Tuesday's debate between Labour challenger Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak focused on ways to strengthen the British economy. The PM accused the opposition party of planning to raise taxes if it were to win an election on July 4.

UK elections: Can new govt lead to economic recovery?

Conservative cabinet minister Alister Jack has admitted placing three bets on the date of the general election in the weeks before Prime Minister Rishi Sunak surprise announcement. In a conversation with BBC the minister had claimed that he placed a successful bet that the election would fall between July and September and even made € 2,100. Watch in for more details!

UK Elections 2024: Rishi Sunak under fire over betting scandal

The stages set for voting in Presidential elections in Iran on Friday with candidates pulling out all stops in the last few days of campaigning. Of the six mostly hardline candidates confirmed by the guardian Council Massoud Pezeshkian of the reformist front is regarded to be one of to be the only one representing moderates and reformists. Watch in for more details!

Iran Presidential race with six candidates after Raisi's untimely death

Iran votes in Presidential Elections on June 28th

Iran is going to choose a president in a tightly controlled election on June 28. This election follows Ebrahim Raisi's death in a helicopter crash last month. The Guardian Council has approved five hardliners and one low-profile moderate candidate from a pool of 80.

Iran election: Who is running to be Iran's next President?

A face-off between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer got off to a terrible start for the PM with tough questions on betting scandal involving the Tories and immigration. Watch in for more details!

Two studies lay bare poverty crisis in UK

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed concern about the possible outcome of the snap parliamentary elections in France. 'I hope that parties that are not Le Pen, to put it that way, are successful in the election,' Olaf Scholz told a German broadcaster. Watch in for more details!

Germany's Scholz 'worried' over France elections, remarks against Le Pen

Ahead of the June 28th snap election in Iran presidential candidate Saeed Jalili held a campaign rally in Sharif University in Tehran promising the supporters that he was committed to protecting the country against foreign interference. Watch in for more details!

Iran Presidential elections: Candidates campaign ahead of June 28 polls

Sri Lanka has weathered two terrible years of economic crisis, made possible by India's financial assistance of USD 3.5 billion, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said on Saturday, emphasising his commitment to maintaining a strong alliance with Delhi.

Sri Lanka lauds India's loan of $3.5 bn during economic crisis

German Chancellor Scholz 'worried' about the outcome of France elections

Thousands of people mostly from women's rights group took to the streets in Paris on Sunday to protest against the far-right National Rally (RN) party ahead of the upcoming snap parliamentary elections. Watch in for more details!

France elections: Protests against far-right across 50 other cities

Long week for Democratic President Joe Biden and his rival Republican former president Donald Trump as they head into one of the most consequential presidential debates in decades.

US: Biden & Trump prep for key Presidential debate

In a shift from his earlier stance on immigration, former US President Donald Trump has promised to grant automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from US Colleges. He says this is aimed at preventing them from returning to their home countries. This departure from anti-immigrant rhetoric comes ahead of the November presidential election, where immigration is a key issue.

US Elections 2024: Donald Trump promises green cards for grads

It has not been many days since Tory MP submitted letters of no confidence against Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and he is facing a leadership contest in the United Kingdom. Now the question arises that who are the Tory leadership hopefuls that are already lobbying to replace Sunak? Watch in for more details!

UK Elections 2024: Priti Patel urged to stand for leadership role

Donald Trump's legal troubles have turned bittersweet as the former President seems to have played them to his advantage. A report says Trump's felony conviction has helped his campaign erode Joe Biden's edge in the cash battle owing to a surge of financial support post his conviction.

US Elections 2024: Donations for Donald Trump surge post-conviction

Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally is seen leading the race ahead of France’s parliamentary elections, two polls showed on Thursday. Watch in for more details!

Polls: National Rally leads the France Snap elections race

A major Savanta poll reveals big Tory leaders, about three quarters of the present cabinet, are set to lose elections as the United Kingdom goes to polls on July 4th.

UK elections: Savanta Poll reveals big Tory leaders are set to lose elections

One of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s police bodyguards has been arrested over alleged bets on the date of Britain’s national election made before it was announced, authorities said Wednesday.

Rishi Sunak's bodyguard arrested over alleged bets on UK election date

Two young politicians are in a bitter fight over the future of France and Europe. Watch in for more details!

