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<ul class="summary-list"><li>Russia will resume public sector layoffs, affecting up to at least 40,000 workers, per Kommersant.</li><li>Layoffs were paused due to COVID-19 and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.</li></ul>Russia is expected to lay off at least 40,000 government officials next year, according to a report by the Russian <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/7296193?tg">Kommersant</a> newspaper.Russian President Vladimir Putin last month<a target="_blank" class="" href="http://publication.pravo.gov.ru/document/0001202410290050?index=1"> ordered regional branches of federal government agencies to cut staff by 10%</a> by July, per the publication.The layoffs were believed to be planned for much earlier but were put on hold for several years due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic.According to Kommersant, the cuts are designed to make the civil service more efficient and raise the salaries of existing staff.Russia's official wage statistics, published in January, showed wages in the private sector rose by 8% to 20% last year.The cuts would also allow more people to enter Russia's labor market which is experiencing a widespread shortage of workers amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.According to an estimate from the Russian Academy of Science's Institute of Economics, Russia was short a record 5 million workers at the end of 2023.Workers have been <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-raises-mobilization-age-some-reservists-can-be-called-70-2023-7">pulled into the </a>Ukraine war or <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/number-of-russians-fleeing-draft-bigger-1st-invasion-force-uk-2022-9">forced to flee</a> after Putin enacted a major mobilization to increase wartime recruitment.Russia has turned to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-making-labor-crisis-worse-sending-workers-to-war-ukraine-2023-11">migrant</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russian-economy-worker-shortage-prison-labor-ukraine-war-putin-kremlin-2023-10">prison labor</a> to supplement its workforce, but those aren't sustainable solutions to its population problem, according to a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-economy-population-decline-worker-shortage-growth-outlook-ukraine-war-2024-8">report</a> by Harley Balzer, a professor emeritus at Georgetown University.Last year, Russian Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina warned that continued <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/russias-depleted-workforce-threatening-economic-growth-says-central-bank-2023-11-09/">workforce depletion</a> would threaten Russian economic growth.However, so far, Russia's economy has <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-economy-outlook-defense-budget-spending-ukraine-war-putin-sanctions-2024-10">held up</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-economy-ukraine-war-moscow-military-spending-inflation-worker-shortage-2024-2"> partly because of its war spending</a>, which has boosted growth despite soaring <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-economy-outlook-stagflation-recession-inflation-gdp-growth-ukraine-war-2024-9">inflation</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russian-central-bank-raises-key-interest-rate-to-21-2024-10">high interest rates</a>.Inflation<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbr.ru/eng/press/keypr/"> hit 9.8%</a> in September, and potatoes, which are a staple of Russian diets, saw a<a target="_blank" href="https://rosstat.gov.ru/storage/mediabank/172_08-11-2024.html"> 64% increase in price</a> this year.Russia is expected to spend <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russias-defense-sector-on-overdrive-but-firms-warn-of-collapse-2024-11">$140 billion on its defense industry in 2024</a> and up to $145 billion in 2025, or 6.3% of its GDP.

Under strain from war, Russia plans a massive layoff in its public sector: report

