Watch top headlines of the hour: - Exit polls: NDA to return, gains in South - South Africa in for coalition politics - Mediators urge peace deal finalisation - Will act against Taiwan independence: China - North Korea sends 600trash balloons to South - Heat killed 61 in three months: Govt

North Korea sends 600trash balloons to South | Heat killed 61 in three months: Govt

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance is projected to secure more than 350 seats, crossing the Lok Sabha's halfway mark, while the Opposition INDIA bloc is expected to win in fewer than 200 seats. Watch to know more.

India Elections 2024: I.N.D.I.A bloc failed to strike chord with voters, says PM Modi

India General Elections: Exit polls show BJP opening its account in Tamil Nadu & Kerala

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Exit polls: NDA to return, gains in South - South Africa in for coalition politics - Mediators urge peace deal finalisation - Will act against Taiwan independence: China - China's lunar probe lands on far side of the moon - Heat killed 61 in three months: Govt

China lunar probe lands on far side | Will act against Taiwan independence: China

Exit polls predict hat-trick for Modi govt, NDA clean sweep

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Exit polls: NDA to return, gains in South - South Africa in for coalition politics - Mediators urge peace deal finalisation - Anti-Netanyahu protests in Tel Aviv - China's lunar probe lands on far side of the moon - Heat killed 61 in three months: Govt

Exit polls: NDA to return, gains in South | Anti-Netanyahu protests in Tel Aviv

Among the major cues to watch this will be movements in the Indian markets. The exit polls for the recently concluded General Election 2024 will have a bearing on the Indian stock market sentiment on Monday.

India elections: How markets could react to India's verdict?

Ahead of the counting for the General Elections on June 4th, counting of votes is underway today in the elections to the state assemblies of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.

India exit polls: BJP leading in Arunachal Pradesh with 15 seats, SKM in Sikkim wins 16 seats

At least eight poll officials have died in the eastern Indian state of Bihar in the last 48 hours due to a persistent heatwave. Authorities said 10 more people died in the state ahead of the seventh phase of Lok Sabha polls slated to be held on June 1. Out of 18 deaths, 11 occurred in Rohtas district, while six in Bhojpur and one in Buxar. Heatwave conditions have exacerbated in Bihar, where mercury has constantly touched over 44 degrees Celsius over the past several days.

The state has recorded the highest temperature of 47.1 degrees Celsius this season so far.

Due to the fatal heatwave conditions, the state government on Wednesday (May 29) ordered all educational institutions to remain closed till June 8.

On Friday (May 31), at least 40 people died due to a heatwave in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Out of those 40, at least 25 were deployed on poll duty.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiv_dCztbiGAxVTZWwGHRTZAwoQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-lok-sabha-election-result-2024-full-list-of-party-wise-winners-to-be-announced-soon-727458" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-lok-sabha-election-result-2024-full-list-of-party-wise-winners-to-be-announced-soon-727458&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiv_dCztbiGAxVTZWwGHRTZAwoQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE">Gujarat Lok Sabha Election Result 2024: Full list of party-wise winners to be announced soon</a>

Other states have reported heat-related deaths as well. According to officials, heat-related deaths were reported from Odisha (10), Bihar (8), Jharkhand (4) and Uttar Pradesh (1) on Thursday also. Rajasthan has reported at least five heat-related deaths so far.

The India Meteorological Department earlier today said that heatwave conditions are likely to persist in states like Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Jharkhand.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiv_dCztbiGAxVTZWwGHRTZAwoQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/openai-disrupts-india-election-interference-meta-acts-on-china-linked-khalistani-propaganda-727443" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/technology/openai-disrupts-india-election-interference-meta-acts-on-china-linked-khalistani-propaganda-727443&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiv_dCztbiGAxVTZWwGHRTZAwoQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">OpenAI disrupts attempts made by Israel-based company to interfere in India elections</a>

A heatwave is declared when the average temperature of the day exceeds normal temperature by at least 6.5 degrees Celsius.