Two young men reshaping French politics

President Joe Biden attempted a political high-wire act Tuesday by announcing a citizenship pathway for half a million immigrants married to US nationals, in a counterweight to his recent crackdown on illegal border crossers.

US: Biden relaxes immigration rules ahead of Presidential Polls

South Africa's former President & MK party leader Jacob Zuma has slammed the newly formed government of national unity and said that ANC is no longer part of the solution. Watch in for more details!

South Africa prepares for first coalition government

The world is in the midst of the biggest election year in history with a little over half of the population headed to the polls, but it is also facing an uncertain time with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war as well as the rise in tensions in the Middle East due to the Israel-Hamas conflict.&nbsp;

Amid this chaotic time, a growing number of people are selectively avoiding news calling it depressing, often repetitive and boring, according to a recent global study.&nbsp;

<h2>Selected news avoidance at record-high</h2>

According to a report by Oxford University’s Reuters Institute, as many as four in 10 (39 per cent) people said that they sometimes or often avoid the news.&nbsp;

The annual Reuters Institute Digital News Report noted that while this has been a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reuters-survey-reveals-people-are-increasingly-avoiding-news-heres-why-498272">growing trend observed for years now</a>, selected news avoidance is at its highest levels ever recorded.&nbsp;

This year’s report is based on the responses collected from a total of 94,943 adults across 47 countries by YouGov in January and February.

The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, may have contributed to some of the record-high levels of news avoidance reported this time around, according to the Reuters Institute report.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-us-nears-notifying-one-of-the-biggest-ever-arms-sales-to-israel-732635">Gaza war: US sets finger to trigger one of the biggest arms sales to Israel</a>

While the overall interest in news has somewhat stabilised this year, as per the report,&nbsp;the number of people who said that they selectively avoid the news was up by three percentage points to 39 per cent. Notably, this number is 10 percentage points higher than it was in 2017.&nbsp;

The reason for this avoidance, as per the report, has not changed. People who say&nbsp;that they sometimes or often selectively avoid the news say it is often repetitive and boring.&nbsp;

However, others told the researchers that the negative nature of the news makes them feel “anxious and powerless.”

“You’ve had the pandemic (and) wars, so it’s a fairly natural reaction for people to turn away from the news, whether it’s to protect their mental health or simply wanting to get on with the rest of their lives,” the report’s lead author Nic Newman told BBC.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, around 39 per cent said that the news is not only depressing but relentless and they feel “worn out” by the amount these days.

<h2>Interest and trust in news</h2>

Notably, the historic election year has reportedly led to an increased interest in the news with notable rises observed in a handful of countries including the United States. However, the long-term trend is mostly down in every country except Finland, according to the report.

Overall, 46 per cent of people across the world said they are very or extremely interested in news.&nbsp;The number is down from the 63 per cent recorded in 2017. Women and young people make up a significant proportion of that decline, the Reuters report noted.

The trust in news, according to the report, remained stable at 40 per cent, four points lower than it was at the height of the pandemic.&nbsp;

<h2>People turn to social media</h2>

According to the report, a majority of the respondents continued to identify platforms including social media, aggregators, and search engines as their main gateway to online news. However, only 22 per cent identified news websites or apps as their main source of online news.&nbsp;

On the other hand, the audience for traditional news sources like newspapers or television has seen a sharp decline.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the report also noted a “strong shift” towards video-based platforms like YouTube and TikTok as well as Instagram. These platforms have become an important source of news since the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

The growing popularity and reach of social media can no longer be ignored, with politicians taking to TikTok and other networks to reach young voters - from the new Argentinian President Javier Milei who runs a successful TikTok account with 2.2 million followers, to US President Joe Biden whose campaign sparked controversy by joining the popular social media app despite it being banned on most devices used by the American government over security concerns.