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="20348245" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="zach" source="keywords">Zach</keyword> and Annie moved their family from <keyword id="19916114" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="california" source="keywords">California</keyword> to <keyword id="20109210" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="scotland" source="keywords">Scotland</keyword> for a simpler life.</li><li>The couple, who have three young kids, loved California but felt that it was too fast-paced.</li></ul>Zach, 38, and Annie, 37, packed up their lives and moved their family from the US to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tiny-home-renovation-old-abandoned-cottage-scotland-before-after-photos-2022-7">Scotland</a> earlier this year. They had been living in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/people-stunned-price-of-palo-alto-california-home-for-sale-2024-5">California</a>, where Zach — who was originally from Scotland — was working with the highway patrol. Because of his job, the couple and their three kids had to move frequently throughout the state. Although they had a chance to live in places such as Sonoma County and around <keyword id="19915272" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="silicon-valley" source="keywords">Silicon Valley</keyword>, life always felt "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reasons-i-left-silicon-valley-california-after-two-years-2023-12">extremely fast-paced</a>," Annie, who works in healthcare, told Business Insider. "Life just seemed to be work — or school for the kids — a little break and then repeat. It seemed hard to fit in a lot of quality family time or fun little adventures," Zach told BI. <div type="image" title="A man and a woman posing for a selfie." height="1600" width="1185" msid="113889827" hostid="261"></div>The couple, whose children — two sons and one daughter — are below 10, asked to be identified by only their first names to protect their privacy. They wanted to live a simpler life with their kids, away from the rat race and the pressure to constantly <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/millionaire-investing-saving-spending-financial-independence-retire-early-fire-2024-9">keep up with the Joneses.</a> Annie had always wanted to live in Scotland, and late last year — after a decade of living in California — it finally seemed like the right time for their family to seriously consider taking the plunge. <h2>Preparing for the move</h2>In a way, the move felt like it had been 10 years in the making. "Ever since I met Zach, I've wanted to live in Scotland. It's just been me slowly wearing him down and trying to get him to come back," Annie said. The timing for their move was right, in part because their kids were still young. "We knew if we were ever going to make the move, we had to move before our kids established true friend groups and got too far in their academics to where that transition would be difficult," Annie said. The couple knew they wanted to be in the East Lothian area just outside Edinburgh because it was near where Zach grew up. It was also a place that their kids were familiar with. "We made an effort pretty much every year, apart from during COVID-19, to travel back to Scotland," Zach said. Familiarity aside, their kids were also excited by the move because they'd made plenty of good memories on their past visits. <div type="image" title="A wooden front door of a cottage." height="4284" width="5712" msid="113889818" hostid="261"></div>"They love <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-i-bought-my-first-house-22-2024-3">Scotland</a> because they've been here so many times, and every time they come over they think it's magic because their grandparents spoil them and take them to all of the best places," Annie said. "So when we said that we were moving to Scotland, they were all for it for the most part." While Zach and their kids had UK passports, Annie had to apply for a spousal visa, which she said took about two months to be approved. Then came the exciting part: looking for a <keyword id="7173" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="house" source="Orion">house</keyword>. Thankfully, the process wasn't too hard, even though they were still living in California at the time. <div type="image" title="Zach and Annie moved from California to Scotland with their three young kids." height="4284" width="5712" msid="113889826" hostid="261"></div>"Annie's hobby is looking at houses all around the world, she's constantly browsing for fun," Zach said. When the listing for a cozy three-bedroom house came up, the couple jumped on the opportunity. "When it popped up, I thought it was ridiculously underpriced," Annie said. "It was actually the only house that Zach's parents went and toured for us." At Zach's parents' encouragement, the couple decided to put in an offer for the house and ended up getting it. <div type="image" title="A cabinet in the corner of a living room." height="5712" width="4284" msid="113889825" hostid="261"></div>They preferred to keep the exact amount private but said they paid about 15% more than the original asking price of about £200,000, or about $265,000. "Budget-wise, our goal was always to try to not have this huge mortgage hanging over our head. It was something we felt we had in the States, especially in California, where house prices are crazy," Zach said. <h2>Getting settled into their home</h2>Zack and Annie are part of a wave of California residents who are choosing to leave the state. Between 2021 and 2022, 817,669 people left California — making it the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/top-states-americans-are-moving-to-florida-texas-california-2023-10">US state with the most people moving out</a>. Several former residents that BI previously spoke to said rising crime rates and the high cost of living were factors in their decision to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reasons-why-californians-are-leaving-the-state">leave California</a>. <div type="image" title="The dining area and kitchen." height="4284" width="5712" msid="113889828" hostid="261"></div>Zack and Annie closed on the house in February, but only arrived in Scotland with their kids in May. Since the couple bought their house without viewing it in person, they were a little concerned that it would feel too small for their family of five. "We just moved from a pretty large four-bedroom house that's at least 2,000 square feet in the States to about 950 square feet in Scotland," Annie said. "That's a big change. But when we walked in, the rooms were all really nicely sized, and they just felt right." They spent about two months renovating the place while living with Zach's parents. It wasn't until late July that they finally moved into their new house. <div type="image" title="The dining area." height="1562" width="1179" msid="113889823" hostid="261"></div>"The kids never saw the house unfinished. The moment they stepped in the door, their room was decorated and they had their beds set up with all their toys on it," Annie said. "They walk in and they think everything's beautiful when we actually shed blood, sweat, and tears trying to make it a home, but it was definitely worth it." It's also really easy for the family to get around their neighborhood on foot. The main street of their town — where there are cafés, shops, and a grocery store — is only a 10-minute walk away, Annie said. "We have trails just outside our doorstep where the kids can go explore. There are beaches not too far away," she said, adding that there's no need for a car unless they're driving the kids to their grandparents' place. <div type="image" title="The bathroom." height="4032" width="3024" msid="113889821" hostid="261"></div>"It's a process to get every child loaded up in a car, so we wanted to reduce that as much as possible. And now we just walk to everything we do, and I feel we're healthier for it," she said. If they're ever feeling up for a small adventure, they can easily drive 20 minutes to the various small towns around them, Zach said. "Whereas in the States, if we wanted to go do something different or outside our little area, it's probably a 45-minute drive and then it becomes more of a day trip," he said. <h2>A simple life</h2>The couple says that life in Scotland is simpler — which is exactly what they were looking for. Even though they've only been here for a few months, the couple says they feel more content with life in Scotland — so much so that they even started a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.youtube.com/@SimpleScottishLiving">YouTube channel</a> documenting their adventures in the country. <div type="image" title="A man and a woman gaze lovingly at each other in front of a stone building." height="632" width="843" msid="113889829" hostid="261"></div>Although the couple enjoyed living in the US, life in Scotland reminded them of their own childhoods. "Seeing what the children could get by being over here was sort of nostalgic. It brought us back to the '90s childhood we had," Annie said. "You go out and play until the streetlights turn on, and we just felt this sense of peace and safety in Scotland." Have you recently built or renovated your dream home? If you've got a story to share, get in touch with me at <a target="_blank" href="mailto:agoh@businessinsider.com">agoh@businessinsider.com</a>. Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the converted dollar amount of the home's asking price. It was about $265,000, not $340,000.

