India's gig worker army left out to bake in unprecedented heat wave

Millions at risk from soaring temperatures and negligible labor protection

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An Indian delivery driver cools down from the heat. A record heatwave in recent months pushed the mercury in the capital, Delhi, up to a record 49.2 degrees Celsius. (Photo by Suhail Bhat)

ADNAN BHAT, Contributing writer

DELHI -- Indian delivery driver Tejvinder wraps a white cloth around his face and mops up beads of sweat from under his baseball cap before setting off into the scorching Delhi sun.

The 23-year-old doesn't have much protection against the record-breaking heat -- and he doesn't have the luxury of cooling off either. He is on the clock and a customer is waiting for their groceries to arrive in 10 minutes or less, or they may switch to a rival delivery app.

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