The abnormal conditions have also led to the shortage of water in many states, including Delhi. The government here has now approached the apex court of the country to seek directives to the Haryana government to release more water downstream.

The Rajasthan High Court stated a day earlier that heatwave&nbsp;had to be declared a national emergency after learning about fatalities brought on by this month's harsh weather.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least eight poll officials have died in the eastern Indian state of Bihar in the last 48 hours due to a persistent heatwave. Authorities said 10 more people died in the state ahead of the seventh phase of Lok Sabha polls slated to be held on June 1.

At least eight poll officials have died in the eastern Indian state of Bihar in the last 48 hours due to a persistent heatwave. Authorities said 10 more people died in the state ahead of the seventh phase of Lok Sabha polls slated to be held on June 1. Out of 18 deaths, 11 occurred in Rohtas district, while six in Bhojpur and one in Buxar. Heatwave conditions have exacerbated in Bihar, where mercury has constantly touched over 44 degrees Celsius over the past several days. The state has recorded the highest temperature of 47.1 degrees Celsius this season so far. Due to the fatal heatwave conditions, the state government on Wednesday (May 29) ordered all educational institutions to remain closed till June 8. On Friday (May 31), at least 40 people died due to a heatwave in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Out of those 40, at least 25 were deployed on poll duty. Also read: Gujarat Lok Sabha Election Result 2024: Full list of party-wise winners to be announced soon Other states have reported heat-related deaths as well. According to officials, heat-related deaths were reported from Odisha (10), Bihar (8), Jharkhand (4) and Uttar Pradesh (1) on Thursday also. Rajasthan has reported at least five heat-related deaths so far. The India Meteorological Department earlier today said that heatwave conditions are likely to persist in states like Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Jharkhand. Also read: OpenAI disrupts attempts made by Israel-based company to interfere in India elections A heatwave is declared when the average temperature of the day exceeds normal temperature by at least 6.5 degrees Celsius. The abnormal conditions have also led to the shortage of water in many states, including Delhi. The government here has now approached the apex court of the country to seek directives to the Haryana government to release more water downstream. The Rajasthan High Court stated a day earlier that heatwave had to be declared a national emergency after learning about fatalities brought on by this month's harsh weather. (With inputs from agencies)

India heatwave: 25 poll officials die in UP, Bihar in last 48 hours ahead of phase 7 elections

With the conclusion of phase 7 polling in India, the election season here is finally cooling off and the spotlight has now shifted to election results. Indian media houses on Saturday (June 1) revealed exit poll data, that cast doubts on the big claims of the opposition INDIA bloc and indicated an easy win for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP's massive lead was supported by its expanded gains in the eastern state of West Bengal.&nbsp;

Exit polls gave BJP more seats in the state than the regional Trinamool Congress, led by ferocious Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

BJP was given more seats in the state by two exit polls. Matrize predicted the BJP to win 21-25 seats whereas Jan Ki Baat projected the party to win 21-26 seats, way above TMC's 16-20 seats.&nbsp;

PMARQ exit poll also gave BJP more seats, 22, against the TMC's 20. The exit poll released by D-Dynamics gave BJP 21 seats and TMC 19 seats.

Whether these predictions hold any ground will only be confirmed on June 4, the day when the Election Commission of India (ECI) will release official results.

<h2>2019 election results</h2>

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had won 18 seats out of a total of 42, whereas 22 seats went to the TMC. However, there was not much difference in the vote share of both parties. The BJP's vote share was at 40.25 per cent whereas TMC bagged 3 per cent more, 43.28 per cent.

This result came as a major setback for TMC and a huge success for the BJP, which had secured just 2 seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections with a vote share of 17 per cent.

<h2>BJP's strong election campaign</h2>

The BJP ran a strong, sharp election campaign in the state ahead of the polls, spearheaded by none other than the PM himself.

