According to IMD data from March 14-April 10, 2024, around 125 districts across 23 states and UTs in India are facing drought-like conditions, marking a significant increase from previous years. Some of the worst-affected states include Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, and Tamil Nadu.

A slew of political leaders and celebrities exercised their franchise in their respective polling stations across Tamil Nadu on Friday for the Lok Sabha polls. Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi cast his vote at a polling booth here while chief minister M K Stalin, former chief ministers, O Panneerselvam and Edappadi K Palaniswami and leaders of political parties exercised their franchise.

Campaigning for the BJP-led NDA candidate in Wayanad, K Surendran, the senior BJP leader alleged that Gandhi was practicing the policy of «divide and rule» and «vote bank politics» in the country. «Rahul Gandhi believes in the politics of appeasement. He represents dynastic rule and engages in vote bank politics,» Nadda said while speaking at a roadshow organised in Sulthan Bathery in this hill constituency.

Jyoti, the world's shortest-living woman, cast her vote in Nagpur for the Lok Sabha elections 2024. She holds the record for being the shortest woman in the world at just 62.8 cm tall. Jyoti urged everyone to come out and vote in large numbers, emphasizing the importance of exercising the right to vote.

Voting starts today to elect the 18th Lok Sabha. From Udhampur to Kanyakumari and Ganganagar to Itanagar, 102 constituencies in 17 states and 4 UTs go to polls in the first and largest phase, the only one with 100+ seats in the 7-phase election. BJP-led NDA is aiming for a hat-trick and the oppn, under INDIA bloc, is out to stop Modi

CPI(M) emerged victorious in Coimbatore's recent election, with key contenders from BJP, DMK, and ADMK. The battleground showcased national allies, post-1998 serial blasts impact, and environmentalists in the Vanniyar heartland.

As heavy rain lashes the Gulf nation, the Indian Embassy in Dubai on Thursday emphasised that they are in constant touch with the UAE authorities and airlines, and have facilitated connect between stranded Indian passengers and their family here.

Google has unveiled a new Doodle to commemorate the start of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, which began in India on Friday. The Google Doodle, which replaces the iconic «Google» logo on the search engine's homepage, features an uplifted index finger marked with indelible ink, symbolizing the essence of Indian elections.

An Indian woman crew member, Ann Tessa Joseph, from the container vessel MSC Aries, which was seized by Iran due to its links with Israel, has been safely released and arrived at the Cochin International Airport. The Indian embassy in Tehran is in contact with the remaining 16 Indian crew members and is optimistic about their imminent release.

Three individuals assaulted for 'Jai Shri Ram' slogans in Chikkabettahalli on Ram Navami. Attackers identified as Farman, Sameer, minors from Sanjeevininagar. Multiple IPC sections filed in the case.

Orissa HC permits accused passport release for US visit despite 'flight risk'. Indrajit De, facing chit fund charges, granted 2-month passport. CBI chargesheet; bail on Oct 9, 2023; Dec 6, 2023 petition rejection.

The upcoming Tamil Nadu elections present a significant challenge for the DMK as the BJP, along with its allies, gains momentum in several key constituencies. High-profile BJP candidates, including K Annamalai in Coimbatore and Sowmiya Anbumani in Dharmapuri, are posing tough competition. Additionally, TTV Dhinakaran in Theni and Nainar Nagendran in Tirunelveli are mounting serious challenges.

BJP accuses Congress of endorsing Naxals for votes, criticizing sympathy towards 'martyred' Naxals. Congress's lack of support for security forces and inconsistent stance on terrorism highlighted amid Lok Sabha polls dynamics.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case linked to the Waqf Board. Khan, who represents the Okhla constituency in the Delhi Legislative Assembly, was taken into custody by the ED for questioning regarding alleged financial irregularities.

The election spirit spread throughout the Rayalaseema region of the state, with multiple candidates representing various political parties rushing to register their nominations on Thursday, the opening day of the nominations filing phase.

India tested ITCM with 1,000-km range from Chandipur. The missile's successful performance was monitored by various systems. It will be part of the Integrated Rocket Force with BrahMos and Pralay missiles for conventional strike capabilities.

Y Satya Kumar criticizes YSRCP for neglecting Dharmavaram, promises development. Nagesh joins BJP, supports Kumar. Backward classes ensure victory for town development. Kumar pledges funds for silk centre technology.

CEC Rajiv Kumar urges 16.63 crore electors to vote in 102 parliamentary constituencies. Emphasizes voting facilities, youth voters, observers, and transparent polling processes with precautions for summer heat and diverse staff management.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited with inhabitants of Giu village in Himachal Pradesh's Spiti district, following the area's first mobile network hookup. During the 13-minute phone call, PM Modi addressed his visit to the border region around Diwali and claimed that connecting the community to the cell network will accelerate the 'Digital India' program.

With 16.63 crore voters poised to decide the fate of 1625 candidates, India is prepared to begin the 2024 Lok Sabha elections with Phase 1 this Friday. The high-voltage electioneering for the largest Phase came to an end at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, when a 48-hour silent period began, according to the Model Code of Conduct.

DRDO successfully tested ITCM at ITR, Chandipur, showcasing low-altitude sea-skimming flight with indigenous propulsion and advanced avionics. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the team for the milestone in Indian defence R&D.

Indian embassy issued an update on the situation of Indians stranded in Dubai due to ongoing floods. The embassy said that it was in regular communication with airlines and authorities to aid stranded passengers. The consulate also said that it was in touch with the airlines to help the stranded passengers, and that the emergency numbers will continue working till normalcy is restored.

Rahul Gandhi criticizes media distortion, fights BJP daily, criticizes PM Modi. He highlights unequal wealth distribution and attacks on diversity. The upcoming election focuses on India's Constitution and democratic structure. BJP's attempts to change diversity are criticized.