However, YouTube and Facebook, according to the report remain the most important platforms for online news videos overall with the former being the go-to for those under 25. On the other hand, older viewers continued to watch their videos on news websites.&nbsp;

The report noted that while mainstream media and journalists often lead conversations on X and Facebook, they fail to garner attention on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok where online influencers and celebrities are prominent.&nbsp;

<h2>Concerns about misinformation,&nbsp;fake news&nbsp;</h2>

While more people have turned to social media for news, a majority of people in this important year of elections have said they are concerned about the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-ai-generated-propaganda-poses-a-real-threat-this-historic-election-year-694344">reliability of the content online</a>.&nbsp;

More than 50 countries across the world with a combined population of 4.2 billion are expected to hold national and/or local elections in 2024, making it the biggest election year in history.&nbsp;

In the US, while interest in news, due to the election, has risen by five percentage points, around 72 per cent of people said they are concerned about what is real and what is fake on the internet when it comes to online news, according to the report.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/warning-labels-on-social-media-vivek-murthy-calls-for-surgeon-generals-warning-label-for-child-safety-732714">Vivek Murthy calls for 'surgeon general's warning label' for child safety</a>

Similarly, in India, where the world’s largest general election recently concluded, 58 per cent of people shared the same concern.&nbsp;

Overall, six in 10 people (59 per cent) said they are concerned about what is real and what is fake on the internet in the context of online news.&nbsp;

<h2>Facebook, X become less popular in India</h2>

According to the annual report, the trust in news in India rose by three percentage points to 41 per cent.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, those surveyed expressed concerns about widespread misinformation via WhatsApp and other social media. Notably, India has the highest number of WhatsApp users in the world.&nbsp;

For young Indians, according to the report, the main source of news is often social media platforms.&nbsp;

Nearly half of respondents use YouTube (54 per cent) and WhatsApp (48 per cent) for news each week. Meanwhile, the popularity of social media platforms like Facebook and X has dropped in India, according to the report.&nbsp;

Furthermore, despite the general decline in news interest, newspapers (40 per cent) and television (46) remained popular platforms for accessing news for the respondents, particularly due to the general elections.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The world is in the midst of the biggest election year in history with a little over half of the population headed to the polls, but it is also facing an uncertain time with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war as well as the rise in tensions in the Middle East due to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The world is in the midst of the biggest election year in history with a little over half of the population headed to the polls, but it is also facing an uncertain time with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war as well as the rise in tensions in the Middle East due to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Amid this chaotic time, a growing number of people are selectively avoiding news calling it depressing, often repetitive and boring, according to a recent global study. Selected news avoidance at record-high According to a report by Oxford University’s Reuters Institute, as many as four in 10 (39 per cent) people said that they sometimes or often avoid the news. The annual Reuters Institute Digital News Report noted that while this has been a growing trend observed for years now, selected news avoidance is at its highest levels ever recorded. This year’s report is based on the responses collected from a total of 94,943 adults across 47 countries by YouGov in January and February. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, may have contributed to some of the record-high levels of news avoidance reported this time around, according to the Reuters Institute report. Also Read | Gaza war: US sets finger to trigger one of the biggest arms sales to Israel While the overall interest in news has somewhat stabilised this year, as per the report, the number of people who said that they selectively avoid the news was up by three percentage points to 39 per cent. Notably, this number is 10 percentage points higher than it was in 2017. The reason for this avoidance, as per the report, has not changed. People who say that they sometimes or often selectively avoid the news say it is often repetitive and boring. However, others told the researchers that the negative nature of the news makes them feel “anxious and powerless.” “You’ve had the pandemic (and) wars, so it’s a fairly natural reaction for people to turn away from the news, whether it’s to protect their mental health or simply wanting to get on with the rest of their lives,” the report’s lead author Nic Newman told BBC. Meanwhile, around 39 per cent said that the news is not only depressing but relentless and they feel “worn out” by the amount these days. Interest and trust in news Notably, the historic election year has reportedly led to an increased interest in the news with notable rises observed in a handful of countries including the United States. However, the long-term trend is mostly down in every country except Finland, according to the report. Overall, 46 per cent of people across the world said they are very or extremely interested in news. The number is down from the 63 per cent recorded in 2017. Women and young people make up a significant proportion of that decline, the Reuters report noted. The trust in news, according to the report, remained stable at 40 per cent, four points lower than it was at the height of the pandemic. People turn to social media According to the report, a majority of the respondents continued to identify platforms including social media, aggregators, and search engines as their main gateway to online news. However, only 22 per cent identified news websites or apps as their main source of online news. On the other hand, the audience for traditional news sources like newspapers or television has seen a sharp decline. Meanwhile, the report also noted a “strong shift” towards video-based platforms like YouTube and TikTok as well as Instagram. These platforms have become an important source of news since the COVID-19 pandemic. The growing popularity and reach of social media can no longer be ignored, with politicians taking to TikTok and other networks to reach young voters - from the new Argentinian President Javier Milei who runs a successful TikTok account with 2.2 million followers, to US President Joe Biden whose campaign sparked controversy by joining the popular social media app despite it being banned on most devices used by the American government over security concerns. However, YouTube and Facebook, according to the report remain the most important platforms for online news videos overall with the former being the go-to for those under 25. On the other hand, older viewers continued to watch their videos on news websites. The report noted that while mainstream media and journalists often lead conversations on X and Facebook, they fail to garner attention on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok where online influencers and celebrities are prominent. Concerns about misinformation, fake news While more people have turned to social media for news, a majority of people in this important year of elections have said they are concerned about the reliability of the content online. More than 50 countries across the world with a combined population of 4.2 billion are expected to hold national and/or local elections in 2024, making it the biggest election year in history. In the US, while interest in news, due to the election, has risen by five percentage points, around 72 per cent of people said they are concerned about what is real and what is fake on the internet when it comes to online news, according to the report. Also Read | Vivek Murthy calls for 'surgeon general's warning label' for child safety Similarly, in India, where the world’s largest general election recently concluded, 58 per cent of people shared the same concern. Overall, six in 10 people (59 per cent) said they are concerned about what is real and what is fake on the internet in the context of online news. Facebook, X become less popular in India According to the annual report, the trust in news in India rose by three percentage points to 41 per cent. Meanwhile, those surveyed expressed concerns about widespread misinformation via WhatsApp and other social media. Notably, India has the highest number of WhatsApp users in the world. For young Indians, according to the report, the main source of news is often social media platforms. Nearly half of respondents use YouTube (54 per cent) and WhatsApp (48 per cent) for news each week. Meanwhile, the popularity of social media platforms like Facebook and X has dropped in India, according to the report. Furthermore, despite the general decline in news interest, newspapers (40 per cent) and television (46) remained popular platforms for accessing news for the respondents, particularly due to the general elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: More people are avoiding news, turning to social media for information, finds study

