Mega merger of state-run banks, how to deal with workplace anxiety, and more top news

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India will soon have just 12 public sector banks. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a mega merger drive — Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank are to merge with PNB, Canara Bank will combine with Syndicate Bank, Andhra Bank will join forces with Corporation Bank and Union Bank, while Indian Bank will unite with Allahabad Bank. Sitharaman said the move will create “global-sized” institutions with strong balance sheets, pan-India presence and enhanced risk appetite for lending, without cutting jobs. The eventual aim: Boost consumption and propel the slowing economy.

As many as 260 million people globally suffer from anxiety disorders — a condition worsened by one’s hectic lifestyle. Experts say that some amount of anxiety at the workplace is healthy as it pushes you to perform better, but frequent panic attacks may disrupt your daily routine. Symptoms of a panic attack include overwhelming fear, palpitation and breathing difficulty. How to deal with it? Share your thoughts with a colleague, seek medication or therapy, and write down erratic thoughts to get a better perspective. Here’s what people are saying.

Hotstar is India’s preferred over-the-top (OTT) app — 4 in 10 video consumers prefer the Walt Disney company over competition, a survey by MoMagic shows. In comparison, Amazon Prime Video and Netflix were chosen by 26% and 9%, respectively. Hotstar is believed to have grown its monthly active user base by 100 million in just the June quarter when it broadcasted IPL and the ICC Cricket World Cup matches. The MoMagic report shows that 70% people prefer consuming OTT content on mobile phones due to cheap data pricing. Here’s what people are saying.

Wish to find out if you're in the right career track? Older co-workers can give you clues, Quartz suggests. Talking to colleagues who are 5-10 years older can give you a peek into your prospects within a company, industry or career track. Learning about their concerns, work challenges and family frustrations can help you decide whether to stay or move. Off-sites and retreats are the best times to glean insights but even informal chats during and after work can help. Here’s what people are saying.

Taking lunch breaks instead of eating at work desks have more benefits than one might expect, according to The Washington Post. Some employees report wanting to clock out right at 5 p.m., others say they’re simply have too much on their plates for breaks. Studies suggests leaving your desks for lunch can improve work performance and allow your body and mind to recharge, whether it’s a five minute or 30-minute break.

Idea of the Day: For every person who says you can achieve your goals, ten people will tell you that you can’t — or worse — why you shouldn’t, writes Robert Herjavec, Founder of Herjavec Group.

“What sets the successful entrepreneur apart is their belief in their ability to reach their goals.”

- LinkedIn Editors India/Share this using #DailyRundown