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Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
‘On-time' trend hides hazards: Delivery agents struggle to get insurance claims for accidents on the job
1 2 Pune: The rising trend of quick commerce and food order apps assuring time-bound deliveries has led to many agents facing riding accidents and injuries in recent times. Delivery agents also highlighted that such mishaps are followed by several challenges in collecting insurance claims — they often end up with little to no compensation in the absence of formalised or regulated documentation and support across the industry. Keshav Kshirsagar, president of the Indian Gig Workers Front, told TOI, "There are hardly any cases where delivery executives are able to get insurance claims fulfilled. There is no real protection for gig workers. Companies just show insurance documentation as there is a govt requirement for it. Many executives have faced challenges making claims." You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune There is some confusion prevalent among gig workers as to what qualifies for claims under company insurance policies. "I was told that health and medical-related claims are covered by the company, but any accident-related claims are not covered as we ride our own personal two-wheelers for work," said Raju Atole, a quick commerce delivery agent. Mukesh Singh, a food delivery agent, said, "I met with an accident a few months ago while on the job and my bike got damaged. However, I was unable to make an insurance claim as some paperwork was insufficient from both my side and the company's side. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo I had to spend my own money to get it repaired." Pratyush Ranjan, executive vice president of employee benefits at Howden Insurance, said that the sharp rise in the total number of gig workers has led to an increase in of claims over the past year. For gig workers in e-commerce and quick-commerce sectors, this increase in claims is complemented by rising accident risks due to heavier traffic, poor road conditions, worsening weather, and growing competition among employers and platforms. "The claims process is often challenging for workers due to low literacy levels and incomplete or missing paperwork. In some cases, platforms/companies have erased workers' employment histories, making it impossible for them to file claims. Many partners turn to unions for help in accessing insurance benefits. However, in a sector where workers are not organised collectively, making claims becomes even more difficult," he said. Now, to provide additional support to riders, some insurance providers have also started offering specialised products that include coverage for risks associated with using two-wheelers for goods or food delivery, such as accident benefits specifically for fractures suffered during accidents at work. Varsha Gujarathi, chief customer officer at Universal Sompo General Insurance, told TOI, "In India, two-wheelers currently do not have a designated registration category for goods carriage. As a result, many delivery partners working with platforms in food and quick delivery are using privately registered vehicles for commercial delivery purposes. Overall, the sector is witnessing a gradual shift towards more formalised insurance products and regulatory frameworks, aiming to balance the needs of delivery partners, platforms, and public safety. " For the benefit of delivery executives, insurers like Bajaj Allianz have started offering food delivery platforms in India a broader range of insurance covers for their delivery agents. "Two increasingly popular benefits are recovery relief and hospital daily allowance. Recovery relief offers a lump-sum payout to help agents manage expenses during extended recovery periods, while hospital daily allowance provides a fixed amount for each day of hospitalisation to cover incidental costs," said Bhaskar Nerurkar, head of the health administration team at Bajaj Allianz General Insurance. Elsewhere, some delivery companies have implemented internal policies to prioritise safety over speed and avoid penalising riders for late deliveries, which may help mitigate risky behaviour. However, when TOI reached out to some food delivery and quick commerce platforms, they were unavailable for comment at the time of going to print.
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Prahar Sanstha Helps Students Send 3 Lakh Rakhis To Jawans In Ladakh
1 2 3 4 Nagpur: For soldiers stationed in the harsh, isolated terrains of Ladakh, festivals often come and go without celebration. This Raksha Bandhan, however, schoolchildren from Nagpur have ensured that love reaches the borders. Over 3 lakh rakhis and greeting cards — handmade by students — are being sent to Indian Army soldiers as part of the 'Rakhis for Soldiers' programme organised by Prahar Samaj Jagruti Sanstha at Chitnavis Centre on Saturday. Each rakhi carries a message of gratitude and warmth for jawans who guard the nation's borders far from their families. Most soldiers cannot take leave during festivals, and many celebrate occasions like Raksha Bandhan with just a brief phone call to their loved ones. Through this initiative, students are bridging that emotional gap. "Soldiers serve the nation selflessly, even when their own families wait for them at home. These rakhis will remind them that they are not alone — the entire country stands with them," said Col Loveleena, Wing Commander, Army Postal Service Centre, Kamptee, who was the chief guest at the event. Flt Lt Shiwalee Deshpande, secretary of Prahar Samaj Jagruti Sanstha, who presided over the event, said, "Last year we sent 2.5 lakh rakhis, and this year it's 3 lakh. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo We hope to reach 5 lakh next year. Each rakhi carries the emotions of a sister." Students from various schools across Nagpur joined hands with NGOs, social organisations, and volunteers to make colourful rakhis and write personal notes for the soldiers, thanking them for their bravery and sacrifice. Some children wrote messages like "Come back home safe, brother", while others expressed how much they value the Army's role in protecting the nation. The rakhis and letters will be packed carefully and sent to the Army Postal Service, ensuring they reach the jawans in Ladakh in time for Raksha Bandhan.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