In West Bengal, voting took place in seven phases between April 19 and June 1 to select 42 members for the 18th Lok Sabha. The first phase had an astounding 82 per cent turnout, and the second phase had over 72 per cent. The voter turnout remained strong throughout the phases. Voter turnout was 77.53 per cent in the third phase, 80.22 per cent in the fourth, 78.45 per cent in the fifth, and 82.71 per cent in the sixth.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

With the conclusion of phase 7 polling in India, the election season here is finally cooling off and the spotlight has now shifted to election results. Indian media houses on Saturday (June 1) revealed exit poll data, that cast doubts on the big claims of the opposition INDIA bloc and indicated an easy win for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

With the conclusion of phase 7 polling in India, the election season here is finally cooling off and the spotlight has now shifted to election results. Indian media houses on Saturday (June 1) revealed exit poll data, that cast doubts on the big claims of the opposition INDIA bloc and indicated an easy win for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP's massive lead was supported by its expanded gains in the eastern state of West Bengal. Exit polls gave BJP more seats in the state than the regional Trinamool Congress, led by ferocious Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. BJP was given more seats in the state by two exit polls. Matrize predicted the BJP to win 21-25 seats whereas Jan Ki Baat projected the party to win 21-26 seats, way above TMC's 16-20 seats. PMARQ exit poll also gave BJP more seats, 22, against the TMC's 20. The exit poll released by D-Dynamics gave BJP 21 seats and TMC 19 seats. Whether these predictions hold any ground will only be confirmed on June 4, the day when the Election Commission of India (ECI) will release official results. 2019 election results In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had won 18 seats out of a total of 42, whereas 22 seats went to the TMC. However, there was not much difference in the vote share of both parties. The BJP's vote share was at 40.25 per cent whereas TMC bagged 3 per cent more, 43.28 per cent. This result came as a major setback for TMC and a huge success for the BJP, which had secured just 2 seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections with a vote share of 17 per cent. BJP's strong election campaign The BJP ran a strong, sharp election campaign in the state ahead of the polls, spearheaded by none other than the PM himself. In West Bengal, voting took place in seven phases between April 19 and June 1 to select 42 members for the 18th Lok Sabha. The first phase had an astounding 82 per cent turnout, and the second phase had over 72 per cent. The voter turnout remained strong throughout the phases. Voter turnout was 77.53 per cent in the third phase, 80.22 per cent in the fourth, 78.45 per cent in the fifth, and 82.71 per cent in the sixth. (With inputs from agencies)

Exit Poll 2024: From 2 seats in 2014 to 25 in 2024, BJP’s huge leap in West Bengal haunts TMC 

The seventh and the final phase of voting is underway in Indian elections in 57 parliamnetary constituencies across seven states ahead of the results for the entire process on June 4th.

India General Elections Phase 7: Actress Kangana Ranaut makes political debut in Himachal Pradesh

Watch top headlines of the hour: - India General Elections: 57 seats vote in Phase 7 - Overnight Israeli raids in West Bank - Teen's mother arrested in Pune Porsche case - Biden unveils Gaza peace plan - Fresh NATO bid to escalate tension: Moscow - North India heatwave: 18 poll personnel dead

India Elections: Final phase of voting today | India heatwave: Poll personnel dead

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India General Elections Phase 7: Final phase of voting begins, 57 constituencies go to polls

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India General Elections Phase 7: What is up for grabs?

Watch top headlines of the hour: - India General Elections: 57 seats vote in Phase 7 - Biden unveils Gaza peace plan - Houthis hit back after US strikes - Fresh NATO bid to escalate tension: Moscow - South Africa: 85% votes counted, ANC losing hold

India General Elections: 57 seats vote in Phase 7 | Biden unveils Gaza peace plan | WION Headlines

A Delhi court on Saturday (Jun 1) reserved its ruling on&nbsp;Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's bail extension plea and said it will pronounce the order on June 5, paving the way for his return to Tihar jail on Sunday (June 2). The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader was allowed interim bail by the Supreme Court of India (SCI) till June 1 in order to let him campaign for his party against the backdrop of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

Kejriwal's advocate N Hariharan made it clear in the Rouse Avenue Court that, "It's not a plea for an extension of the SC order, it is an application for medical bail."

