Millions of Indians began voting in the second round of multi-phase national elections as Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought to galvanize voters with his assertive brand of Hindu nationalist politics.

Ghaziabad

India has commenced the second phase of its multi-stage national elections, with millions of citizens going to the polls. This round sees Prime Minister Narendra Modi, known for his assertive Hindu nationalist stance, seeking re-election for a third consecutive term. The elections are taking place across 13 states and union territories, part of a process extending until the start of June.

Temperatures soar above 40 degrees Celsius in parts of Uttar Pradesh, yet voters are turning out to participate in what is considered the world's largest election. Modi's tenure has elevated India's global stature, though opinions on his social and economic policies are mixed. Concerns among the youth about unemployment, education policies, as well as rising costs of living, including petrol and gas, are prominent.

Most polls favor Modi and his party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), over a fragmented opposition, with the Indian National Congress at the forefront. However, recent escalations in Modi's nationalist rhetoric have ignited accusations of Islamophobia and hate speech, challenging his appeal to some voters seeking neutrality and constitutional rights protection.

The first stage of voting reported an approximate 66% turnout, a slight decrease from the 2019 elections. The decline in voter attendance is attributed to the extreme heat affecting several regions, influencing individuals' willingness to vote. The nation's commitment to democracy is palpable, with citizens expressing a desire for leadership that embraces impartiality and upholds democratic values.



India begins second phase of national elections

It may be over 40 degrees Celsius, but voters in several districts of Uttar Pradesh are braving sweltering conditions for their turn to take part in the world's biggest election. Indians from 13 states and union territories are heading to the polls in the second phase of the country's legislative elections, a rolling process that will last until the first of June, after it kicked off last Friday. Outgoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third consecutive term, and whilst he's helped India gain influence on the world stage, his social and economic record is more nuanced. Us young people are unemployed even though we've studied. Education policies don't benefit us, price rises are difficult, not to mention the cost of petrol and gas. Most polls predict a win for Modi in the BJP, which is up against a broad and fragmented opposition alliance led by the Indian National Congress. But this week, the BJP's leader went one step further in his nationalist Hindu rhetoric, sparking accusations of Islamophobia and hate speech. I'd like to vote for an impartial leader that doesn't implement discrimination. We want someone who can uphold constitutional rights. I want to vote to strengthen our democracy. The first stage of voting saw a turnout of around 66%, a five-point drop compared to the 2019 election. Local media says fewer people have gone to vote because of the scorching temperatures that continue to affect parts of the south and east of the country.

Millions of people have cast their ballots in India’s third of a seven-phase general election. It took place in eleven states and union territories. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking a third term, cast his vote in Ahmedabad.

Gujarat

Millions vote in third phase of India's national elections

Ukraine says it thwarted a Russian plot to assassinate senior Ukrainian political and military figures, including President Volodymyr Zelensky. Two Ukrainian security officials were arrested for their links to Russia's Federal Security Service, which had aimed to carry out high-profile killings ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's inauguration.

Kyiv

Ukraine Invasion

Ukraine says it foiled Russian attempt to assassinate Zelenskyy

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Beijing

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Moscow

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Rafah

Israel-Gaza War

Israel claims control of Rafah crossing

President Vladimir Putin has ordered the Russian military to hold nuclear weapons drills involving the navy and troops based near Ukraine, the defence ministry said Monday.

Putin orders nuclear drills near Ukraine

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Council of the City of Sydney

Australia hits out at China over helicopter incident

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RBA keeps interest rates on hold

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Baja California

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Seoul

Chinese fighter jet detonates flares near Australian helicopter

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Jerusalem

Israel strikes Rafah after evacuation order, residents say

Chinese President Xi Jinping awoke in Paris on Monday on his first visit to the region in five years, with trade and Russia's war with Ukraine on the agenda in talks with France's Emmanuel Macron and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen.

Paris

China's Xi Jinping pays state visit to France

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Israeli army orders Palestinians to evacuate parts of Rafah

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Mascot

Qantas ordered to pay compensation over 'ghost flight' scandal

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Penrith

Police officer accused of assaulting rape victim

The death toll from heavy rains that have caused flooding in Brazil's southern state of Rio Grande do Sul has risen to at least 78, local authorities said, with more than 115,000 people displaced.

State of Rio Grande do Sul

Climate Crisis

Death toll rises in record-breaking Brazil floods

China's President Xi Jinping has arrived in France for a rare visit with President Emmanuel Macron. They are set to discuss trade, amid growing tension between Europe and China over an imbalance between China's exports and European imports.

China's Xi Jinping visits Europe amid global tensions

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Chicago

Protests disrupt graduation ceremonies at U.S. universities

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Tel Aviv-Yafo

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The Israeli cabinet has voted to unanimously shut down Al Jazeera's operations in the country. That's according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a statement on X. 
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Israel announces ban of Al Jazeera channel, website

Australian police said they have shot dead a boy after he stabbed a man in Western Australia's capital Perth, in an attack authorities said indicated terrorism.

Perth

Australian police shoot boy dead after stabbing

Sadiq Khan has been elected mayor of London, winning a historic third term after a dramatic contest. Khan was declared the winner over the Conservative candidate, Susan Hall with 43.8% of the vote.

London

Sadiq Khan elected London mayor for third term

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Students at the University of California in Irvine say they will remain on campus until all their demands are met. School officials say they'll continue to negotiate with the protesters -- and are hoping to reach a deal soon.

Irvine

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Camperdown

Labor to wipe $3 billion of student debts

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Willetton

Police shoot dead ‘radicalised’ teenage boy in Perth

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