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China passes sweeping data privacy law, toughens regulation on tech companies

Xinhua also reported that the law will create stronger regulation of China’s public surveillance system, requiring the disclosure and labelling of hardware used in identifying people in public places. Collected data can only be used for maintaining public safety, the news agency said. China operates a vast network of cameras, backed by advanced facial recognition and AI-driven technology, to control crime but also to check identities in subways, schools and office buildings.

The law also stipulates that companies cannot use personal data to target individuals for marketing, according to state broadcaster CCTV. And firms must provide easy ways for users to opt-out of targeted marketing, reported CNN. CCTV also reported that sensitive personal information — such as biometrics, health care and financial accounts — should only be processed with the individual’s consent.

RBI Guv pitches for continued policy support to revive growth, monitoring inflation

”The need of the hour is twofold: first, continue the monetary policy support to the economy; and second, remain watchful of any durable inflationary pressures and sustained price momentum in key components so as to bring back the CPI inflation to 4 per cent over a period of time in a non-disruptive manner,” he said.

Nearly 1Bln children at ‘extremely high risk’ globally because of climate change: UNICEF

“Approximately one billion children, nearly half the world’s 2.2 billion children – live in one of the 33 countries classified as ‘extremely high-risk’,” UNICEF said. The risk factors considered in the study included flooding, cyclones, heatwaves, water scarcity, air pollution, lead pollution, and infectious diseases.

“Climate and environmental shocks are undermining the complete spectrum of children’s rights, from access to clean air, food, and safe water; to education, housing, freedom from exploitation, and even their right to survive. Virtually no child’s life will be unaffected,” UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said.

Indian states preparing for next COVID wave focus on children

As of March 2021, less than 1 pct of India’s coronavirus deaths were in the under 15 age group, according to the health ministry, and officials say the severity of the disease in this age group has been minimal so far.India provides vaccines to people above the age 18. Most vaccines administered in India are made by AstraZeneca Plc, while shots produced by local manufacturer Bharat Biotech are also being used.

Pfizer, AstraZeneca vaccines less effective against Delta variant: Study

The researchers, however, noted that with Delta, Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and Oxford-AstraZeneca preventive, known as Covishield in India, still offer good protection against new infections.

Two doses of either vaccine still provided at least the same level of protection as having had COVID-19 before through natural infection, they said.

Marsh and Citi develop innovative cover, to help speed global delivery of COVAX vaccines

The policy is underwritten by six leading insurers: AXA XL, Chubb, Liberty Specialty Markets, Sovereign Risk Insurance, Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, and Tokio Marine HCC.

Stephen Kay, Political Risk Leader, Marsh said: “Striving for greater global vaccine equity by increasing vaccination rates worldwide will not only help countries recover faster from the impact of the pandemic, but may also reduce the risk of new variants that come from high levels of community transmission. This innovative structure will hasten that process by allowing Gavi to procure and distribute vaccines more speedily and with greater financial confidence.”

Ron Whyte joins Miller to lead broker’s expansion in Asia-Pacific

Whyte, who joins as Head of Strategic Development, will be based in Singapore and brings over 40 years of industry experience to Miller. His focus will be to drive Miller’s growth strategy in the Asia-Pacific region, bringing Miller’s exceptional capabilities and expanding its service proposition to clients and prospects. He will commence his role on 1 September 2021.

AXA XL adds pollution insurance underwriters in the US; promotes environmental claims leader

According to MaryAnn Susavidge, Chief Underwriting Officer for AXA XL’s Environmental insurance business, “The Environmental insurance market continues to show growth opportunities, largely driven by increased construction and M&A activities.  Companies looking to minimize their potential environmental liabilities find that pollution insurance is an effective risk management option. “

Natural disasters spurred by climate volatility remain a focus area for Asian reinsurers:Fitch

The protection gap signals vast potential for reinsurance growth, but Asian reinsurers face challenges in enhancing their risk mitigation capability and managing premium pricing adjustments in light of the frequent catastrophe losses.

The Covid-19 pandemic has dampened Asia’s economic growth and development, but it has also raised the importance and demand for reinsurance.

Indian businesses suffer more cyber attacks with remote working

Despite being over a year into remote working and the possibility of a likely shift to hybrid working models, security remains a key concern for the Indian businesses, the report said, adding that managing security risks is undoubtedly getting more challenging in the country.

For respondents from India, malware (56 per cent) is the leading source of security attacks followed by ransomware (53 per cent), and phishing and credential stuffing (both 43 per cent).

First ‘Made in India’ 3-D printed heart valve developed in Chennai

The currently available artificial heart valves are either made of metal components (mechanical), or from animal tissues (bioprosthetic), each with its own disadvantages or complications, such as the risk of blood clot formation, valve failure due to degeneration, valve infection, the need for long-term blood thinner medications, etc.

The new heart valves developed using 3D printers can overcome these problems related to artificial heart valves, Dr Sanjay Cherian, the Vice President and COO at Frontier Lifeline Hospital, said in a statement.