A California family of 5 found a house in Scotland listed for under $270,000. The catch: It was half the size of their old place.

<keyword id="19895045" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Singapore" source="keywords">Singapore</keyword> is seeing a new <keyword id="21710881" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Covid-19-wave" source="keywords">COVID-19 wave</keyword> as the authorities recorded more than 25,900 cases from May 5 to 11 even as <keyword id="19962428" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Health-Minister" source="keywords">Health Minister</keyword> <keyword id="19895083" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ong-Ye-Kung" source="keywords">Ong Ye Kung</keyword> on Saturday advised the wearing of masks again. "We are at the beginning part of the wave where it is steadily rising," said Ong. "So, I would say the wave should peak in the next two to four weeks, which means between mid- and end of June," The Straits Times newspaper quoted the minister as saying. The Ministry of Health (MOH) said the estimated number of COVID-19 cases in the week of May 5 to 11 rose to 25,900 cases, compared with 13,700 cases in the previous week. The average daily COVID-19 hospitalisations rose to about 250 from 181 the week before. The average daily intensive care unit (ICU) cases remained low at three cases, compared with two cases in the previous week. The MOH said that to protect hospital bed capacity, public hospitals have been asked to reduce their non-urgent elective surgery cases and move suitable patients to transitional care facilities or back home through Mobile Inpatient Care@Home, an alternative inpatient care delivery model that offers clinically suitable patients the option of being hospitalised in their own homes instead of a hospital ward. Ong urged those who are at greatest risk of severe disease, including individuals aged 60 years and above, medically vulnerable individuals and residents of aged care facilities, to receive an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if they have not done so in the last 12 months. Ong said that if the number of COVID-19 cases doubles one time, Singapore will have 500 patients in its healthcare system, which is what Singapore can handle. However, if the number of cases doubles a second time, there will be 1,000 patients, and "that will be a considerable burden on the hospital system", he pointed out. "One thousand beds is equivalent to one regional hospital," Ong said. "So, I think the healthcare system has to brace ourselves for what is to come." There are no plans for any form of social restrictions or any other mandatory kind of measures for now, as COVID-19 is treated as an endemic disease in Singapore, he said, adding that imposing additional measures would be a last resort. Ong said that with Singapore being a transport and communications hub, it will be one of the cities to get a wave of COVID-19 earlier than others. "So, COVID-19 is just something that we have to live with. Every year, we should expect one or two waves," he said. Globally, the predominant COVID-19 variants are still JN.1 and its sub-lineages, including KP.1 and KP.2. Currently, KP.1 and KP.2 account for over two-thirds of cases in Singapore. As of May 3, the World Health Organisation has classified KP.2 as a variant under monitoring. There are currently no indications, globally or locally, that KP.1 and KP.2 are more transmissible or cause more severe disease than other circulating variants, the MOH said. However, members of the public are urged to stay updated with vaccinations to protect themselves against current and emerging virus strains. The MOH said that to date, about 80 per cent of the local population have completed their initial or additional dose, but have not received a dose within the last year. The ministry added that since COVID-19 vaccination started in 2020 to 2021, the vaccines have consistently been proven to be safe and effective in protecting individuals from severe illness. Billions of doses have been administered globally, and safety monitoring internationally has shown that the vaccine is safe, it said. There have also been no long-term safety concerns with COVID-19 vaccination, and adverse effects from vaccines, including the mRNA vaccines, have all been observed to occur shortly after vaccination, the ministry added. 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Singapore seeing new COVID-19 wave, minister advises wearing of masks