IPS officer's suspension: Counsel flags contradictions in Karnataka government stand on Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede
Bengaluru: The suspension of IPS officer Vikash Kumar Vikash following the June 4 stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium came under fresh scrutiny Friday, with his counsel arguingthe state govt's position in court contradicts its own actions. Senior advocate Dhyan Chinnappa, appearing for Vikash, told a division bench that while the govt has maintained it implemented all necessary security measures, the suspension of police officers appears to be a "knee-jerk reaction." He questioned the govt's claim that police officials acted as subordinates of franchisees. "It is difficult to accept such a statement from the state govt," Chinnappa submitted. The counsel also cited the govt's reference to an intelligence report received by the chief minister, but pointed out that the officer who prepared the report was transferred, diminishing the document's relevance in subsequent records. Chinnappa added the chief minister approved the suspension file without mentioning the intelligence input. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru "Accountability cannot be arbitrarily assigned. Govt regulations require that suspension decisions must be backed by evidence and satisfy criteria of necessity or desirability. In this case, the order only refers to a magisterial inquiry, not an officer-specific investigation or departmental proceedings," he argued. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You To Read in 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo He also noted that RCB's COO had contacted the police commissioner before the event. Though there was no written response, discussions between DCPs took place regarding security arrangements from airport to the stadium. Chinnappa submitted that a status report indicated complete implementation of security measures, and pointed out that the police had been managing crowd celebrations since the previous night. On the dereliction of duty allegations, Chinnappa said the action against Vikash seemed reactive rather than evidence-based. He argued that the case reflected a distinction between an officer's absence and incidents happening despite their presence. Meanwhile, a division bench led by Justice SG Pandit adjourned the proceedings to Monday. The matter relates to the July 1 order of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), which nullified Vikash Kumar Vikash's suspension and suggested similar relief for four other suspended police officers. The CAT had also observed that social media posts by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) potentially contributed to the crowd surge outside Chinnaswamy Stadium, where a stampede left 11 people dead. The state govt and RCB are contesting the tribunal's order.
Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
AI 171 crash: AAIB slams 'irresponsible conclusions' after US media claims says Captain 'turned off fuel switches'
NEW DELHI: Following constant media reports in the west on Air India AI 171 crash that squarely point the blame on the captain of the doomed aircraft based on information from US authorities, India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Thursday called out this 'irresponsible' drawing of 'conclusions through selective and unverified reporting. ' The bureau issued this statement after The WSJ in its latest report on the issue said, '…captain turned off switches that controlled fuel flowing to the plane's two engines' accidentally or deliberately, citing people familiar with US officials' early assessment of evidence uncovered in the crash investigation. 'The first officer who was flying the Boeing 787 Dreamliner asked the more-experienced captain why he moved the switches to the 'cutoff' position after it climbed off the runway, these people said. The first officer expressed surprise and then panicked, these people said, while the captain seemed to remain calm,' the WSJ report adds. TOI has not independently verified these claims. While promising regular updates into the probe, AAIB said Thursday: 'Certain sections of the international media are repeatedly attempting to draw conclusions through selective and unverified reporting. Such actions are irresponsible, especially while the investigation remains ongoing… essential to respect the sensitivity of the loss faced by family members of deceased passengers, crew of the aircraft and other deceased persons on ground. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You To Read in 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo ' 'The purpose of AAIB's investigation and preliminary report is to provide information about 'WHAT' happened. The preliminary report has to be seen in this light. At this stage, it is too early to reach to any definite conclusions. The investigation by AAIB is still not complete. The final investigation report will come out with root causes and recommendations ,' AAIB said. The AAIB's prelim report has been panned by experts and pilots for selective indirect quoting of the cockpit voice recorder and on several other grounds. Many seasoned aviators in India say the prelim report seems to predictably shield the original equipment manufacturer (Boeing, in this case) while putting the blame squarely on a pilot who is no longer around to defend himself. AAIB has now defended itself after drawing massive flak since last Saturday: 'AAIB has a flawless record in investigating 92 accidents and 111 serious incidents since its inception in 2012… The VT-ANB (AI 171) accident has been the most devastating accident in recent aviation history and the investigation is being undertaken in a rigorous and most professional manner in accordance