News you need to know before starting your day: 17 October 2021

News:

1. As US multinational Microsoft announced its decision to close its LinkedIn service in China due to the “challenging operating environment,” concerns within the global business community have risen. Analysts said that as Beijing continues to tighten its grip over the private sector including the tech companies, there could be a few more companies that decide to slash down their operations. Business Standard
2. India’s electricity demand grew 4.9% during the first half of October, with supply falling short of demand by 1.4% despite a 3.2% rise in coal-fired generation and 30% rise in solar output, a Reuters analysis of government data showed. Business Standard
3. At least 18 people were killed after heavy rains pounded south and central Kerala on Saturday while 22 people were feared missing in landslides in hilly areas of Kottayam and Idukki districts, prompting the state government to seek help of the armed forces for rescue operations. HT
4. The main reason for the precarious stocks – ahead of rabi plantings and also crucial Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Uttarakhand, scheduled for February-March – is surging global prices. The landed price of imported DAP in India is now $675-680 per tonne (cost plus freight), compared to $370 at this time last year. MOP was imported at $230 per tonne a year ago, whereas it is available for not less than $500 today. Indian Express
5. At the first meeting of the Working Committee (CWC) in five months, Sonia Gandhi sent an unambiguous message that the reins of the party remain firmly in the family’s hands, while indicating her disapproval of leaders of the G-23 who have been demanding “full-time and effective leadership” for the party. Indian Express

Hindi News: ( so that you don’t miss out )

1. सिंघु बॉर्डर पर तरनतारन के गांव चीमा के रहने वाले लखबीर सिंह की हत्या के मामले में 4 आरोपी सरेंडर कर चुके हैं। शनिवार शाम को पुलिस ने भगवंत सिंह और गोबिंद सिंह नाम के 2 निहंगों ने कुंडली बॉर्डर पर सरेंडर किया। Bhaskar

2. कश्मीर के IGP विजय कुमार ने बताया कि नागरिक हत्याओं के बाद 9 मुठभेड़ों में 13 आतंकवादी मारे गए हैं। श्रीनगर में 5 में से 3 आतंकवादियों को हमने 24 घंटे से भी कम समय में ढेर कर दिया है। उन्होंने कहा कि सर्च ऑपरेशन अभी भी जारी है। बचे 2 दहशतगर्दों को भी जल्द ही मार गिराएंगे।Bhaskar

Relevant Google Trends Today

1. Travancore Devaswom Board requested Lord Ayyappa devotees to refrain from visiting Sabarimala Temple on October 17 and 18 in view of the continuing heavy rainfall in the state, especially in Pathanamthitta district and the dangerously high water level in Pamba river.
2. The National Testing Agency has released provisional answer key, OMR sheet, and recorded responses of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2021. Students who took the entrance exam can visit neet.nta.nic.in and login with their application number and password to view and challenge the answer key.
3. Every year World Food Day is observed on October 16 and is celebrated to raise awareness on the issue of hunger and healthy food habits for all. It marks the founding day of the Food and Agriculture Organisation(FAO).
4. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has managed to convince Rahul Dravid to apply for the national team coach’s post, which will fall vacant after the T20 World Cup

Relevant Twitter Trends 

1. #IPLFinal ,  #CSKVSKKR
2. #WorldFoodDay
3. #TheBatman
4. #LEIMUN , Mo Salah
5. Bangladesh Trending with #AntiHinduUnacademy
6. Nihangs