Keep These Things In Mind While Driving In Seychelles

Seychelles is a small archipelago made up of 115 islands in the Indian ocean. This archipelago has numerous scenic beaches which attract thousands of tourists from around the world all year round.

Seychelles being an island nation does not have a network of local public transport. Tourists have to rely on boats, buses or air to move from one island to another. However the best way to explore the beaches and beauty of Seychelles is by hiring a car and driving around.

Why driving is the best way to move around in Seychelles

1. Beaches of Seychelles are scattered and a little far from each other so driving is the best way to explore the islands in depth. There are buses available but they only ply on main roads, so a walk to the beach from anywhere becomes a long walk.
2. Since Seychelles is an Island nation, there are not major source of public transport. You can find buses in the major cities like Mahe and Praslin. Apart from that there are private boats and small aircrafts which you can hire to move around from one island to another
3. An international driving permit isn’t needed. All you need is a driving license issued by your own country and you can hire and drive a car in Seychelles.

Here are some tips to keep in mind before hiring a car in Seychelles:

Driving Permit

For driving in Seychelles, you do not need an international driving permit. A valid driving license issued by your own country`s government is enough to allow you to hire and drive a car in Seychelles too. However an important thing to keep in mind is the driving age. Seychelles minimum age to drive is 21 compared to India where the age is 18 so in case you have a license issued before your 21 years of age, you won`t be allowed to rent a car.

Most Important Two-Wheeler Traffic Rules

The statistics for road accidents and casualties in India are alarming. Did you know that more than 5 lakh road accidents take place in India every year, out of which 1.5 lakh people never make it alive and 3 lakh are left crippled for life? 

With an aim to curb the rise of road related vehicle mishaps, more stringent traffic rules have been imposed from September 2019, by the Indian Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act. The sharp increase in traffic penalties has been done so that motorists and two-wheeler riders take traffic rules and regulations more seriously and do not violate them for the sake of their own safety and that of others.    

These are the top 8 traffic rule violations with their updated penalties and fines that you should be aware of. It will serve as a quick guide and reminder for you every time you turn on the ignition key to ride your bike.

Driving Without a Valid Driving License

It is obvious that you should have their driving license with you when riding your bike and it should not have expired. Telling the traffic cop that you forgot your driving license at home or were just about to get it renewed may not work anymore. You will have to pay up a whopping Rs.5000 instead of the earlier Rs.500 as fine for violating this fundamental traffic rule.  

Driving an Uninsured Vehicle

Say you were on your bike, jumped a traffic signal and got unlucky. If you don’t have bike insurance or your policy has expired, you have committed an offence. According to the new traffic rules you can be penalised with a fine of Rs.2000 (first time) or Rs.4000 (second time) and/or imprisonment up to 3 months.

Getting your vehicle insured is compulsory as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. You should have at least third-party insurance to cover your liability in case your car or bike causes third-party injury, death or damage in an accident. Timely bike insurance renewal is a must.

Buying bike insurance is more than just fulfilling your legal duty as a bike owner. Comprehensive bike insurance will safeguard your bike from damages due to accidents, theft and other disasters.

Consumables in Car Insurance

Your comprehensive car insurance would be able to cover repairs, personal insurance as well as third party insurance. However, is your comprehensive car insurance truly comprehensive? In all probability, the consumable parts of your four wheeler wouldn’t be covered by it. Therefore including the coverage consumables in car insurance policy would be required to cover the consumable parts of your vehicle.

Firstly let us understand what are consumables?

Consumables are those commodities which have a specific use for a limited period. Once these items are used, they may not be used again in the future. These items are required to be replaced regularly due to wear and tear. Some examples of such items are engine oil, ball bearings, nuts, bolts, washers, brake oil, screws, grease, AC refrigerant etc.

You must have realised by now that the list of consumables is a long one. Each individual item may seem to be of little importance but they all are integral to the functioning of a car.

Now let us understand about a consumable cover

Your comprehensive car insurance policy wouldn’t provide cover for the cost of consumables. Therefore you would have to pay from your pocket for replacing the consumables at the time of claims. However, a consumable cover is an add-on cover that will pay the cost of consumables in case of replacing or refiling it due to an accident.

What will it cover?

A consumable cover would cover the following:

Engine oil, Gearbox oil, Nuts and bolts, Grease, Washers, Oil Filters, Lubricants, Power steering oil, AC gas oil, radiator coolant and all similar items except fuel.

Things You Need To Know About Hypothecation

Hypothecation may sound complicated and a bit of a tongue twister as well but it is really quite a simple concept and one that you are most likely familiar with if you have taken a car loan to purchase your desired car.

To give you a better understanding of this term used in car insurance, we devote today’s article to explain to you the concept of hypothecation and the important aspects that you need to know about hypothecation with respect to car insurance.

