US NRIs diss Trump, heart Modi
A new survey finds that 72% of Indian Americans plan to vote for Joe Biden—compared to only 22% for Trump. Faring better with NRI voters: PM Modi. Almost half (48%) approve of his performance while 32% disapprove. That said, those voting for Biden have a less favourable view of PM Modi—rating him 52 out of 100—than those voting for Trump (76/100). Also: Kamala Harris made at least 49% of those surveyed more enthusiastic about voting for Biden. Indian Express has more details. See the entire survey results here.
The global pandemic: A quick update
- Facebook is banning ads that discourage people from getting a vaccination. Still allowed: “Ads that advocate for or against legislation or government policies around vaccines—including a COVID-19 vaccine.” Read the announcement.
- Melania Trump revealed that her son Barron tested positive for Covid along with his parents—but remained asymptomatic and is now infection-free.
- An Indian Express investigation reveals that Rs 157 crore from Union government staff salaries were donated in the form of “voluntary contributions” to the PM CARES fund—of this 93% were given by railway employees.
- Russia has now approved a second vaccine. It too has not passed stage 3 human trials, kinda like Sputnik (explained here).
- A new study found that there is low risk of a mother passing the infection to a newborn baby as long as she takes the right precautions—wearing a mask, washing hands, breasts with soap etc.
- Covid has destroyed the global mobility of Indians. We can now travel to fewer than 30 countries without a confirmed visa—compared to 61 in Jan. For Americans, that number has dropped far more precipitously—from 185 to 75.
- The good days are back for tech workers at least. Infosys is the latest big company (after TCS) to offer raises and promotions starting January 1.
- Movie theatres are set to reopen today after a seven-month drought. Bloomberg via Mint reports on why some theatre owners and moviegoers are feeling bullish.
Jockey’s Indian partner under investigation
A US apparel industry watchdog is investigating human rights abuse allegations at a Bangalore factory owned by Page Industries—which is the exclusive licensee for Jockey wear in India and six other countries. Norway’s $1 trillion sovereign wealth fund has already dropped Page from its investment portfolio. The company is in danger of losing its Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) certification—and therefore, the partnership with Jockey, which is a member of WRAP. (Reuters)
Good/bad news for wildlife
- The Supreme Court has directed the demolition of 39 resorts in the Mudumalai reserve—which were blocking critical elephant corridors that connect the Eastern and Western Ghats. (Times of India)
- A new study found that the Great Barrier Reef has lost half its corals since 1995. (BBC News)
- Mount Kilimanjaro is on fire. There have been no deaths due to the wildfire, but there is no news on its effect on animals. Al Jazeera has photos.
- Last but not least: This gorgeous Amur Tiger embracing a tree is the winner of Wildlife Photographer of the Year. More on the winning photo here. The other entries here.
Glamour’s pick for Woman of the Year is…
This year, the fashion magazine made an unprecedented break from tradition, and this is why:
“Because in this period of tremendous upheaval, we know who the most influential women on the planet are: It’s you. In your families, in your communities, in your power to choose new leadership at the ballot box—you are making a difference.
And so you—yes, you—have earned an award. Not for thriving. Not for ‘making the most’ of quarantine or lockdown. Not even for handling this impossible era with grace. You’ve earned an award just for getting through it, tears, tantrums, and all.”
See the lovely celebratory cover below.
Also making a change: The We Company, but this one is more of a ‘back to the future’ kind: “We want to be strategic. We want to be innovative. We want to be impactful. We want to be WeWork.” (Reuters)
Strict traffic laws are a dud
The changes to the Motor Vehicles Act in 2019 were supposed to make our roads safer. Here’s what happened instead: road accidents rose in 37% of cities, as did deaths (128,798) due to dangerous driving and speeding. Mint takes a closer look at the dismal data.
In related automotive news: Maruti is getting ready to launch five new SUVs starting in 2021—and the first will be in partnership with Toyota. Because the world and our lungs really need more SUVs. (Business Standard)
Speaking of car-makers: HBO is making a limited series on Elon Musk, but this will focus not on Tesla but his other pet project: SpaceX. (Tech Crunch)
India Today’s new gag order
The company has put a blanket ban on its employees, contractors and pretty much anyone who is receiving a dime from its payroll.
“To maintain our Group’s reputation for impartiality, no journalist should share their personal political views on any social media platform.
If you are in contract with the India Today Group (Full time, Part time, Consultant, Retainer, or Third Party), your personal handles can ONLY be used to post content or promotion that belongs to the Group and has been used in print, digital or on air and retweet that which is put on the Group’s own handles. This means no replies, no retweets, unless it is our own content, even if you are tagged. You can only reply with an ITG (India Today Group) content story if you like.”
Delicious parting note of irony: “This is not, by any means, a breach of your right to expression or freedom of the press.”
A moment of IPL happiness
Rajasthan Royals’ Jofra Archer dismissed Delhi Capitals’ Prithvi Shaw for a golden duck—and celebrated with this impromptu Bihu dance with his buddy Riyan Parag, who played domestic cricket in Assam and likely taught him this winning move.