As many as 290 cases of <keyword id="21545939" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="KP-2" source="keywords">KP.2</keyword> and 34 cases of <keyword id="21748081" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="KP-1" source="keywords">KP.1</keyword>, both sub-lineages of COVID-19 that are responsible for surge in cases in Singapore, have been found in India, according to official data. However, a source in the Union health ministry told PTI that they are all sub variants of <keyword id="20115417" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="JN1" source="keywords">JN1</keyword> and there is no associated increase in hospitalisation and severe cases. "So there is no reason for concern or panic. The mutations will keep happening at a rapid pace and this is the natural behaviour of viruses like SARS-CoV2," the source said. The source further said that the INSACOG surveillance is sensitive and is able to pick up the emergence of any new variant and samples are also picked from hospitals in a structured manner to detect any change in the severity of disease due to virus. Data compiled by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) showed that 34 cases of KP.1 have been found across seven states and UTs with 23 cases registered from West Bengal. The other states are Goa (1), Gujarat (2), Haryana (1), Maharashtra (4) Rajasthan (2) and Uttarakhand (1). As many as 290 cases of KP.2 have been registered with Maharashtra reporting the highest number at 148, according to the data. The other states and Union territories are Delhi (1), Goa (12), Gujarat (23), Haryana (3), Karnataka (4), Madhya Pradesh (1), Odisha (17), Rajasthan (21), Uttar Pradesh (8), Uttarakhand (16) and West Bengal (36). Singapore is seeing a new COVID-19 wave as the authorities recorded more than 25,900 cases from May 5 to 11 with KP.1 and KP.2 accounting for over two-thirds of cases in Singapore. Globally, the predominant COVID-19 variants are still JN.1 and its sub-lineages, including KP.1 and KP.2. KP.1 and KP.2 belong to a group of COVID-19 variants scientists have nicknamed 'FLiRT', after the technical names of their mutations. The strains in FLiRT are all descendants of the JN.1 variant, an offshoot of the Omicron variant. KP.2 was classified by the World Health Organization as a Variant Under Monitoring.

290 cases of COVID-19 variant KP.2, 34 cases of KP.1 detected in India: INSACOG data

The pharmaceutical giant <keyword id="19910149" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AstraZeneca" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="AstraZeneca" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="AstraZeneca">AstraZeneca</keyword>'s <keyword id="20040659" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="COVID-19-vaccine" source="keywords">COVID-19 vaccine</keyword> is being withdrawn worldwide after the company acknowledged for the first time in court documents that it can cause a rare and dangerous side effect, according to a report in the British Newspaper 'The Telegraph'. AstraZeneca has announced that the <keyword id="19959412" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vaccine" source="keywords">vaccine</keyword> was being removed from markets for commercial reasons. It further said that the vaccine was no longer being made or supplied, having been superseded by updated vaccines that fight new variants. The application to withdraw the vaccine was made on March 5 and came into effect on May 7. The vaccine can be no longer used in the European Union following the company's decision to withdraw its "marketing authorisation." Similar applications will be submitted in the UK and other nations in the coming months that have given a go-ahead to the vaccine, known as Vaxzevria. In recent months, Vaxzevria has come under scrutiny over a very rare side effect, which causes blood clots and low blood platelet counts. In court documents, AstraZeneca in the High Court in February admitted that the vaccine "can, in very rare cases, cause <keyword id="20218859" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="TTS" source="keywords">TTS</keyword>". TTS which stands for <keyword id="21475609" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Thrombosis-with-Thrombocytopenia-Syndrome" source="keywords">Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome</keyword> has been associated with at least 81 deaths in the UK and hundreds of serious injuries. More than 50 alleged victims and grieving relatives have filed a lawsuit against AstraZeneca in a High Court case. AstraZeneca has insisted that the decision to withdraw the vaccine is not related to the case or admission that it can cause TTS and termed the timing a pure coincidence, according to The Telegraph report. "We are incredibly proud of the role Vaxzevria played in ending the global pandemic. According to independent estimates, over 6.5 million lives were saved in the first year of use alone and over three billion doses were supplied globally. Our efforts have been recognised by governments around the world and are widely regarded as being a critical component of ending the global pandemic," The Telegraph quoted AstraZeneca as saying. In a statement, the pharmaceutical giant said, "As multiple, variant Covid-19 vaccines have since been developed, there is a surplus of available updated vaccines", adding that it has led to a decline in demand for Vaxzevria, which is no longer being manufactured or supplied, The Telegraph reported. It further announced its decision to initiate the withdrawal of the marketing authorisations for Vaxzevria within Europe. The company said, "We will now work with regulators and our partners to align on a clear path forward to conclude this chapter and significant contribution to the Covid-19 pandemic." Last week, AstraZeneca reiterated its commitment to patient safety while emphasising the vaccine's overall safety profile. An AstraZeneca spokesperson had stated, "Our sympathy goes out to anyone who has lost loved ones or reported health problems. Patient safety is our highest priority, and regulatory authorities have clear and stringent standards to ensure the safe use of all medicines, including vaccines." This comes in the wake of a recent admission by AstraZeneca, the pharmaceutical company, that its <keyword id="19896627" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="covid" source="keywords">Covid</keyword> vaccine Covishield and Vaxzevria "can, in very rare cases, cause Thrombosis Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS)." Despite these rare occurrences, the pharmaceutical company maintained that extensive clinical trial data and real-world evidence consistently support the vaccine's safety and efficacy. Regulatory agencies worldwide continue to assert that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks of such extremely rare side effects. 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AstraZeneca withdraws COVID-19 vaccine worldwide, cites commercial reasons

