Technology

“It wasn’t just about Uber, it was about the gig economy,” Rix said. “It’s a bogus, false model of employment, and it’s wrong and people are being exploited.”
The decision nevertheless opens the way for additional claims — and not just from Uber drivers. Those making deliveries for companies like Amazon.com Inc., which uses third-party services that employ freelance workers, as well as other, smaller players, now have a clearer path for challenging the terms of working for their platforms, said Mick Rix, a national officer for the GMB union. The GMB, which has more than 620,000 members, will use the decision to take on other tech platforms, he said.

Damage to United Boeing 777 engine consistent with metal fatigue: NTSB

Feb 23, 2021 | International News, Risk Management, Technology

The focus is more on engine maker Pratt & Whitney and analysts expect little financial impact on Boeing, but the PW4000 issues are a fresh headache for the planemaker as it recovers from the far more serious 737 MAX crisis. Boeing’s flagship narrowbody jet was grounded for nearly two years after two deadly crashes.

Mahindra electric vehicles to power Amazon India deliveries

Feb 23, 2021 | Eco/Invest/Demography, Facts, Technology

Mahindra Electric’s “Treo Zor”, a three-wheeler vehicle powered by a lithium-ion battery, has been deployed in major metro cities like Bengaluru, New Delhi and Hyderabad, Amazon India said in a statement.

Workers’ rights under threat as online work surges five-fold – U.N

Feb 23, 2021 | Eco/Invest/Demography, International News, Risk Management, Technology

The ILO found significant inequities in the platform economy, with workers in developing countries earning 60% less than those in developed countries, even after controlling for basic characteristics and types of tasks. More than 70% of taxi drivers reported their average daily number of trips and earnings decreased after a platform took over the market.

Boeing recommends Airlines suspend use of some 777s after United incident

Feb 22, 2021 | International News, Risk Management, Technology

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said its initial examination of the plane indicated most of the damage was confined to the right engine, with only minor damage to the airplane.

It said the inlet and casing separated from the engine and two fan blades were fractured, while the remainder of the fan blades exhibited damage.

Japan’s transport ministry ordered Japan Airlines Co Ltd (JAL) and ANA Holdings Inc to suspend the use of 777s with P&W4000 engines while it considered whether to take additional measures.

Being more transparent, giving users more control can help build trust in tech: Facebook

Feb 21, 2021 | Eco/Invest/Demography, Facts, Technology

”When individuals trust the internet, they will participate more freely…It is also very crucial to protect this segment of the population (new users) from fraud and loss of data because such incidents can materially set them back and undo any progress that they might have made in their digital journey, and then getting them back online requires a disproportionate effort,” Kudva said.

RBI issues master direction to ensure security of digital payments

Feb 20, 2021 | Eco/Invest/Demography, Indian News, Non-Life, Regulation, Risk Management, Technology

The Master Direction lays down guidelines for internet banking, mobile payments, card payments, customer protection and grievance redressal mechanism.

“In view of the proliferation of cyber-attacks and their potential consequences, regulated entities should implement, except where explicitly permitted/ relaxed, multi-factor authentication for payments through electronic modes and fund transfers, including cash withdrawals from ATMs/ micro-ATMs/ business correspondents, through digital payment applications,” the RBI said.

UK’s supreme court rejects Uber appeal, says drivers are workers

Feb 19, 2021 | Eco/Invest/Demography, International News, Technology, Workplace/Employee Benefits

The judges agreed with an earlier tribunal decision that found two Uber drivers were workers” under British law, therefore entitling them to benefits such as paid holidays and the minimum wage.

Boeing warns pilots in wake of deadly Indonesian 737 crash

Feb 19, 2021 | Eco/Invest/Demography, International News, Non-Life, Risk Management, Technology

In the bulletin, the company lists various causes that can trigger a loss of control, which include malfunctions and incorrect actions by pilots. Preventing such concurrences “involves the active participation of both pilots,” it said.

“Active monitoring skills are essential to facilitate early detection of conditions that can lead to an airplane upset,” the company said. An upset occurs when a plane flies too slowly or banks, climbs or descends too steeply.