Hypothecation in Car Insurance Explained

It is in rare cases that a buyer makes a full upfront payment to purchase a major high value asset such as a car, the cost of which runs into many lakhs of rupees. Most people whether salaried, self-employed or having a business of their own will usually approach a bank to apply for a car loan.

A car loan allows you the dual benefit of owning and using your own car while at the same time easing out your financial burden into manageable monthly instalments or EMIs. Actually when you go in for a car loan, you don’t fully own your car. Here is where the concept of hypothecation comes in.      

Hypothecation means that the asset, against which you have taken the loan i.e. your car, will be pledged to the lender i.e. the bank that has sanctioned your car loan. It is a security measure taken by the bank where your car is pledged as a collateral security to the bank till such time as you repay the car loan in full. In case you default on your EMI payments, hypothecation gives the bank the authority to seize and take possession of your car. Hypothecation also ensures that you do not sell the car to another party until you have repaid your car loan. Hence during the period when there is an active car loan in your name, your car remains hypothecated to the lender which could be a bank or NBFC from whom you have taken a car loan.

What Makes Innova Crysta Special

he Toyota Innova Crysta has become a household name ever since it launched in May 2016. Even before the launch of Crysta, Toyota Innova has had its fair share of capturing the market of MUVs.  Even though it faced tough competition from the market, the Toyota Innova Crysta has successfully maintained its status.

The Innova Crysta has regularly maintained its high selling status and outsold even cheaper models in the same segment. Another important factor about the Toyota Innova Crysta is its high resale value which attracts a lot of first time and used car buyers. No matter if you have a old car or a new car, always make sure to protect it with a car insurance policy.

Here are some of the factors because of which the Innova Crysta has become popular:

Level of Comfort

Toyota has made sure that the Innova Crysta scores really high on the comfort quotient. It has acres of leg-room and headroom in all the rows, and a high seating position and a well laid cabin. The third row is very spacious as it has been designed to accommodate two to three adults. There is both 7 seater and 8 seater options available for this MUV. In the 7 seater variants, the centre row gets captain seats. The front passenger seat can be adjusted from the middle row captain seat and the driver seat is completely electronically adjustable.

The Innova Crysta can take pride in its individual AC control, comfort and space, unlike many MUVs. The luggage space can also be increased by folding the last row if the need arises.

Look and Design

Toyota has certainly put in a lot of effort in designing the look of the Innova Crysta. This MUV has an indestructible build quality and extremely good design. Some features of the MUV include large sweptback projector headlamps along with LED daytime running lights, hexagonal front grille, three air-bags, middle read head rest, seat belt warning, brake assistant, speed sensing door lock, driver arm rest, etc. The Innova Crysta also has two pieces split taillights along with a rear spoiler.

All You Need to Know About 5 Years Bike Insurance

In keeping with changing requirements, the ever-increasing number of two-wheelers on Indian roads and rising cases of accident and uninsured bikes, the apex insurance regulator IRDAI makes changes in vehicle insurance rules and regulations from time to time.

While you would know that it is compulsory to have bike insurance, you may not be aware about the latest updates about buying two-wheeler insurance. One of the points that will come up when you go to buy bike insurance is about a long-term 5 year policy. Is it compulsory for all two-wheelers to be covered with a 5 year bike insurance policy? How does it compare with a standard 1 year bike insurance? How will it affect the premium I pay and my policy coverage?  

This article is about answering all such questions and clearing any confusion in your mind about 5 year two-wheeler insurance.

About 5 Year Two-Wheeler Insurance & How It Works:

Following a Supreme Court ruling in September 2018, IRDAI has made it mandatory for all new two-wheelers to be issued a 5-year insurance cover. This has been done to ensure that maximum number of two-wheelers remain insured and also to minimise incidents of lapsed, expired policies and uninsured vehicles.

Note that a 5 year cover is mandatory only for third-party (TP) bike insurance policies. Having third-party insurance is anyway compulsory for all vehicles as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.  

If you have just bought a brand new scooter or bike and decided to go with basic third-party bike insurance, you will necessarily have to buy a 5 year insurance policy. But if you choose to purchase comprehensive two-wheeler insurance for your new bike, then your policy tenure will be 3 years and not 5 years.

How is RTI Different from IDV?

Your car is like your baby. You want to look after it, protect is from every potential danger and nurture it for as long as you decide to keep it. In spite of so much security and protection, incidents on roads will happen. For all these unforeseen moments, you will be glad that you a solid car insurance policy to back you up.

That said, what do you do in a scenario where your beloved car is damaged beyond repair or it is stolen?

Don’t lose hope right away as you, fortunately, have Return of Invoice or better known as RTI as an add-on cover.

RTI is offered as part of a comprehensive car insurance plan. This can only be availed by vehicles that are new or are less than five years old. If the car is stolen or suffers irreparable damage, the insured customer has the right to claim full compensation. However, this will only be up to the last complete invoice value of the car.

