Category:

Non-Life

Scientists fear COVID-19 UK variant has mutated again

Tests conducted on samples of the Kent variant, named after the region in England where it was first detected, show a mutation, called ‘E484K’, already detected in the South Africa and Brazil variants. There are fears that this mutation could evade the immune system and that the vaccines currently being administered may prove less effective against these further mutating variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

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No violation of data privacy under National Digital Health Mission, Rajya Sabha told

Providing the current status of roll out of health id under NDHM, Minister of State for Health Ashwini Choubey said the pilot phase of the mission is active in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Ladakh, Lakshadweep and Puducherry.

As on January 21, as many as 6,30,478 Health IDs have been generated. The selection of vendors for NDHM is compliant with various applicable rules and policies of the government, he said.

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India showing a declining trend of Covid-19 cases since last four months, says government

The government’s strategy of focusing on testing, contact tracing, isolation and quarantine-containment is the fundamental approach for managing infectious disease outbreaks of epidemic or pandemic in nature, Minister of State for Health Ashwini Choubey said, adding that the strategy has been recommended globally and by the World Health Organisation for suppressing transmission or breaking the cycle of transmission of Covid-19.

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India’s more relaxed rules on investment in insurers set to attract U.S., European players

A lawyer said several insurers from Asia have also shown interest in ramping up Indian investments, and started seeking more details about Monday’s proposal hours after it was announced.

In a statement to Reuters, lobby group U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC), part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said New Delhi’s decision will help American insurance companies enhance financial inclusion in India.

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Aviva investors threatens to ditch top carbon emitters over climate inaction

Among the actions Aviva said it expects of the companies are that they commit to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and ensure their plan to do so is in line with the Science-Based Targets Initiative, an NGO-led group that signs off on corporate climate plans.

The companies would need to integrate the climate goals into their business strategy, including capital expenditure plans; set short- and medium-term targets; align management pay with the goals; and ensure lobbying efforts supported the goals.

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Union Budget 2021-22:Sitharaman announces FDI limit hike from 49 % to 74 % in Indian insurance sector, one PSU general insurer will be privatised

Outlining some features of a company with FDI of  74 per cent, Sitharaman said in such insurance companies, 50 per cent of board will be independent directs, and all key person will be Indians.
The management control will be lying with the majority shareholders..
Sitharaman also announced government’s  intention to privitise  one of the state owned insurance companies and listing  of the Life Insurance Corporation.
The government will launch a new federal health scheme with an outlay of around 641 billion Indian rupees ($8.80 billion) over the next six years,

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