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AUGUST 21, 2022

NATIONAL

Mobile internet snapped in 24 Assam districts for govt job exams

The Assam government on Sunday shut down mobile internet services in 24 districts to prevent cheating or question paper leakage as recruitment examinations were conducted for Grade III posts in 48 state government departments. Services were snapped from 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm. The government will take similar measures on August 28 for written exams for Grade IV jobs.

Jharkhand, UP facing drought-like conditions: Govt report

As per a state Agriculture Department assessment report, in Jharkhand, 97 rain-deficient blocks across 15 districts meet all parameters that define a drought. In Uttar Pradesh, several districts have drought-like conditions after 64 districts received lesser rainfall this monsoon. Till August 15, in Jharkhand, paddy was only sown on 5.4 lakh hectares compared to 16.3 lakh hectares last season.

Punjab to reserve law officer posts for Scheduled Caste persons

The Punjab government has announced reservation for Scheduled Caste (SC) persons in law officer posts in the state government. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said 58 new law officer posts were being created for the same in the Advocate General's office. He added that Punjab will be the first to have such a provision for lawyers from the SC community.

Karnataka proposes policy to penalise unnecessary use of water

Karnataka, one of the most water-stressed states in India with reportedly about 61% of it in a drought-prone region, has proposed a new water policy to tackle the challenges. The new policy includes measures like penalties for unwise use of water, restricting groundwater extraction and optimising the use of the state's limited water resources, Water Resources Department officials said.

Delhi people to get missed call, WhatsApp options to register choice for power subsidy

The Delhi government will release a phone number with missed call and WhatsApp options for city residents to choose if they want to continue availing free electricity scheme from October 1. "Delhiites will also have...convenience of opting in through a QR (Quick Response) code on the bill or by visiting the discom centre," Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said.

Govt awards GI tag to 'Mithila Makhana'

The government has awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Mithila Makhana. “Mithila Makhana registered with GI Tag, farmers will get profit and it will be easier to earn. Due to Geographical Indication Tag to Mithila Makhana in the festive season, people outside Bihar will be able to use this auspicious material with reverence,” Union Minister Piyush Goyal tweeted.

 

INTERNATIONAL

Zelenskyy warns of 'vicious' Russian attack ahead of Independence Day

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia might do something "ugly" and "vicious" ahead of celebrations to mark 31 years of independence from Soviet rule. Curfew in Ukraine's second largest city Kharkiv will remain in place for the entire day on Wednesday. Zelenskyy said Ukrainians must not allow Moscow to spread despondency and fear ahead of August 24 events.
US-based firm Wayfair's CEO lays off 5% of its global workforce

US-based e-commerce company Wayfair's CEO Niraj Shah has laid off 870 employees after the company's anticipated growth did not materialise. After slashing 5% of its global workforce, the company is looking to make reductions in third party labour costs. The company is expecting layoff costs to range between $30-$40 million, which mainly consists of employee severance.

Working with US, EU to get Russian food to world markets: UN

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the UN is working with the US and EU to overcome obstacles to let Russian food and fertilisers reach world markets. He said nations that sanctioned Russia for invading Ukraine made clear that measures did not apply to food and fertilisers. "Getting...food...out of Ukraine and Russia is crucial to calm commodity markets," Guterres added.

Daughter of Russian Prez's ally called 'Putin's brain' killed in car blast: Report

Daria Dugina, the 29-year-old daughter of Russian President Vladimir Putin's close aide and philosopher Alexander Dugin, has died in a car explosion in Moscow, according to state media. It is not clear if Alexander Dugin, who's known as 'Putin's brain', was the intended target. Unverified videos of the scene shows a car on fire with Alexander Dugin watching in shock.

Xiaomi fires over 900 employees amid revenue drop: Report

Xiaomi has reportedly fired over 900 employees as its revenue dropped nearly 20% in the June quarter. A report said that the layoffs account for nearly 3% of Xiaomi’s workforce. Hit by COVID-19 restrictions, the company’s sales fell 20% year-on-year to 70.17 billion yuan, marking a decline from its previous quarter when it posted its first revenue drop since listing.

India to buy predator drones worth $3 bn from US for use along China border: Report

India is in an 'advanced stage' of talks with the US to buy predator drones for over $3 billion to increase surveillance along the Line of Actual Control with China and in the Indian Ocean region, PTI reported. An executive of US firm General Atomics said deal talks for acquiring the MQ-9B drones are underway between the two governments.

 

BUSINESS, BANKING AND ECONOMY

No consideration to levy any charges for UPI services: Govt on reports

After reports surfaced that the government is planning to impose extra charges to be paid for every UPI payment, the Ministry of Finance said, "There is no consideration in Govt to levy any charges for UPI services." It added, "The concerns of the service providers for cost recovery have to be met through other means."

IKEA to open small outlets along with mega stores in India

IKEA is planning to open small outlets in cities along with mega format stores in India supported by an online channel, a senior company official said. The company is planning to change its strategy due to changing consumer behaviours. IKEA received the government's approval in 2013 for its ₹10,500 crore investment to open its stores in India.

It is cheating: Wipro Chairman on employees moonlighting in tech industry

Wipro Chairman Rishad Premji took to Twitter to criticise the practice of 'moonlighting' by employees in the tech industry. "There is a lot of chatter about people moonlighting...This is cheating - plain and simple," Premji tweeted. Moonlighting refers to the practice of employees working on a second job, in addition to one's regular employment.

OBITUARY
Pakistani singer Nayyara Noor passes away aged 71

Pakistani singer Nayyara Noor passed away aged 71 on Sunday after a brief illness. As per reports, she was undergoing treatment for quite some time in Karachi. Remembering Noor, her nephew Raza Zaidi tweeted, "She was given the title of 'Bulbul-e-Pakistan' because of her melodious voice." Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also mourned Nayyara's death.

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