INDIA COVID
UPI usage surges in India on the back of small businesses
India's adoption of digital technology, particularly UPI, has seen a significant increase in business activities, particularly in the informal sector. A recent survey by the Statistics Office revealed that internet usage for business purposes increased from 7.7% in rural areas to 30.2% in urban areas during 2022-23. This represents a 7.2 percentage point increase, highlighting the rapid adoption of digital payment methods in the informal sector.
UK Elections 2024 Result: How Keir Starmer's 400-paar feat for Labour party will impact India-Britain relations
UK Elections 2024: The likely change in UK government leadership raises questions about its impact on policies, particularly concerning India, a crucial trade partner currently negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA). Both the Conservatives and the Labour Party have prioritized finalizing an FTA with India, with the Conservative manifesto emphasizing a broader strategic partnership encompassing technology and defence.
Leaders expected to discuss prospects of multilateral cooperation at SCO Summit in Astana, says MEA
In a press release, MEA stated, "At the Summit, the leaders are expected to review the organization's activities over the past two decades and discuss the state and prospects of multilateral cooperation. Topical issues of regional and international importance are also expected to be discussed at the meeting."
Kazakhstan requests PM Modi's virtual presence at July 4 SCO Summit
Kazakhstan has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate virtually in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on July 4, despite his decision to skip the event due to the ongoing Parliament session in India and strained relations with China. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent India at the summit in Astana. The summit will focus on counterterrorism and Eurasian connectivity, with discussions on the International North-South Transport Corridor and Chabahar Port. Kazakhstan had hoped for Modi's attendance for both the summit and a bilateral meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Savings down, financial liabilities up: RBI says household debt warrants close monitoring
The Reserve Bank of India highlighted rising household financial liabilities post-Covid, with overall savings dropping to 18.4% of GDP in FY23 from an average of 20% between 2013-22. Household debt, driven by increased retail loans, is mostly held by prime credit quality borrowers. Savings are now shifting towards physical assets and non-bank investments.
India has taken lead in ensuring 'One Health' goals: Niti Aayog's Dr VK Paul
India is ahead of several countries in drafting a legal framework to support the implementation of the 'One Health' initiative, which integrates the health of people, animals, and the environment. The 'One Health' approach is crucial for addressing complex health challenges such as zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety, and climate change. India is framing National Action Plan 2.0 to address antimicrobial resistance issues, conceptualizing the One Health Mission, and working on broader issues of climate change.
FATF session begins today, India review also to be taken up
According to officials, the last mutual evaluation was conducted in 2009 and was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to FATF, the international policy making body conducts mutual evaluations of its member countries by evaluating levels of implementation of the FATF recommendations.
Pakistan delegation in India to discuss Indus Water Treaty
Security increased outside hotel where Pakistan delegation staying in Jammu for 1960 Indus Water Treaty visit. Treaty signed by Nehru and Ayub Khan with World Bank as signatory, mandates annual meetings alternately in India and Pakistan.
What's behind India's hardening posture against China?
India appears to be adopting a tougher stance towards China, with Prime Minister Modi set to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Kazakhstan in July. Recent developments suggest a hardening of India's posture against China, including refusing to resume direct passenger flights and engaging with Taiwan, signaling a shift in India's approach.
India says peace at Chinese border key as direct flights remain stalled
India's foreign ministry has emphasized the importance of peace on its border with China for normal relations. The country has been pressuring India to restart direct passenger flights with China, but New Delhi is resisting due to the ongoing border dispute. The tense relationship between India and China has been strained since the largest military confrontation in decades on their disputed Himalayan border in June 2020.
ABC report on allegations against India could have damaged bilateral partnership: Ex-Australian High Commissioner to India
Former Australian High Commissioner to India Barry O’Farrell criticized the recent Australian Broadcasting Corporation report alleging Indian 'interference' in Australian politics. The report claimed that the Sikh diaspora in India was 'coerced' by Indian authorities and mentioned the case of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. O’Farrell expressed concern that the report could have damaged the India-Australia relationship.
Informal sector shows resilience, witnesses recovery post-pandemic: Survey
The informal sector faced a severe blow during the second wave of the pandemic, leading to a reduction in the number of units and workers. However, a gradual recovery was observed after the July quarter of 2021, according to the findings of an official survey reported by TOI. The annual survey of unincorporated sector enterprises (ASUSE) revealed the resilience of the informal sector, with the total number of establishments increasing from 5.8 crore in 2021-22 to 6.5 crore in 2022-23, marking a growth of nearly 5.9%.
‘Doctors knew Covid vaccine’s side-effects killed my daughter. But they didn’t tell us’
Dr Snehal Lunawat was the first case in which the AEFI committee accepted there was a direct correlation between vaccination and death. Many of the petitioners, like her father Dilip, have questioned why information about the side-effects wasn’t made public earlier.
SIVA Group boss C Sivasankaran on how Indians can prevent heartattack, says most suffer from brain fog due to Covid
Chinnakannan Sivasankaran, chairman and founder of SIVA Group, emphasizes preventing heart attacks by managing APOB levels to avoid heart disease risks.
New Covid wave in Singapore: No need for panic, assures Tamil Nadu govt
Dr. T S Selvavinayagam, Director of the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine in Tamil Nadu, reassured the public about the new Covid wave in Singapore, describing it as a "milder infection" that does not warrant panic. He stated that there have been no significant hospital admissions in Singapore following the outbreak. The Singapore variant, KP.2, a sub-variant of Omicron, has been reported in some parts of India, with 290 cases of KP.2 and 34 cases of KP.1 found in the country. Selvavinayagam emphasized that Tamil Nadu has the required infrastructure to handle any situation and that the state has almost fully vaccinated the 18-plus population.
290 cases of COVID-19 variant KP.2, 34 cases of KP.1 detected in India: INSACOG data
India has reported 290 cases of KP.2 and 34 cases of KP.1, both sub-lineages of COVID-19 responsible for a surge in cases in Singapore. However, a Union health ministry source said these are all sub variants of JN1, and there is no associated increase in hospitalization or severe cases. The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) has found 34 cases of KP.1 across seven states and UTs, with Maharashtra reporting the highest number at 148.
Misleading ads: Public figures must act responsibly while endorsing products, says SC
The Supreme Court has directed that advertisers and endorsers must act responsibly when endorsing consumer products, as they are equally responsible for issuing misleading advertisements. The court emphasized that advertisements must conform to the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, and should not offend morality, decency, or religious susceptibilities of subscribers. The court also urged the ministries concerned to set up a procedure to encourage consumers to lodge complaints regarding misleading advertisements.
Uttarakhand accuses Patanjali's Ramdev of misleading public with COVID, other cures
An Indian state has leveled criminal charges against yoga guru Baba Ramdev for promoting his traditional ayurvedic medicine as a COVID-19 cure, despite it being approved only as an "immunity booster." Ramdev faces accusations of misleading the public regarding the efficacy of his medicines, with potential penalties including jail time.
"Viksit Bharat" not merely a slogan but India's journey to next 25 yrs: EAM Jaishankar
EAM Jaishankar was giving a lecture at Hansraj College, New Delhi. Jaishankar commenced his address by urging the audience to understand the gravity of "Viksit Bharat," stating, "Please don't think it's a slogan. It is something very serious that we are talking about."
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