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Asia Tightens Airport Screening as Nipah Virus Concerns Rise

  Airport health authorities wearing protective masks monitor passengers from international flights arriving at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, amid reports of a Nipah outbreak. Airports across Asia are stepping up health surveillance as several countries respond to renewed concerns over the Nipah virus following confirmed cases in India. The virus, known for its high fatality rate and potential for human‑to‑human transmission, has prompted authorities to reintroduce precautionary screening measures to limit cross‑border spread. Health officials in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Nepal, and Taiwan have implemented temperature checks, health declarations, and targeted monitoring of passengers arriving from affected regions. While the number of confirmed cases remains limited, the severity of the virus has led governments to act swiftly. Nipah virus infections are rare but dangerous, with symptoms ranging from fever and headaches to severe respir...

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NDP Won’t Support Liberal $250 Rebate Plan Unless Eligibility Expanded: Singh


NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has announced that his party will not support the Liberal government's $250 rebate plan unless it is expanded to include the most vulnerable Canadians. The current proposal, part of a broader affordability package, aims to provide $250 to more than 18.7 million Canadians who earned less than $150,000 in 2023.

Singh emphasized that the rebate should also cover seniors, students, people on disability benefits, and those who were unable to work last year. He initially supported the idea, believing it would benefit anyone earning under $150,000, but the current plan only includes those who had an income.

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's office responded, stating that it is "categorically false" to say seniors and people with disabilities are excluded, as many of them work and would qualify if they meet the income criteria.

The proposed measures are set to be included in the fall economic statement, with the GST holiday beginning in mid-December and lasting for two months.




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