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Technology

Karnataka to set up system at dams to get real-time water data, to prevent floods

This system, once set up in Karnataka’s Almatti and Narayanpur dams, will help the officials of both the states overcome the possibility of floods. In case Maharashtra has to release water from its dams as a precautionary measure, it will inform the Karnataka officials who would accordingly lower their water level in Almatti and Narayanpur dams. This alleged lack of communication in 2019 had resulted into Maharashtra releasing lakhs of cusecs water into river beds that flooded the villages on the banks.

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Gujarat govt announces policy to promote electric vehicles

The state government will provide a subsidy up to Rs 20,000 on the purchase of an electric two-wheeler, Rs 50,000 for three-wheeler and Rs 1,50,000 on the purchase of a four-wheeler, he said.

As per a rough estimate, the new policy will help in saving fuel worth Rs 5 crore every year, Rupani said, adding that carbon dioxide emission will be reduced by six lakh tonnes annually.

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Govt not to seek disclosure of flash sales from etailers; to act on consumer complaints

Discount sales that benefit maximum to consumers will continue, but not fraudulent flash sales on the e-commerce platforms, the government said, adding that the etailers need not be “anxious” about the draft rules.

Ban on fraudulent flash sales, mis-selling and appointment of chief compliance officer/grievance redressal officer — are among key amendments proposed to the Consumer Protection (e-commerce) Rules, 2020, on which the government has sought public comments by July 6.

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Sustainability solution or climate calamity? The dangers and promise of cryptocurrency technology

Bitcoins don’t exist as physical objects, but new coins are “mined”, or brought into circulation, through a process that involves using powerful computers to solve complex mathematical problems. This process requires so much energy, that the Bitcoin network is estimated to consume more energy than several countries, including Kazakhstan and the Netherlands.

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Ransomware payment may be allowed tax deductible in US

The IRS, the US body for tax administration, offers no formal guidance on ransomware payments, but multiple tax experts interviewed by The Associated Press said deductions are usually allowed under law and established guidance. It’s a “silver lining” to ransomware victims, as some tax lawyers and accountants put it.
Ransomware has become a multibillion-dollar business, and the average payment was more than $310,000 last year, up 171% from 2019, according to Palo Alto Networks.

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