When a mobile number could fetch you a quick buck
The Hindu
Enticing monetary offers for mobile phone numbers, especially from old series, are being made without the knowledge of service providers.
Recently, David (name changed), a media professional, received a text message offering ₹30,000 for his Airtel number, which he has been using for over a decade. The number belonged to a series starting with 98950, which is no longer offered by the network service provider. Though he turned the offer down, there could be many open to it considering the trying pandemic times. Similar enticing offers for mobile phone numbers, especially from old series, are being made without the knowledge of service providers.The fear of being caught for traffic rule violation has indeed compelled many two-wheeler riders to wear helmets. But one cursory look at riders at any traffic junction in Bengaluru shows that more than half the riders have on their heads non-standard helmets, designed solely to evade the eye of law, with little concern for the safety of their own heads.
When Britain handed Hong Kong back to China in 1997, Beijing promised to retain the city’s Western-style civil liberties for 50 years. However, since the introduction of the 2020 law, Hong Kong authorities have severely limited free speech and assembly under the rubric of maintaining national security.