Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit North Korea today for the first time in 24 years.
This rare trip highlights Moscow’s growing partnership with the nuclear-armed state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his first visit to his parliamentary constituency Varanasi after securing his third term, will outline a comprehensive plan on 18 June for improving farmers’ conditions.
The Supreme Court deferred to 18 June the hearing on Punjab AAP MLA Jaswant Singh Gajjan Majra’s plea challenging his ED arrest.
A dive into the top headlines today:
Putin to meet Kim in North Korea
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un extended the invitation to Putin during a visit to Russia’s Far East last September.
“At the invitation of the Chairman of State Affairs of the DPRK, Kim Jong Un, Vladimir Putin will pay a friendly state visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on June 18-19,” the Kremlin announced.
Putin will then visit Vietnam on 19 and 20 June, the Kremlin said.
Putin’s last visit to Pyongyang was in July 2000.
Modi in Varanasi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to speak to farmers nationwide in Varanasi on 18 June, marking his first public rally since beginning his third term in office.
During this event, he plans to appoint 30,000 trained women farm guides and distribute the 17th installment of PM Kisan, a cash-transfer initiative for farmers, as announced by Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday.
Chouhan informed reporters that nearly 20 million farmers from various states will participate either in person or virtually.
Invitations have been extended to all state chief ministers for this significant occasion.
AAP MLA SC hearing
The Supreme Court will hold a hearing on Punjab AAP MLA Jaswant Singh Gajjan Majra’s petition challenging his arrest and remand by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering investigation tied to a bank fraud case.
The vacation bench, comprising Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Augustine George Masih, had deferred the proceedings to today, citing the absence of a rejoinder from the AAP MLA in the case.
56th session Human Rights Council
The 56th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council will convene at the Palais des Nations in Geneva from 18 June to 12 July, 2024.
During this session, the Council is expected to discuss the prevailing conditions in Israel-Palestine, focusing on underlying factors such as colonial-apartheid practices and Israel’s alleged actions of forcibly displacing and relocating Palestinians.
This discussion will take place in the context of findings from the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel.
Boeing CEO to testify in front of US Senate
Outgoing Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun is scheduled to appear before a US Senate panel today.
This testimony comes in the wake of several incidents that have raised significant concerns regarding safety and quality, prompting regulators to limit production of Boeing’s popular 737 MAX aircraft.
US Senator Richard Blumenthal, chair of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, announced that Calhoun will address a range of issues during his testimony.
Today in History – 18 June
Goa Revolution Day: Goa Revolution Day marks the commencement of the movement against Portuguese colonial rule in the Indian state of Goa on 18 June, 1946. This day commemorates the efforts and sacrifices of freedom fighters who aimed to end over four centuries of Portuguese rule.
The revolution began with a mass meeting organised by Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, who inspired the people of Goa to rise against the colonial oppressors. The movement gained momentum and eventually led to Goa’s liberation on 19 December, 1961.
Birth Anniversary of K.S. Sudarshan: On 18 June, the birth anniversary of Kuppahalli Sitaramayya Sudarshan, the 5th Sarsanghchalak (chief) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is observed.
Born in 1931, Sudarshan was a prominent leader and ideologue of the RSS, a Hindu nationalist organisation in India. He served as the chief of RSS from 2000 to 2009, and his tenure was marked by efforts to expand the organisation’s influence and promote its ideology.
Birth Anniversary of Sir James Paul McCartney: James Paul McCartney, born on 18 June, 1942, is a legendary vocalist and bassist for the Beatles, one of the most influential bands in the history of music. McCartney’s contributions to the Beatles, along with his successful solo career, have made him a global icon. Known for his melodic bass playing, versatile singing, and songwriting prowess, McCartney has left an indelible mark on the music industry. His songs like “Hey Jude,” “Let It Be,” and “Yesterday” continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
The War of 1812: On 18 June, 1812, the United States declared war on Great Britain, Canada, and Ireland, initiating what is known as the War of 1812. The war was driven by issues such as trade restrictions imposed by Britain, the impressment of American sailors into the British Navy, and America’s desire to expand its territory. The conflict lasted until 1815 and involved numerous battles across North America. The war concluded with the Treaty of Ghent, which largely restored relations between the warring nations to their pre-war status.
Battle of Waterloo: The Battle of Waterloo, fought on 18 June, 1815, marked the definitive defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte. This pivotal battle saw the French army led by Napoleon face off against the British-led coalition under the command of the Duke of Wellington and the Prussian army commanded by Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher. Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo ended his rule as Emperor of the French and led to his abdication. This battle reshaped the political landscape of Europe and marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars.
France Invades Algeria: On 18 June, 1830, France launched an invasion of Algeria, beginning a long and often brutal colonisation process. The invasion was part of France’s broader imperial ambitions in North Africa. Over the following years, Algeria was transformed into a French colony, and the indigenous population faced significant hardships under colonial rule. The struggle for Algerian independence eventually led to a protracted war of independence, culminating in Algeria’s liberation in 1962.
Amelia Earhart’s Transatlantic Flight: In 1928, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, a significant milestone in aviation history. Earhart’s successful flight on 18 June from Newfoundland, Canada, to Wales in the United Kingdom made her an international celebrity and a symbol of women’s growing role in aviation. This accomplishment paved the way for future female aviators and cemented Earhart’s legacy as a pioneering figure in aviation.
Egypt Declared a Republic: On 18 June, 1953, Egypt was declared a republic following the Egyptian Revolution of 1952, which resulted in the overthrow of the Muhammad Ali Dynasty. This momentous event marked the end of monarchical rule in Egypt and the establishment of a republic led by President Muhammad Naguib. The revolution, spearheaded by the Free Officers Movement, sought to modernise Egypt, end British influence, and address social inequalities. The declaration of the republic was a significant step in Egypt’s journey towards self-governance and modernisation.
With inputs from agencies
Link to article –
