News Dabba for 10 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 Gaza hospitals on Israel's target, SC statement on the TN Governor’s delay in dealing with Bills, to a new chikungunya vaccine being approved by the US.

The Hindu on SC statement on TN Governor’s delay in dealing with Bills

The Supreme Court on Friday said the Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi’s delay in dealing with Bills, sanctioning requests for prosecution, pleas for premature release of prisoners and the filling up of vacancies in the TN Public Service Commission is an issue of “serious concern”, The Hindu reports. The top court further issued notice to the Union of India through the Home Ministry and asked the Attorney General of India or Solicitor General to be present in court when the case is listed next on Monday for hearing. The report adds that Tamil Nadu government on October 31 moved a writ petition in the Supreme Court against Governor Ravi for creating a “constitutional deadlock” by inexplicably delaying or even failing to consider and assent to crucial Bills passed by the Legislature. The State said the Governor had positioned himself as a political rival to the legitimately elected government. Read the full report here.

Gaza officials say hospitals coming under new Israeli attacks: The Straits Times

Gaza officials said Israel launched air strikes on or near at least three hospitals on Friday. The Straits Times reports they further stressed the Palestinian enclave’s precarious health system as it struggles to cope with thousands of people wounded or displaced in Israel’s war against Hamas militants. The medical facilities included Gaza’s biggest hospital, Al Shifa, where Israel said Hamas has hidden command centres and tunnels, allegations Hamas denies. The report adds that Gaza’s hospitals have struggled to care for victims of Israel’s month-old military campaign. Gaza’s Health Ministry has said 18 of Gaza’s 35 hospitals and 40 other health centres were out of service, either due to damage from bombardment or lack of fuel. Read the full report. 

US approves first shot against mosquito-borne virus, BBC

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the world's first vaccine for chikungunya. The mosquito-borne disease causes fever and joint pains and can be fatal to newborns. BBC reports the FDA's approval is expected to speed up the vaccine's global rollout. This year, about 4,40,000 chikungunya cases, including 350 deaths, have been reported as of September. Read the full report here.

Government starts crediting interest to PF accounts, NDTV reports

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has started crediting the interest to provident fund (PF) accounts, NDTV reports as per the government body's statement. The rate of interest on the PF account investment for the financial year 2022-23 is 8.15 percent. The report says that some users have already received their interest payouts in their accounts, but the EPFO said that it may take time for the amount to reflect in all accounts. Union Labour Minister Bhupender Yadav has said that the interest has already been credited in over 24 crore accounts. Read the full report here.

Indian Express: Opposition dissents against ethics panel report on Mahua Moitra

Opposition members in the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee, which Thursday recommended the expulsion of TMC MP Mahua Moitra, said in their dissent notes that the panel conducted its probe in “unseemly haste” and with “complete lack of propriety”. As per an Indian Express report, the opposition leaders have called the probe into the cash-for-query allegations a “fixed match” by “a kangaroo court. It also says they raised questions on the Ethics Committee’s mandate and said the recommendation for Moitra’s expulsion was “purely for political reasons and will set a dangerous precedent.” Read the full report here.