With Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi beginning his two-day visit to India on Monday, the leader is set to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, after meeting National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.Wang’s visit comes days ahead of Modi’s planned trip to China to attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The Chinese foreign minister is visiting India primarily to hold the next round of Special Representatives’ (SR) dialogue on the boundary question.The Chinese foreign minister’s visit is largely seen as part of ongoing efforts by the two neighbours to rebuild their relationship after it came under severe strain following the deadly Galwan Valley clashes in 2020. The two sides are expected to discuss new confidence-building measures for durable peace and tranquillity along their contested border during Wang’s visit, people familiar with the matter said.The Chinese foreign minister’s trip is also seen as important as it comes amid increasing tensions in India-US relations following President Donald Trump doubling tariffs on Indian goods to 50% that included an additional penalty of 25% for purchasing Russian crude oil.SC to hear on Presidential Reference on assent to BillsBeginning on Tuesday, the Supreme Court will begin hearings on the Presidential Reference, made by President Droupadi Murmu after the Court’s April 8 ruling in which it fixed a three-month deadline for the President to clear Bills reserved for her consideration by the Governor.The Centre told the apex court that imposing fixed timelines on governors and the president to act on Bills passed by a state Assembly would amount to one organ of the government assuming powers not vested in it by the Constitution and lead to “constitutional disorder”.Story continues below this adIn May, Murmu invoked the Supreme Court’s advisory jurisdiction on the time limit to assent to Bills. This was done under Article 143(1) of the Constitution, wherein the President may refer a “question of law or fact” to the Supreme Court for its opinion. The opinion, unlike a ruling, is not binding.A five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India B R Gavai has asked the Centre and states to file their written submissions. Asking the parties to strictly adhere to the timeline, the bench said it will first hear the preliminary objections filed by states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, questioning the maintainability of the Presidential Reference, for an hour on August 19.The court has said the Centre and the states supporting the Presidential Reference will be heard on August 19, 20, 21 and 26, while those opposing it will be heard on August 28 and September 2, 3 and 9.First test for Sena (UBT)-MNS allianceWith Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut announcing that his party chief Uddhav Thackeray and his Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray would jointly contest the upcoming civic elections in Maharashtra, the alliance’s first test will be the elections for the high-profile cooperative credit society linked to employees of Mumbai civic undertaking BEST.Story continues below this adRecommended reading | As Uddhav, Raj Thackeray inch towards poll alliance, why 4 civic bodies hold the key to their political futureThe Shiv Sena (UBT) and the MNS formed a panel named ‘Utkarsh’ and fielded 21 candidates for the polls. The Shiv Sena (UBT) fielded 18 candidates, the MNS two, while one was from the Association of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes aligned with them. Among the five panels in the fray is one backed by the Deputy CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.While voting was held on Monday, counting and results are expected on Tuesday.The once-estranged cousins have come together again after a gap of almost 20 years. Recent meetings and joint appearances has sparked buzz of an alliance between the Sena (UBT) and MNS, which assumed significance ahead of the pending local body polls, including the powerful Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).Uttarakhand Assembly to table controversial BillsStory continues below this adAfter the Uttarakhand Cabinet approved the Minority Education Bill, 2025, and a Bill amending the anti-conversion law, the Assembly is set to consider the Bills for passage on Tuesday, when the Monsoon Session begins.The Minority Education Bill seeks to extend minority status benefits to institutions run by the Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Christian, and Parsi communities in the state. At present, the minority educational institution status is granted only to the Muslim community. Once implemented, the Uttarakhand Madrasa Education Board Act, 2016, and the Uttarakhand Non-Government Arabic and Persian Madrasa Recognition Rules, 2019, will be repealed, effective July 1, 2026.Recommended reading | New Uttarakhand Bill to do away with Madrasa Board, extend minority education benefits beyond MuslimsHowever, the Congress has opposed the Bill, calling the ruling BJP “narrow minded”.Story continues below this adThe Cabinet also approved legislation to amend the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion Act – which prevents religious conversions through coercion, fraud, or undue influence – more stringent. This is the second legislation to amend the Act which has been in force in Uttarakhand since 2018.The latest amendment provides for a maximum punishment of life imprisonment and fine of up to Rs 10 lakh for forced conversion. The maximum prison term for the offence in Uttarakhand at present is 10 years and the highest fine is Rs 50,000.– With PTI inputs