Harish Rao also voiced concern over the Congress government’s atrocities on tribal farmers in Lagacherla and highlighted incidents of third-degree torture and handcuffing.
Published Date – 21 December 2024, 11:06 PM
Harish Rao
Hyderabad: In a blistering attack on Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy for failing to ensure fruitful deliberations on the pressing issues of the people, BRS leader and former Minister T Harish Rao said on Saturday that the House as well as the public were misled on multiple counts during the just concluded assembly session.
For the first time in the history of the State, the session took off on a stormy note with arrests and detentions marking the occasion. BRS leaders who staged protests with black T-shirts with images of Adani and Revanth Reddy on them exposing the clandestine relationship between them were arrested, even while similar protests by the Congress were allowed in Parliament. Alleging that Revanth Reddy was trying to unleash an authoritarian rule by throwing to the wind all democratic norms in administration, he said Revanth Reddy had secretly replaced the Telangana Thalli statue with a Congress Thalli statue, using a GO numbered 1946 as a birthday gift to Sonia Gandhi. Harish Rao condemned Revanth Reddy for compromising Telangana’s self-respect by kneeling before Delhi.
Harish Rao also voiced concern over the Congress government’s atrocities on tribal farmers in Lagacherla and highlighted incidents of third-degree torture and handcuffing. He criticized the Chief Minister for avoiding discussions on farmers’ issues and failing to address the pending bills of former sarpanches, MPTCs, and ZPTCs. Questioning the government’s failure to provide funds to villages and towns, he said they had broke all promises made in their manifesto. He pointed out the Congress government’s failure to address the issues of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan employees.
Exposing the Congress government’s false claims about State debts, Harish Rao again provided detailed figures to counter the allegations of the Congress government, which, he said, had availed loans to the tune of Rs 1.27 lakh crore in just one year, which would reach Rs. 6.37 lakh crore over five years.
He also criticized the Congress government for closing 1,913 government schools in one year and failing to address the deaths of students due to dog bites, snake bites and food poisoning. Harish Rao demanded Rs.10 lakh ex-gratia for the families of 54 students who died due to government negligence. He urged the government to protect the reputation of Gurukuls established by former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao and to address the pending DA and PRC issues of government employees.
Krishna earned 11 points from 12 rounds, securing first place ahead of Sai Sree Nandagopal, who finished second with 10 points, and Adhyayan Banerjee, who took third place with 9.5 points.
Published Date – 18 December 2024, 09:21 PM
Hyderabad: Krishna Kishore Rallabandi of Cuthbertson Middle School, Waxhaw, USA, won the Brilliant Trophy Juniorsprodigy Online Chess Tournament on Wednesday. Krishna scored 11 points from 12 rounds, finishing ahead of Sai Sree Nandagopal, who secured second place with 10 points, and Adhyayan Banerjee, who took third place with 9.5 points.
Maruti Bavihal (30) ran the tractor on his younger brother Gopal (27) killing him instantaneously.
Bengaluru:
A man has been arrested for running a tractor over his younger brother and killing him in a remote village in Karnataka’s Belagavi district, allegedly over a property dispute, the police said on Sunday.
The incident, which took place on Saturday, was reported from Yaragatti Taluk under Murgod police station limits.
Maruti Bavihal (30) ran the tractor on his younger brother Gopal (27) killing him instantaneously.
Just recently, the ancestral property was divided between the three brothers. Each brother got a tractor, said the police, but Gopal was not happy and frequently fought with his elder brother.
The elder brother lost his temper and ran the tractor over his brother and then surrendered, said the police.
An AFP journalist saw Qatar’s flag raised over the mission, making it the second nation, after Turkiye, to officially reopen its embassy since Islamist-led militants drove president Bashar Assad from power earlier this month, Arab News reports.
Earlier on Saturday, workers were busy sweeping the pavement, cleaning the area and removing graffiti from the building’s walls. One of the workers had placed the Qatari flag at the base of the flagpole.
Doha sent a diplomatic delegation to Damascus several days ago to meet with the transitional government. The mission expressed “Doha’s full commitment to support the Syrian people,” a Qatari diplomat said.
On Tuesday, the European Union said it was ready to reopen its diplomatic mission in Damascus, while Britain, France and the United States have all sent delegations to the Syrian capital since Assad’s overthrow.
