Canada is giving $229 million in aid for Syria and neighbouring nations hosting refugees from the war-torn state. The aid package includes $169 million for food, clean water and hygiene and health services, as well as support for women facing sexual and domestic violence. International Development Minister Harjit Sajjan announced the funding as Canada takes part in an international conference in Brussels on finding a political solution to the conflict in Syria. The conflict, which has been waging for more than 10 years, followed a violent crackdown by the Assad regime on pro-democracy demonstr

Sri Lanka tri forces have been ordered to shoot all those who plunder public property or cause personal harm, local media reported on Tuesday as large-scale protests continue to take place across the island nation. The comes nationwide protests against the government have intensified over the past few days resulting in an increase in incidents of clashes with the security forces deployed at protest sites. "The Ministry of Defence has ordered the tri-forces to open fire on anyone looting public property or causing harm to others," Army Spokesman told Daily Mirror. Anti-government protesters als

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday sought a report from the Director-General of Police (DGP) and intelligence officers over the last night's explosion in Mohali, stating that strict punishment will be given to the culprits. He held a meeting with DGP and other officers into the matter at his residence and sought a report on the course of action taken so far. "Those who are trying to ruin Punjab's atmosphere won't be spared. I sought a report from DGP and other intelligence officers. Strict punishment will be given. Things will be more clear by evening. Probe on," said the Punjab C

Homicide detectives are investigating two suspicious deaths in Abbotsford, B.C.Police in that Fraser Valley city say they were called to a Home in a rural area of north Abbotsford on Monday.Two unnamed victims were found dead inside the home.The police statement says early indications suggest the deaths are not connected to the ongoing Lower Mainland gang conflict.The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team is now handling the case and will provide any further updates.It is appealing for any dashcam or surveillance video taken in the area around the 33600 block of Arcadian Way between Sunday mo

Passenger travel companies in Atlantic Canada are feeling the pinch of rising fuel prices. The region's largest taxi company _ Casino Taxi, in Halifax _ has imposed a $1.30 fuel surcharge on each fare to help compensate drivers. Company president Brian Herman says the surcharge is paid directly to the drivers, who are facing fuel prices approaching $2 per litre. He says the surcharge will be removed after Halifax city council approves a rate increase, which is expected in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Maritime Bus has also imposed a fuel surcharge for its intercity routes, but owner Mike Cassid

The Manitoba government is offering financial aid for flood victims as wet weather threatens to raise rivers again.Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk says the province will activate a disaster financial assistance program that he expects will give out well over $10 million. The money, to be cost-shared with the federal government, covers flood damage that cannot be covered by private insurance at home properties, municipalities and businesses. Heavy snowfall and spring rain storms have left many parts of Manitoba flooded, and some 30 municipalities and First Nations are under local state

Gas prices in Canada are continuing to smash records, setting the stage for potentially lasting consequences on everything from the cost of goods to consumer behaviour. The price of a litre of gasoline jumped to an eye-watering 222.9 cents per litre in Vancouver Monday as prices at pumps across the country trended up over the weekend. Experts say rising gas prices are compounding inflation's economic toll on Canadians as higher fuel prices have a knock-on effect throughout the economy, pushing up prices and hurting consumer sentiment. Opher Baron, an operations management professor at the Univ

Canada's most populous city is ending the municipal emergency it declared over the COVID-19 pandemic. Toronto Mayor John Tory says he's ``very happy'' to be declaring the end of the municipal emergency that took effect on March 23, 2020. Despite terminating the emergency order, Tory warns that the pandemic is not over and says the city will continue its vaccination efforts. The city's top doctor, Dr. Eileen de Villa, says Toronto's COVID-19 indicators are either decreasing or holding stable this week, and that she's ``encouraged'' to see signs of improvement in Toronto's health system capacity

The Indian rupee hit a record low of 77.58 against the US dollar on Monday amid unabated outflow of foreign funds after the Federal Reserve hiked policy interest rates last week. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee settled at 77.50 against the US dollar, down 60 paise from its previous close of 76.90 hit on Friday. Earlier, the rupee opened sharply lower at 77.17 against the dollar and hit a record low of 77.58 in the intra-day. The Indian currency hit a new intra-day as well as the closing low. The previous record closing low of the Indian currency was 76.98 against a dollar h