 "The Trumps will arrive today and depart on Thursday. Reuters/File Photo")
It is a busy Tuesday.
US President Donald Trump is set to begin his state visit to the United Kingdom. He will be joined by Melania Trump, and King Charles will host them during their stay.
Trade negotiations are set to begin between India and the US today, following the arrival of US chief negotiator. This comes after the US imposed a steep 50 per cent tariff on India last month.
The United Nations Human Rights Council will hold an emergency debate on Israel’s September 9 attack that targeted Hamas leaders in Qatar.
Malawi will go to the polls for its presidential election. Incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera from the Malawi Congress Party is aiming for a second term, while Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party is seeking a return to power.
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami is likely to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi today.
Bangladesh will face Afghanistan in their do-or-die Group B clash in the Asia Cup.
Here is a closer look at the day’s events.
Trump begins UK state visit
US President Donald Trump will begin a state visit to the United Kingdom today, accompanied by Melania Trump.
King Charles will host them at Windsor Castle on Wednesday and Thursday.
This visit comes two months after the US president spent four days in Scotland, where he met political leaders and toured his golf courses.
The two nations are expected to announce agreements on technology and civil nuclear energy during the trip, while the UK also aims to settle steel tariff issues as part of a planned trade deal.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe Trumps will arrive today and depart on Thursday.
Trade talks between India and US to begin
Fresh rounds of trade negotiations are set to take place between India and the US today, following the arrival of US chief negotiator. Brendan Lynch, the assistant US trade representative for south and central Asia landed in India yesterday. Now, discussions on a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with his Indian counterpart, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce Rajesh Agarwal, is likely to take place.
This is the first time the two sides are meeting for trade talks after the US imposed a steep 50 per cent tariff on India last month. Originally set for August 25, the negotiations were also postponed in the wake of the tariffs being imposed.
UN rights council to debate Israel’s attack on Qatar
The United Nations Human Rights Council will hold an emergency debate in Geneva today on Israel’s September 9 attack that targeted Hamas leaders in Qatar.
According to Hamas, the airstrike killed five of its members but none of its top leadership. The strike has pushed US-aligned Gulf Arab states to show unity, further straining relations between the United Arab Emirates and Israel, which established diplomatic ties in 2020.
The debate was called by Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and by Kuwait representing the Gulf Cooperation Council.
It will be the 10th such urgent debate held by the council since its formation in 2006.
Malawi elections
Malawi is holding a presidential election as the country faces an economic crisis along with food and fuel shortages.
Current President Lazarus Chakwera, who once taught theology and worked as a preacher, had contested the 2019 election as the challenger.
That vote was won by then-president Peter Mutharika but was later annulled by the country’s top court. In the 2020 re-run, Chakwera emerged victorious.
Now 70, Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party is seeking a second term, while Mutharika, 85, of the Democratic Progressive Party is aiming to make a comeback.
Voters will also choose members of Parliament and over 500 local council representatives.
Palaniswami may meet Amit Shah in Delhi
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami is likely to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi today.
Though his trip is officially linked to greeting CP Radhakrishnan on his election as Vice President, reports suggest he may also meet Shah to discuss the party’s ongoing internal crisis.
This comes a week after KA Sengottaiyan gave EPS a 10-day deadline to hold talks with expelled leaders O Panneerselvam, who leads the AIADMK Workers Right Retrieval Committee, and TTV Dhinakaran, who heads the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, as well as with VK Sasikala, a close aide of the late J Jayalalithaa.
Asia Cup: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan
Bangladesh face a must-win Group B clash against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup today, with their hopes of staying in the tournament on the line.
The Litton Das-led side started well with a strong win over Hong Kong but then suffered a heavy defeat to Sri Lanka, which left them third in the group standings.
Afghanistan (net run rate 4.700) are ahead, while Sri Lanka (2.595) sits in second place. Bangladesh, with a net run rate of -0.650, must win their final group match to stay in contention.
Afghanistan come into the match with confidence after beating Pakistan recently and defeating the United Arab Emirates twice in a tri-series. They opened their Asia Cup campaign with a 94-run win over Hong Kong.
With inputs from agencies