A bunch of Indian actors including Kangana Ranaut, Arun Govil and Govinda made headlines this week for formally joining politics. This is not the first time when political parties have welcomed movie and television stars to contest elections, hoping that their star power would contribute to the popularity of the party. As India gears up for the Lok Sabha elections, let's take a look at various other performers who later decided to join politics.

Kangana Ranaut to Arun Govil: Indian stars who joined politics

The Election Commission of India (ECI) published data regarding political donations through electoral bonds on its website late Thursday (Mar 14). The data, furnished after an order by India’s Supreme Court, revealed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was the biggest beneficiary of the now-banned scheme having received INR 6,000 crore ($732 million) over the last five years.

The ECI sourced the data from the State Bank of India (SBI), encompassing bonds totalling INR 16,518 crore ($1.9 billion).

Prominent Indian industrialists and companies, like steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal, Airtel's Sunil Bharti Mittal, Vedanta, ITC, and Mahindra and Mahindra featured on the list of buyers of the electoral bonds.

The apex court last month struck down the opaque political funding regime, calling it ‘illegal and unconstitutional.’ The BJP introduced the scheme&nbsp;in 2017, terming it a crucial milestone in the fight against ‘black money’ in Indian elections.

<h2>Top beneficiaries of the scheme</h2>

According to the ECI data, the BJP emerged as the top beneficiary, followed by All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), which received INR 1,609.50 crore ($192 million) via electoral bonds. India’s main opposition Congress party occupied the third spot, with funding totalling INR 1421 crore ($171 million).

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjypMSit_WEAxUP6jgGHV-sAgIQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-publishes-electoral-bonds-data-on-its-website-following-sc-order-700154" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-publishes-electoral-bonds-data-on-its-website-following-sc-order-700154&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjypMSit_WEAxUP6jgGHV-sAgIQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">India: Election Commission publishes electoral bonds data on its website following Supreme Court order</a>

The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), Biju Janata Dal (BJD), and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) also encashed electoral bonds worth more than INR 500 crore each ($60 million) during the specified period. Other parties that redeemed electoral bonds include AIADMK, Shiv Sena, TDP, YSR Congress, JDS, NCP, JDU, RJD, AAP, and the Samajwadi Party, according to the data.

<h2>Top buyers of electoral bonds</h2>

Here is the list of top buyers of the electoral bonds.

Future Gaming and Hotel Services - Rs 1,368 crore

Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd - Rs 966 crore

Qwik Supply Chain Private Ltd - Rs 410 crore

Vedanta Ltd - Rs 400 crore

Haldia Energy Ltd - Rs 377 crore

Bharati Group - Rs 247 crore

Essel Mining and Industries Ltd - Rs 224 crore

Western UP Power Transmission - Rs 220 crore

Keventer Foodpark Infra Ltd - Rs 194 crore

Madanlal Ltd - Rs 185 crore

DLF Group - Rs 170 crore

Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital - Rs 162 crore

Utkal Alumina International - Rs 145.3 crore

Jindal Steel and Power Ltd - Rs 123 crore

Birla Carbon India - Rs 105 crore

Rungta Sons - Rs 100 crore

Dr Reddy's - Rs 80 crore

Piramal Enterprises Group - Rs 60 crore

Navyuga Engineering - Rs 55 crore

Shirdi Sai Electricals - Rs 40 crore

Edelweiss Group - Rs 40 crore

Cipla Ltd - Rs 39.2 crore

Lakshmi Niwas Mittal - Rs 35 crore

Grasim Industries -Rs 33 crore

Jindal Stainless - Rs 30 crore

Bajaj Auto -Rs 25 crore

Sun Pharma Laboratories - Rs 25 crore

Mankind Pharma - Rs 24 crore

Bajaj Finance - Rs 20 crore

Maruti Suzuki India - Rs 20 crore

Ultratech - Rs 15 crore

TVS Motors - Rs 10 crore.

The SBI revealed that a total of 22,217 electoral bonds were bought between April 1, 2019, and February 15, 2024, with most being redeemed by political parties.

