Finnish President Alexander Stubb is beginning his three-day maiden visit to the country. He will hold a bilateral with PM Modi and also meet President Droupadi Murmu. Meanwhile, China will begin its ‘Two Sessions’ in Beijing

Finnish President Alexander Stubb will be on a three-day state visit to India beginning today. Meanwhile, today marks the official commencement of the “Two Sessions” in China.

The European Commission is scheduled to unveil the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), a cornerstone of its “Made in Europe” strategy. Apple is hosting a ‘Special Apple Experience’ in New York City as part of a coordinated global rollout. The first semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 features South Africa taking on New Zealand.

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Here is all that is set to take place across the world today.

Finland’s president to visit India

Alexander Stubb, the President of Finland, will be in India on a three-day visit beginning today, marking his maiden visit to the country. President Stubb will be the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker at the 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi.

During his visit, he will hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also meet President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The president will also be travelling to Mumbai to meet with the Governor and Chief Minister of Maharashtra. He will also address students at the University of Mumbai and participate in an India-Finland business event.

This visit follows a recent trip by Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in February 2026, highlighting the growing momentum in India-Finland relations.

China’s two sessions

In China, the official commencement of the “Two Sessions” will be held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. It is the country’s most significant annual political gathering. The first of the two meetings, the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), is scheduled to open at 3:00 pm on March 4.

The CPPCC brings together over 2,000 delegates from diverse sectors, including business, science, and the arts, to discuss key issues like world reports and policy consultation. While the CPPCC begins on March 4, the National People’s Congress (NPC) will open the following day. Together, these sessions serve as the “strategic compass” for the nation.

Delegates will discuss blueprints for technological self-reliance, specifically in AI and semiconductors, while addressing economic challenges like sluggish consumption and property sector debt.

EU to unveil ‘Made in Europe’ strategy

The European Commission is scheduled to unveil the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), a cornerstone of its “Made in Europe” strategy. The strategy aims to bolster the EU’s industrial sovereignty and competitiveness against the United States and China.

European Union flags flutter outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. Reuters

The primary goal is to increase manufacturing’s share of EU GDP to 20 per cent by 2035 (up from roughly 14 per cent today). The rules target critical technologies, including batteries, solar and wind energy, nuclear power, hydrogen manufacturing, and AI.

The plan has sparked significant friction among member states. France strongly supports robust “buy local” rules to protect the domestic industry. Conversely, nations like Sweden and the Czech Republic warn that protectionist measures could deter investment and raise costs for public tenders.

Apple NYC event

Apple will host a “Special Apple Experience” in New York City, as part of a coordinated global rollout that includes simultaneous gatherings in London and Shanghai today.

Unlike the massive keynotes typical of Apple Park, this NYC-based gathering is described as an intimate, invite-only “experience” rather than a traditional “event.” Scheduled for 9:00 am ET, it focuses on hands-on demonstrations for select media and creators.

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The event is expected to be the debut stage for the low-cost MacBook and M5 MacBook Pro. Pre-orders for the newly announced iPhone 17e and iPad Air are set to open on March 4 at 9:15 am ET, with official retail availability starting March 11.

South Africa vs New Zealand T20 WC semis

The first semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 features South Africa taking on New Zealand at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm IST with the toss taking place at 6:30 pm IST.

This is the first time these two teams have met in a T20 World Cup semi-final. South Africa enters as the only unbeaten side in the tournament, having previously defeated New Zealand by 7 wickets during the group stage in Ahmedabad.

South Africa is led by Aiden Markram, while New Zealand is being captained by Mitchell Santner.

With inputs from agencies

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