Earlier, Kejriwal had claimed before the court that&nbsp;"he had lost 6kg during the 50 days he spent in jail - from 70kg to 64kg - and had failed to regain it after being freed on interim bail."

"Doctors are saying this can also be a sign of some major disease in the body. Many tests need to be done. The ketone level in my urine has also increased a lot," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjug-zLlbqGAxU8yqACHZ89JcYQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-excise-policy-case-cm-arvind-kejriwal-moves-court-seeking-regular-bail-727025" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-excise-policy-case-cm-arvind-kejriwal-moves-court-seeking-regular-bail-727025&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjug-zLlbqGAxU8yqACHZ89JcYQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">Delhi excise policy case: CM Arvind Kejriwal moves court seeking regular bail</a>

During the hearing, representatives of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) opposed Kejriwal's bail extension plea, saying the Supreme Court order only allowed the Delhi CM to file a regular bail application.

The ED also said before Special Judge Kaveri Baweja that Kejriwal has made false claims regarding his ill health and has suppressed important facts.

The agency also disputed Kejriwal's weight loss claims, saying he has gained one kilogramme of weight instead. It added Kejriwal couldn't take time to take medical tests over the past weeks even as he roamed around the country to do campaigning.

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Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Raju also emphasised that Kejriwal couldn't request an extension of bail as he was not currently detained. He argued that interim bail is only permitted if an individual is in custody.

The ED also highlighted that the power to release a person on bail detained under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act only lies with the High Court and the Supreme Court and a trial court can't do so.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Delhi court on Saturday (Jun 1) reserved its ruling on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's bail extension plea and said it will pronounce the order on June 5, paving the way for his return to Tihar jail on Sunday (June 2).

A Delhi court on Saturday (Jun 1) reserved its ruling on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's bail extension plea and said it will pronounce the order on June 5, paving the way for his return to Tihar jail on Sunday (June 2). The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader was allowed interim bail by the Supreme Court of India (SCI) till June 1 in order to let him campaign for his party against the backdrop of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Kejriwal's advocate N Hariharan made it clear in the Rouse Avenue Court that, "It's not a plea for an extension of the SC order, it is an application for medical bail." Earlier, Kejriwal had claimed before the court that "he had lost 6kg during the 50 days he spent in jail - from 70kg to 64kg - and had failed to regain it after being freed on interim bail." "Doctors are saying this can also be a sign of some major disease in the body. Many tests need to be done. The ketone level in my urine has also increased a lot," he added. Also read: Delhi excise policy case: CM Arvind Kejriwal moves court seeking regular bail During the hearing, representatives of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) opposed Kejriwal's bail extension plea, saying the Supreme Court order only allowed the Delhi CM to file a regular bail application. The ED also said before Special Judge Kaveri Baweja that Kejriwal has made false claims regarding his ill health and has suppressed important facts. The agency also disputed Kejriwal's weight loss claims, saying he has gained one kilogramme of weight instead. It added Kejriwal couldn't take time to take medical tests over the past weeks even as he roamed around the country to do campaigning. Also read: Arvind Kejriwal urges voters to exercise franchise to end `dictatorship` Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Raju also emphasised that Kejriwal couldn't request an extension of bail as he was not currently detained. He argued that interim bail is only permitted if an individual is in custody. The ED also highlighted that the power to release a person on bail detained under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act only lies with the High Court and the Supreme Court and a trial court can't do so. (With inputs from agencies)

Kejriwal set to return to Tihar jail on June 2; ED accuses Delhi CM of ‘suppressing facts’ in bail plea

India's Congress party has approached a state high court seeking directives to the top election body to stop Prime Minister Narendra Modi from meditation in the southern city of Kanyakumari from May 30 to June 1.&nbsp;Congress's Tamil Nadu state unit told the Madras High Court that Modi's actions during the silent period amounted to a violation of the election code of conduct. The silence period starts 48 hours before the polling starts and no campaign-related activities are allowed during this time.

