 "FirstUp: PM Modi to visit Poland, Rahul Gandhi to visit J&K ahead of polls...The headlines today")
It’s going to be a news-heavy Wednesday, as PM Modi is scheduled to visit Poland, while, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is going to visit Jammu and Kashmir ahead of key polls.
The Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has called for a Bharat Bandh, in response to the recent Supreme Court ruling on SC/ST reservations.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is going to visit the US, to finalise several high-profile defence agreements between the two countries. There’s also Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention.
The 2024 World Robot Conference is being held in Beijing, showcasing over 60 types of humanoid robots. it will feature an exhibition with participation from 169 global companies.
Here’s what the day looks like
PM Modi’s Poland visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Poland for a two-day trip, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in over forty years.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Modi will meet with Polish President Andrzej Duda and engage in bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw. The Financial Express reports that these talks are expected to centre on defence cooperation, trade, and strategic partnerships.
During his visit, Modi will also connect with the Indian community in Poland. As reported by ThePrint, he is set to pay tribute at the memorials dedicated to the Maharajas of Jamnagar and Kolhapur. His itinerary may also include visits to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the memorial for the Battle of Monte Cassino.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsModi’s visit is anticipated to reinvigorate the relationship between India and Poland. A source told ThePrint, “One can say that the ties have remained dormant. However, it is hoped that PM Modi’s push will give it the required push and take bilateral ties to a higher level.”
After his visit to Poland, PM Modi will travel to Ukraine.
Rahul Gandhi to visit J&K
Ahead of the assembly elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, along with party president Mallikarjun Kharge, are set to embark on a two-day visit to Jammu and Srinagar.
During their visit, the two leaders will conduct extensive meetings with local leaders and workers in both Jammu and Srinagar, aiming to revitalise and strengthen the party’s cadre. Congress National General Secretary Gulam Ahmed Mir informed PTI of their plans.
After engaging with the party workers in Jammu, Kharge and Rahul Gandhi will travel to Srinagar on Wednesday evening to meet with the cadre there. On the final day of their visit, August 22, they are scheduled to hold a press conference in Srinagar.
This visit follows a recent meeting where Congress President Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi, met with general secretaries, in-charges, and screening committee members from four states preparing for upcoming elections.
Calls for Bharat Bandh
The Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has called for a Bharat Bandh on August 21, 2024, in response to the recent Supreme Court ruling on SC/ST reservations.
The bandh has garnered significant support from SC/ST groups in Rajasthan and is anticipated to see widespread participation. Authorities have been instructed to ensure law and order is maintained during the protests.
According to The Times of India, police have been directed to increase deployment across all districts to prevent any unrest. DGP UR Sahoo mentioned that the SPs have been instructed to maintain control and ensure the situation remains peaceful in connection with the Bharat Bandh.
The Supreme Court’s ruling, which allows states to create sub-categories within SC and ST groups to prioritise those in greater need of reservations, has sparked controversy. Various social and political organisations argue that this decision undermines the fundamental principles of reservation.
While the Bharat Bandh is expected to cause disruptions, there is no clear indication if markets across the country will close, as market committees have yet to confirm their participation. Although public transport and private offices might be affected, emergency services, including ambulances, will continue to operate. Reports also suggest that schools, colleges, government offices, banks, and petrol pumps will remain functional during the bandh.
Rajnath Singh to begin US visit
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is embarking on a significant five-day official visit to the United States, beginning today.
This visit holds particular importance as it may lead to the finalisation of several high-profile defence agreements between India and the US. Among these could be the deal to procure 31 MQ-9B Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and GE-414 jet engines, both of which are expected to significantly enhance India’s next-generation fighter jets.
A key highlight of the visit will be Singh’s meeting with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon on August 23. This meeting is expected to cover a wide range of topics, with a particular emphasis on deepening military cooperation between the two countries.
Discussions will likely focus on ongoing and future defence deals, the strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific region, and ways to strengthen joint military exercises and training.
2024 World Robot Conference in China
The 2024 World Robot Conference is being held in Beijing from today until August 25 at the Beijing Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Centre, showcasing over 60 types of humanoid robots.
This year’s event is set to attract more than 416 guests from around the world and will feature an exhibition with participation from 169 global companies, including major names like ABB, Tesla, Kuka, and SMC.
A new addition to this year’s conference is the cutting-edge innovation area, where universities and research institutes will display advanced innovations, including six-legged guide robots and flying robots, reported _China Daily.
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