News Dabba for 03 November 2023: 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 Delhi's 'severe' air quality, a top US diplomat visiting Israel, to floods in Italy.

I&B Ministry directs CBFC to block online platforms carrying pirated content: The Hindu

The Hindu reports that the Information & Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry on November 3 authorised its officials and those of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to direct blocking or taking down of websites, apps or weblinks carrying pirated filmic content. The report quotes the Ministray saying, “The action under recently amended Cinematograph Act is aimed at curbing film piracy due to which the industry faces losses of ₹20,000 crore annually.” The Bill, passed on July 31 in the Lok Sabha, provides for fining and imprisoning people who record movies inside cinemas. Read the full report here.

Thick haze covers Delhi, air quality remains severe, NDTV reports

NDTV reports that Delhi continued to be engulfed in a thick layer of smog on Friday, as the air quality in several parts of the national capital remained in the 'severe' category. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 346, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the repor mentions. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is sprinkling water in the Lodhi Road area to try to improve the air quality. The worsening air quality has prompted authorities to swiftly ban non-essential construction work and close primary schools in the capital to safeguard public health. Read the full report here.

Reuters: Top US diplomat lands in Israel to press for pauses in Gaza war

The United States' top diplomat Antony Blinken landed in Tel Aviv on Friday to push for humanitarian pauses in the Gaza war, Reuters reports, as Israel said it had surrounded the Palestinian enclave's biggest city. Blinken, on his second trip to Israel in a month, is due to discuss with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders concrete steps to minimise harm to civilians in besieged Gaza, the report says, where food, fuel, water and medicine are scarce. The White House, meanwhile, said any pauses in fighting should be temporary and localised. They insisted they would not stop Israel defending itself, the report adds. Read the full report here.

Revathi Ramachandran steps down as Kalakshetra director, Hindustan Times

Bharatanatyam dancer Revathi Ramachandran has resigned as the director of Kalakshetra months after protests over inaction on sexual harassment complaints rocked the autonomous fine arts institute in Chennai under the Union culture ministry. Hindustan Times reports that the institute said Aneish Rajan on Wednesday replaced Ramachandran. The report says that the students were demanding action against four teachers for alleged sexual harassment. Hari Padman, an assistant professor, was arrested in April and later given bail. Read the full report here.

Floods ravage Tuscany due to Storm Ciarán, BBC reports

Large areas of Tuscany have been hit by flooding, leaving five people dead and several others missing, BBC reports. The storm led to heavy winds and rain in central Italy. The report describes that cars were swept away as the River Bisenzio flooded and people climbed on to roofs to escape the deluge. Four hospitals were flooded, people were trapped in their cars in underpasses and the west coast was lashed by high waves. Storm Ciarán has caused more than 12 deaths across Western Europe, the report says. Read the full report here.