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Here is a masonry blog layout with no sidebarIndian scientists flag evasive virus mutations
“We are seeing some mutation coming up in some samples that could possibly evade immune responses,” said Shahid Jameel, chair of the scientific advisory group of INSACOG and a top Indian virologist. He did not say if the mutations have been seen in the Indian variant or any other strain.
“Unless you culture those viruses and test them in the lab, you can’t say for sure. At this point, there is no reason to believe that they are expanding or if they can be dangerous, but we flagged it so that we keep our eye on the ball,” he said.
India coronavirus cases may peak next week – govt adviser
Everything falls on my shoulders but can’t do it alone: Adar Poonawalla on vaccine pressure in India
On the charge of profiteering as the cost of Covishield was recently hiked, he termed it as “totally incorrect” and added that Covishield will still be “the most affordable vaccine on the planet” even at a higher price.
“We have done the best we can without cutting corners or doing anything wrong or profiteering. I’ll wait for history to judge,” he said.
“I’ve always had this sense of responsibility to India and the world because of the vaccines we were making, but never have we made a vaccine so needed in terms of saving lives,” he added.
Germany pledges to adjust climate law after court verdict
Germany’s Constitutional Court said Thursday that the government must set clear goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions after 2030. The verdict was a victory for campaigners, who had argued that the measures put forward so far are insufficient to meet the Paris climate accord’s goal of keeping global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit), ideally no more than 1.5 C (2.7 F) by 2100.
Liberty Mutual puts Australian coal project on hold
“As part of our investment processes, we’ve been evaluating alternatives for our Baralaba investment for some time and will not be submitting an environmental impact assessment for the South Mine at this stage,” a Liberty Mutual spokeswoman said. “We remain committed to collaborating with all stakeholders,” she added in emailed comments.
ICMR advises against NSAIDs, says some painkillers found to worsen Covid-19
On whether patients with heart disease, diabetes or hypertension are at an increased risk to get the infection, the apex health research body said, “No, people with hypertension, diabetes or heart diseases are at no greater risk of getting the infection than anyone else.”
Some people with diabetes, hypertension and heart diseases, including heart failure (weak heart), may develop more severe symptoms and complications, it said, adding that extra care is advised for these patients.
Half of Myanmar’s population risks falling into poverty by 2022 -UNDP
The study showed that by the end of last year, on average, 83% of households had reported their incomes had been cut almost in half due to the pandemic. The number of people living below the poverty line is estimated to have increased by 11 percentage points due to the socio-economic effects of the pandemic.
Financial firms should disclose emissions from activities they fund, group says
Railway Ministry deploys 4,000 isolation coaches amid surge in COVID-19 cases
“All isolation coaches are equipped with medical facilities. Those who have mild symptoms will be kept inside these coaches. As soon as it is known that the condition of any patient is not good, they will be sent to the nominated hospital. A total of two oxygen cylinders are available in every coach”, Northern Railway PRO Kultar Singh said. In view of surge of COVID-19 cases in the second wave, the central government is providing isolation coaches to states to augment the shortage of beds.
Indian states run out of COVID-19 vaccines, nationwide inoculation delayed
Prominent U.S. disease modeler Chris Murray, from the University of Washington, said the sheer magnitude of infections in India in a short period of time suggests an “escape variant” may be overpowering any prior immunity from natural infections in those populations. “That makes it most likely that it’s B.1.617,” he said. But Murray cautioned that gene sequencing data on the coronavirus in India is sparse and that many cases are also being driven by the UK and South African variants.
No restriction of Covid-19 info,Pvt vaccine manufacturers can’t decide on vaccine allocation to states, says SC
MHA directs states to ensure local containment measures in districts with high Covid caseload
The MHA order shall be effective till May 31.
Social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious, festival related and other gatherings and congregations have been prohibited.
Marriages will be attended by up to 50 people and funerals by up to 20.
Shopping complexes, cinema halls, restaurants, bars, sports complexes, gymnasiums, spas, swimming pools and religious places will remain closed.
India’s insurers face potential profitability and solvency margin pressures as health segment grows:AM BEST
The health segment has posted some of the weakest underwriting results in India’s non-life industry over the past decade; the 10-year average loss ratio of the health insurance business is approximately 98% (FY2010-FY2020). Although this has abated in recent years, the loss ratio remains unviable at 88% in FY2020.
Another major cause of non-life companies’ poor underwriting results is the prevalence of group health insurance with limited rate adjustment capacity.
AM Best places credit ratings of Singapore Re under review with developing implications
This Credit Rating (rating) action follows an announcement made on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) on 21 April 2021 that Fairfax Asia Limited’s (Fairfax Asia) recent voluntary cash offer to purchase all issued and paid-up ordinary shares in the capital of Singapore Re, other than those already held by Fairfax Asia and other Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (Fairfax group) companies, has been declared unconditional.
Suspension of scheduled international passenger flights extended till May 31 due to Covid-19: DGCA
Scheduled international passenger services have been suspended in India since March 23, 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But special international flights have been operating under the Vande Bharat Mission since May and under bilateral “air bubble” arrangements with selected countries since July.
India has formed air bubble pacts with around 27 countries including Kenya, Bhutan and France.
Take steps to reduce cost of COVID-19 treatment: Kerala HC to govt
Expressing concern over exorbitant amounts charged by the private hospitals, the court directed the government to discuss the matter with the managements of the hospitals and inform its decision to the court by next Tuesday.
Counsel for the government informed the court that it would consider further reducing the rates.
Govt invites applications for IRDAI chairman post
Subhas Chandra Khuntia, 63 will be completing his three year term on May 7.
Applicants should have at least 30 years of work experience, should have worked as secretary to Government of India or its equivalent level in Government of India or State Governments or other institutions, and should have had a proven track record of leadership and authority in decision-making.
The applicant should have minimum of two years of residual service as on 7.5.2021, i.e., the applicant’s age should not exceed 63 years on said date.
World of work needs resilient occupational safety and health systems: ILO
“There could be no clearer demonstration of the importance of a strong, resilient, occupational safety and health environment. Recovery and prevention will require better national policies, institutional and regulatory frameworks, properly integrated into crisis response frameworks,” said ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder.