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Lack of clean water far deadlier than violence in war-torn countries, says UNICEF report

“When the flow of water stops, diseases like cholera and diarrhoea can spread like wildfire, often with fatal consequences”, added Mr Fontaine. “Hospitals cannot function, and rates of malnutrition and wasting increase. Children and families are often forced out in search of water, exposing them, particularly girls, to an increased risk of harm and violence.”

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Dutch court orders Shell to deepen carbon cuts in landmark ruling

At a court room in The Hague, judge Larisa Alwin read out a ruling which ordered Shell to reduce its planet warming carbon emissions by 45% by 2030 from 2019 levels.
Shell immediately said it would appeal the court ruling, which comes amid rising pressure from investors, activists and governments on energy companies to shift away from fossil fuels and rapidly ramp up investments in renewable energy.

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Govt says new digital rules don’t violate privacy; seeks compliance report from social media cos

The new rules, announced on February 25, require large social media platforms to follow additional due diligence, including the appointment of chief compliance officer, nodal contact person and resident grievance officer. Non-compliance with rules would result in these social media companies losing their intermediary status that provides them exemptions and certain immunity from liabilities for any third-party information and data hosted by them. In other words, they could be liable for criminal action in case of complaints.

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Covid long-haulers baffle doctors with symptoms going on and on

While estimates vary widely, the data suggests that Covid may leave a legacy of consequences after the pandemic is over. A British government survey found that almost 14% of people with Covid reported symptoms lasting at least 12 weeks. In another study from the University of Washington, one-third of those diagnosed with mild Covid cases still had symptoms about six months later.

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Black Fungus: Owing to costs of treatment, poor families stand helpless while Centre declares it notifiable disease

For diagnosis, a battery of costly tests like blood investigations, endoscopy, fungal staining and multiple radiology (MRI/CT) may be required. Similarly, treatment involves costly anti-fungal medicines and injections (which are in short supply) and tedious surgeries by a battery of surgeons — ENT, ophthalmologist, Faciomaxillory, neurosurgeon and reconstructive surgeon. Most of these can only be performed at multi-specialty tertiary care centers in major cities.”

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Cyber crime is growing risk to bank ratings: S&P

Cyber attacks can harm credit ratings mainly through reputational damage and potential monetary losses, it said in a report titled ‘Cyber Risk In A New Era: The Effect On Bank Ratings.’

“Cyber attacks have had only a limited effect on bank ratings to date but can trigger more rating actions in the future as cyber incidents become more frequent and complex,” said Credit Analyst Irina Velieva.

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