Today marks a day of significant developments in India as various political figures and institutions prepare for critical actions and announcements. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what to expect:
President Murmu’s Independence Day Eve Address
President Droupadi Murmu will deliver a national address on the eve of India’s 78th Independence Day. This address is highly anticipated as it will likely outline the nation’s achievements and future goals. In addition to her speech, she will inaugurate the Amrit Udyan, a newly designed garden inside Rashtrapati Bhavan. The garden, featuring attractions such as a stone abacus, a sound pipe, and a music wall, will be open to the public from Friday, August 16th, until September 15th.
Q1 Results Released for Various Companies
Several companies are set to release their quarterly results for the first quarter of the financial year on August 14th. This includes prominent names like E.I.D.-Parry (India), Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Hindustan Aeronautics, and Reliance Power. Investors will be closely watching these releases for insights into the performance of these businesses.
Manish Sisodia’s Political Comeback
Former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, is set to commence a padayatra (foot march) on Wednesday. This marks his return to active politics after being released from Tihar Jail, where he spent 17 months. Sisodia will be spearheading preparations for the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for next year. His release followed a Supreme Court bail in cases related to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. Party leaders have been deliberating over his future role since his release, making his padayatra a significant event.
Allahabad High Court Hearing on Gyanvapi Mosque Survey
The Allahabad High Court will hear the Gyanvapi mosque committee’s response to a plea demanding an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) examination of the mosque’s ‘wazukhana’ (ablution area). Last month, the court granted the committee a month to file a counter affidavit against a Varanasi court’s refusal to direct the ASI to survey the area. This hearing is a part of the ongoing Shringar Gauri Worshipping suit, a contentious legal battle with religious implications.
NEET UG Counseling Commences
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has announced the commencement of the NEET UG 2024 counseling process. Detailed schedules have been released, and medical colleges are required to submit their MBBS seat matrices. This marks an important step for aspiring medical students seeking admission to undergraduate medical programs in India.
WHO Emergency Committee Meeting on Mpox
The World Health Organization’s emergency committee will meet today to discuss the Mpox outbreak, which has affected several African nations. The committee will decide whether to declare the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The closed virtual meeting will start at 1000 GMT. Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease transmitted from animals to humans and can spread through close physical contact. The committee’s decision will have implications for global health response measures.
Thai Prime Minister’s Future Hangs in the Balance
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin faces a crucial court ruling today that could impact his tenure. The Constitutional Court will decide on the legality of appointing Pichit Chuenban, a lawyer linked to the Shinawatra family, as a cabinet minister despite his criminal conviction. The ruling follows the court’s recent disbandment of the kingdom’s main opposition political party and a ban on its former leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, from politics for a decade. This decision has the potential to further shake up Thai politics.
Pakistan Celebrates Independence Day
Pakistan is celebrating its 78th Independence Day with a patriotic display of events, including celebrations at F-9 Park in Islamabad. The highlights include a musical concert, a fireworks display, and the city’s inaugural drone show. Additionally, a designated tree-planting area will encourage participation from families, youth, and children.
India’s Wholesale Price Inflation Data Released
India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation data will be released today. Recent figures show a rise in wholesale prices to 3.4% in June, the highest in 16 months, driven by an increase in food prices and a significant rise in the prices of manufactured goods. This data provides an indication of the overall inflationary pressures in the Indian economy.
