# Presidential election

• The voting for presidential election is scheduled for July 18 and counting on July 21.
• BJP led national democratic Alliance is just short of the halfway mark.
• NDA is around 13000 votes short and support from BJD which has over 31000 votes or YSRCP (over 43000 votes) will ensure smooth sailing for the BJP led alliance.
• NDA is estimated to have 5.26 lakh votes out of a possible 10.79 in the electoral college, comprising elected members of Lok sabha, Rajya sabha and state legislatures.

# Thailand

• Thailand legalized the growing of marijuana and its consumption in foods and drinks on Thursday.
• Thailand became the first Asian country to do so, with the aim of boosting its agriculture and tourism sector.
• Thailand has a tradition of using cannabis to relieve pain and fatigue, legalized medicinal marijuana four years ago.

# Right to vote

• A special court on Thursday refused to allow NCP’s Anil Deshmukh and Nawab malik to be released from prison for a day to day vote in the Rajya sabha elections on Friday.
• Special court judge said that it is imperative to note that there is a difference between voting in a presidential election and Rajya sabha elections.
• Judge also said that it is well known fact that voting is a statute right and not a fundamental right.

# Coal India limited

• Coal India limited on Thursday invited bids for importing coals for the first time with the aim of helping generation companies build up fuel inventories for the rainy season.
• CIL’s tender for importing 2.4 million tonnes of coal in the July-September period is aimed at building inventories before rainy season.