How is RTI Different From IDV?

Under usual circumstances, your maximum claim is limited to the IDV of the vehicle. On the other hand, RTI is a top-up option that can be used to cover the difference between Insured Declared Value and the Invoice Value of the vehicle.

To put things into perspective, due to the annual depreciation of your car, IDV will always be less than the invoice value of your vehicle. With an RTI option in place, you can get the current on-road price. That means, even if there has been depreciation, it does not apply to you.

When Is RTI Applicable?

Having the RTI option is an investment that can help in safeguarding your back especially in situations where the financial liabilities are high. By bridging the gap between the vehicle and its Insured Declared Value and the actual invoice value, you are liable to be reimbursed for the total ‘On Road’ price of the vehicle that you paid when you purchased it.

Generally, the RTI cost is approximately 10% more of a comprehensive care insurance plan.

Remember that insurance providers offer RTI as an add-on for vehicles until they reach an age limit that has been predefined before.

The Return to Invoice option is not applicable in all situations. So, when you have a dent in your car or it needs repairing, or if your windshield has a crack on it, you do not need to bank on RTI for compensation. Own Damage Cover or other add-ons like Zero Depreciation can handle these partial losses.

RTI should only be used to recover substantial financial loss as a result of irreparable car damage or if there has been a case of theft where the vehicle is no longer recoverable.

 All About About Zero Depreciation Cover

Car insurance works to cover your precious car from suffering any damages that could be caused by any kind of mishap or untoward situation such as an accident, floods, earthquake, fire, riots or any other natural calamity or man-made disaster, as well as a complete loss in case your car gets stolen. Vehicle insurance also protects you from damages or loss caused by your vehicle to a third-party.  

When you purchase vehicle insurance you naturally want o get the best possible protection for your car. One of the ways to ensure this is by having a zero depreciation cover in your car insurance policy. Zero depreciation cover is an important and beneficial add-on feature and one you should definitely include when buying car insurance.   

This article will act as complete guide to zero depreciation by covering its various aspects and how it affects your car insurance policy.

Understanding Vehicle Depreciation and Zero Depreciation

Depreciation means the loss of value of a vehicle over time, in this case your car particularly if you have bought a new car. This loss of value due to usage and normal wear and tear actually starts from the moment that you brand new car leaves the showroom. All insurance companies take into account the depreciation of the vehicle while calculating the policy premium and at the time of settling a claim.

The table below gives you an at-a-glance snapshot to understand how the loss in value or depreciation happens over time as your car gets older.

Depreciation Schedule

Zero depreciation cover in car insurance is offered as an add-on cover when you buy a comprehensive car insurance policy. Having a zero depreciation cover enables you to minimise the effects of vehicle depreciation. 

Planning A Holiday to Saudi Arabia?

One of the exciting things to look forward to when travelling to a new country is checking out local food and tasting a new cuisine. It is interesting to experience what type of food people eat in different parts of the world.

So before you grab your bags, your Saudi Arabia travel insurance papers and passport duly stamped with the Saudi Arabia Visa and head to the airport, here’s a bit about the food culture you will find there.

The cuisine varies from province to province, although some dishes are found across the Kingdom. A typical Saudi meal is a blend of wheat, rice, milk, chicken or lamb, dates, yoghurt, potatoes, delicately flavoured with rich aromatic spices. 

Take a look at some of the traditional Saudi dishes that are definitely worth a try when you’re visiting Saudi Arabia.

Mutabbaq

The Arabic name ‘Mutabbaq’ literally means folded. And that’s exactly what this street food is – a folded, fried pancake stuffed with a lightly spiced mixture of minced meat, eggs, tomatoes and onions. It looks something like a fluffy omelette folded and cut in squares. You will find this dish almost everywhere you go in Saudi Arabia. It is affordable, quick and filling when you’re on-the-go.

Sambusak

Another popular street food is sambusak or ‘samboosa’. This deep fried snack will immediately remind you of our Indian favourite, the samosa! In Saudi it is made with a variety of filling such as minced meat, cheese and vegetables. If your taste buds are not feeling very adventurous towards foreign dishes, this is the perfect local snack to try out.

Here Is A List Of Documents You Must Keep In Your Car

If you are driving on public roads in India, you should always carry the documents listed below. Not having any of these on your person can lead to heavy fines.

Registration certificate

This document acts as proof that you have registered your vehicle with a regional transport office. When you get a new car, you need to apply for registration at the regional transport office within 7 days of the purchase. A registration certificate is valid for 15 years, and can be renewed for a periods of 5 years. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 makes having a registration certificate mandatory for all motor vehicles plying on Indian roads.

