Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will travel to the United Kingdom to maintain focus on the Russia war despite attention being diverted by the Iran conflict. Meanwhile, in India, a nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court will hear arguments on the definition of ‘industry’
The Iran war enters Day 18. On Tuesday, Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy will travel to the United Kingdom.
Forecasters widely expect the Federal Reserve to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at its meeting, reportedly to be held today (March 17), amid the Iran war.
In other news, today, a nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court is set to begin hearing on the contentious issue of the definition of the word “industry” under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.
Read this and more of the big news from across the world today.
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy in the UK
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit the United Kingdom on Tuesday, British Defense Secretary John Healey said. Speaking to lawmakers, he said that the UK delivered 3,500 drones, 18,000 artillery rounds and three million rounds of small ammunition to Ukraine in February.
“We face two conflicts on two continents, supported by an axis of aggression with similar tactics and similar technologies. And I say this to the Ukrainian people on behalf of the UK, we will not forget the war in Europe and our total determination to stand with Ukraine remains steadfast,” Healey added.
At a Downing Street press conference, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he would meet Zelenskyy “soon” because “it’s vital that we continue to focus on supporting Ukraine”.
“We cannot allow the war in the Gulf to turn into a windfall for Putin,” he said.
US Fed Reserve to meet amid war
US Federal Reserve officials will meet to debate and discuss whether the Iran conflict is more likely to disrupt economic growth. According to forecasters, the Federal Reserve may keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged as it concludes its meeting on Tuesday (March 18).
Besides the United States entering a war, several developments have taken place since the Federal Open Market Committee kept interest rates unchanged at 3.5 per cent to 3.75 per cent during its January meeting, after implementing three cuts late last year, USA Today reported.
SC to hear arguments on definition of ‘industry’
A nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court is set to start the hearing on the contentious issue of defining the word “industry” under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, today (March 17).
The matter would be heard by a nine-judge Bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices BV Nagarathna, PS Narasimha, Dipankar Datta, Ujjal Bhuyan, Satish Chandra Sharma, Joymalya Bagchi, Alok Aradhe, and Vipul M Pancholi.
On February 16, the court outlined the key issues to be adjudicated by the nine-judge Bench.
Argentina’s ex-Prez to appear for questioning in corruption case
According to reports, Argentina’s Federal Oral Court No. 7 has confirmed that former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner will testify in person today (March 17) in connection with the “Notebooks of Corruption” case. The court has rejected an appeal to void the trial.
Fernandez de Kirchner went on trial in November last year on bribery charges tied to public works contracts awarded during her administration.
Fernandez, who served two presidential terms from 2007 to 2015, as well as stints as vice president, senator and first lady, has been under house arrest since June after a separate fraud conviction, Reuters reported last year.
St Patrick’s Day Parade in Ireland
St Patrick’s Day parade in Ireland will take place today, with live events, music, community activities, and more across Dublin.
Thousands of people are expected to gather along streets in towns and cities across the island of Ireland to mark St Patrick’s Day celebrations. In Belfast, the festivities will witness colourful costumes, music, dance and theatrical performances.
Local dance groups, schools, community organisations and musicians will also participate. The Police Service of Northern Ireland has announced that traffic management measures and signage will be in place, with disruptions anticipated between 13:00 and 15:00.
Meanwhile, Dublin will host the largest parade on the island, alongside several other events taking place across the city.
With inputs from agencies
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