<h2>Concerns raised by opposition</h2>

Controversies erupted soon after the ECI made the data public. India's main opposition Congress party alleged a discrepancy in the number of entries in donor and recipient files.

Congress leader Amitabh Dubey on Thursday said, "The donors' file has 18,871 entries, the recipients' file has 20,421 entries. Why the discrepancy."

He also inquired about the missing data between 2017 and 2019. The leader asked why the data shared period from April 2019 even though the scheme was introduced in 2017.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Election Commission of India (ECI) published data regarding political donations through electoral bonds on its website late Thursday (Mar 14). The data, furnished after an order by India’s Supreme Court, revealed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was the biggest beneficiary of the now-banned scheme having received INR 6,000 crore ($732 million) over the last five years.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) published data regarding political donations through electoral bonds on its website late Thursday (Mar 14). The data, furnished after an order by India’s Supreme Court, revealed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was the biggest beneficiary of the now-banned scheme having received INR 6,000 crore ($732 million) over the last five years. The ECI sourced the data from the State Bank of India (SBI), encompassing bonds totalling INR 16,518 crore ($1.9 billion). Prominent Indian industrialists and companies, like steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal, Airtel's Sunil Bharti Mittal, Vedanta, ITC, and Mahindra and Mahindra featured on the list of buyers of the electoral bonds. The apex court last month struck down the opaque political funding regime, calling it ‘illegal and unconstitutional.’ The BJP introduced the scheme in 2017, terming it a crucial milestone in the fight against ‘black money’ in Indian elections. Top beneficiaries of the scheme According to the ECI data, the BJP emerged as the top beneficiary, followed by All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), which received INR 1,609.50 crore ($192 million) via electoral bonds. India’s main opposition Congress party occupied the third spot, with funding totalling INR 1421 crore ($171 million). Also read: India: Election Commission publishes electoral bonds data on its website following Supreme Court order The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), Biju Janata Dal (BJD), and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) also encashed electoral bonds worth more than INR 500 crore each ($60 million) during the specified period. Other parties that redeemed electoral bonds include AIADMK, Shiv Sena, TDP, YSR Congress, JDS, NCP, JDU, RJD, AAP, and the Samajwadi Party, according to the data. Top buyers of electoral bonds Here is the list of top buyers of the electoral bonds. Future Gaming and Hotel Services - Rs 1,368 crore Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd - Rs 966 crore Qwik Supply Chain Private Ltd - Rs 410 crore Vedanta Ltd - Rs 400 crore Haldia Energy Ltd - Rs 377 crore Bharati Group - Rs 247 crore Essel Mining and Industries Ltd - Rs 224 crore Western UP Power Transmission - Rs 220 crore Keventer Foodpark Infra Ltd - Rs 194 crore Madanlal Ltd - Rs 185 crore DLF Group - Rs 170 crore Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital - Rs 162 crore Utkal Alumina International - Rs 145.3 crore Jindal Steel and Power Ltd - Rs 123 crore Birla Carbon India - Rs 105 crore Rungta Sons - Rs 100 crore Dr Reddy's - Rs 80 crore Piramal Enterprises Group - Rs 60 crore Navyuga Engineering - Rs 55 crore Shirdi Sai Electricals - Rs 40 crore Edelweiss Group - Rs 40 crore Cipla Ltd - Rs 39.2 crore Lakshmi Niwas Mittal - Rs 35 crore Grasim Industries -Rs 33 crore Jindal Stainless - Rs 30 crore Bajaj Auto -Rs 25 crore Sun Pharma Laboratories - Rs 25 crore Mankind Pharma - Rs 24 crore Bajaj Finance - Rs 20 crore Maruti Suzuki India - Rs 20 crore Ultratech - Rs 15 crore TVS Motors - Rs 10 crore. The SBI revealed that a total of 22,217 electoral bonds were bought between April 1, 2019, and February 15, 2024, with most being redeemed by political parties. Concerns raised by opposition Controversies erupted soon after the ECI made the data public. India's main opposition Congress party alleged a discrepancy in the number of entries in donor and recipient files. Congress leader Amitabh Dubey on Thursday said, "The donors' file has 18,871 entries, the recipients' file has 20,421 entries. Why the discrepancy." He also inquired about the missing data between 2017 and 2019. The leader asked why the data shared period from April 2019 even though the scheme was introduced in 2017. (With inputs from agencies)