PUC Certificate

A pollution under control certificate proves that your vehicle meets the emission requirements defined for motor vehicles on Indian roads. If your vehicle does not meet the pollution control norms, it is not allowed to be driven on Indian roads. To get a PUC certificate, get your car tested at any of the authorised testing centres. You could find these at most petrol pumps.

Here's How You Can Fix A Dent

Driving a motorcycle is an adventurous experience. Imagine yourself wearing a stunning pair of sunglasses and driving on a countryside road, winds of which sway your hair, and a stupid dent on your bike. Brakes! You see how a simple dent can cause the entire experience to lose its sheen and wonder. That is why we recommend you to get your dent fixed. A dent, which can be a result of an accident or due to careless management of your bike, can be quite expensive to get repaired and freshly painted. However, a dent, big or small, can be easily removed at home using some handy tricks. Of course, if you are careful enough, you would already have bought a two-wheeler insurance policy which would cover your expenses pertaining to the repair of the dent.

Things You Might Not Know About South Korea

Over the past few years South Korea has been a trending international travel destination. However even though tourism has been on the rise and the country is welcoming more and more foreign visitors each year, there is a lot we still do not know or understand about South Korea’s cultural traditions and unique customs.

We did a bit of scouting around to come up with our own top 5 cool facts and quirks about South Korean culture, so you are better prepared on what to expect when you visit the country. Knowing these cultural facts is not only fun and fascinating, they can help you to better understand South Korea and conduct yourself in a socially acceptable manner during your visit.

Fact #1: Lot of South Korean Men Use Make Up Daily

Beauty and external appearance is a big deal in South Korean society. Both women and men are super conscious of their looks and go to great lengths to maintain what is considered a perfect appearance. Cosmetic surgery is quite common and some stats suggest that South Korea is the hub of cosmetic surgery in the world. It is also reported that eyelid surgery is the most common cosmetic procedure that most South Korean women go in for. As for many South Korean men, using makeup as part of their daily routine is not uncommon at all.      

Fact #2: South Korea Has the Lowest Number of Overweight People in the World

Whether it their healthy diet or genetics, South Korea along with Japan can be proud of the fact that majority of its citizens are fit. These are the only two countries in the world with the least number of obese people.

Coronavirus Vaccines: Who Should & Who Shouldn’t Take Vaccines – ICICI Lombard

The COVID-19 disease, which gripped the world during early 2020 after the rapid spread of coronavirus, has had detrimental effects on the world till now. Not only it has resulted in the untimely death of millions of people around the globe but also it ruined the economy of many countries. In India, the coronavirus has caused the death of more than 1.6 lakhs people till now.

However, things are expected to improve after the vaccines for covid-19 were introduced by different countries around the world. In India, the Serum Institute of India (SII) and Bharat Biotech released the covid-19 vaccines known as ‘Covishield’ and ‘Covaxin’ respectively. In January 2021, the Health Ministry of India introduced its plan to begin a vaccination drive to vaccinate the Indian population against this disease.

However, not everyone or anyone is supposed to take the vaccine right away. In the first phase of the vaccination drive, the healthcare workers and frontline warriors against the covid-19 disease received the vaccine. Whereas, during the second phase, people above the age of 60, and those above the age of 45 with co-morbidities are being vaccinated.

Both SII and Bharat Biotech as well as the Government of India have listed the risks and side-effects associated with the covid vaccines. Read on to know who should and who should not take the covid vaccine in India.

Who can take the vaccine?

During the second phase of the vaccination drive, the Government of India has allowed the people above the age of 60 and those between 45 to 59 with co-morbidities to take the vaccine. It means that anyone falling in this age range (barring a few exceptions which we have mentioned later) can take the covid-19 vaccine in India.

Those with co-morbidities are required to submit a certificate of co-morbidity, duly signed by a registered medical practitioner, for taking the vaccine. This certificate can either be uploaded at Co-Win 2.0 by the beneficiary itself while registering for the vaccine or a hard copy can be submitted at any covid vaccination center.

Here is the full list of co-morbidities:

• Heart failure during the past year
• Post cardiac transplant or Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)
• Valvular Heart Disease
• Congenital heart disease with severe PAH
• Coronary Artery Disease with past Hypertension or diabetes
• Angina with past Hypertension or diabetes
• CT/MRI documented stroke with past hypertension or diabetes
• Diabetes or Hypertension for more than 10 years
• Kidney/Liver/Hematopoietic stem cell transplant
• End-stage kidney disease on Haemodialysis or CAPD
• Current and prolonged use of oral corticosteroids or immunosuppressant medications
• Decompensated cirrhosis
• Severe respiratory disease requiring hospitalization in past two years
• Lymphoma or Leukaemia or Myeloma
• Cancer or cancer therapy
• Sickle cell disease or Bone marrow failure or Aplastic anemia or major Thalassemia
• HIV or AIDS infection
• Persons with disabilities

Does Your Car Insurance Policy Cover Damages Due to Flood?

