New Delhi, July 24 -- A government-ordered public shutdown in some areas of Iran took place on Wednesday due to a scorching heatwave that has seen temperatures soar past 40 degrees Celsius (104 F), straining the power grid

Tehran's public offices and banks closed, but for many private shopkeepers it was another day of work despite the punishing temperatures.

The official holiday for public sector employees in eight of Iran's 31 provinces, including the capital, Tehran, was declared to save electricity. The move, however, split the city into two realities - one of silent, shuttered government buildings, and another where the hum of air conditioners in private shops and shopping centers signaled business as usual.

For many other resident...