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Forget friendship bracelets — some Swifties are calling Covid-19 their new concert souvenirs.</li><li>Some fans who got COVID-10 after attending her Eras Tour are calling it a "gift" from "Mother."</li></ul>It's been years since the pandemic times of COVID-19 lockdowns and the era of mandated masking. But while the virus is still circulating, some Swifties have become wildly optimistic about what it means to catch an infection at one of their idol's concerts. So much so that some Swifties on social media are playfully dubbing the COVID-19 infection they think they got from her concerts a "souvenir" and a "gift" from "Mother."A post on X from a Spanish Taylor Swift fan account asked followers: "Did you go to <a target="_blank" class="css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1loqt21" href="https://x.com/hashtag/MadridTStheErasTour?src=hashtag_click">#MadridTStheErasTour</a> and take COVID, a virus, or a cold with you as a souvenir? I open a survey."Of the nearly 10,800 votes, 35% voted yes. People in the poll's comments section described their symptoms and showed their positive COVID-19 tests — but also raved about how they thought it was worth it. The poll has been viewed nearly 144,000 times at press time.One X user <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/RaquellvsRhett/status/1797947023641247766">commented</a>: "Going to Taylor's concert has meant losing my voice, losing my mental health and, well, my health in general, I'm more dead than alive (but I would go to the concert a thousand more times)."Earlier in February, an Australian concertgoer posted a TikTok of herself dressed up in her concert outfit and glam makeup. The video then cut straight to her holding up a positive COVID-19 test kit in bed. She captioned the post: "The Eras Tour souvenir no ones talking about. if youre heading to the sydney shows this weekend, wash your hands regularly!"However, other X users have voiced their disbelief at Swifties calling the virus a souvenir.One X user <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/pot8um/status/1799513266265166174?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1799513266265166174%7Ctwgr%5E823e04af52763fad2f3a84db8d34b05f9516778a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmuse.insider.com%2Fstory%2F666a622b074e87bb00f6cf0e">wrote:</a> "Taylor Swift's concert attendees are calling their Covid infections 'souvenirs' and 'gifts' from 'Mother,' and I'm supposed to NOT wanna launch myself into the sun???"Concerts have gained notoriety as COVID-19 superspreader events. In 2021, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsweek.com/over-2200-people-catch-covid-after-spain-music-festivals-catalonia-1616207">over 2,200 people caught the virus</a> after going to music festivals in northeast Spain.And while the virus is treated more like the common flu now, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/august-flu-vs-covid-infection-rate-2023-8">COVID-19 is still circulating</a> — and people are getting infected across the US.Virus-spreading or not, Swift's Eras Tour has been widely successful, propelling the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tortured-poets-department-taylor-swift-new-album-earnings-eras-tour-2024-4">singer-songwriter to billionaire status</a>. Swift is now in the UK for her next leg of the tour. Swift's representative didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

The COVID-19 infection you caught at a Taylor Swift concert is not a gift from 'Mother'

Leading a team from the confines of individual bedrooms undoubtedly induced anxiety for <keyword id="20154171" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="managers" source="keywords">managers</keyword> during the COVID-19 <keyword id="91743" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lockdown" source="Orion">lockdown</keyword>. However, there was quick relief in how promptly employees adapted to this new paradigm. While numerous companies have embraced the <keyword id="20626231" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="work-from-home" source="keywords">work-from-home</keyword> norm, some of these employers have finally begun to call people back to their offices. In March, <keyword id="19969515" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Dell" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Dell" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Dell">Dell</keyword> also decided it was time to notify their employees to return to the office, a move whose execution would thrust them into stark controversy. According to a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/dell-workers-can-stay-remote-but-theyre-not-going-to-get-promoted/articleshow/108564894.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Business Insider report</a>, the multinational tech company allegedly sent corporate memos to all employees, explaining that while they could continue to work under hybrid or remote arrangements, only the former would relish the luxury of promotions or favourable role changes within the company. While this discriminatory announcement might seem outright blatant, it turns out that similar ladder-climbing challenges may already be at play, afflicting unknowing remote workers. To assess the relatively uncharted territory of <keyword id="20665553" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="remote-work" source="keywords">remote work</keyword> dynamics, a team of researchers surveyed nearly a thousand UK managers from diverse industries. They were presented with profiles of three completely made-up employees: a fully on-site worker, a hybrid employee working two days from home and three days from the office, and a full-time remote worker working all five days from home. The managers were asked a bunch of career-related questions, such as which hypothetical employee seemed the most competent, who they deemed most fit for promotions and salary hikes, and so on. What they uncovered was nothing short of revelatory: remote workers faced a daunting uphill battle in their quest for <keyword id="3187" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="promotion" source="Orion">promotion</keyword>s and pay raises. Despite contributing the same amount of work, there was an 11% less chance that remote employees would receive a promotion compared to fully on-site workers. Further, they were 9% less likely to receive a pay raise as well. Even the hybrid staff were not immune to the harsh realities of remote work, with the study finding that these managers were, on average, 7% less likely to promote the group compared to the on-site employees. Completing the cherry on top of the discriminatory corporate cake were the gender disparities that surfaced. The researchers found male fully remote workers bore the brunt of the burden, facing a staggering 15% decrease in promotion likelihood and a 10% drop in pay raise prospects compared to the fully on-siters. In comparison, the equivalent figures for women stood at 7% and 8%, respectively. Fortunately, this corporate discrimination was distinctly less pronounced in more supportive organisations. The study found that managers from more demanding offices were a third less likely to promote men who worked entirely from home, compared to full-time office-goers, further highlighting the importance of finding a good boss. "In more supportive organisations, where there is less pressure and long working days and where family-friendly policies exist, we don't find such negative consequences of remote work," explained study author Agnieszka Kasperska. As we navigate the ever-evolving terrain of remote work, it's imperative to heed the lessons learned from this groundbreaking research. By fostering inclusive cultures, implementing supportive policies, and challenging ingrained biases, we can pave the way for a future where remote workers share equal opportunity for growth and advancement. The preliminary findings of this research can be accessed <a href="https://www.wne.uw.edu.pl/application/files/1516/9936/7639/WNE_WP435.pdf" data-type="tilCustomLink">here</a>.