The French flag was raised over Paris’s embassy in Damascus on Tuesday, although the country’s special envoy to Syria said the mission would remain closed “as long as security criteria are not met.”
The automotive testing agency, functioning under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, has requested clarification from the EV company regarding the price reduction for its S1 X 2 kWh electric two-wheeler in the recently announced sale.
Updated On – 14 October 2024, 07:49 PM
New Delhi:Ola Electric shares closed nearly 3 per cent down on Monday – a fall for the third consecutive session – as the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) asked the EV firm to clarify its pricing practices.
The automotive testing agency, operating under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, has asked the EV company to provide clarification about a price reduction for its S1 X 2 kWh electric two-wheeler in its recently announced sale.
Ola Electric’s share closed at Rs 87.44 apiece. The stock has lost its sheen from its all-time high of Rs 157.40.
If fails to provide a satisfying answer, Ola Electric may face legal action and potentially lose the subsidies its electric vehicles are eligible for under the PM Electric DRIVE Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme.
According to reports, if any violations are found, action is likely to be taken in accordance with the law and the E-DRIVE scheme guidelines.
Bhavish Aggarwal-run Ola Electric has also been slapped with a notice from the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), after the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) received over 10,000 complaints in the last one year regarding its poor after-sales service.
Ola Electric needs to reply to the CCPA’s show-cause notice within 15 days.
Meanwhile, the Centre on Sunday directed Ola to implement a mechanism allowing consumers to choose their preferred method of refund, and to provide consumers with a bill or receipt or invoice for all auto rides booked through its platform. As per information on NCH, 2,061 complaints have been registered against Ola from January 1, 2024, till October 9.
The top complaints included higher fares charged from consumers than what was shown at the time of booking the ride; non-refund of the amount to the consumer; driver asking for extra cash and driver not reaching the correct location or dropping at an incorrect location.
According to the police, the miscreants entered the temple premises located at Tulkatta Gate in Moinabad and damaged the idol
Published Date – 22 December 2024, 10:51 AM
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Hyderabad: Unidentified persons allegedly desecrated a temple and damaged Hanuman idol at Moinabad late on Saturday.
According to the police, the miscreants entered the temple premises located at Tulkatta Gate in Moinabad and damaged the idol.
The incident came to light on Sunday morning after the locals noticed it and alerted the police. The police reached the spot and sealed the area. The clues team arrived at the place and are assisting the police in identifying the offenders.
The police are checking the footage of closed circuit cameras in the surroundings to get clues to solve the case. Senior police officials visited the spot.
Hyderabad FC are currently in the 12th spot on the Indian Super League 2024-25 points table, with two wins and a draw from 11 matches.
Updated On – 18 December 2024, 10:34 PM
Under Thangboi Singto’s leadership last season, Hyderabad FC made history by becoming the first team to win an ISL game with an all-Indian squad. Photo: Indian Super League
Hyderabad: The Indian Super League (ISL) side Hyderabad FC have confirmed the departure of Thangboi Singto from the role of head coach at the club. Assistant Coach Shameel Chembakath will assume the role of interim coach.
Hyderabad FC, who emerged winners of the ISL Cup in the 2021-22 season, are currently in the 12th spot on the points table, with two wins and a draw from 11 matches. “Indian Super League (ISL) club, Hyderabad FC, and its Head Coach, Mr Thangboi Singto have mutually decided to part ways with immediate effect,” said the club in a statement.
Singto’s journey with Hyderabad FC spans nearly five years. He stepped into the role of head coach in July 2023 after serving as assistant coach and Technical Director (Youth) since 2020. During his tenure, the Indian coach guided the team through testing times, managing 36 matches across various competitions.
Notably, under his leadership last season, Hyderabad FC made history by becoming the first team to win an ISL game with an all-Indian squad. The Yellow and Black will return to action on Monday when they host NorthEast United FC.
MEA secretary said that intensification of visits from Kuwaiti side may be anticipated.
New Delhi:
India and Kuwait signed four Memorandum of Understandings in the areas of defence, sports and cultural cooperation during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Gulf nation, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Sunday.
MEA Secretary CPV and OIA, Arun Kumar Chatterjee during a special briefing today, said the MoUs are expected to deepen the multifaceted bilateral relationship as well as open avenues for newer areas of cooperation.
