of James Martin in 2016.The television chef has spoken exclusively to Express.co.uk about how he is doing since having "emergency" keyhole surgery in January.Matt was rushed to hospital in the middle of January this year, telling his fans on January 19.He posted a picture from a hospital bed, worrying many, but reassured his fans he was getting the help he needed.Matt has since fully recovered and has spoken to Express.co.uk about how he is doing.He said: "Oh god, it was a bit of a scare, but luckily, I got away with just having keyhole surgery."I'm feeling fine now and pretty much back to normal, thanks to all the wonderful staff at The Grange hospital in Newport."At the time with the picture of himself in a hospital bed, he penned on Instagram: "Me, a morphine drip and an emergency appendectomy are keeping me from a much anticipated lunch at @manteca_london with @ollysmith @sarah10016 @hardiegrantuk."But everything and everyone here at The Grange hospital in Gwent has been fantastic."Couldn’t ask for more from such a brilliant health service."So grateful. #nhs #nhsnurse #thegrangehospital #appendectomy."Friends, along with other social media users, took to the comments to wish the TV star well after the shocking news.Susanna Reid said: "Ouch."Naga Munchetty also commented: "Get well soon xx."DJ Sara Cox added: "Woah! Matt! Hope you're feeling better.

Some people have begun returning to war-torn Kyiv, as Russia pulls back some of its forces from Ukraine’s capital.

Two teenage boys use their smartphones as they sit on a bench in Vail, Colorado.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka lifted a police curfew imposed on multiple police sectors in the Capital City of Colombo at 5 AM on Friday (1)Authorities were compelled to impose a curfew after tensions were witnessed on Thursday (31) night during protests against a mismanaged economy and rising cost of living.Scuffles broke out between protestors and security forces on Thursday (31) night when a peaceful protest proceeded towards Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s residence on the outskirts of the city, in Mirihana.Heavy police presence was witnessed in the area at first, and thereafter the Riot Police, Police Special Task Force, Sri Lanka Army, and Sri Lanka Navy personnel were called in to control the situation and prevent the protestors from proceeding towards the President’s house.It is still unclear if the President was at home at the time of the protest.The people involved in the protest were from all corners of Colombo, and expressed anger over the government’s handling of the economy.The country has been plagued by a shortage of reserves that led to a shortage of essentials such as Kerosene, Diesel, Petrol, Gas, and even medicines.While the protest was taking place the supply of electricity for the entire Mirihana area was shut down, the first time since the power cuts came into effect, as Sri Lanka also struggles to import fuel to keep its power plant running.Further, internet connectivity in some areas also was disrupted, for reasons unknown.Another protest took place in Kelaniya as the road between Kelaniya and Dalugama was obstructed by protestors who burn tires and chanted slogans for the government to resign over their mishandling of the country’s economy.

PHILADELPHIA - After a search with several candidates, officials announced Dr. Tony Watlington Sr.

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia’s plastic bag ban goes into effect Friday after delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.The ban will prohibit businesses from using single-use plastic bags for purchases. The ban was originally passed by Philadelphia City Council in December of 2019, and was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The requirements for flying into Canada just took another step towards “normal.” But as Tomasia DaSilva reports, there are still some rules and advice you should follow.

As First Nations delegates met with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Thursday, residential school survivors in Alberta were paying close attention.

PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Board of Education will announce Friday which of its three finalists will be the next superintendent of Philadelphia's public schools. Following a six-month search, the School District of Philadelphia narrowed its candidates to John L. Davis Jr., Krish Mohip, and Tony B. Watlington Sr.

Ontario’s health minister said the provincial government is “staying the course” on it’s decision to life the mandatory masking mandate, despite experts saying the province is now experiencing the sixth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.Christine Elliott made the remarks during a funding announcement at North York General Hospital on Thursday.The minister was asked whether there have been talks about potentially reinstating the mandatory mask mandate which was lifted earlier this month.“We’re staying the course, we don’t anticipate that we’ll need to move back to mandatory masking,” she said. “Except in certain locations where it is mandatory, most of it is discretionary.”Elliott said people should be “patient” and “kind” with one another, noting that some may feel more comfortable to continue wearing a mask in public settings.

PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia school was briefly placed on lockdown Thursday morning after police say a child brought a gun to school and it accidentally went off outside. The incident occurred Thursday morning, around 9 a.m., at the West Philadelphia Achievement Charter Elementary School. Police say an 8-year-old boy was found with a weapon inside the school and that the weapon was accidentally discharged in the schoolyard. The school was placed on lockdown just before 9 a.m. and the lockdown was lifted about 15 minutes later. Police say the weapon was recovered and no one was injured.

119 fresh cases of coronavirus and two new fatalities linked to the infection, while 138 more patients were discharged following recovery, the state health department said. Today, the state recorded 183 fresh COVID-19 cases, 219 recoveries, and 1 death, the health department data shows.आज मंत्रीमंडळात कोरोना चे सर्व निर्बंध एकमताने उठवण्यात आले ......गुढी पाडव्याच्या मिरवणूक जोरात काढा रमजान उत्सहात साजरा करा बाबासाहेबांच्या मिरवणूका जोरात काढा

A high school has closed to two full year groups for the second time this term because of positive Covid cases among staff. We reported last week how pupils in Years 8 and 9 at Fred Longworth High School, in Tyldesley, Wigan, were told to 'remain at home with immediate effect'.