Managers more likely to promote workers who regularly come to office compared to remote employees: study

Amidst the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining a robust immune system is crucial. <keyword id="19940507" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lemon-ginger-kadha" source="Orion">Lemon Ginger Kadha</keyword>, a traditional herbal concoction, has gained attention for its potential immune-boosting properties in the fight against the virus. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Lemon Ginger Kadha: A Natural Immune Booster:" comment="subhead" text="Lemon Ginger Kadha: A Natural Immune Booster:"><keyword id="13463271" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lemon-ginger" source="Orion">Lemon Ginger</keyword> Kadha: A Natural Immune Booster:</cmsannotation> Lemon Ginger Kadha, a blend of ginger, lemon, and various spices, has been used for generations in traditional medicine for its health benefits. Here’s why it's gaining traction as a potent immunity booster against COVID-19: 1. Rich in Vitamin C: Lemon, a primary ingredient, is rich in Vitamin C, known for its immune-boosting properties. It helps strengthen the body's defense mechanism against infections, including the coronavirus. 2. Anti-inflammatory Ginger: Ginger contains bioactive compounds with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It may help reduce inflammation and support overall immune function. 3. Antioxidant Properties: Both lemon and ginger are loaded with antioxidants that combat free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of infections and supporting a healthier immune response. 4. Respiratory Benefits: Ginger has been traditionally used to alleviate respiratory issues, making Lemon Ginger Kadha potentially beneficial for easing symptoms associated with respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="How to Prepare Lemon Ginger Kadha:" comment="subhead" text="How to Prepare Lemon Ginger Kadha:">How to Prepare Lemon Ginger Kadha:</cmsannotation> Creating this immunity-boosting concoction is simple: Ingredients: Freshly grated ginger Freshly squeezed lemon juice Water Optional: honey, tulsi (holy basil), cinnamon, or other spices for added benefits and flavor Method: Boil water and add grated ginger. Let it simmer for a few minutes. Add lemon juice and any optional ingredients. Strain and sip the warm Lemon Ginger Kadha. Consuming Lemon Ginger Kadha: It's advisable to consume this concoction on an empty stomach in the morning or at bedtime for maximum benefits. Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste and preferences while keeping the essence of ginger and lemon intact. While Lemon Ginger Kadha is considered a natural immunity booster, it's essential to remember that it isn't a cure or preventive measure against COVID-19. It can, however, complement a healthy lifestyle and potentially strengthen the body's defenses against infections. Incorporating Lemon Ginger Kadha into your daily routine can be a delightful and potentially beneficial addition to support your immune system amid the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. As always, consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and treatment.

