Farmers take to the streets
Punjab CM kicked off the campaign against the new farm laws that privatise Indian agriculture—while farmers from his state burned a tractor at India Gate. And Opposition leaders are getting ready to move the Supreme Court. Sonia Gandhi has directed Congress-ruled states to introduce legislation that could help bypass the laws.
Wildfires ravage Napa Valley
It’s the wildfire season that will never end, and nothing is exempt—not even California’s famed wine country. As of now, 34,000 have been told to evacuate and three are dead as multiple fires spread across the county. LA Times has more details. CNN reports on the destruction of Napa’s most famous winery Chateau Boswell.
Apple suppliers bet big on India
Three top contractors who manufacture Apple products—Foxconn 2317.TW, Wistron 3231.TW and Pegatron 4938.TW—plan to invest $900 million in manufacturing in India. This is due to the government’s $6.65 billion program that offers cash incentives to boost local production of smartphones. (Reuters)
Also doing well in India: Uber, especially in Delhi—which became the first Indian city to enter the top ten markets for the company in September. Its residents took 1 million rides each week! (Indian Express)
The great pandemic: A quick roundup
- India’s official death toll is approaching a grim landmark: 100,000. But leading virologists in The Hindu say the overall numbers show that we may have hit our peak.
- In the US, the numbers point in the opposite direction—indicating that fall and winter months will bring a third wave. Time has that story.
- Kerala is in trouble again—reporting more than 7,000 new cases each day. The government is blaming the spike on “certain irresponsible behaviour”—and is threatening a lockdown.
- West Bengal has issued guidelines for a Covid-safe Durga Puja: spacious, open pandals with separate entry and exits plus mandatory use of face masks and hand sanitisers for visitors.
- Also open for visitors: Delhi airport’s Terminal 2, starting October 1.
- WHO plans to distribute 120 million rapid tests to poorer countries.
- A must read: New York Times’ feature on how the pandemic is destroying the futures of bright poor kids around the world—especially in India.
A vast corporate income gap
Data compiled by two economists reveals a staggering gap between salary packages of top-level executives and the rest of their employees in 40 listed companies. Example: Pawan Munjal, chairman of Hero MotoCorp, earns 752 times more than the median salary at his company. The best pay ratio: Maruti at 1:39. Reliance doesn’t reveal its numbers but Mukesh-bhai has a fixed annual salary of Rs 15 crore “to set a personal example for moderation in managerial compensation levels.” (Quartz)
Two new rules for gender equality
One: According to a new policy, government and private science and engineering institutes will be rated on the number of women they employ. Other criteria for assessment: promotion opportunities, leadership positions and support structures, such as creches.
Two: Japan Airlines’ staff will no longer greet ‘ladies and gentlemen’ on takeoff. A new rule “will abolish expressions that are based on sex and use gender-friendly expressions” like ‘good morning’ and ‘good evening’.
Binge drinking makes you anxious?
A new study—conducted on mice—suggests drinking five or more drinks a day can disrupt brain activity in your prefrontal cortex, and trigger higher levels of anxiety. Translation: reaching daily for that bottle of wine to get through the lockdown may not be a great idea. (Big Think)
Global Emmys have Indian nominees
Netflix’s ‘Delhi Crime’ has been nominated for Best Drama Series, while ‘Four More Shots Please’ is up for Best Comedy Series. Also in the running for Best Actor: Arjun Mathur, who played Karan Mehra in ‘Made in Heaven’. (Yahoo News)
A shocking video of domestic violence
A senior police official in Madhya Pradesh was video-taped as he savagely beat his wife. His defence:
"If my nature is abusive, then she should've complained earlier. This is a family dispute, not a crime. I am neither a violent person nor a criminal. It is unfortunate that I have to go through this. But the point is, since 2008, she has been living in my house, enjoying all facilities and travelling abroad on my expenses."
Watch the disturbing clip here.
