BUSINESS
General insurers seek higher rate for third-party motor insurance as losses mount
Insurers say their viability is at stake as losses are mounting, and the regulator did not increase third-party insurance rates in FY21, but transporters are opposing the move saying higher premium will amplify their stress
BUSINESS
COVID-19 claims: Insurers look to redraft service-level agreements with hospitals
Many hospitals are not ready to settle cashless claims despite agreements with insurers. Facing the heat from the finance ministry and the regulator, insurers are looking to tweak these agreements and remove errant hospitals from the network.
BUSINESS
Semiconductor shortage may choke laptop supply ahead of new academic session
Laptops could be in short supply in India because of the scarcity of semiconductor chips made in China. The shortage comes during the peak-demand period of March-June, which accounts for 40 percent of sales in India
BUSINESS
How to not be a 'Covidiot' employer during a raging pandemic
Employees are engaging in extremely callous behaviour, ranging from hiding COVID-19 positive data of colleagues from close contacts in the office to forcing staff to work despite being infected.
BUSINESS
Covid-19 second wave: Job losses, pay cuts back to haunt restaurants
The second wave of Covid-19 has hit the restaurant industry hard since lockdown-like restrictions have led to eateries only being allowed to offer home-delivery and takeout services.
BUSINESS
Board exam cancelled for Class X: Tougher entry conditions likely for Class XI admission
Students are worried that in the absence of board exam scores, there would be no objective criterion to evaluate them, which creates a lot of uncertainty about their future.
BUSINESS
Post COVID-19 troubles: Recovered people find higher exclusions, rise in insurance denials
Insurance companies, facing almost 10 lakh COVID-19 claims worth Rs 14,000 crore, are either denying new policies to people who recover from the disease, or inserting harsh clauses, fearing big claims in the future, but vaccination is likely to restore normalcy even though the premium may be high.
BUSINESS
Jabs for all: Students planning to go abroad for education feel left out
Many universities in the US are planning to make vaccination compulsory to be able to attend physical classes in 2021. For Indian students, this is an added concern.
BUSINESS
Covid-19 second wave: Offline coaching classes feel the heat
Several coaching classes offering tutoring for board exams and competitive tests have not been able to pivot to online modules. With fresh curbs restricting movement across India due to Covid-19, these coaching-centre owners are a worried lot
INDIA
COVID-19 second wave: Students giving board exams face their worst ordeal in 2021
For Indian students giving their Class X and Class XII board examinations in 2021, there is a constant fear of exams being postponed and results being delayed due to the second wave of COVID-19.
BUSINESS
Explained: What the PFRDA Amendment Bill means for pension subscribers
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) Amendment Bill looks to separate the NPS Trust from PFRDA. This is to ensure that there is no conflict of interest. It also seeks to establish a Pension Trust for employees of private sector companies.
BUSINESS
Restrictions may impact sales in short-term, pent-up demand will release soon after: Godrej's Kamal Nandi
Godrej Appliances is manufacturing medical refrigerators at its Shirwal facility in Satara, Maharashtra. However, other appliance production in the state is now temporarily suspended till April 30 due to state government restrictions.
BUSINESS
Board exam 2021: CBSE cancels exams, but other boards have mixed reactions
State boards are undecided on the fresh schedule for Class X and Class XII exams, even though they are only a few weeks away. Maharashtra and Rajasthan are among the states that have decided to postpone the board exams. However, fresh dates are yet to be announced.
INDIA
CBSE Board Exam 2021: COVID-19 delays heighten anxiety of students taking board exams
Students want a fixed schedule for the Class XII board exams to be announced soon. They are worried about missing admission deadlines of Indian foreign universities if results are delayed too much
BUSINESS
Maharashtra COVID-19 restrictions: White goods output to halt in peak season; confusion over exports
New restrictions in the state bar all non-essential manufacturing, which means makers of white goods cannot supply fans, air conditioners and refrigerators in the peak summer season
BUSINESS
Here is a checklist for companies on how not to interview female candidates
Prodding female candidates about their marital status, pregnancy during job interviews is becoming more common in India. But, this serves no real purpose to the job role.
BUSINESS
White-goods makers seek cheap land parcels to expand manufacturing under PLI scheme
Appliance makers want real estate to be offered at subsidised rates so that they can set up new manufacturing facilities under the production-linked incentive scheme. The India business head of a global appliance maker told Moneycontrol that about 70 percent of the costs involved in setting up a manufacturing unit pertain to acquiring land
BUSINESS
Explained: Here is how the standard fire insurance policies will work
Bharat Griha Raksha will cover homes, while Bharat Sookshma Udyam Suraksha and Bharat Laghu Udyam Suraksha will protect micro, small and medium enterprises
BUSINESS
Usha finds surprise takers for its sewing machines—8-14 year-old kids
With an extended lockdown, young Indians want to explore the area of sewing and allied crafts. With this, sewing machine brands like Usha benefit.
BUSINESS
Low-skilled workers dominate India’s gig economy
BUSINESS
Need to get a credible bank as replacement for IDBI Bank: Ageas Federal Life CEO
Since IDBI Bank is now owned by LIC, it won’t be selling Ageas Federal insurance policies anymore. Ageas acquired an additional stake of 23% from IDBI Bank in Ageas Federal Life Insurance for around Rs 460 crore. Now, Ageas holds 49% in the insurer, and Federal Bank 26%.
BUSINESS
Explained: How SWADES Skill Cards are helping jobless Indian expats gain employment
It helps out-of-job Indian citizens returning home to connect with prospective employers. Close to 31,000 returnees have thus far registered under the scheme
BUSINESS
Miscarriage leave: India already offers this legally, but is it implemented?
On paper, Indian law offers upto six weeks paid leave for miscarriage. But there are implementation loopholes.
BUSINESS
COVID-19 vaccination soon a must for life insurance
With the process of vaccination for those above 45 years set to begin from April 1, life insurers are putting in place processes to ensure that only vaccinated individuals will get insurance.