The United States White House has accused Republicans of selectively editing videos as part of a "misinformation campaign" and this campaign of course was to make President Biden appear senile.

US Elections | Republicans attempting to make Biden seem senile: White House

We look at the record rally in Indian stocks, marking a strong recovery from election results day loss. However, the volatility has also been high, with global cues pointing to weakness in world stocks on Monday.

India's Nifty hit a record every single day last week

French football captain Kylian Mbappe urged people to vote in France's legislative elections saying, "we can see that the extremes are knocking on the door of power." Watch in for more details!

France: Kylian Mbappe says 'extremes are knocking on doors of power'

France is gearing up for snap parliamentary elections, a pivotal moment that could reshape the nation's political landscape. The elections are seen as a critical test for President Emmanuel Macron. Watch in for more details!

France: Preparation underway for surprise polls

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across France on Saturday (Jun 15) to protest against the far-right National Rally (RN) party ahead of the upcoming snap parliamentary elections. The protests were joined by labour unions as well as student groups and rights groups to oppose the anti-immigration, eurosceptic party.

France elections: Police fire tear gas at anti-far-right protests in Lyon

Former US President Donald Trump, during a recent stopover in Michigan where he addressed a gathering of conservative activists at the Turning Point Action convention, pledged to launch the largest deportation operation in US history if he is elected to power in the coming presidential elections.

Criticising President Joe Biden's administration over immigration issues, Trump said, "The choice for every voter in November is clear:&nbsp;You can have a President who lets thousands of radical Islamic terrorists into our country or you can decide to have a President who throws radical Islamic terrorists the hell out of our country."

"We have no choice," Trump said.&nbsp;He said that, if re-elected, his administration would begin this operation on his first day in office, describing the current situation as "not sustainable."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-envoy-ignacio-defence-ties-with-india-flourishing-amid-growing-partnership-732309">Philippines envoy Ignacio: Defence ties with India flourishing amid growing partnership</a>

In Detroit city, Trump also spoke to both a predominantly Black congregation at 180 Church. Trump argued that illegal immigrants are taking jobs and resources from American citizens, particularly affecting Black and Hispanic communities.

“They’re inflicting tremendous harm to our Black population and to our Hispanic population,” Trump stated and described members of violent immigrant gangs as “animals.”