“Following the delegation level talks today, four bilateral documents were signed during the visit. The first one is a Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation, the second one is a Cultural Exchange program for the years 2025-2029, the third is an executive program on cooperation in the field of sports for the period 2025- 2028. We also had Kuwait joining as a member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA),” he said.
“We are pretty confident that this historic visit of the Prime Minister will open up a new chapter in the relationship between India and Kuwait. Both the sides have been able to identify several important areas of cooperation and the governments will be working towards fulfillment of the plans that have been made during this visit,” Mr Chatterjee added.
The MoU on Defence cooperation will institutionalize bilateral cooperation in the area of defence. Key areas of cooperation include training, exchange of personnel and experts, joint exercises, cooperation in defence industry, supply of defence equipment, and collaboration in research and development, among others, a statement by MEA said.
“The MoU between India and Kuwait in the field of Defence cooperation will institutionalise the bilateral cooperation in the areas of defence. The key areas of cooperation would include training, exchange of personnel and experts, joint exercises, cooperation in defence industry, supply of defence equipment and collaboration in research and development,” Mr Chatterjee said.
Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) between India and Kuwait for the years 2025-2029 will facilitate greater cultural exchanges in art, music, dance, literature and theatre, cooperation in preservation of cultural heritage, research and development in the area of culture and organizing of festivals, an MEA statement said.
“The cultural exchange program will facilitate greater cultural exchanges in art, music, dance, literature and theater. Cooperation in preservation of cultural heritage, research and development in the areas of culture and organization of festivals,” he said.
Executive Programme (EP) for Cooperation in the Field of Sports for the years 2025-2028 will strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of sports between India and Kuwait by promoting exchange of visits of sports leaders for experience sharing, participation in programs and projects in the field of sports, exchange of expertise in sports medicine, sports management, sports media, sports science, among others, the statement said.
“The executive program for cooperation in the field of sports will strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fields of sports between India and Kuwait by promoting exchange of visits of sports leaders for experience sharing, participation in programs and projects in the field of sports, exchange of expertise in sports medicine, sports management, sports media, sports science among some of the areas that we have identified,” Mr Chatterjee said.
Kuwait became a member of the ISA. The International Solar Alliance (ISA) collectively covers the deployment of solar energy and addresses key common challenges to the scaling up of use of solar energy to help member countries develop low-carbon growth trajectories, the MEA statement said.
“Kuwait becoming a member of the International Solar Alliance collectively covers the deployment of solar energy and addresses key common challenges to the scaling up of use of solar energy to help member states develop low carbon growth trajectories,” Mr Chatterjee said.
The MEA Secy said that Kuwaiti side acknowledged the important contribution made by Indians there in their economy. Both sides agreed that working groups in the sectors of health and education will identify new sectors of cooperation.
“Regarding the health and education sector, both the sides acknowledged the important contribution that Indians are making in the Kuwaiti economy today and the Kuwaiti side also acknowledged the major contribution that the Indian diaspora is making for the development of the Kuwaiti economy on the issues like health and education. We have separate working groups that have been set up. Both the leaders agreed that these working groups will be meeting frequently and regularly to identify new areas of cooperation. On manpower front also we have a joint working group that exclusively looks at manpower-related issues of Indians in Kuwait and that working group usually looks at and addresses the major issues that are there in this sector but in the general context the leaders discussed about the contribution of the of the Indian community here,” Mr Chatterjee said.
He said that intensification of visits from Kuwaiti side may be anticipated as new areas of cooperation have been identified.
“The elevation of a relationship to a strategic partnership means you have taken your bilateral relationship to the next level. Which means you will have greater intensity of cooperation in several areas, plus we have identified new areas. We will see intensification of exchanges and visits in the coming days to materialize whatever has been planned by the leaders of both the countries,” he said.
Mr Chatterjee added that health is an important sector that has been identified for cooperation.
“Health and pharmaceuticals is one important area which both the sides have identified for cooperation and that could include investments by the Kuwaiti side in India or expansion of the trade basket to increase pharmaceutical exports also from India. Pharmaceutical would continue to be one of the important sectors of cooperation between our two countries,’ he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his two-day official visit to Kuwait, and emplaned for New Delhi on Sunday.