Electoral bonds data: Who got how much? List of top buyers, beneficiaries of now-banned funding tool

The use of artificial intelligence is expanding and, as many have predicted, AI is increasingly prominent in politics. WION tells you about the risks of artificial intelligence in a global election year.

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The Indian Supreme Court dismissed a plea filed by SBI. The SBI sought an extension extension till June 30 to disclose details of electoral bonds encashed by political parties. Watch this video for all details.

Electoral Bonds: SBI submits all details to the Election Commission of India

The political playing field is heating up in South India as K Jayaprakash Hegde who was until recently the chairman of the Karnataka State commission for backward classes joined the Congress Party on Tuesday. Two former MLA's, B M Sukumar Shetty and M P Kumaraswamy who were earlier with the BJP also joined the congress party the same day. Watch to know more!

India General Elections 2024 | Karnataka: Three former BJP leaders join Congress

BJP's newly appointed Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh's floor test currently underway in the State Assembly, 54-year-old Saini was sworn in as the new chief minister of Haryana at a rapidly assembled ceremony in Chandigarh on Tuesday evening and this development came off after former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar resigned along with his cabinet ministers earlier in the day.

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Calcutta High Court Judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay has officially resigned and is set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).&nbsp;

Confirming his decision, Justice Gangopadhyay, speaking to reporters on Tuesday (March 5) in Kolkata, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a ‘very hardworking man’ and criticised the ruling Trinamool, stating that the party's implosion indicates corruption and that he was inspired to enter politics.

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“I felt that I had done enough work there (in judiciary), but some work is set to be done for people who cannot go to the court or do not have the resources to go to the court. They are very helpless, and I should help them with the little resources I have for them, and that's why I have decided to join politics. I will be joining the BJP,” Abhijit Gangopadhyay said after announcing his resignation to join politics.

The former judge plans to join the BJP on March 7, according to a tentative program.

Justice Gangopadhyay, who gained attention last year for discussing a case he was handling in an interview, is widely expected to be a BJP candidate in the upcoming general election.

Speculation suggests he may contest the Tamluk seat, traditionally held by the Trinamool Congress, where the party has maintained control since the 2009 election.

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Earlier in the day, Justice Gangopadhyay confirmed his resignation and expressed his intention to meet the Chief Justice for a courtesy visit.&nbsp;

He disclosed that he had sent his resignation to the President of India and planned to hold a press conference, adjusting the venue to his home due to current prohibitory orders against large gatherings.

Justice Gangopadhyay, known for his controversial rulings and statements, received an invitation from Trinamool spokesperson Kunal Ghosh to join politics. Despite previous criticism from Ghosh, Justice Gangopadhyay acknowledged him as a good person.

Watch:&nbsp;Nirmala Sitharaman and Dr S Jaishankar to contest Lok Sabha elections

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His decision to step into politics comes after a series of headline-making incidents, including an interview discussing a case, accusations against another judge of working for a political party, and an order for the arrest of a lawyer in the courtroom, leading to a bar association boycott.

(With inputs from agencies)

Calcutta High Court Judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay has officially resigned and is set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Confirming his decision, Justice Gangopadhyay, speaking to reporters on Tuesday (March 5) in Kolkata, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a ‘very hardworking man’ and criticised the ruling Trinamool, stating that the party's implosion indicates corruption and that he was inspired to enter politics.

