 "US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. File image/AP")
It’s a beginning of a new week and there’s a lot expected to take place today.
Today, November 3, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth will visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas and also meet with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung during his visit to the Asian country.
Moreover, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will visit the People’s Republic of China for a two-day visit.
Here’s what else to expect from the world of news today.
Hegseth in South Korea
Starting today, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth will be in South Korea for a visit during which he will visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas and meet with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.
Hegseth will visit South Korea mainly to co-chair the two countries’ annual defence ministerial talks, called the Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) slated for November 4. Korea is the last leg of his Asia swing that includes stops in Japan, Malaysia and Vietnam. After the SCM session, the secretary and South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back will announce an expansion of defense industrial cooperation, an official said.
According to Hegseth’s intinerary, he is set to visit the Joint Security Area inside the DMZ and have a chance to meet Korean and American troops stationed at the DMZ. During his stay in Korea, he will also visit Camp Humphreys, a sprawling US military base some 65 kilometres south of Seoul, to thank service members and families.
Russia PM in China
Today, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will visit the People’s Republic of China. A government statement read, “On November 3-4, the head of the government of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin will visit the People’s Republic of China. In the city of Hangzhou, a 30th regular meeting between the heads of government of Russia and China is planned with the participation of Mikhail Mishustin and Chinese State Council Premier Li Qiang.”
“In Beijing, Mikhail Mishustin will meet with Chairman of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping,” the statement added.
The Russian-Chinese ties of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction have reached an unprecedentedly high level and continue to dynamically strengthen. Thus, the talks will focus on the issues of developing trade and economic cooperation, fostering logistics interconnections and industrial cooperation, strengthening partnership on energy and expanding cooperation in the spheres of hi-tech and agriculture.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsPM Modi to inaugurate Emerging Science and Technology Innovation Conclave
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first Emerging Science and Technology Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 on November 3 and launch a mega fund to promote private sector-driven research and development in the country, an official statement said on Sunday.
ESTIC is billed as a flagship event of the government in the field of science and technology, and will be held every year.
The three-day conclave will bring together over 3,000 participants from academia, research institutions, industry and government, along with Nobel laureates, eminent scientists, innovators and policymakers, the statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.
Supreme Court to hear stray dogs case
Today, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the case concerning stray dogs in which it had directed the Chief Secretaries of all the States and Union Territories, except West Bengal and Telangana, to remain present before it.
While hearing the matter on October 27, the top court had directed the Chief Secretaries to remain present before it on November 3 to explain why compliance affidavits were not filed despite the court’s August 22 order.
The apex court on August 22 asked the States and UTs about the steps being taken for compliance with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules.
The matter is slated to come up for hearing on Monday before a three-Judge special Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria.
On October 31, the top court refused to exempt the Chief Secretaries of States and UTs from appearing before it physically on November 3, saying there was “no respect” for the court’s order.
The apex court is hearing a suo motu case which was initiated on July 28 over a media report on stray dog bites leading to rabies, particularly among children, in the national capital.
With inputs from agencies