Visiting Kuwait at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Emir of the State of Kuwait, PM Modi held multiple engagements and held discussions to further deepen the India-Kuwait ties.
In a special gesture, the PM of Kuwait came to see off PM Modi at the airport as he left for India.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Unbeknownst to the officers, the suspect remained at the scene and was seated on a bench on the subway platform, just outside the train car. Body cameras worn by the officers caught a “very clear, detailed look” at the suspect and those images were publicly disseminated
New York: New York City Police announced Sunday they have in custody a “person of interest” in the early morning death of a woman who they believe may have fallen asleep on a stationary subway train before being intentionally lit on fire by a man she didn’t know.
Transit police apprehended the suspect after receiving a report from three high school students who had recognized the man. They had seen images of the suspect taken from surveillance and police body cam video and widely distributed by police.
“New Yorkers came through again,” said New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who described the case as “one of the most depraved crimes one person could possibly commit against another human being.”
Tisch said the suspect and the woman, both of whom have not been identified, were riding a subway train to the end of the line in Brooklyn at around 7:30 a.m.
After the train came to a stop, surveillance video from the subway car showed the man “calmly” walk up to the victim, who was seated and possibly sleeping, and set her clothing on fire with what appeared to be a lighter. The woman’s clothing then “became fully engulfed in a matter of seconds,” Tisch said.
Police do not believe the two knew one another.
Officers on a routine patrol at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway station smelled smoke and discovered the woman on fire, standing in the middle of the subway car. After the fire was extinguished, emergency medical personnel declared the woman dead at the scene.
Unbeknownst to the officers, the suspect had remained at the scene and was seated on a bench on the subway platform, just outside the train car, Tisch said. Body cameras worn by the officers caught a “very clear, detailed look” at the suspect and those images were publicly disseminated.
After later receiving a 911 call from the teenagers, other transit officers identified the man on another subway train and radioed ahead to the next station, where more officers searched each car and ultimately apprehended him without incident. The man had a lighter in his pocket, Tisch said.
The case marked the second fatality on a New York subway Sunday.
At 12:35 a.m., police responded to an emergency call for an assault in progress at the 61st Street-Woodside Station in Queens and found a 37-year-old man with a stab wound to his torso and a 26-year-old man with multiple slashes throughout his body. The older man was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital while the younger man was in stable condition, police said.
An investigation was continuing.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul this year has sent New York National Guard members to the city’s subway system to help police conduct random searches of riders’ bags for weapons following a series of high-profile crimes on city trains. Hochul recently deployed additional members to help patrol during the holiday season.
With changing regulations, economic conditions, and the evolving dynamics of the health insurance industry, understanding how these factors affect both investors and policyholders is crucial
Updated On – 1 November 2024, 11:34 AM
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New Delhi: Health insurance stocks are a significant component of the financial markets, influencing the broader healthcare landscape. While stock market trends may seem disconnected from policyholders’ day-to-day lives, they can significantly impact coverage costs and availability.
With changing regulations, economic conditions, and the evolving dynamics of the health insurance industry, understanding how these factors affect both investors and policyholders is crucial.
1. Market Trends Affecting Health Insurance Stocks Health insurance companies have a unique role in the market. They not only provide critical health coverage to millions of individuals but also operate in a highly regulated and complex environment, which makes them particularly susceptible to certain market forces. Let’s explore some of the key market trends impacting health insurance stocks:
a. Regulatory Changes and Policy Shifts
Health insurance is a sector where government regulations play a critical role. Changes in healthcare policies, such as adjustments to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicaid expansion, or new mandates for minimum essential coverage, can significantly impact insurer profits.
For instance, stricter regulations often translate to increased compliance costs, whereas deregulation may lead to expanded market opportunities.
For policyholders, changes in regulations often mean shifts in the types of coverage available or changes in the subsidies offered. Regulatory updates can either increase premiums (due to added costs for insurers) or improve coverage options (when insurers receive incentives for expanding certain types of coverage).
Therefore, monitoring policy updates is crucial for understanding the direction of health insurance costs.
b. Economic Conditions and Inflation
A country’s overall economic health also directly affects health insurance stocks. During economic downturns or periods of high inflation, insurers may see a rise in claims as people defer necessary treatments during tough times.
