1. D.C Statehood
D.C may finally be closer to becoming a State. ABC7 reports that The House of Representatives voted Thursday in favor of legislation that would create the new state of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, with one representative and two senators. A tiny sliver of land including the White House, the U.S. Capitol and the National Mall would remain as a federal district. Although every state other than the original 13 was admitted to the union via congressional vote, statehood opponents argue that D.C. is a special case that requires special steps.
2. Domestic Helpers Registration
South Africa is leading the way with a new law that covers domestic helpers. Business Tech reports that the Government has gazetted new rules for domestic workers in South Africa, which will see them covered under the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (Coida). The changes, which were officially introduced in March, confirm that domestic workers are now covered under the act for illness or injury contracted at work.
3. India’s COVID-19 Crisis
India is currently running out of life-giving supplies. BBC reports that India is in the grips of a second wave of Covid infections and on Thursday recorded the highest one-day tally of new cases anywhere in the world. The country has recorded close to 16 million confirmed infections. Six hospitals in the Indian capital Delhi have completely run out of oxygen and doctors say other hospitals have just a few hours’ worth of supply left. A number of people have died while waiting for oxygen, and more than 99% of all intensive care beds are full.
