Top news today: Israel's nationwide strike due to Gaza hostage deal, South Africa's Ramaphosa to visit China...

Sept. 2, 2024, 1 a.m.

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The first day of the work week is going to be hectic.

In Israel, thousands of Israelis protested outside the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem after the bodies of six hostages were recovered from southern Gaza. On Monday, Histadrut, one of the country’s most powerful unions, called for a general strike.

US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will be in Pittsburgh on Labor Day for a campaign event.

Advertisement South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be in China for a four-day visit.

The West Bengal Assembly in India will hold a special two-day session to pass a Bill that would impose the death penalty on those convicted in rape and murder cases.

Here’s a look at the big headlines today.

Israel union calls for strike over Gaza hostage deal

Protests have erupted across Israel, fueled by anger at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his handling of the Hamas hostage crisis. The Israeli military's recovery of six bodies of those killed in Gaza on Saturday ignited the protests. Israel's largest labor union has called for a nationwide general strike today. The head of the powerful Histadrut trade union has declared a “complete strike” in solidarity with the hostages.

"We've reached the point where only our action will jolt those who need it," declared Arnon Bar David, head of the Histadrut. "Beginning tomorrow at six in the morning, the entire Israeli economy will be shut down completely."

"A deal isn't moving forward because of political reasons, and this is unacceptable," he added.

During Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, it abducted 251 people, 97 of whom remain captive in Gaza including 33 the army says are dead.

Biden, Harris’s campaign in Pittsburg

President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will be in Pittsburgh for a campaign event on Labor Day.

Advertisement The Harris-Walz campaign says this stop is part of a Labor Day push in key states.

US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Reuters His running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, will spend Labor Day in Milwaukee, while Doug Emhoff, the Second Gentleman, will be in Newport News, Virginia.

Millions of American workers will enjoy a day off today in observance of Labour Day, a federal holiday established 130 years ago to acknowledge their contributions.

The day is widely recognized as the final celebration of summer and is marked by parades, rallies, picnics, and family gatherings.

South African President to visit China

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be making a state visit to China from September 2 to 5.

Advertisement This visit aims to pave the way for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit, scheduled to take place from September 4 to 6.

This visit follows President Xi Jinping’s fourth official visit to South Africa in August 2023.

Special two-day session of the West Bengal Assembly

The West Bengal Assembly will hold a special two-day session beginning on September 2 to pass a Bill that proposes the death penalty for individuals convicted in cases involving rape and murder.

The state committee, chaired by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, approved the proposal for the special session on Wednesday.

The state government's decision to advance the bill comes amidst heightened criticism of the state administration following the horrific rape and murder of a junior doctor at the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Advertisement Crucial court hearings

The Supreme Court will hear the grievances of protesting farmers at the Punjab-Haryana border

SC will hear petitions challenging the cancellation of OBC certificates in Bengal

The chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) will outline steps to reduce stubble burning and air pollution.

The Supreme Court will hear the plea seeking a transfer for the 2015 cash-for-vote case outside Telangana.

A special court in Pune will hear the anticipatory bail plea filed by the father of one of the two minors who accompanied the 17-year-old driver of the Porsche Taycan during the May 19 crash.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is launching a nationwide membership drive today.

According to ANI sources, primary membership will be obtained through missed calls (8800002024), the NaMo App, QR codes, and traditional application forms. This ensures that individuals in areas with limited mobile coverage or those without mobile phones can participate.

A National Team, led by Vinod Tawde, National General Secretary, has been established to manage the campaign. State, District, and Mandal teams, along with Morchas and Cells, will also be formed, with an emphasis on media, social media, and IT coordination.

Advertisement The membership drive will be conducted in two phases–September 2 to September 25 and October 1 to October 15. Each phase will target specific milestones, ensuring a comprehensive reach across the country.

JJP to announce candidates for Haryana polls

The Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) is expected to announce their candidates after a political affairs committee meeting scheduled for today.

With the aim of attracting Dalit voters, who comprise 21% of the state's population, the JJP and the Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) previously formed a pre-election alliance for the 90 Assembly seats in Haryana.

In the upcoming election, the JJP, a political party stemming from the INLD, will contest 70 out of the 90 seats. The remaining 20 seats will be contested by the Azad Samaj Party.

RSS all-India coordination meeting concludes

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) held a three-day coordination meeting in Palakkad, Kerala, to discuss significant national matters and the initiatives planned for its centenary year in 2025.

The meeting, which saw the participation of around 32 “RSS inspired organisations” represented by around 320 ‘karyakartas’ (workers), will conclude today.

The meeting is being attended by its leader, Mohan Bhagwat, and six joint general secretaries.

Mohun Bagan Vs East Bengal in Lucknow

The Kolkata derby will have another chapter concluded on September 2 as the reserve teams of East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giant will play an exhibition match in Lucknow.

Mohun Bagan, founded in 1889, will return to the field in Lucknow after a 69-year absence.

The team played there only once, on August 30, 1955, when they drew 1-1 in an exhibition match against the Lucknow XI. SKM's dharna

On Monday, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha will hold a sit-in at Chandigarh to advocate for their demands, a memorandum of which has already been submitted to the state government.

SKM members also criticized Kangana Ranaut's statement about farmers.

They demanded that PM Modi should seek an apology for the same.

A day to remember

World Coconut Day

Birth anniversary of cricketer Ishant Sharma

Birth anniversary of tennis player Jimmy Connors

Birth anniversary of actor Keanu Reeves

Birth anniversary of actor Salma Hayek

The Interim Government of India, also known as the Provisional Government of India, was established on September 1, 1946.

The first automated teller machine (ATM) in the United States was introduced in 1969 at Chemical Bank in Rockville Centre, New York, enabling customers to withdraw cash.

Vietnam declares its independence from France in 1945

The Treaty of Jaffa, signed in 1192 between Richard I of England and Saladin, marked the end of the Third Crusade.

The Great Fire of London broke out and burnt for three days, destroying 10,000 buildings, including St Paul’s Cathedral, in 1666

A solar superstorm affected electrical telegraph service in 1859

Swissair Flight 111 tragically crashed near Peggys Cove, Nova Scotia, in 1998, resulting in the loss of all 229 passengers and crew members.