Furthermore, rising healthcare costs driven by inflation can eat into profit margins if premiums do not adjust accordingly. The economic environment often translates to premium hikes for policyholders. During inflationary periods, the costs of medical services tend to rise, pushing insurance companies to increase premiums in response.
Policyholders may also face reduced coverage options as insurers attempt to manage profitability.
c. Consolidation in the Industry
Another key trend affecting health insurance stocks is industry consolidation. In recent years, many health insurers have merged with or acquired smaller firms to expand their customer base and reduce competition.
This trend toward consolidation aims to reduce costs and improve efficiency through economies of scale. This trend could mean fewer choices for policyholders when selecting health plans. Consolidation might improve service efficiency, but it may also lead to higher premiums due to reduced competition.
With fewer players in the market, insurance companies may gain greater control over pricing, ultimately leading to increased costs for policyholders.
2. Impact on Premiums and Coverage Availability The trends affecting health insurance stocks inevitably have a ripple effect on premiums and coverage availability, ultimately impacting policyholders.
a. Rising Premiums
Premiums will likely rise in response to economic factors, regulatory changes, and increased market consolidation. For instance, if inflation continues to push the cost of healthcare services, health insurance companies will raise their premiums to balance the rising costs.
In such scenarios, policyholders may feel the financial strain, especially those in employer-sponsored plans that pass on employee cost increases.
It’s also worth noting that premium increases aren’t always uniform across policyholders. As insurers attempt to maintain profitability, those with chronic illnesses or higher healthcare needs may face greater increases in out-of-pocket expenses compared to those with low healthcare usage.
b. Narrowed Coverage Networks
To manage profitability amid rising costs, health insurers may reduce the number of healthcare providers within their network or limit coverage to only specific services.
This means policyholders may face more restrictions on which doctors they can visit or what treatments are covered. For those living in rural areas, network restrictions could significantly limit their options for receiving care.
Moreover, as consolidation in the industry increases, coverage options may become more standardized. Fewer competitors mean less diversity in plan offerings, reducing the ability of policyholders to choose a plan that fits their specific healthcare needs.
3. Opportunities and Threats in the Health Insurance Sector
a. Technological Advances and Digital Health
One of the opportunities that has had a positive impact on health insurance stocks—and indirectly on policyholders—is the rise of digital health.
Telehealth services, mobile health apps, and wearable devices have opened up new channels for healthcare delivery, which can lead to better patient outcomes and reduced costs.
For policyholders, these advancements mean more convenience and potentially lower costs. Health insurers that invest in technology- driven services may offer lower premiums or additional incentives for using digital health platforms, allowing policyholders to receive more value from their insurance plan.
b. Public Perception and Consumer Behavior
The perception of health insurance companies and consumer behavior also plays a significant role in the health insurance market. With greater awareness of healthcare costs and a shift toward preventive care, many consumers are opting for higher deductible health plans paired with health savings accounts (HSAs).
This change in consumer behavior affects the types of policies insurers offer and ultimately impacts stock performance. For policyholders, understanding these trends can help them make informed choices about the type of health plan they opt for.
If preventive services are a priority, choosing a plan that emphasize wellness programs may help reduce long-term costs while maintaining coverage.
4. What Should Policyholders Do? Given the dynamic nature of the health insurance industry, it’s essential for policyholders to stay informed about market trends and adjust their coverage accordingly:
a. Monitor Premium Increases
Be proactive in understanding why your premiums are rising. If possible, consider switching plans or negotiating with your current provider to ensure you’re getting the best value.
b. Explore All Coverage Options
If consolidation has limited your options, explore government-supported plans or specialized health insurers that offer more diverse coverage. You may also consider supplemental insurance to fill any coverage gaps.
c. Embrace Digital Health Solutions
Look for insurers that offer incentives for using telehealth or wellness apps. These services can reduce out-of-pocket expenses and help maintain health at a lower cost.
The health insurance market is influenced by various factors, including regulatory changes, economic conditions, and industry consolidation. These market trends not only affect stock performance but also impact the coverage and premiums that policyholders face.
By staying informed about these developments and adapting their health insurance strategies, policyholders can better navigate the challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving health insurance landscape.