Monsoon has already arrived in most parts of the country. Although, lesser people are seen on roads due to the Covid-19 pandemic, those who need to take their cars out should be ready to face water-logged conditions. As per the Meteorological Department of India, various parts of the country, including Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai can witness moderate to heavy rainfall this monsoon.

So, before you take your car out of the parking lot and face the wrath of this season, it’s important for you to know about a few things. First of all, you should know how to drive if it’s raining and what to do if you witness water-logged streets. Also, you must procure a comprehensive car insurance policy (if you don’t have it already) to stay financially protected against the adverse situations.

But, do you know if a comprehensive car insurance plan cover damages caused due to water ingression or flood? Is it enough to provide you an adequate coverage during the threatening monsoon season? What should you do if your car gets submerged in water? Continue reading to find answers to all such questions.

Does your car insurance policy cover damage due to water ingression?

There can be no specific answer to this question. That’s because it largely depends upon the type of car insurance policy you have purchased for your car. In case of a standalone third party car insurance, no damages will be covered by your car insurance policy as it covers only the damages sustained by an unknown third-party and not your own car.

On the other hand, a comprehensive car insurance policy may cover the damages due to water ingression or flood, but only partially. It’s because although a standard comprehensive car insurance policy provides coverage against all types of natural disasters, including flood, inundation, storm and water ingression, any damage to the car’s engine is usually excluded.

It means that the damages to the car’s body and its parts would be covered but any damage to its engine won’t be covered by a standard car insurance policy.

During the monsoon season, instances like water ingression due to flood and waterlogging on streets, hydrostatic lock or starvation of lubricants, leakage of oils etc. are very common. These incidents can cause temporary or even permanent damage to a car’s engine and gearbox.

What’s the way out?

As mentioned above, a normal car insurance policy with own-damage cover protects car’s body and other mechanical parts but it does not cover any damage to its engine or gearbox. In such cases, the car owner may have to pay for the losses out of his/her own pocket. However, there is a way through which you can get these damages covered by your car insurance policy.

What you can do is add an Engine Protection Cover to your motor insurance policy while buying or renewing it. The engine protection cover is an add-on cover or rider that you can attach to your basic car insurance policy to enhance its coverage at a nominal addition to the premium amount.

An engine protection cover provides protection against any damage to the internal parts of an insured car’s engine and gearbox, arising due to water ingression or leakage of lubricating oils. These are usually not covered by standard comprehensive car insurance policies.

You can also supplement your policy with a zero-depreciation car insurance cover. A zero-depreciation cover negates the impact of the depreciation on the insured car’s parts. It means that even if your car is five years old, you will get full compensation for any damage to the car’s engine or body, without the depreciated amount coming into the play.

Everything About the Delta Plus Variant of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic struck in December 2019 and since then, have wreaked havoc in the entire world. Till date, approximately 19 crore cases of Covid-19 have been reported across the globe, resulting in more than 40 lakh casualties. The spread of this disease reached its pinnacle by mid-2020 but slowed down a bit in 2021.

However, just when the world thought that the end of the pandemic is near, a new covid variant named “Delta Plus” was spotted by the experts. This strain of coronavirus, which has been found in more than ten countries so far, is seen as a cause of concern among the health experts as it is believed to mutate rapidly and can transmit much more easily. Buying health insurance would be the great option in this pandemic to save your savings.

Also, the doctors believe that the new covid delta variant can cause more severe symptoms in the infected patients, as compared to other strains. Continue reading to know all the information that is there in the public domain about this covid variant so far.

What is the Delta Plus variant of COVID-19?

The new Delta Plus variant of COVID-19 has been formed due to a mutation in the delta variant of the coronavirus, which is also known as the B.1.617.2 variant. As per the experts, the cause of this mutation is the delta variant acquiring the spike protein mutation K417N to form a new variant which is scientifically called AY.1 variant.

According to the doctors, the new covid variant has almost 40-60% increased ability to transmit and can cause more serious symptoms in the infected patients. Also, the positivity rate as well as death rate can go up due to this variant.

Where was this variant first found?

The first case of the covid delta plus variant was found in Europe in March 2021. Since then, health experts around the globe along with the World Health Organization (WHO) have been keeping a close watch on the impact and transmissibility of this covid-19 variant.

England was one of the first countries where the delta plus variant began to spread. Till date, this variant of the coronavirus has been found in more than 10 countries, including India and Nepal. As per the Union Health Ministry of India, around 300 cases* of Delta Plus variant of Covid-19 has been detected in our country so far.

Apart from India, the cases of delta plus variant has also been found in the United States of America (USA), UK, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Japan, Russia, China, Nepal, and Poland.

What risks does this variant pose?