Lemon ginger kadha: A potent immunity booster in the fight against COVID-19

The <keyword id="8858345" type="General" weightage="60" keywordseo="sars-cov-2" source="Orion">SARS-CoV-2</keyword> virus is found in the lungs of certain individuals for up to 18 months after the infection, according to a study. One to two weeks after contracting COVID, the SARS-CoV-2 virus generally becomes undetectable in the upper respiratory tract. A team from the Institut Pasteur in collaboration with a French public research institute, the Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), conducted the study on lung cells in an animal model. The results, published in the journal Nature Immunology, show not only that SARS-CoV-2 is found in the lungs of certain individuals for up to 18 months after infection, but also that its persistence appears to be linked to a failure of innate immunity, the first line of defense against pathogens. Some viruses persist in the body in a discreet and undetectable manner after causing an infection. They remain in what are known as 'viral reservoirs', the researchers said. This is the case for HIV, which remains latent in certain immune cells and can reactivate at any time. It could also be the case for the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes <keyword id="8763838" type="General" weightage="90" keywordseo="covid-19" source="Orion">COVID-19</keyword>, they said. "We observed that inflammation persisted for long periods in primates that had been infected by SARS-CoV-2. We therefore suspected that it could be due to the presence of the virus in the body," said Michaela Muller-Trutwin, Head of the Institut Pasteur's HIV, Inflammation and Persistence Unit. The study analysed biological samples from animal models that had been infected by the virus. Initial results from the study indicate that viruses were found in the lungs of some individuals six to 18 months after infection, even though the virus was undetectable in the upper respiratory tract or blood. The researchers also found that the amount of persistent virus in the lungs was lower for the Omicron strain than for the original SARS-CoV-2 strain. "We were really surprised to find viruses in certain immune cells - alveolar macrophages - after such a long period and when regular PCR tests were negative," said Nicolas Huot, first author of the study and researcher in the Institut Pasteur's HIV, Inflammation and Persistence Unit. "What's more, we cultured these viruses and were able to observe, using the tools we developed to study HIV, that they were still capable of replicating," Huot said. To understand the role of innate immunity in controlling these viral reservoirs, the scientists then turned their attention to NK (natural killer) cells. "The cellular response of innate immunity, which is the body's first line of defense, has been little studied in SARS-CoV-2 infections until now," said Muller-Trutwin. "Yet it has long been known that NK cells play an important role in controlling viral infections," the researcher said. The study shows that in some animals, macrophages infected with SARS-CoV-2 become resistant to destruction by NK cells, while in others, NK cells are able to adapt to infection (known as adaptive NK cells) and destroy resistant cells, in this case macrophages. The study sheds light on a mechanism that may explain the presence of viral reservoirs. While individuals with little or no long-term virus had adaptive NK cell production, individuals with higher levels of virus had not only an absence of adaptive NK cells, but also a reduction in NK cell activity, the researchers added.

Covid virus can persist in lungs for up to two years: Study

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Tanushree Srivastava moved to Nottingham, England, in 2021 to pursue her master's degree. </li><li>Srivastava was surprised by how much she enjoyed living in the smaller, student city.</li></ul>I moved to Nottingham in 2021 from India to pursue my master's degree at Nottingham Trent University. I'd dreamed of studying in London and didn't expect much from the smaller English city.I thought Nottingham would just be one stop on my career journey, but it became my home away from home.<div type="image" title="City center in Nottingham, England." height="2268" width="3024" msid="111607675" hostid="261"></div><h2 id="312bf8f5-e7c1-4837-90a6-671c2e12ebcc">Beginning life in the UK</h2>I arrived in the UK for the first time in 2021 as an international student. England felt so different from home. The weather in September was chilly, and lush green parks were everywhere around my accommodation.I had pre-booked a studio apartment in Nottingham city center with my friend, another international student at Nottingham Trent University.This studio was part of private student accommodation located in the city center and was cheaper and more spacious than the university's offering. We viewed and booked the accommodation remotely through an online student rental agency.Our shared studio cost around £197 a week, about $1,000 a month, including bills. My friend and I split the expenses, so it was a good deal.When I successfully moved all my stuff to my studio, we had to quarantine according to the UK's COVID-19 protocols.<div type="image" title="Garden in Nottingham" height="4032" width="3024" msid="111607682" hostid="261"></div><h2 id="c3411ff2-c1e1-4686-8ae8-f7dd5fa2efb6">Differences living in Nottingham compared to India</h2>My first visit outside my accommodation was to a grocery store. I was shocked by the prices as I mentally converted them into my home country's currency. Everything was very expensive.I bought an ice cream for £6 or 600 rupees, the most expensive I'd ever purchased.I didn't experience a cultural shock when I moved to the UK, as I have always watched movies and documentaries about life abroad. But I loved absorbing the new experiences.Back in my home country, I was affected by the extra-busy lifestyle of a metropolitan city, including the crowds, pollution, and other factors. I always craved fresh air and open spaces.Nottingham is a bustling city, but there is always easy access to green spaces.There are many parks and gardens and a path near the River Trent. Even universities like Nottingham Trent and the University of Nottingham have huge gardens and greenery for students.<div type="image" title="Fish and chips by the Tent River in Nottingham, England." height="4032" width="3024" msid="111607686" hostid="261"></div>I'm a big foodie and struggled to find good Indian food options, as the dishes and cuisines were very different from what I was accustomed to. After days of exploration and research, I found some amazing spots for my favorite Indian dishes.Another difference I noticed was how multicultural Nottingham was. During orientation, I met so many people from countries all over. Everything from their language to their food preferences varied.<h2 id="28cf2bc0-2380-49a3-a03e-5231b6da9889">Nottingham is charmingly historic and artsy</h2>Despite arriving in the city during the COVID and staying in quarantine for the first 10 days, I quickly found myself enchanted by the city's charm.On my first stroll around the "Old Market Square," or the city center, I bought some clothes from White Rose, a vintage chain people in Nottingham love. Then, I had a coffee break at Cafe Nero and further explored the Lace Market, one of Nottingham's oldest areas, and its history.<div type="image" title="Lace Market in Nottingham, England." height="4032" width="3024" msid="111607683" hostid="261"></div>Walking around the city and visiting various artsy shops, thrift stores, and exhibitions became my favorite activity.One of the best parts of living in Nottingham was the commitment to its status as a "student city." Museums, cafés, shops, and markets often had student discounts. On arrival as a university student, you're introduced to many apps and offers by student ambassadors or advertisements posted around. I loved the apps Unidays and Student Beans. They had discounts on almost everything.The city has a youthful energy. There was a big venue called Rock City for clubbing and the Nottingham Bowl for bowling and arcade games, which were £4 per game for students on Thursdays.<div type="image" title="Coffee in Cafe Nero" height="4032" width="3024" msid="111607689" hostid="261"></div><h2 id="37647580-6079-41ce-aef1-7cedba6cef5e">Moving to London</h2>As much as I adored Nottingham, I eventually faced a harsh reality: its limited job market.As a student in Nottingham, I gained many life experiences, including buying groceries, managing my budget, and making new friends. But while the city provided ample opportunities for personal growth and exploration, it couldn't compete with London's career prospects.I started a part time job as a warehouse operative at a luxury brand while I was a student and took a few internships to enhance my résumé.After graduating in September 2022, I applied for a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa">post-study work visa</a>, which allows international students to work or apply for jobs for two more years after finishing their courses.I applied for the graduate visa in December 2022, which cost me around £2,000. This extension allowed me to work toward my dream of settling in the UK.Finding a full-time job in the creative industry in Nottingham was hard. My income from part-time roles was insufficient and didn't help me pursue my career goals in writing and editing.The decision to move to London was tough as I had no definite job position lined up, but I felt there were no more opportunities to pursue in Nottingham. Even though my cost of living doubled, moving to London was worth a chance.The risk paid off and I landed a journalism internship based in London.<div type="image" title="A woman of Indian descent stands in front of an old building in Nottingham, England." height="4032" width="3024" msid="111607677" hostid="261"></div><h2 id="342c8349-9f98-4335-a697-d5198597c051">Nottingham will always be special to me</h2>My time in Nottingham was transformative. I will always love the city and consider it home. I still love visiting my friends back there and cherish a weekend's worth of bowling and great food.

