Morning Digest | South Africa files ICJ case against Israel for ‘genocidal acts’; Budget session only window for CAA implementation ahead of LS polls, and more

The Hindu Morning Digest gives a select list of stories to start the day. Read the top news today on December 30, 2023

South Africa files ICJ case accusing Israel of ‘genocidal acts’ in Gaza

South Africa launched a case on Friday at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel for what it said were “genocidal” acts in Gaza, with Israel rejecting the case “with disgust”. According to a statement, the ICJ application related to alleged violations by Israel of its obligations under the Genocide Convention, and said that “Israel has engaged in, is engaging in and risks further engaging in genocidal acts against the Palestinian people in Gaza”.

Budget session the only window to ensure implementation of CAA ahead of 2024 polls

There is a one-month window for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to be implemented before the next Budget session, which is expected to start on February 1, 2024, a senior government official said on December 29. Once the model code of conduct kicks in, legislative work such as notifying the rules of CAA by publishing them in the official gazette cannot take place and per norms, all rules are to be mandatorily tabled before the Parliament. The Winter session of Parliament, which concluded on December 21, was the last working session of the current Lok Sabha to clear key legislative work.

Collect COVID data to take decisions, prepare systems: Experts

Over the last four weeks, COVID cases have gone up rapidly with JN.1 becoming the predominant strain. For an endemic infection, surges are common, but they will have to be anticipated and handled appropriately, says Soumya Swaminathan, former Chief Scientist, WHO, and chairperson, MSSRF. “There will be surges in the future. It is important to collect data in order to make decisions, in case another surge with a more deadly strain were to appear. Our systems will have to be prepared,” she adds. This includes having vaccines and drugs at hand to use if the need arises.

Kerala seeks guidelines from Supreme Court on circumstances under which Governor can reserve Bills for President’s consideration