As we have already mentioned, the new Covid variant possesses 40 to 60% increased ability to transmit*. As per the WHO, “the delta plus and other circulating variants of the coronavirus pose a high risk to public health, as they have demonstrated an increased transmissibility”.

Furthermore, the Government of India as well as health officials have declared this variant of coronavirus as a “variant of concern”. Also, this variant is believed to reduce the effectiveness of monoclonal antibody treatment technique, where an antibody cocktail of Casirivimab and Imdevimab is used to treat the patients infected with the coronavirus.

As per the SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics (INSACOG), the delta plus variant of Covid-19 is a cause of concern due to the following reasons:

• Increased transmissibility
• Strong binding impact on receptors of lung cells
• Potential reduction in monoclonal antibody response

Coronavirus vaccine: What happens if you delay your second dose of vaccination?

The COVID-19 disease that gripped the world during the early months of 2020 after the rapid spread of the COVID-19 variant had detrimental effects on the people and the economy. It led to the untimely death of millions of people across the globe and adversely affected the economy of many countries. In India, the number of deaths due to COVID-19 is more than 4 lakh to date. So, it is important to be covered with a good health insurance plan which can cover COVID-19 related expenses.

However, the situation has started to improve, and the death rates are declining, after the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines by different countries around the world. In India, the Serum Institute of India (SII) and Bharat Biotech released the two COVID vaccines labelled ‘Covishield’ and ‘Covaxin’, respectively. In January 2021, the Health Ministry of India started possibly the biggest vaccination drive anywhere across the world to vaccinate the Indian population against this disease. Vaccines have shown promising results in minimising the threat of the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease. The immune response to vaccines is so reliable that the public health department has started a mass drive to provide booster shots to frontline workers. The disease control and prevention departments are confident in the booster shots' effectiveness. However, the additional shots are only available to a selected group of people and will be made available to the general public following the authorisation or approval of the government.

Gaining immunity against the coronavirus requires a person to get two full shots or doses of the COVID vaccine. The second dose of Covaxin can be taken after 28 days of the first dose, whereas for Covishield, the time between the first and second doses should be at least 84 days. However, due to multiple reasons, many Indians have missed the timeline for taking the second dose of the COVID vaccine.

In this article, we will evaluate what can happen if you delay your second dose of COVID vaccination. But first, let’s look at some possible reasons that can lead you to miss your second dose of vaccine:

1. Health concerns

Some health concerns and recent complications can prevent you from taking your second dose of the COVID vaccine on time. As per the doctors, if you’ve contracted COVID-19 during the last two-month period, or if you are experiencing COVID-like symptoms presently, you should not take the vaccine shot.

2. Pregnancy

If you get pregnant after the first shot of COVID vaccination, your second shot might get delayed. Right now, there is not much data and additional information on how COVID vaccination can impact an expecting mother and the foetus. Hence, it’s advisable to consult your Ob-Gyn physician before taking your second vaccination dose during pregnancy.

3. Unavailability of vaccine

The unavailability of vaccine doses is one of the major reasons behind many Indians missing their second dose of COVID vaccination. Although the Government of India has initiated the biggest vaccination drive in our country, India's huge population means that we can't rule out inadequate vaccine supply.

4. Lockdown

The second wave of coronavirus in India was devastating. As a result, strict lockdowns were imposed by various state governments across the country, which prevented many people from going to the vaccination centres for taking their second jabs.

What if you miss your second dose of vaccination?

It’s never advisable to miss your second dose of COVID vaccination. You must positively try to get your second shot within the window mentioned in your vaccine certificate. If you fail to take the second shot, you may remain less protected from the deadly coronavirus. And in case you get infected with the virus, the chances are that the vaccine will not be effective.

As per a statement from the Former Head of the Indian Council for Medical Research, the first dose of the COVID vaccine only does the “Priming” job. It means that it creates a booster immunity in a person’s body against COVID-19. However, complete immunity is attained only after receiving the second dose of vaccine within a stipulated period.

Also, the partial immunity achieved from the first dose can diminish over time if the second dose is not taken. The majority of people who died after receiving their first dose died due to their vaccination being incomplete. Hence, it’s very important to get the two doses of COVID vaccination within the pre-determined period.

And if, for any reason, you miss your second dose of vaccine, visit the CoWin app or portal and schedule your appointment for your second dose of vaccination as early as possible.

What Could Hike Your Two-Wheeler Insurance Premium?

The two-wheeler industry in India has grown rapidly. In the absence of public transport during the pandemic, a greater number of people are now purchasing two-wheelers. Indian roads are expected to get flooded with these vehicles in future. According to a recent  report, domestic two-wheeler sales are likely to grow by 6-8% over the next five years as the economy comes out of the covid-19 induced downturn.

