Kenya has confirmed one more ​Ebola case, bringing the total number of ‌infections in the country to eight, Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth said on Sunday. "Today, 38 people were tested, and one ​tested positive for Ebola," Amoth said in an ​interview on Kenya's Citizen TV. "He is a ⁠49-year-old man who is not a healthcare worker. He ​developed fever, headache and muscle pain." Amoth said the new ​case was a patient attendant who cleaned utensils and linens, and he was probably exposed to Kenya's first Ebola case, ​discovered earlier this month, in a man who travelled ​from Democratic Republic of Congo to Nairobi and died at a ‌Nairobi ⁠hospital on October 5. The latest case developed symptoms on Saturday, was separated from other people in quarantine, and was tested for the virus with the result ​returning positive on ​Sunday, a ⁠health ministry source said. Kenya has been on heightened alert, as a major Ebola outbreak ​centered in Congo has spread across borders ​in ⁠the region. Congo confirmed on Sunday that its outbreak had spread to an eighth province, North Ubangi, underscoring concerns ⁠about ​wider regional transmission. Source: Reuters

Kenya confirms eighth Ebola case as regional outbreak spreads

LOLC Microfinance Bank Pakistan Named ‘Best Turnaround Bank 2026’ in Pakistan

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for "calm and order" after a major day of protests turned into rioting and looting on Saturday, and as some disorder continued in Paris on Sunday. In a national address from the Élysée Palace, he warned those who had taken part not to "escalate", adding: “We all feel anger and shame.” Some 550,000 demonstrators took to the streets for largely peaceful protests against rising fuel prices, the cost of living and deteriorating public services, including schools. Macron said a distinction must be drawn between the "legitimate demands" of protesters and "those who destroyed, smashed and looted". Police have arrested about 2,400 people, according to France's interior ministry. The French president said "nothing justifies" the "unbridled" violence seen and said those involved would face justice. Groups of rioters, some dressed in black and wearing masks and balaclavas, also came out in Paris, Marseille and other towns and cities, with some setting fire to cars and buildings. On Sunday, looting and clashes with police continued on a smaller scale in parts of the capital and Lyon. Tear gas and stun grenades were fired at hundreds of people in Paris, according to the AFP news agency, and bottles and rocks were again hurled at police. Sunday saw cities across the country confront the impact of what developed into one of the worst bouts of disorder in modern French history. In Limoges, the ornate 19th Century city hall was gutted by a fire started by rioters on Saturday, its clock tower and roof collapsing and the flames took hold. Speaking near the ruined building, Annèyse said: "This is very upsetting. Harming heritage buildings just because you are angry at the government is selfish, I think. It's hurting everybody." "It's awful and unbelievable," said another man who gave his name as Gerrard. "We are very sad and I think it will be a long time to put it back as it was before." Shopkeepers were seen early on Sunday morning picking up large shards of glass in Paris as rubbish trucks cleared up debris on some of the larger streets. Widespread looting took place across the cities of Paris, Marseille and Lille, as well as other areas. Macron said local prefects and mayors would draft measures to protect shops and civic buildings. The president also said there would be "full transparency" over the police response to the demonstrations. Tear gas and water cannon were turned on crowds over the weekend and riot police were seen hitting people with batons in several places. France's interior ministry said about 1,000 police officers were injured on Saturday, seven of them seriously. Student protests which began last month escalated significant on Saturday after they were joined by trade union members and other anti-government groups. The response from political figures has pointed to France's deep political divisions as the country prepares for an election in April which could see the hard-right pitted against the hard-left. France's Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said that while demonstrating was a fundamental right, there were "outrages" committed by "several thousand far-left individuals" who were determined to target public buildings and confront the police. Later, they were joined by "delinquents who looted and ransacked numerous businesses in several cities in France", he said. Jean-Luc Mélenchon - leader of the hard-left La France Insoumise party - heavily criticised Nuñez and police chiefs on social media. He said they had "shown complete incompetence" with their handling of the demonstrations and called them "specialists in organised chaos". Meanwhile, the leader of the hard-right National Rally party, Marine Le Pen, condemned the "exploitation" of anger "by political forces that encourage violence". Source: BBC

Macron calls for 'calm and order' after riots across France

Former Minister Udaya Gammanpila has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging provisions of the Government’s proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill. The petition names the Attorney General as the respondent and claims that certain provisions violate fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Gammanpila has requested the court to rule that the disputed provisions require approval by a two-thirds majority in Parliament and endorsement at a public referendum if enacted.

