headlines that matter
The big TikTok question: Is it a ban?
- The answer: yes, but of the interim kind. A special committee will now hear “clarifications” submitted by the 56 companies. But that process is likely to drag on and on.
- Point to note: Apple and Google have only been told to remove the most prominent of the 56 apps—some of which were still available on their stores yesterday. Also: TikTok et al plan to “approach” the government to make their case.
- The Print reports on the heartbreak among TikTok users.
- Related read: The government isn’t making up TikTok’s user data problems. It was recently caught stealing clipboard data.
- Also in the government’s crosshairs: TVs, air conditioners etc. These may soon require a special import license—and be restricted to certain countries.
- China’s response: Beijing offered the usual angry pushback on the app ban. But it’s mostly preoccupied with more important matters: inscribing its name in giant letters all across Lake Pangong.
In other ban-related news: The EU has opened its borders to 14 countries. Still on the travel ban list: the United States, China, Brazil and, of course, India. (Deutsche Welle)
Also being banned: Trump and his fans—but to varying degrees. The biggest Trump subreddit got the axe as did his Twitch channel. Snapchat’s taken Trump off its Discover section—which makes it harder for users to find his account. (Mashable)
Trouble brewing for Nepal PM
As you may know, the Nepal Parliament recently approved a map that claims 335 sq km of Indian territory. Soon after, Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli claimed that the Indian government is plotting to topple his government. This has triggered a huge crisis within his own party. At a closed meeting, senior party leaders—including three former prime ministers—told him to either prove his allegations or quit: “Not India, it is me who is demanding your resignation. You must furnish proof of such irresponsible remarks.” (Indian Express)
The deaths in Sathankulam: an update
CCTV footage: obtained by The News Minute destroys the police’s claims that Jayaraj was arrested because he defied orders to shut his shop. See it below or read TNM’s blow-by-blow account.
A woman cop named Revathi: is a key witness to the torture. She is the only person from the Sathankulam station who is willing to testify to the events of that night.
Not just these men: A dozen victims allege that they too have been tortured in the same police station. And their injuries show that the methods used are almost the same: severe and prolonged beatings on the buttocks. One case involved two women cops.
Also: Read our explainer on the deaths of Jayaraj and Bennicks.
Covid-19: The best new information out there
Here’s a quick round up of the latest, most reliable gyaan:
- BBC News reports on a new flu virus found in China. Scientists say the virus—which is carried by pigs—has “pandemic potential”.
- New York Times has happier news: Most infected people do not spread the disease. As one expert explains: “You can think about throwing a match at kindling… You throw one match, it may not light the kindling. You throw another match, it may not light the kindling. But then one match hits in the right spot, and all of a sudden the fire goes up.” The not-so-happy news: We don’t know why one ‘match’ is more lethal than the others.
- This must-see video explains why opening India’s red light districts will be catastrophic. Experts project it will lead to 400,000 infections and 12,000 Covid-19 deaths among sex workers. Times of India has the story.
- Also check out: Indian Express’ explainer on Covaxin—the ‘made in India’ vaccine that will soon begin human trials.
- Forbes India’s Instagram post offers an excellent FAQ on plasma therapy.