Trump's campaign stops underscored his strategy to appeal to diverse voter bases in Michigan, a crucial battleground state.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/earthquake-of-magnitude-63-strikes-off-southern-peru-732307">Earthquake of magnitude 6.3 strikes off southern Peru</a>

Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II criticised Trump’s appearance and called him “dangerous" for Michigan, America and Black people.

Trump also reiterated claims of election fraud, warning about potential issues in the upcoming election. “We need to watch the vote. We need to guard the vote,” he asserted.&nbsp;

<h2>Trump takes aim at Zelensky&nbsp;</h2>

Trump also took aim at US financial support for Ukraine, specifically questioning President Volodymyr Zelensky's requests for aid. “I think Zelensky (Ukraine’s President) is, maybe, the greatest salesman of any politician that ever lived. Everytime he comes to our country, he walks away with $60billion and I like him, the impeachment hoax number one, he said No, the President (Trump) didn’t threaten me at all, he could have been a grandstander and said i was threatened right?" Trump said.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasas-chandra-telescope-reveals-stunning-details-of-milky-ways-superstar-cluster-732312">NASA's Chandra telescope reveals stunning details of Milky Way's superstar cluster</a>

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“Now he is the beauty, he just left four days ago, with $60b and he gets home and he announces that he needs another $60b and it never ends. I will have that settled prior I get into the White House even as President-elect, I will have that settled,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former US President Donald Trump, during a recent stopover in Michigan where he addressed a gathering of conservative activists at the Turning Point Action convention, pledged to launch the largest deportation operation in US history if he is elected to power in the coming presidential elections.

Former US President Donald Trump, during a recent stopover in Michigan where he addressed a gathering of conservative activists at the Turning Point Action convention, pledged to launch the largest deportation operation in US history if he is elected to power in the coming presidential elections. Criticising President Joe Biden's administration over immigration issues, Trump said, "The choice for every voter in November is clear: You can have a President who lets thousands of radical Islamic terrorists into our country or you can decide to have a President who throws radical Islamic terrorists the hell out of our country." "We have no choice," Trump said. He said that, if re-elected, his administration would begin this operation on his first day in office, describing the current situation as "not sustainable." Also Read | Philippines envoy Ignacio: Defence ties with India flourishing amid growing partnership In Detroit city, Trump also spoke to both a predominantly Black congregation at 180 Church. Trump argued that illegal immigrants are taking jobs and resources from American citizens, particularly affecting Black and Hispanic communities. “They’re inflicting tremendous harm to our Black population and to our Hispanic population,” Trump stated and described members of violent immigrant gangs as “animals.” Trump's campaign stops underscored his strategy to appeal to diverse voter bases in Michigan, a crucial battleground state. Also Read | Earthquake of magnitude 6.3 strikes off southern Peru Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II criticised Trump’s appearance and called him “dangerous" for Michigan, America and Black people. Trump also reiterated claims of election fraud, warning about potential issues in the upcoming election. “We need to watch the vote. We need to guard the vote,” he asserted. Trump takes aim at Zelensky Trump also took aim at US financial support for Ukraine, specifically questioning President Volodymyr Zelensky's requests for aid. “I think Zelensky (Ukraine’s President) is, maybe, the greatest salesman of any politician that ever lived. Everytime he comes to our country, he walks away with $60billion and I like him, the impeachment hoax number one, he said No, the President (Trump) didn’t threaten me at all, he could have been a grandstander and said i was threatened right?" Trump said. Watch | NASA's Chandra telescope reveals stunning details of Milky Way's superstar cluster × “Now he is the beauty, he just left four days ago, with $60b and he gets home and he announces that he needs another $60b and it never ends. I will have that settled prior I get into the White House even as President-elect, I will have that settled,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

'We have no choice': Donald Trump promises largest deportation in American history

In the run up to the July 4 UK election, it is becoming a tightrope walk for the incumbent PM Rishi Sunak led Conservatives as the recent opinion polls suggest that Reform UK has overtaken the party. It is the first time in this poll that Reform UK, spearheaded by Nigel Farage, has overtaken the Tories.

UK: Reform poll rating rises as Farage takes over

UK: Reform UK overtakes conservatives in Poll

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump stressed party Unity after meeting the Republican lawmakers at Capitol Hill. This was Trump's first visit to Capitol Hill since the January 6th riot. What happened in the meeting? Watch this video to know more.

US Elections: What happened in Trump's meeting with Republican lawmakers?

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