 "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government will clock in 11 years today. PTI")
It is set to be a busy Wednesday with several events lined up for the day.
Firstly, today marks the day that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will complete 11 years in public office. Meanwhile, a ban on travel to the US from 12 countries will come into effect from today.
Meanwhile, Argentina’s President Javier Milei is set to embark on a three-day visit to Israel. Apple is set to host WWDC 2025 from today where it is expected to unveil a host of next-generation versions of the iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS, tvOS and VisionOS operating systems. Finally, UK PM Keir Starmer will host Nato chief Mark Rutte in London for talks focussing on defence spending.
Here is all that will take place today.
Modi govt turns 11
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government will mark 11 years in the country, commemorating a significant milestone since first assuming office in 2014. This date also signifies the completion of the first year of Modi’s third consecutive term, which began on June 9, 2024.
To highlight the government’s accomplishments, an e-book has been released detailing progress across various sectors over the past 11 years. The publication emphasises inclusive and sustainable development, covering areas such as infrastructure, foreign policy, social justice and digital transformation.
Further, PM Modi has directed all ministries to prioritise direct engagement with citizens over celebratory events. Emphasising a people-first approach, he has instructed ministries to focus on addressing public grievances and ensuring effective delivery of government schemes.
Trump’s travel ban to come into effect
US President Donald Trump’s travel ban to the US from 12 countries will come into effect from today. In addition, seven more countries shall face partial travel restrictions.
The countries include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. The additional countries on which a partial ban has been imposed are Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.
Earlier, Trump said the list could be revised if “material improvements” were made, while other countries could be added as “threats emerge around the world”. It is the second time he has ordered a ban on travel from certain countries. He signed a similar order in 2017 during his first term in office.
US, China to hold trade talks in London
The US and China will hold a new round of talks in London today to resolve the trade war.
A senior US delegation will meet Chinese representatives. Beijing announced that Vice Premier He Lifeng will attend the talks.
The meeting follows a phone conversation between US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, last week. Trump described it as a “very good talk”.
The trade talks in London this week are expected to take up a series of fresh disputes that have buffeted relations, threatening a fragile truce over tariffs. Both sides agreed in Geneva last month to a 90-day suspension of most of the 100 per cent-plus tariffs they had imposed on each other in an escalating trade war that had sparked fears of recession.
Argentina’s President Javier Milei to visit Israel
Argentine President Javier Milei is set to arrive in Israel today for a three-day state visit, marking a significant moment in the strengthening of Argentina-Israel relations.
During his visit, President Milei is scheduled to meet both Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. These high-level discussions will likely cover bilateral relations, regional security and economic cooperation.
He is further expected to sign the “Memorandum of Freedom and Democracy Against Terrorism, Antisemitism and Discrimination,” formalising Argentina’s intensified alliance with Israel, reported the Times of Israel. Milei is also likely to visit the Western Wall of Jerusalem.
Apple is set to host WWDC 2025
Apple Inc is set to host its first biggest event of WWDC 2025 today where it is expected to unveil the next-generation versions of its iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS, tvOS and VisionOS operating systems.
According to a new online report, Apple is preparing a major enhancement for its Apple Watch operating system , watchOS 26, the introduction of third-party widget support within the Control Center. As reported by 9to5Mac, the upcoming feature will enable users unprecedented customisation options, moving beyond Apple’s native toggles and tiles. Along with this, the update will also allow developers to integrate their own widgets alongside existing Apple toggles like Wi-Fi, Battery and Focus Mode.
Some of the other features include a redesigned interface, Apple intelligence integration, third-party control centre widgets and AirPods sleep detection among others.
UK leader Starmer to host Nato chief Rutte
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will host Nato head Mark Rutte in London today for talks focussing on defence spending. The meeting comes at a time when Rutte pushes for a western military alliance to allocate more money for defence in response to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
“You can expect the prime minister to raise how we can ensure all allies meet their stated pledges in support of our collective defence, to keep people safe,” Starmer’s spokesman told reporters. US President Donald Trump has demanded that Nato members boost defence budgets to five per cent of their GDP at an alliance summit to be held in the Netherlands on June 24-25.
With inputs from agencies