Apple runs into trouble in Europe
Here’s good news for Apple customers who have long raged against the company’s insistence on using its very own ‘Lightning connector’. The European Union is getting ready to make it mandatory to include a standard USB-C charging port on all devices—including smartphones, tablets etc. The highly sensible aim: to cut down on electronic waste by allowing people to re-use existing chargers and cables even when they upgrade their tech. And customers will be able to buy new devices without an included charger—which always costs extra. Of course, this new rule only applies to wired and not wireless chargers—which may offer an out for Apple. (The Verge)
Vaccination campaign or farce?
To mark Modi-ji’s birthday, India administered over 2.5 crore vaccinations—or so the official record claims. But multiple reports from across the country show that many of these jabs were, umm, imaginary. In one case in Madhya Pradesh, a person received the final vaccination certificate for his mother—who had died of Covid months ago. In Bihar—which topped the national charts with 3,398,685 vaccinations—did its own version of jugaad: “a significant chunk of data uploaded on that day was actually of people vaccinated offline over the previous two days”
Speaking of bad pandemic governance: Florida governor Ron DeSantis has issued new Covid rules that follow a “symptom based approach.” It will not quarantine kids who were exposed to the virus if they are asymptomatic: “If somebody is symptomatic, of course they stay home. If there’s a close contact, but somebody has not developed any symptoms—you monitor them, you notify the parent”—who can then choose to send their “healthy child” to school. (CNN)
Myanmar military kidnaps children
The military junta which seized power in February (explained here) has found a new way to track down and arrest dissenters on its wanted list. When it can’t locate them, the soldiers abduct their relatives instead—including children as young as 20 weeks old. A recent UN report warned of a “human rights catastrophe” and said abuses perpetrated since the coup may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. (The Guardian)
Google sues Indian antitrust watchdog
In an odd reversal of roles, the company has filed a legal complaint against the Competition Commission of India (CCI)—which has been investigating tech giants like Google and Amazon for anti-competitive policies. The company told the Delhi High Court that CCI leaked a confidential report of its probe into the company to the media—which was then published in Times of India. It also pointed out that it has not yet received or reviewed the report—or been given a chance to defend itself against the allegations it contains. (Entrackr)
Speaking of court cases: The Supreme Court will appoint a technical committee to look into allegations that Pegasus—an Israeli snoopware (explained here and here)—was used to spy on citizens. The government has been refusing to submit an affidavit to the Court—citing national security concerns. The Court is therefore moving ahead on its own. The reason for the delay is telling:
“We wanted to pass an order on the matter before this week... but some members we thought of considering for the (expert) committee... for personal reasons they declined to be part of this committee. Hence the delay...We will try to pass an order on Pegasus next week.”
Five eye-opening studies
One: A new study shows that CEOs with deeper, more ‘manly’ voices get paid more. How significant is the effect: one standard deviation—increase in “vocal masculinity” resulted in a 6.6% increase in total compensation. Most interestingly, boards with women members were least affected by the ‘deep voice’ factor. Why is that:
“The researchers hypothesize that because men have been, throughout the course of evolution, more likely to perpetrate and also to suffer violence, they are more attuned to the need for a ‘strong’ leader. Deeper voices send out a signal about strength, therefore, that male board members are more likely to pick up.”
Two: Another study found an alarming link between sexual assault and the risk of developing brain damage in women—the kind that triggers cognitive decline, dementia and stroke. Researchers said: “It's almost like your body has a memory that may not be fully manifesting through psychological symptoms. The sexual assault also leaves footprints of the trauma in our brains and our bodies.” (CNN)
Three: A new study shows that taking an Uber or Ola is far worse for the environment than driving your own car. On average, a ride-share trip imposes 30-40% greater social costs than the same trip made in a personal vehicle. The main reason: ‘deadheading’—that’s the time spent driving the taxi when there is no passenger in the car:
“On average, deadheading accounted for 43% of total drive time—time spent producing carbon emissions, blocking traffic, and being at risk of accidents that a person driving their own vehicle would avoid.”
Four: A damning UNICEF report reveals that only half the children between the ages of 6 and 23 months are receiving the minimum number of daily meals. Based on data from 91 countries, it also showed that only a third have access to foods recommended for proper nourishment. Why this matters: “Poor nutritional intake in the first two years of life can irreversibly harm children’s rapidly growing bodies and brains, impacting their schooling, job prospects and futures.” (Mint)
Five: New research reveals the real reason why the biblical city of Sodom was destroyed. No, it wasn’t God punishing its residents for immoral behaviour, especially homosexuality. The real cause was a massive meteor—which could have generated the oral account of God’s wrath. (Times UK)
Indians nominated for the Emmys
The International Emmy nominations are out—and we have a total haul of three. These include Nawazuddin Siddiqui, nominated for best performance by an actor for ‘Serious Men’; Disney+ Hotstar series ‘Aarya’ starring Sushmita Sen is up for best drama; and ‘Vir Das: For India’ made the cut for the comedy category. The Telegraph has more on the stiff competition they face.
Three things to see
One: This self-portrait by Frida Kahlo—titled ‘Diego y yo’ (Diego and I)—is going up for sale, and is expected to fetch more than $30 million. And it will likely break the record for the most valuable piece of Latin American art—currently held by her husband Diego Rivera’s ‘The Rivals’. The irony: Kahlo painted this portrait at one of the lowest points in their marriage—when Rivera was cheating on her with a movie star. The Guardian has more details. See the painting below (tap to zoom).
Two: The Cumbre Vieja volcano in the Spanish Canary Islands is wreaking havoc—and has already destroyed at least 100 houses. As the local mayor describes it: “The lava left absolutely nothing in its path.” While residents have been evacuated, there are other dangers ahead—including powerful blasts that might be set off if the lava flow reaches the ocean and the release of toxic gases as it reacts with seawater. Going viral: images of lava pouring into swimming pools.
Three: A group of 13 wild boars took a stroll down one of the busiest streets in Rome. Their presence in the city isn’t exactly new, but these porcine creatures have become increasingly brazen—and are expected to play a big role in determining the upcoming mayoral election. See them saunter freely below. (The Guardian)