 "The Monsoon Session of the parliament is set to begin. File image/PTI")
It is set to be a busy Monday with several events lined up for the day.
Firstly, the monsoon session of the Parliament is set to begin from today. Meanwhile, a hearing in the ongoing legal dispute between Harvard University and the administration of President Donald Trump will take place today.
The Canadian government is likely to ‘adjust’ counter tariffs on US steel and aluminium. India will receive its first consignment of Apache attack helicopters. TMC will hold its annual Martyrs’ Day rally today in Kolkata.
Here is all that is set to take place throughout the day.
Monsoon session of Parliament to commence
The monsoon session of the Parliament is set to commence today and run until August 12. This will be the first full session after recent significant events, including a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam and “Operation Sindoor,” a retaliatory military operation.
According to NDTV, eight new bills are on the agenda, some of which include amendments to Goods and Services Tax (GST) laws, new taxation laws, and the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business. There will be a total of 21 sittings.
Ahead of the session, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju will hold an all-party meeting on July 20 to discuss the upcoming legislative agenda and foster constructive discussions.
Trump and Harvard University dispute hearing
A hearing is scheduled to take place between Harvard University and the administration of President Donald Trump in a federal court. The dispute is concerning the freeze of federal grants to the prestigious institution.
The dispute stems from the administration’s decision in April this year to freeze over $2.2 billion (Rs 18,370 crore) in federal grants and $60 million (Rs 499 crore) in contracts to Harvard. This move came after Harvard reportedly refused to comply with the White House’s demands for sweeping changes to its governance, admissions policies, and its approach to issues such as antisemitism on campus and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The administration has also linked its actions to concerns about Harvard’s handling of student protests.
Harvard University swiftly responded by filing a lawsuit against the administration , arguing that the funding freeze is unlawful, unconstitutional, and constitutes government overreach into academic independence.
Canadian govt to ‘adjust’ counter tariffs on US steel and aluminium
Today marks the last day of the Canadian government’s 30 days to reach a deal on US tariff levies. It will likely adjust its 25 per cent counter tariffs on US steel and aluminium in response to a doubling of US levies. This move is part of an ongoing strategy to protect Canada’s domestic industry while navigating a complex trade dispute with the United States.
The Canadian Ministry of Finance stated that the adjustments are designed to align with progress made in these broader trade discussions. This approach allows Canada to maintain pressure on the US while also signalling a willingness to find a negotiated solution.
The trade conflict began earlier this year when US President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on a wide range of goods, including a 50 per cent duty on steel and aluminium from Canada. In response, Canada implemented its own retaliatory tariffs on roughly $30 billion worth of American goods.
India to receive Apache helicopters
India is set to receive the first consignment of three Apache attack helicopters from the United States today. These highly anticipated “tanks in the air,” will significantly enhance the combat strength of the Indian land forces.
The helicopters are scheduled to arrive at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad. Their deployment is specifically planned for areas near the Pakistan border, particularly in the desert sector near Jodhpur, where the Army had established its first Apache squadron in March 2024.
TMC to hold its annual Martyrs’ Day rally
Trinamool Congress (TMC) is set to hold its annual Martyrs’ Day rally in Kolkata today. The Martyr’s Day commemorates the killing of 13 Youth Congress workers in police firing during a protest on July 21, 1993. The incident is considered a pivotal moment in Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s political career and the formation of the TMC itself.
The rally is traditionally held in front of Victoria House in Esplanade, central Kolkata, and draws hundreds of thousands of party workers and supporters from across West Bengal. This year, the event holds particular significance as it will be the last Martyrs’ Day rally before the 2026 state Assembly elections.
Earlier, the Calcutta High Court imposed restrictions on the timings of processions to minimise traffic congestion for office-goers. The court also suggested that the TMC consider shifting the venue to a larger ground like Brigade Parade Ground or Salt Lake Stadium from next year, citing public inconvenience.
With inputs from agencies