Gammanpila challenges proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill in Supreme Court, seeks referendum

Litro Gas Lanka Limited has stated that LP gas cylinder distribution across Sri Lanka is expected to return to normal from the evening of 19 October. The company confirmed that the vessel FRANCOIS, carrying 3,900 metric tonnes of LP gas, has arrived in Sri Lanka, with arrangements underway to unload the shipment. Litro Gas stated that regular supplies will help accelerate distribution and maintain an uninterrupted market supply. The company also released 350,000 domestic gas cylinders between 16 and 18 October.

Litro Gas expects islandwide cylinder distribution to return to normal today

The Department of Meteorology has issued an Amber advisory for severe lightning covering the Central, Sabaragamuwa, North Central, Eastern, Uva and Southern provinces, along with Kurunegala, Jaffna, Vavuniya and Mullaitivu districts. The advisory, issued at 11.30 a.m. today(19), will remain in effect until 1.00 a.m. tomorrow(20). Thundershowers with severe lightning and temporary localised strong winds are possible in the affected areas. The public has been urged to take adequate precautions to minimise lightning-related risks.

Amber severe lightning advisory issued for several areas 

A satyagraha by a group of Buddhist monks at Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo has entered its fourth day, with protesters demanding the release of Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero. The protest began on 16 October after the monks moved from outside the Presidential Secretariat to the Ministry of Buddhasasana. They later proceeded to the park after describing discussions with the Ministry Secretary as unsuccessful. The monks have stated that they will remain at the site until Gnanasara Thero is released. Tensions arose with police when protesters attempted to erect a canopy at the park.

Monks’ satyagraha demanding Gnanasara Thero’s release enters fourth day

A total of 7,651 people from 2,106 families have been affected by adverse weather conditions across Sri Lanka since 19 September, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). The conditions have affected 183 Divisional Secretariat divisions across 20 districts. Eight deaths and 12 injuries have been reported, while one person remains missing. The DMC reported that 26 houses have been completely destroyed and 1,390 have sustained partial damage. Meanwhile, 46 people from 13 families are currently staying at two safety centres. Separately, dry weather has affected 137,953 people from 41,725 families across 30 Divisional Secretariat divisions in 12 districts.Drinking water has been distributed to 110,174 people from 32,688 families in the drought-affected areas, the DMC stated.

Over 7,600 people affected by adverse weather across Sri Lanka 

A joint search operation by the Sri Lanka Army and wildlife officers to locate tusker Agbo continued for a second day on 19 October, focusing on the Nachchaduwa Reservoir area. Around 50 Army personnel began the operation at 7.15 a.m., following reports that Agbo had travelled from the Eruwewa area along the A-9 road towards the reservoir on 18 October. Army and Air Force drones are also scheduled to assist the search. Wildlife officials hope to inspect the elephant closely to determine whether it has sustained any injuries.

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Macron calls for 'calm and ord ...

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Litro Gas expects islandwide c ...

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Amber severe lightning advisor ...

Monks’ satyagraha demanding Gnanasara Thero’s release enters fourth da ...

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Over 7,600 people affected by adverse weather across Sri Lanka

Over 7,600 people affected by ...

Search operation for tusker Agbo continues for second day

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Macron calls for 'calm and order' after riots across France

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Amber severe lightning advisory issued for several areas

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Monks’ satyagraha demanding Gnanasara Thero’s release enters fourth da ...

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