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Jury considers charges against man in killing of Ole Miss student popular in local LGBTQ+ communityGalveston County Child Custody Attorney Lacey Richmond of Richmond Law Firm, PLLC Offers Insight on Joint Custody in TexasThe insurance industry is projected to grow by 1.5-2.5% next year to achieve total premiums of around 291-294 billion baht, supported by economic and tourism recovery, said the Thai General Insurance Association (TGIA). In the first nine months of 2024, the non-life insurance sector recorded total premiums of 209 billion baht, edging 0.5% lower from the corresponding period of 2023. For the whole of 2024, the industry is projected to grow by 1% with premiums reaching 285-288 billion baht. This modest growth is attributed to several factors, including a sluggish economy, high household debt, structural changes within the industry, the impact of climate change and the country's transition to an aged society. TGIA president Somporn Suebthawilkul said the estimated performance for 2024 reflects ongoing economic challenges and uncertainties. However, the growth of health insurance and increased public awareness of natural disaster risks remain key drivers that underpin the future expansion of the industry. Most insurance categories showed minimal growth during the first nine months of the year compared with the same period last year. The exception was fire insurance, which grew 7.3%, with total premiums reaching 8.3 billion baht. On the other hand, motor insurance was down 1.3% with premiums of approximately 117 billion baht, driven by a 26% drop in new car sales and a decline in average premiums. Marine and transportation insurance saw premiums decrease 2.1% to 5.2 billion baht due to lower export volumes. By the end of the third quarter, the non-life insurance industry reported an overall loss ratio (LR) of 56.9% across all types, which was particularly notable in the categories of motor insurance, health insurance and all-risk insurance. By category, specific LR stood at 61.7% for motor insurance, 23.7% for fire insurance, 30% for marine insurance, 50.9% for miscellaneous insurance, 44% for all-risk insurance, 32% for legal liability, 48.8% for personal accident insurance, 65.5% for health insurance, 32.8% for travel insurance and 40.9% for other forms of insurance. "2025 represents new hope for the recovery of the non-life insurance industry, on the back of the global economic rebound, particularly in developing countries, and the adoption of digital technology or InsurTech, which helps reduce costs, improves efficiency and makes it easier to reach customers," said Mr Somporn. Moreover, there is increasing awareness of emerging risks, such as worsening natural disasters caused by climate change, the growing importance of cyber risk management for organisations at all levels and the intensifying competition within industry. These factors necessitate the continuous development of products to meet evolving customer needs, he added. Fire insurance is expected to attract greater attention next year, along with travel insurance, buoyed by positive factors such as the appreciation of the baht and government initiatives to stimulate the tourism sector. Mr Somporn noted that non-life insurance plays a vital role in helping individuals and businesses manage risks. It provides both financial protection and long-term stability by adapting to evolving circumstances and introducing new products tailored to customer needs. "Our industry's role is not merely a risk management tool but a key pillar that fosters economic stability and paves the way to a sustainable future."
( MENAFN - Live Mint) Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: The Uttar Pradesh Police would be using underwater drones for increased surveillance during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, which would be held at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Speaking to ANI, IG PAC East Zone Prayagraj, Rajeev Narain Mishra explained that an underwater drone was tested on Wednesday, which will be used by the water police and Pradeshik Armed Constabulary (PAC). “Efforts have been made to use all the new technology available to ensure the smooth conduct of this Maha Kumbh. In this sequence, an underwater drone was tested today. It will be used by the water police and PAC. This drone can identify a person or object underwater... We can deploy it anytime as needed... We are continuously making arrangements for all kinds of water surveillance,” Mishra said, reported ANI. It is believed that taking a dip in the holy waters during this auspicious time of Maha Kumbh cleanses an individual's sins and frees them from the cycle of birth and death. The Maha Kumbh Mela will commence from January 13 with the 'Paush Purnima Snan', and end on February 26, the same day as Maha Shivratri. Here are the dates for the royal baths: January 13, 2025: Paush Purnima January 14, 2025: Makar Sankranti (First Shahi Snan) January 29, 2025: Mauni Amavasya (Second Shahi Snan) February 3, 2025: Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Snan) February 12, 2025: Maghi Purnima February 26, 2025: Maha Shivratri (Final Snan) MENAFN25122024007365015876ID1109030113 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
The Chinese communist regime has replaced its political commissar for its ground forces amid a purge in the country’s defense sector that has raised questions about the military’s modernization efforts. Gen. Chen Hui has been appointed as the political commissar of the Army of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), according to a statement released by China’s defense ministry on Dec. 23. In the hierarchical structure of the PLA, an army force controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the political commissar is responsible for ensuring political loyalty among service members and overseeing personnel issue. Chen succeeds Gen. Qin Shutong, who had held this position since at least January 2022. As of the time of publication, no official explanation has been provided regarding Qin’s removal, leaving his current role and whereabouts shrouded in mystery. Qin, 61, was absent from the Dec. 23 ceremony where Chen was promoted to the rank of general, according to footage aired by China Central Television (CCTV). Defying customary practice, also missing from the event was the commander of the PLA’s ground forces, Gen. Li Qiaoming, fueling speculation among outside observers amid an ongoing anti-corruption campaign. For example, as the authorities look into corruption in a particular sector in the defense industry, it “can have the effect of slowing them down as they try to conduct thorough investigations and try to understand the depth and the extent of corruption in a particular case,” the official said. Nonetheless, Beijing is unlikely to scale back its anti-graft campaign, the officials said, as Xi has made such a drive a “hallmark of his tenure.” Ely Ratner, U.S. assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, has cautioned that the anti-corruption campaign could lead to “paralysis” within lower levels of the military who may fear attracting scrutiny.Ottawa Has Spent $6.4 Million Developing ‘Optional’ National Digital ID
Syria’s new foreign minister tells Iran not to spread chaos in Syria