 "Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets with Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, days before the announcement of the first budget at Downing Street in London. Reuters")
Wednesday is shaping up to be a busy day filled with several important events.
Britain’s Finance Minister Rachel Reeves will unveil the Labour government’s first budget in 14 years.
In the final week leading up to the US election, both Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump are scheduled to be in North Carolina today.
China’s crewed spacecraft, Shenzhou-19, is set to launch today from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre.
Preparations for the eighth edition of Deepotsav in Ayodhya were nearing completion on Tuesday, as officials aimed to set another world record today.
The sentencing of Erik Fleming, one of the five people arrested in connection with the drug overdose case involving actor Matthew Perry, will take place.
In Botswana, a general election will take place today, with President Mokgweetsi Masisi facing three challengers in his bid for a second term in the diamond-rich nation.
Let’s take a look at these events:
Labour government’s first UK budget in 14 years
Britain’s first woman chancellor of the exchequer (finance minister), Rachel Reeves, will present the new Labour government’s first budget in 14 years today, following the crisis sparked by former Prime Minister Liz Truss’s tax-cutting plans two years ago that unsettled the bond market.
According to several reports, she is expected to announce approximately £40 billion ($52 billion) in fiscal measures, primarily consisting of tax increases and cuts to certain public services, in order to fulfil her commitment to cover daily expenses without resorting to borrowing.
Kamala Harris, Donald Trump to campaign in North Carolina today
In the final week before the US election, candidates are intensifying their efforts to secure votes. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will both campaign in North Carolina today.
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Their visits come as polls indicate tight margins in the presidential race. Trump has announced an appearance in Rocky Mount, while Harris is set to hold a rally in Raleigh.
China’s fourth manned mission
China announced its plans to launch its fourth manned mission to replace the crew aboard its space station on Tuesday, introducing a three-member team, including a woman, to serve at the low-orbit facility for the next six months.
The crewed spaceship, Shenzhou-19, is scheduled for launch today at 4:27 am (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China.
Ayodhya gears up for ‘Deepotsav’
In Ayodhya, preparations for the eighth edition of Deepotsav were nearing completion on Tuesday, with officials aiming to set a world record by illuminating the city with 2.8 million earthen lamps today.
This year’s event is particularly significant as it is the first Deepotsav following the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol at the Ayodhya temple.
Matthew Perry death case: Erik Fleming’s sentencing today
Today also marks the sentencing of Erik Fleming, one of the five individuals arrested in connection with the drug overdose death of Matthew Perry, the late actor known for his role as Chandler Bing on the sitcom Friends.
Fleming pleaded guilty on August 8 to conspiracy to distribute ketamine and to distributing ketamine that resulted in death. Perry died on October 28 last year at the age of 54 due to the “acute effects of ketamine.”
Botswana general elections
Meanwhile, Botswana will conduct a general election today, with President Mokgweetsi Masisi vying for a second term against three challengers in the diamond-rich nation.
Analysts suggest that the election could be competitive, but Masisi’s Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which has been in power since the country’s independence from Britain in 1966, may benefit from a divided opposition.
With inputs from agencies