3rd COVID wave may hit Maharashtra in 2-4 weeks

COVID-19 in India: Google to provide Rs 113 cr to build oxygen plants, train rural healthcare workers

Google's philanthropic arm Google.org announced on Thursday that it will provide Rs 109 crore ($15 million) to India to assist in the fight against coronavirus. The fund will be used to support procurement and installation of around 80 oxygen generation plants in healthcare facilities in high-need and rural locations. The funds will go to GiveIndia and PATH. The two organisations will oversee the oxygen programme and provide project management support.

Indian IT sector to add over 96,000 employees in FY21, to remain a net hirer: Nasscom

Information Technology industry body Nasscom stated on Thursday that the IT sector continues to be the net hirer of skilled talent in the country. It added the top five Indian IT firms are planning on hiring 96,000 employees in 2021-22. Nasscom's statement has come a day after Bank of America had stated the Indian software firms were going to cut 3 million jobs by 2022

Indians' funds in Swiss banks reach over Rs 20,000 crore

Funds parked by Indian individuals and firms in Swiss banks, including through India-based branches and other financial institutions, jumped to 2.55 billion Swiss francs (over Rs 20,700 crore) in 2020 on a sharp surge in holdings via securities and similar instruments. However, customer deposits fell, annual data from Switzerland's central bank showed on Thursday.

After Zoom, Microsoft tweaks Teams for hybrid work

Microsoft on Thursday said it will be tweaking the design of Teams over the course of the year to make its video conferencing tools stay relevant even in a hybrid work setup as the pandemic abates in various parts of the world. The tech giant's announcement comes a few weeks after rival Zoom also pegged itself as a must-have tool for the hybrid work model as a majority of workplaces are considering adopting a more flexible approach to work.

3rd COVID wave may hit Maharashtra in 2-4 weeks; Delta-plus may spike cases

A state-appointed task force has expressed concerns that a third wave of COVID-19 pandemic could hit Maharashtra as early as the next two to four weeks if the crowding seen in the last three days continues. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray was informed that a highly virulent strain called 'Delta plus' could start the next wave in Maharashtra.

PM Modi's approval rating fell 20 points over last year, now at 66%, finds US firm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's approval ratings have dipped to 66% from the previous 82% in August 2019 when the Centre announced the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir, according to the Morning Consult, a global leader approval tracker. At 66%, PM Modi's approval continues to be ahead of other global leaders, according to the survey conducted by the American data intelligence firm.