Blog

20 Nov

IAC-Life applauds Bima Gram API; acknowledges its potential in strengthening rural insurance coverage

Business BureauBusiness

The Insurance Awareness Committee (IAC-Life) has welcomed the launch of the Bima Gram API by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), describing it as a key policy intervention to enhance rural insurance coverage and strengthen India’s financial inclusion agenda. Developed by the National Informatics Centre in collaboration with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Department of Posts’ CEPT, and the Insurance Information Bureau of India, the API links postal PIN codes with Local Government Directory (LGD) codes, enabling insurers to digitally verify a policyholder’s Gram Panchayat (GP) location in real time. The initiative addresses longstanding policy challenges in…

20 Nov

AI Ethics Now a Competitive Advantage for Global Companies

MohiniInternational

A review of the IMD 2025 AI Maturity Index reveals that embedding AI ethics frameworks is no longer a sideline concern but a fundamental competitive advantage for the world’s most advanced companies. The analysis shows a clear correlation between AI maturity and ethical governance, with leading firms prioritizing transparency and oversight. Top companies across nearly all sectors—from healthcare and finance to automotive and technology—have implemented publicly disclosed AI ethics principles, established dedicated governance roles (e.g., C-suite ethics officers), and embedded cross-functional audit systems. Experts argue that as organizations race to operationalize sophisticated Generative AI models at scale, responsible adoption is…

20 Nov

As the state’s first heart-muscle reduction surgery is carried out at GB Pant Hospital, Tripura makes medical history

Sonakshi SarkarTripura

Tripura has recorded a major milestone in cardiac healthcare with doctors at Agartala Government Medical College and GB Pant Hospital successfully performing the state’s first heart-muscle reduction procedure. The landmark surgery marks a significant advancement for patients suffering from Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM), a condition in which the heart muscle thickens abnormally and obstructs blood flow. The medical team carried out a Percutaneous Transluminal Septal Myocardial Ablation (PTSMA), a specialised and minimally invasive intervention. The technique involves injecting a controlled amount of alcohol into a precisely chosen artery to shrink the thickened heart tissue that causes obstruction. Health officials said…

20 Nov

Mizoram increases state employees’ DA to 44% and intends to increase it further in April 2026

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

The Mizoram government has approved a 4 per cent increase in dearness allowance (DA) for state government employees, raising the rate from 40 per cent to 44 per cent of basic pay with effect from November 1. The decision was finalised during a meeting of the Council of Ministers chaired by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, a senior official confirmed. Along with the latest revision, the cabinet has also cleared an additional 2 per cent hike that will come into effect from April 1 next year. With this, the DA for state employees will reach 46 per cent in April 2026. Officials…

20 Nov

Magic Dims in Wicked Part Two, According to Early Critiques

PreetiEntertainment

The sequel, titled "Wicked: For Good," features Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande reprising their roles as Elphaba and Glinda. This film delves into the origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West and is adapted from a popular stage musical, which itself is based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 book. Released on Friday, it has received mixed reviews, with John Nugent from Empire rating it three stars and describing it as "not quite Wicked: For Great." The sequel also examines the backstories of Dorothy's companions in Oz, including the Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow, and Tin Man. Jeff Goldblum returns as the…

20 Nov

Tata AIA, CNBC-TV18 partner to spotlight trust-driven financial advisory across India

Business BureauBusiness

Tata AIA Life Insurance has partnered with CNBC-TV18 to amplify the role of trusted financial advisors as India witnesses rapid economic expansion and rising household affluence. Announced in Mumbai on November 14, the collaboration aims to highlight the significance of responsible financial advice at a time when life insurance has become more affordable following the GST exemption that placed it in the essential category. The company, with over 1.5 lakh advisors nationwide, continues to strengthen its consumer-first approach by launching Tata AIA AURA, a recognition platform celebrating advisor-entrepreneurs who demonstrate consistency, trust, and long-term commitment. “Our consumers are at the…

20 Nov

Swiggy Partners Utilize In-App Feature for Dignified Sanitation, Record 60,000 Searches

Business BureauBusiness

Swiggy has highlighted the success of its partnership with Sulabh International and its in-app feature that allows delivery partners to easily locate nearby Sulabh sanitation facilities across 7 key cities in the country, underscoring the company’s commitment to providing dignified sanitation support on the road. In March 2025, Swiggy partnered with Sulabh International to provide free access to Sulabh Shauchalayas (public toilets) for its delivery partners in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai, discoverable through an in-app feature. This initiative is a tangible step towards providing dignified sanitation options for its delivery personnel and enhancing the overall…

20 Nov

Pfizer launches a Rimegepant ODT in India for rapid migraine relief and acute treatment

Business BureauBusiness

Pfizer has launched its new Rimegepant orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) in India for the acute treatment of migraine, with or without aura, in adults who have previously shown insufficient response to triptans. Approved by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), the 75 mg ODT can be taken with or without food and dissolves without the need for water, offering convenience and rapid action. Pfizer said the medication provides quick and sustained pain relief for up to 48 hours and does not carry the risk of medication overuse headaches. By targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a key factor in…

20 Nov

Could your cat be affecting your brain? New study fuels ongoing debate

Banasree SarkarHealth

A new wave of scientific scrutiny is raising concerns for cat owners after a sweeping analysis suggested that growing up around cats may be linked to a higher risk of developing schizophrenia-related disorders. The review, conducted by researchers in Australia, examined 17 studies spanning four decades and more than 10 countries. Their findings indicate a significant association between cat exposure—particularly in childhood—and later diagnosis of psychotic illnesses, with the odds appearing to double compared with those who were not exposed to cats. The researchers highlight 'Toxoplasma gondii', a parasite commonly carried by cats, as a possible contributor. This parasite, which…