The seventh and last phase of the mammoth India elections will be held on June 1&nbsp;and the silence period began on the evening of May 30. Ahead of the phase seven polls, PM Modi has decided to hold a 45-hour-long Dhyan (meditation) at the Vivekananda Rock. Congress says this is an attempt to "whip up Hindu sentiments" and for "canvassing votes" by misusing his official position.

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Congress alleged that Modi's action to broadcast his meditation using official media violated the Representation of Peoples Act.

Congress also highlighted how Modi's visit to the public place was infringing upon the fundamental right of the tourists as security has been beefed up in the area and several restrictions have been placed. The party said the livelihood of several persons will also be hit as business activities have been restricted.

Earlier this week, senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi held a meeting with officials from the Election Commission of India (ECI) and urged the poll body to stop PM Modi's 'meditation campaign.'

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“We told the Election Commission that during the silence period of 48 hours, no one should be allowed to campaign, directly or indirectly,” he was quoted as saying by news agencies.

Singhvi, however, clarified that the grand old party is not against “whatever any leader may do.”

“The PM's meditation, on the other hand, will be a violation of the Model Code as the silence period would be from 7am on May 30 till June 1,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Congress party has approached a state high court seeking directives to the top election body to stop Prime Minister Narendra Modi from meditation in the southern city of Kanyakumari from May 30 to June 1.

India's Congress party has approached a state high court seeking directives to the top election body to stop Prime Minister Narendra Modi from meditation in the southern city of Kanyakumari from May 30 to June 1. Congress's Tamil Nadu state unit told the Madras High Court that Modi's actions during the silent period amounted to a violation of the election code of conduct. The silence period starts 48 hours before the polling starts and no campaign-related activities are allowed during this time. The seventh and last phase of the mammoth India elections will be held on June 1 and the silence period began on the evening of May 30. Ahead of the phase seven polls, PM Modi has decided to hold a 45-hour-long Dhyan (meditation) at the Vivekananda Rock. Congress says this is an attempt to "whip up Hindu sentiments" and for "canvassing votes" by misusing his official position. Also read: OpenAI disrupts attempts made by Israel-based company to interfere in India elections Congress alleged that Modi's action to broadcast his meditation using official media violated the Representation of Peoples Act. Congress also highlighted how Modi's visit to the public place was infringing upon the fundamental right of the tourists as security has been beefed up in the area and several restrictions have been placed. The party said the livelihood of several persons will also be hit as business activities have been restricted. Earlier this week, senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi held a meeting with officials from the Election Commission of India (ECI) and urged the poll body to stop PM Modi's 'meditation campaign.' Also read: In major boost to Modinomics, India`s economy expands 8.2% in Q4 “We told the Election Commission that during the silence period of 48 hours, no one should be allowed to campaign, directly or indirectly,” he was quoted as saying by news agencies. Singhvi, however, clarified that the grand old party is not against “whatever any leader may do.” “The PM's meditation, on the other hand, will be a violation of the Model Code as the silence period would be from 7am on May 30 till June 1,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

'Violation of silent period,' Tamil Nadu Congress moves court against PM Modi's Kanyakumari visit

Watch top headlines of the hour: - India General Elections: Exit polls result awaited - Teen's mother arrested in Pune Porsche case - Biden unveils Gaza peace plan - Ukraine use US' Himars in Belgorod - North India heatwave: 18 poll personnel dead - South Africa: ANC vote share dips

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Customs officials have arrested Shivkumar the personal assistant to Congress leader Shashi Tharoor after he was caught smuggling gold at the Delhi airport on Wednesday, now Tharoor has reacted to the arrest. Watch to know more!

Indian elections 2024 | Delhi gold bust: Tharoor vs Chandrasekhar

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