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Indian News

Sebi proposes stricter rules on independent directors

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) proposed that if listed companies in India wish to appoint or remove independent directors they should require the “dual approval” of shareholders and a majority of the company’s minority investors.

If either of the requirements are not met, a new person will not be appointed and existing independent directors can’t be removed, SEBI said in its proposal, which is open for public consultation until April 1.
Currently, only 51% shareholder approval is required for appointing or removing such directors in most cases, and no separate sign-off is needed from minority investors.

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Extreme weather events put $84 billion of Indian bank debt at risk

The banks flagged exposure to environmentally sensitive businesses including cement, coal, oil and power. They also listed the effects of cyclones and floods on loan repayments in farming and related sectors. Lenders accounted for 87% of the total risk, valued at about $97 billion, across 67 top Indian companies that responded to CDP.

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RBI restricting banks from raising stakes in insurance firms: Report

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) rules allow banks to hold up to 50% stakes in insurers and on a selective basis equity holdings can be higher but must eventually be brought down within a certain period.

The central bank in 2019 unofficially advised banks seeking to acquire stakes in insurers, to limit such stakes to a maximum of 30%, and more recently directed them to cap stake purchases in insurers at 20%.

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Centre allows all private hospitals to administer Covid-19 vaccine

“Private hospitals not empanelled under the above-mentioned three categories have also been permitted to operate as COVID Vaccination Centres (CVCs) if they have adequate number of vaccinators, adequate space for observation of the vaccinated, adequate cold chain arrangement and adequate arrangement for management of Adverse Events Following Immunisation(AEFI),” the statement said.

In addition to all the government health facilities, all private hospitals empanelled under the CGHS, the AB-PMJAY and the state health insurance schemes can function as CVCs, subject to them mandatorily adhering to certain norms, the statement said.

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People can get vaccinated against Covid-19 24×7, says Harsh Vardhan

“The government has lifted the time restriction to increase the speed of vaccination. People can now get vaccinated 24×7 according to their convenience. Prime Minister Narendra Modi understands the value of health as well as the time of citizens,” Vardhan tweeted.
The next phase of the COVID-19 vaccination commenced from March 1 for people over 60 years of age and those aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions.

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Bharat Biotech’s COVID-19 shot 81% effective,Modi’s ministers choose it over AstraZeneca

Many state officials and doctors have refused to take COVAXIN before its effectiveness could be proved. Bharat Biotech says it has completed the late-stage trial and results will be out this month.
“COVAXIN demonstrates high clinical efficacy trend against COVID-19 but also significant immunogenicity against the rapidly emerging variants,” Bharat Biotech Chairman Krishna Ella said in a statement, referring to its vaccine.

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