Hello and welcome to the Intelligence from the Economist. I'm your host, Jason Palmer.

Every weekday we provide a fresh perspective on the events shaping your world.

One of the pandemics more unexpected effects has been a rocketing prices of used cars

in places like America. That's because brand new ones are scarce. They're increasingly

dependent on a commodity that the car industry hasn't quite cracked yet.

And there's something of a plague of snakes in Mumbai. Our intrepid correspondent

discovers why they're being found in such high numbers, and it's only partly to do with

the torrential rains lashing the city.

But first, in America there's something spreading almost as fast as the delta variant

of the coronavirus, vaccine mandates. Yesterday the Pentagon issued a memo that spokesman

John Kirby called a warning order. Vaccinations will soon be mandatory for America's 1.3 million

active duty troops.

This isn't just about you, it's about your ship, it's about your platoon, it's about

your squadron, it's your opportunity to contribute to the health and readiness of your teammates

and thereby the nation. A week ago mayor Bill DeBlazio said New Yorkers will have to

provide proof of an occupation for all manner of activities.

The key to NYC pass will be a first in the nation approach. It will require vaccination

for workers and customers in indoor dining, indoor fitness facilities, indoor entertainment

facilities.

Not everyone is happy about the requirements. New Yorkers soon took to the streets.

And in America's courts challenges are already being raised. It remains unclear what might

work best to get more citizens vaccinated. Cash payments, lotteries and now mandates may

...