Monthly Archives: November 2019

Vaccine shows promise for fighting TB

An experimental vaccine proved 50% effective at preventing latent tuberculosis infection from turning into active disease in a three-year study of adults in Africa. Doctors were encouraged because protection declined only a little after two years, and even a partially effective vaccine would be a big help against TB. The …

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In Assam, adjutant storks get a baby shower

A village in central Assam’s Kamrup district on Thursday observed a unique ceremony for a bird which, in the folklore of some countries, is fabled to bring home babies. The villagers organised a baby shower for the greater adjutant storks nesting in their neighbourhood. Panchamrit is an Assamese ceremony entailing …

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‘Paid 97% of GST refunds due to MSMEs’

As much as 97% of GST refunds due to MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) as of August 23 has been paid by the government, according to the Finance Ministry. In a status report on the implementation of measures announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in August and September, the …

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Indices up for fifth straight day

Positive momentum continued in the equity markets, with benchmark indices closing with gains for the fifth consecutive day. The BSE Sensex also touched its all-time high of 40,392.22 points before correcting to close at 40,129.05 , up 77 points or 0.19%, on Thursday. The top gainers in the Sensex pack …

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RBI creates new verticals for supervision and regulation

Two new departments, with specialised cadre on supervision and regulation within the Reserve Bank of India, will start functioning from November 1, indicating the changes in the central bank’s approach to these two crucial issues of the financial system that has dominated public discourse in recent times. These departments have …

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Premadasa vows to complete constitutional reform

Sri Lanka’s Presidential hopeful Sajith Premadasa on Thursday promised to complete the constitutional reform process initiated by the current government, if elected to the office. The ruling United National Party’s (UNP) candidate released his election manifesto in the central city of Kandy, a fortnight ahead of Sri Lanka’s presidential election. …

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