News Dabba 30 September 2022: Five stories for a balanced news diet

Indie Journal brings you the daily updates that the internet is talking about through various news websites. Here's a glance through some of the National and International news updates, from Congress Presidential election update,  RBI raising repo rate by 50 basis points, to Hurricane Ian crossing Florida.

It's Mallikarjun Kharge vs Shashi Tharoor For Congress President, NDTV reports

Mallikarjun Kharge has entered the race for Congress president as the choice of the Gandhis, NDTV has reported. While Digvijay Singh had collected nomination forms on Thursday, he opted out of the race on Friday. Shashi Tharoor is now the only other candidate in the election. The report adds that Kharge is likely to resign as Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha in line with the Congress's 'one person, one post' rule. This is the first Congress president election in more 20 years with non-Gandhis in the contest. Read the full report on NDTV.

The Straits Times reports Prayut to continue as Thai Prime Minister

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will remain in his post after the country's top court ruled on Friday that he has not exceeded the eight-year term limit, the Straits Times reports. The Constitutional Court ruled that his term started in 2017, after the current Constitution replaced the post-coup provisional charter. The report also adds that the former junta chief had been suspended from premier duties since August 24 while the court deliberated the matter. Pro-democracy groups have said that they would protest if Prayut is allowed to continue his tenure and have called for rallies around Bangkok's city centre. Read the full report on TST.

The Hindu reports RBI raises repo rate by 50 basis points

A report by the Hindu states that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday increased policy repo rate by 50 basis points (bps) to 5.9 percent making loans expensive. The MPC also lowered the growth projection of FY23 from 7.2 percent to 7 percent. The report adds, inflation projection for FY has been retained at 6.7 percent. RBI governor Shaktikanta Das said the MPC was of the view that persistence of high inflation necessitates further calibrated withdrawal of monetary accommodation to restrain broadening of price pressures, anchor inflation expectations and contain the second- round effects. Read the full report on the Hindu.

BBC's update: Death toll rises as Hurricane Ian strengthens

A huge search and rescue effort is continuing in the US state of Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, a BBC report said. At least 10 people have died in the state but the report adds officials fear the confirmed toll could rise considerably. US President Joe Biden has warned the category one storm could be the deadliest hurricane in Florida's history, with a "substantial loss of life". Ian is now moving inland. BBC reports a blackout is still affecting some 2.2 million Florida homes and businesses and flood water has still kept some people trapped in homes. Read the full report on BBC.

Mumbai set to receive light drizzles till weekend, Indian Express updates

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Thursday predicted light drizzles in Mumbai till the end of this week and said there is no sign of monsoon retreat from most parts of the city. Indian Express reported that the city in the past two weeks received light rain and the showers receded this week. The IMD forecast for the next 48 hours said, “Generally cloudy sky with possibility of light to moderate rain and thundershowers in the island city and suburbs.” Read the full report on IE.