Iraq has shortened public office working hours by one hour amid a severe heatwave and prolonged power outages, which have triggered widespread public protests. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the emergency measure on Saturday to protect citizens from extreme temperatures and ongoing electricity shortages. Starting Sunday, official working hours in Iraqi federal provinces, excluding Baghdad, will be from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., instead of the usual 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The change comes as temperatures reach 50°C (122°F) in several provinces, compounding the impact of frequent power outag…