Good morning. Here are the 5 stories you must read today, October 5, from tragic news of landslides in Darjeeling and the detention of Greta Thunberg in Israel to major updates on the Indian economy and the start of the Cricket World Cup.
1. Darjeeling Landslides: 14 Killed as Heavy Rains Wreak Havoc
A tragedy has unfolded in the hills of West Bengal, where devastating landslides have claimed at least 14 lives in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. Several others are still feared missing.
The landslides were triggered by incessant and heavy rainfall over the past 48 hours. Rescue and relief operations are currently underway, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) navigating the difficult terrain. The rescue efforts have been severely hampered by damage to key arterial roads, including National Highway 10, which connects the region to the rest of the country. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences and has assured full support for the affected families as the search for survivors continues.
2. Greta Thunberg Detained by Israeli Police During Tel Aviv Climate Protest
Globally recognized climate activist Greta Thunberg was detained by Israeli police during a major environmental protest in Tel Aviv. Thunberg was demonstrating alongside dozens of other activists against the expansion of a large offshore natural gas field, which they argue is a significant threat to the climate.
According to reports, the protest was peaceful before authorities moved in to disperse demonstrators who were blocking access to a government building. Israeli officials stated the detention was for “breaching public order.” This follows similar detentions of Thunberg during protests in Germany and Norway, as activist groups condemn the action as an effort to suppress climate dissent.
3. Supreme Court Questions Centre on New Digital Personal Data Protection Act
In a crucial development for digital rights in India, the Supreme Court has issued a notice to the central government regarding the new Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023. The court is seeking the Centre’s response to a series of petitions that challenge the act.
Filed by journalists and civil rights organizations, the petitions claim that certain provisions grant excessive surveillance and data collection powers to the government. A primary point of concern is a clause that critics believe weakens the landmark Right to Information (RTI) Act. The government has been given four weeks to file its reply in this high-stakes legal battle for privacy in India.
4. RBI Holds Repo Rate Steady at 6.5% for Fourth Straight Time
The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has opted to keep the key repo rate unchanged at 6.5%, offering some stability for loan holders. This marks the fourth consecutive time the central bank has maintained the status quo.
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das explained that the decision was driven by persistent inflationary pressures, particularly from rising food prices. He reiterated the RBI’s focus on bringing inflation down to its 4% target. For consumers, this means that EMIs on home, auto, and personal loans are unlikely to change in the near term.
5. Cricket World Cup 2023 Begins Today in Ahmedabad
Finally, some exciting news for sports fans: the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 officially kicks off today. The opening match features a thrilling clash between the 2019 finalists, with defending champions England taking on New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Ten teams will compete for the coveted trophy over the next month and a half. Team India, playing on home soil, is a strong contender and will start its campaign on October 8 against Australia. The nation is buzzing with cricket fever as fans prepare to support the Men in Blue.