Calcutta High Court Judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay has officially resigned and is set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Confirming his decision, Justice Gangopadhyay, speaking to reporters on Tuesday (March 5) in Kolkata, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a ‘very hardworking man’ and criticised the ruling Trinamool, stating that the party's implosion indicates corruption and that he was inspired to enter politics. Also read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP bets big on Bhojpuri stars “I felt that I had done enough work there (in judiciary), but some work is set to be done for people who cannot go to the court or do not have the resources to go to the court. They are very helpless, and I should help them with the little resources I have for them, and that's why I have decided to join politics. I will be joining the BJP,” Abhijit Gangopadhyay said after announcing his resignation to join politics. The former judge plans to join the BJP on March 7, according to a tentative program. Justice Gangopadhyay, who gained attention last year for discussing a case he was handling in an interview, is widely expected to be a BJP candidate in the upcoming general election. Speculation suggests he may contest the Tamluk seat, traditionally held by the Trinamool Congress, where the party has maintained control since the 2009 election. Also read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP's first list puts focus on continuity Earlier in the day, Justice Gangopadhyay confirmed his resignation and expressed his intention to meet the Chief Justice for a courtesy visit. He disclosed that he had sent his resignation to the President of India and planned to hold a press conference, adjusting the venue to his home due to current prohibitory orders against large gatherings. Justice Gangopadhyay, known for his controversial rulings and statements, received an invitation from Trinamool spokesperson Kunal Ghosh to join politics. Despite previous criticism from Ghosh, Justice Gangopadhyay acknowledged him as a good person. Watch: Nirmala Sitharaman and Dr S Jaishankar to contest Lok Sabha elections × His decision to step into politics comes after a series of headline-making incidents, including an interview discussing a case, accusations against another judge of working for a political party, and an order for the arrest of a lawyer in the courtroom, leading to a bar association boycott. (With inputs from agencies)

Abhijit Gangopadhyay resigns as Calcutta High Court judge, to join BJP

Amid a dismal voter turnout, Iran's conservative Islamist leadership is set to make a comeback. What does this mean for a country scrambling under western sanctions?

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A Thai court on Monday handed suspended sentences to former prime ministerial hopeful Pita Limjaroenrat and seven other political figures for holding an unlawful rally in 2019.

The cases add to the legal trouble facing the opposition Move Forward Party after the country's Constitutional Court ruled that the party has&nbsp;undermined the monarchy&nbsp;and national security amid its campaign to amend a law protecting the monarchy from criticism.

The Pathumwan district court in Bangkok gave a four-month prison sentence, suspended for 2 years, and a fine of 11,200 baht ($313.81) to six leading figures of the now-defunct Future Forward Party, the Move Forward's party predecessor, and two other activists their lawyer Krisadang Nutcharus said. The charges related to a protest they led that was joined by&nbsp;thousands&nbsp;of supporters in December 2019 in the Thai capital.

The eight people sentenced, including business executive Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit and member of parliament Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, all plan to appeal the verdict, their lawyer said.

Pita could be disqualified from parliament if his appeal fails and courts uphold the verdict. Thai law does not allow people convicted of serious crimes to hold parliamentary seats.

The party now faces potential dissolution and its executives banned from politics after lawyers and opponents launched more legal&nbsp;challenges&nbsp;in the wake of the constitutional court ruling.

Move Forward is the biggest party in parliament after its surprise win in last year's election on an anti-establishment platform, which included undoing business monopolies and curbing the military's entrenched political influence.

The party's liberal agenda and huge appeal among young and urban voters represents a threat to the status quo in Thailand, and its attempts to form a government last year were&nbsp;blocked&nbsp;by the appointed senate, aligned with the royalist conservative pro-military establishment.

&nbsp;

A Thai court on Monday handed suspended sentences to former prime ministerial hopeful Pita Limjaroenrat and seven other political figures for holding an unlawful rally in 2019.