with the AAIB Rules and international protocols… not the time to create public anxiety or angst towards safety of Indian aviation industry, particularly on basis of unfounded facts. ' There has been a massive outcry against the prelim report which has spawned the suicide theory. Perhaps in a damage control move, Union aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu hours after its release last Saturday urged people not to 'jump to conclusions' and 'wait for the final (probe) report.' Air India MD & CEO has said the report has 'opened additional questions' and also requested 'everyone to avoid drawing premature conclusions as the investigation is far from over. ' After the first Boeing 737MAX of Indonesia's Lion Air crash in October 2019 also, fingers were pointed at pilot — one of who was an Indian — error. It took a second B737 MAX crash, of Ethiopian barely five months later in March 2019, that led to discovery of a major flaw in a software of the plane and led to its global grounding. To be fair, the B787 Dreamliner has had its share of technical issues but had never seen a crash since it started flying in Dec 2009, till June 12, 2025. While there is no information apart from the prelim report in India — where the crash happened on an Indian carrier — US authorities have been speaking to the media and giving out alleged information that seems to be giving a clean chit to compatriot Boeing while blaming the dead Indian pilot. The preliminary report had identified that first officer Clive Kunder was the pilot flying the doomed AI 171 while Captain Sumeet Sabharwal was the pilot monitoring. Without mentioning who said what, the report had said: ''One of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cutoff. The other pilot responded that he did not do so.' It was generally inferred that the pilot flying had his hands full and so the one monitoring could have toggled the switch. Now the WSJ report quotes 'people familiar with the matter' that the Captain had turned off the switches. 'The report didn't say whether turning off the switches might have been accidental or deliberate,' the latest news report says. 'The preliminary details have fuelled the belief among some US officials that criminal authorities should review the matter, as would likely be the case if the crash had occurred on American soil, people familiar with the matter said. In the US, accident investigators historically have involved agencies such as the FBI if they believe a potential crime occurred, rather than a safety mishap,' the WSJ says. 'Contents of the flight's cockpit voice recorders have been tightly held by Indian authorities and seen as key to helping fill out the sequence of events in the flight's final moments. Jennifer Homendy, chairwoman of the US National Transportation Safety Board, has sought to listen to the recording herself, according to people familiar with the matter,' it adds. Homendy's goal, according to WSJ, in working with Indian authorities was 'to quickly determine whether the crash presented any immediate safety concerns to the traveling public.' Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
7 days ago
- Climate
- Time of India
29 missing in Himachal Pradesh presumed dead, search being called off
Kullu: The 27 people missing in Himachal's Mandi district since the June-30-July 1 floods are presumed dead, so are two in Kullu, the administration said on Wednesday. Search and rescue operations in the disaster-hit areas of Mandi district will come to a complete halt within a week as National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams will be withdrawn in a phased manner, said an official. Mandi was hit by a barrage of 10 cloudbursts around a fortnight ago, triggering devastating flash floods. So far, 15 bodies have been recovered, and there is no trace of the 27 people still missing. Assisted by dog squads and drones, search teams have been combing Thunag, Gohar, Karsog, and Dharampur subdivisions and even as far as the banks of Beas and Satluj rivers, but without much success. "They have searched every inch of the affected places. Certain areas were searched more than once in the hope that the victims would be found. The victims were either buried in the piles of muck that came along with the floods, or they were washed away by the rivulets that flow into the Beas and Satluj rivers," said Mandi deputy commissioner Apoorv Devgan. The Mandi district administration has started the process of officially declaring the missing 27 people dead. "A notification inviting objections from residents will be issued soon. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Once the process is complete, we will issue the death certificates of all the missing people who are presumed dead, 15 days after the tragedy," said incident commander Surender Mohan, who is in charge of managing the disaster response in affected areas of Mandi. Of the 225 NDRF personnel, 125 have already been withdrawn. An Army unit was also brought back from the flood-hit Thunag and is presently stationed in Pandoh in Mandi district. A battalion of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has also been sent back to its base camp in Babeli near Kullu. "State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are still stationed in the disaster-hit areas. I guess all the teams will be completely withdrawn in a week," Devgan told TOI. Nineteen people are missing in Thunag, seven in Gohar and one in Karsog. Two persons in Siund area of Sainj valley in Kullu district are also missing since a flash flood struck on June 25. They, too, are presumed dead. NDRF found the body of a third victim, 13-year-old Murti, after a three-day search but there was no sign of the other two. 109 Dead This Monsoon Himachal Pradesh has lost 109 people this monsoon and suffered a loss of over Rs 883 crore. According to the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), 22 of these deaths were in flash floods. Thirteen fell to their death, 11 drowned and six were killed by snake bites. As many as 45 people have died in accidents during the ongoing monsoon season, says the report.
