It’s going to be a busy Thursday.
PM Narendra Modi will embark on a spiritual journey to Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari. India is scheduled to hold negotiations with a high-level delegation from France to acquire 26 Rafale jets.
The Delhi Court will also hear clarifications in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case against Jagadish Tytler.
On the world front, King Charles is expected to dissolve UK Parliament ahead of general elections. Hong Kong court will also deliver a landmark verdict against democrats arrested under the contentious national security law.
Here’s what is expected today
PM Modi’s meditation plans
After hectic campaigning for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections across the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a three-day spiritual sojourn today to Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari. He will arrive at the rock memorial dedicated to his spiritual guru Swami Vivekananda and will be meditating through the day and night at the revered Dhyan Mandapam, The Hindu reports.
Surrounded by three water bodies – the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean, it is believed that the Vivekananda meditated on the big rock and attained a vision for a developed India.
According to BJP functionaries, PM Modi’s decision to pick the spot in Kanyakumari underscores his commitment to bringing to fruition Vivekananda’s vision for the country.
India-France to begin talks on Rafale jets
India is set to begin official contract negotiations with France for the mega acquisition of 26 Rafale-Marine fighters, valued at over Rs 50,000 crore.
The high-level French delegation, comprising officials from their defence ministry and industry, including Dassault Aviation and Thales, will meet with their Indian counterparts from the defense acquisition wing and the Indian Navy today.
The naval force is eager to induct supersonic jets on its two aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, in response to the growing threat from China in the Indian Ocean Region.
King Charles to dissolve UK Parliament
Ahead of general elections, King Charles will dissolve the British Parliament today.
The UK monarch will dissolve the Parliament 25 days ahead of general elections after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak earlier this week took Britons by surprise and announced elections in the country on 4th July.
While Charles has never overseen a general election as King, he has formally met with two prime ministers during his reign including Liz Truss and the incumbent prime minister Rishi Sunak.
As per the protocol, the Prime Minister “requests” the King dissolve Parliament, and if accepted by the monarch, all 650 seats in the House of Commons are vacated by Parliamentarians.
Hong Kong court’s verdict on national security trial
The Hong Kong high court is poised to deliver a landmark verdict against 16 democrats in what is considered the largest criminal trial against the city’s democratic opposition.
This verdict follows the mass arrest of 47 democrats in dawn raids over three years ago, with the individuals charged under a China-imposed national security law for “conspiracy to commit subversion.” To date, 31 of the 47 democrats have pleaded guilty, while 16 maintained their innocence.
Critics argue that the judgment could significantly impact Hong Kong’s democratic movement and its reputation as a global financial hub. The trial is being closely watched by the international community with delegates from US, Britain, and Europe having attended court proceedings.
Hearing on 1984 anti-Sikh riots case on Jagdish Tytler
Delhi’s Rouse Avenue court is scheduled to hear clarification in the 1984 anti-Sikh killing case against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler.
The matter is up for hearing after the court heard arguments on the framing of charges against the leader earlier this month.
The case which was investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had earlier argued that there are eyewitnesses who saw Jagdish Tytler “inciting the mob” during the 1984 riots and there is “sufficient material” to frame charges against him.
This case pertains to the alleged killing of three Sikhs Thakur Singh, Badal Singh and Gurcharan Singh in front of Pul Bangash Gurudwara on November 1, 1984. Congress leader Jagdish Tytler is accused in the case.
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