Moving to a smaller city in the UK vs London: why it was the right decision for me

<ul><li>India has detected its first six cases of the new COVID-19 strain, with three in <keyword id="6354321" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bengaluru">Bengaluru</keyword>, two in <keyword id="6354552" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="hyderabad">Hyderabad</keyword> and one in <keyword id="2094" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pune">Pune</keyword>.</li><li>All the individuals, and their close contacts, have been placed under quarantine by the respective states.</li><li>In addition to India and the UK, the new strain has also been reported in 13 other countries around the world. </li></ul>India has detected its first six cases of the new COVID-19 strain in people who have returned to the country from the UK. According to the British government, the new strain is 70% more contagious than its predecessor. The results come after the Indian Health Ministry issued a detailed action plan for the Genomic Surveillance Consortium to scan for the new variant of the virus in UK returnees who tested positive for COVID-19. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="79991161" title="India screening for mutant COVID-19 strain by genome sequencing UK returnees who test positive for virus" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> Genome sequencing results: <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; width: 468pt; table-layout: fixed;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Location </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Cases </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">NIMHANS, Bengaluru (Karnataka) </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">3 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">CCMB, Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh) </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">2 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">NIV, Pune (Maharashtra) </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">1 </td></tr></tbody></table> The affected individuals have been kept in ‘single room isolation’ by the respective states where they have tested positive. All of their close contacts have also been placed under quarantine. “Comprehensive contact tracing has been initiated for co-travellers, family contacts and others. Genome sequencing on other specimens is going on,” said the India SAR-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) Labs in a statement. Before India suspended flights from the UK to India, the government estimates that around 33,000 passengers entered India between November 25 to December 23. So far, only 114 people have tested positive for COVID-19. In addition to India, the new strain has also been reported in Denmark, Netherlands, Australia, Italy, Sweden, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Japan, Lebanon and Singapore so far. In the UK, there has been a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases in South East England, leading to enhanced epidemiological and virological investigations. Analysis of viral genome sequence data identified that a large proportion of cases belonged to a new single phylogenetic cluster. (With IANS inputs) SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/three-anil-ambani-companies-accused-of-fraud-ten-times-more-than-vijay-mallya/articleshow/80002892.cms">Three Anil Ambani companies have reportedly been accused of fraud by banks⁠ — the amount at stake is nearly ten times more than what Mallya owed</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/jack-ma-ant-group-asked-to-overhaul-its-business-model-by-china-central-bank/articleshow/79987683.cms">China's central bank wants Jack Ma's Ant Group to overhaul its business model</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/top-10-most-expensive-natural-disasters-of-2020-in-the-world/slidelist/79986294.cms">Cyclone Amphan was the most expensive cyclone of 2020 and the fourth most expensive natural disaster overall</a>

You Searched For "uk strain covid 19" and got 11 results

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