Global shipping industry faces labor shortage amid India COVID-19 surge

13 Sept 11:56 Key points summarised by AI

Global shipping confronts a severe labor shortage as major ports restrict Indian seafarers, who constitute 14.6% of the international workforce, due to India's COVID-19 surge.
Travel bans prevent essential crew changes, forcing hundreds of thousands of seafarers to work extended contracts beyond safe limits or face prolonged unemployment, causing widespread financial distress.
Despite India prioritizing seafarer vaccination, vaccine scarcity delays full immunization, maintaining travel restrictions and leaving job prospects for Indian crew members uncertain.

New home loan scheme aims to boost property sector with Bt125 billion

Today 11:38 Key points summarised by AI

The Cabinet approved a new Bt50-billion 'A House for Each PLUS' home loan scheme from the Government Housing Bank, offering up to Bt3 million with 40-year repayment terms for low- and middle-income earners.
This initiative aims to significantly boost the property sector and national economy, projecting to generate Bt125 billion in economic activity and create jobs.