As the traffic will increase, so will the number of two-wheeler accidents. Especially, given the poor condition of Indian roads and the fact that many Indians often ignore traffic laws and safety measures. More than a third (37%) of those killed in road accidents in 2019 were two-wheeler riders, noted a Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ report published in October, 2020.

Hence given the situation, motor insurance is a must-have for all two-wheeler owners. In case of an accident, the insurance policy will protect you from the financial liabilities arising from the accident. However, before you start browsing insurance policies online, you should first understand how the premium is calculated.

The following paragraphs will explain factors affecting two-wheeler insurance premium quote:

1. Type of coverage

In India there are two different types of motor insurance policies available - third party and comprehensive. Third-party insurance is mandatory by law, but it only covers damages/injuries to the third party involved in an accident. A comprehensive policy, on the other hand, covers third-party liabilities as well as own damages/injuries.

Since comprehensive two-wheeler insurance offer more coverage, their premiums are higher than third-party insurance premiums. While you can select any one of the two, you should preferably opt for a comprehensive policy for the added coverage and benefits it offers.

2. Add-on covers

Add-on covers are usually recommended for two-wheelers. There are different types of add-ons available with two-wheeler insurance plans, such as zero depreciation, roadside assistance, high-end electrical and non-electrical accessories. All of these come at an extra premium.

4. No Claim Bonus (NCB)

No Claim Bonus is a discount that is offered to you for every claim-free year.  If you are renewing your bike insurance and have not filed any claim in the past year, you are entitled to a discount on the insurance premium. In this way the insurance company rewards you for being a responsible rider.

NCB is usually 20% in the first claim-free year and can reach up to 50% in the fifth claim-free year, depending on the provisions of the policy document. If you have accumulated NCB, you can use it to reduce your two-wheeler insurance premium considerably at renewal.

5. Anti-theft devices

Anti-theft device is a security feature which reduces the chance of your two-wheeler theft. This in turn helps in reducing the risk for the insurance provider. Just like how the insurers compensate for higher risk by charging a higher premium, the lower risk is rewarded with a lower premium. So, if you do not have such security devices installed on your two-wheeler, it can hike your premiums. 

Understanding Black Fungus - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic hit India severely. The Delta variant (also call the Indian variant) of the coronavirus, which is believed to be behind the rise of second wave of COVID-19 in India, spreads much faster and can have a very drastic effect on the infected patients. As a result, the positivity rate of coronavirus as well as the mortality rate is much higher this time around. Buy health insurance policy that provides coverage against all hospitalization-related expenses, including coronavirus and black fungus treatment.

Even as India continue to struggle with the impact of COVID-19’s second wave, rising cases of black fungus infection among those recovering from the virus brought fresh concerns for the Government and citizens alike. As per the Central Government’s data, there were about 8,848 cases of black fungus infection in India on 22^nd May, 2021. And these figures were spiraling at a rapid rate.

Experts are calling this infection “A Pandemic within Covid-19 Pandemic”. As per the reports, number of people dying due to black fungus infection in India is steadily increasing. From black fungus symptoms, to causes, to its treatment, we have discussed everything you need to know about this disease in this article. Continue reading.

What is Black Fungus?

Also known as Mucormycosis, black fungus disease is a fungal infection which is presently seen in patients who are suffering from COVID-19 with co-morbidities such as HIV/AIDS, uncontrolled diabetes, and Mellitus cancer. If not controlled during its initial stages, black fungus infection can prove to be fatal for the patients.

What causes Black Fungus?

Black fungus or Mucormycosis is basically a rare fungal infection which is caused by a group of moulds or fungus known as Mucormycetes. These moulds are considered separate from plants and animals kingdom, and are found in plants, soil, water, decaying organic matter, and sometimes in animals and humans.

As per the doctors, the primary reason behind the development of fungal infection in a COVID-positive patient is prolonged exposure to moisture during oxygen therapy. Use of ordinary tap water in flow meters of oxygen cylinders are also believed to cause black fungus infection. This can also be triggered due to the use of mould-tainted oxygen pipes and humidifiers.

Who all are at risk?

As per the Ministry of Health, black fungus infection in India is mostly detected amongst people who are recovering or have recovered from the COVID-19 disease. This infection can occur anytime to a coronavirus patient i.e. either during his/her hospital stay or several days to few weeks after discharge.

People who have sinus problems or those who are on medications for lung problems are most susceptible to catch black fungus infection during the treatment of COVID-19. Besides, those who are suffering from diabetes, cancer, blood malignancies, and iron deficiency are prone to this fungal infection.

How to Get Pollution Under Control Certificate Online?

To tackle the rising air pollution in the country, the Government of India has laid down standardised rules for allowing emission levels from motor vehicles. Under this rule, all motor vehicles in India have to mandatorily undergo an emission test and if their emission levels comply with the norms, a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is awarded to them.

This is done to ensure that every vehicle is safe to run on roads, without creating much air pollution. Different classes of vehicles have different emission levels and it is compulsory for every vehicle in India to have a valid PUC certificate. Non-adherence to this rule may attract traffic fine or imprisonment or both.

In this article, we will tell you more about a PUC Certificate and you will also get to know how to get PUC certificate online as well as offline for your vehicle. Continue reading.

What is a PUC Certificate?

A PUC certificate, also known as the Pollution Under Control certificate, is a Government-issued document that is awarded to a vehicle if its emission levels are found to be within the permissible limits. As per the Central Motor Vehicles Act, a valid PUC certificate must be present with every vehicle on the road at all times.

The PUC certificate of a vehicle contains the following information:

• Vehicle’s registration number
• Serial number of the PUC certificate
• Date of the emission test
• Validity date of the PUC certificate
• Reading of the emission level of the vehicle

The PUC certificate can be obtained by a vehicle owner by paying a nominal fee which ranges between ₹ 60 to ₹ 100.

What is the validity of a PUC certificate?

For new cars and two-wheelers, the PUC certificate is provided by the dealer itself and is valid for one year from the date of registration of the car. Post that, the PUC certificate of the vehicle needs to be renewed as per the Government’s guidelines. For vehicles that are more than 5 years old, the PUC certificate comes with a validity of six months.

However, in case of adverse readings, the time frame for the validity of a PUC certificate will depend upon the recorded emission levels.

How to obtain a PUC certificate?

The PUC certificate for new vehicles are provided by the dealer and it comes with a validity of one year. Post that, you need to follow the steps mentioned to get a PUC certificate for your vehicle:

Step 1 – Find a PUC centre near you. It could be a petrol pump or a government-licensed auto emission testing centre or a private emission testing centre.

Step 2 – Get the exhaust pipe of your car or two-wheeler scanned by the testing executive at the PUC center. The emission levels of your vehicle will get recorded.

Step 3 – You will be required to pay a requisite fee to the testing executive. If the emission levels of your vehicle are within the authorised limits, you will be provided with a PUC certificate containing your vehicle’s emission readings.

7 Amazing Bike Maintenance Tips in Rainy Season

Riding a bike can be one of the most entertaining things you can do. If you’re a bike enthusiast, you are probably aware of the fun and convenience a bike can bring to you. You can not only whiz past the peak-hour traffic and reach your destination quickly but also reduce your fuel expenses significantly by opting for a bike for your daily travel. Government has made motor insurance mandatory while driving on the Indian roads.

However, with monsoon gripping the country, the chances are that rain could come in any time, and you may encounter wet and slippery roads. Riding in bike in such conditions can be extremely challenging. Buy a bike insurance as it will secure you from any financial losses occurred due to road accidents. Here are a few bike riding tips for the rainy season to make this a little easier:

1. Check the condition of your bike’s tyres

During the rainy season, the roads become wet and slippery. Hence, it’s very important for every bike rider to get a firm grip on the road and the tyres of his/her bike help him/her with that. Therefore, the tyres of your bike need to be in a very good condition before you take your vehicle out during the rainy season.

Inspect your tyres properly for wear and tear. If you think they are not in a proper condition, it’s better to replace them than taking a risk. Check for the tyre treads. It’s essential to have adequate tread depth as it helps in dispersing water and ensures a firm grip on wet roads.

2. Wrap yourself in waterproof gear

Before you begin a ride on your bike during monsoon, it’s crucial to wrap yourself in a waterproof riding gear. Get a strong pair of waterproof riding boots, raincoat or waterproof jacket, rain proof pant, a pair of gloves, and of course, a sturdy ISI-marked helmet. Make sure there is no way for the water to enter and make you wet while you’re riding your bike.

Besides offering you a comfortable ride, this will also ensure your good health. However, make sure your gear isn’t too tight. You should be able to feel comfortable in it and it should not restrict your movement while you are riding.

3. Ensure maximum visibility

Rains can hamper visibility to a large extent while you are riding your bike. Hence, you should take extra precautions during this season. Avoid using dark or tinted glasses while riding during the rainy season. Also, make sure the visor of your helmet in clear and scratch-free to ensure maximum visibility.

If your visor seems to be damaged, it’s better to replace it before the monsoon sets in. Also, keep your headlights on all the time to make sure you can clearly see the road. If you are still experiencing hampered visibility, you can take a halt and wait till the weather clears a bit.

4. Get your bike serviced

The last thing you would want is getting stuck in the middle of the road amidst rains and thunderbolts. It can be a horrifying experience. Hence, it’s prudent to get your bike serviced before the rainy season to ensure that it doesn’t break down in the middle of a journey.

Also, you must follow proper bike maintenance tips to make sure your bike is in a smooth condition. For example, change its engine oil, oil filters, and air filters. Make sure that all the tyres are properly inflated, and all the lights are working.