A Thai court on Monday handed suspended sentences to former prime ministerial hopeful Pita Limjaroenrat and seven other political figures for holding an unlawful rally in 2019. The cases add to the legal trouble facing the opposition Move Forward Party after the country's Constitutional Court ruled that the party has undermined the monarchy and national security amid its campaign to amend a law protecting the monarchy from criticism. The Pathumwan district court in Bangkok gave a four-month prison sentence, suspended for 2 years, and a fine of 11,200 baht ($313.81) to six leading figures of the now-defunct Future Forward Party, the Move Forward's party predecessor, and two other activists their lawyer Krisadang Nutcharus said. The charges related to a protest they led that was joined by thousands of supporters in December 2019 in the Thai capital. The eight people sentenced, including business executive Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit and member of parliament Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, all plan to appeal the verdict, their lawyer said. Pita could be disqualified from parliament if his appeal fails and courts uphold the verdict. Thai law does not allow people convicted of serious crimes to hold parliamentary seats. The party now faces potential dissolution and its executives banned from politics after lawyers and opponents launched more legal challenges in the wake of the constitutional court ruling. Move Forward is the biggest party in parliament after its surprise win in last year's election on an anti-establishment platform, which included undoing business monopolies and curbing the military's entrenched political influence. The party's liberal agenda and huge appeal among young and urban voters represents a threat to the status quo in Thailand, and its attempts to form a government last year were blocked by the appointed senate, aligned with the royalist conservative pro-military establishment.

Thai former PM hopeful Pita Limjaroenra hit with more legal trouble

Months ahead of the general elections in India, political turmoil intensified in the Indian state of Bihar on Saturday (Jan 27) amid media reports suggesting that state chief minister Nitish Kumar is about to leave the JD(U)-RJD-Congress Grand Alliance and will again join the BJP-led NDA alliance. 
 
As per a few media reports, the JD(U) chief, who has many times oscillated between political parties RJD and BJP, can also form a new government with BJP on Sunday (Jan 28) and take oath for his 9th term as the chief minister.

<h2 lang="en-US">RJD's Tejashwi Yadav says 'game yet to begin'</h2>

Meanwhile, JD(U)'s ally Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav told the party leaders in a meeting that Nitish Kumar is "respectable" but there were a lot of factors which were not under his "control." 
 
As per media reports, Yadav said, "CM Nitish Kumar was and is respectable. Many things are not under his (Nitish Kumar) control. RJD's allies in the 'Mahagathbandhan' always respected the Chief Minister....”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-set-to-lose-nitish-kumar-bihar-cm-likely-to-switch-side-to-bjp-very-soon-684199">'INDIA' set to lose Nitish Kumar? Bihar CM to join hands with BJP very soon, say reports</a>

As per media reports, Tejashwi Yadav also hinted at other unexpected developments in the state. 
 
"The Chief Minister used to sit with me on the stage and ask, "What was there in Bihar before 2005?" I never reacted... Now, more people are with us. Whatever remained undone in two decades, we managed to get it done within a short time- be it jobs, caste census, increasing reservation, etc. 'Bihar mein abhi khel hona baki hai' (The game is yet to begin in Bihar),” said Yadav, as per media reports. 
 
In the 'Mahagathbandhan', which includes the opposition Congress and three Left parties, the RJD is the largest alliance partner and if Kumar's JD(U) pulls out, the alliance will fall short of eight members for a majority in the assembly.

<h2 lang="en-US">Congress tries to avert crisis</h2>

Congress president M Mallikarjun Kharge said that all efforts are being made by his party to keep the INDIA bloc united. However, he added that he has no knowledge of what is in the mind of JD(U) leadership. 
 
"I don't have information on Janata Dal (United) leaving the alliance. I have written a letter to them. Tried to speak to them. But don't know what's on Nitish Kumar's mind," said Kharge, while speaking to the reporters. 
 
"Tomorrow I'll go to Delhi and take full information. Let's see what will happen. We don't have information that Nitish will resign. He hasn't told us about meeting Governor. I don't have information so can't tell you authentic. Let's see what happens," he said.

Watch:&nbsp;The saga of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's many U-turns

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The Congress president said, "We are trying our best to make everyone unite together. I've spoken to Mamata (Banerjee) and Nitish and (Sitaram) Yechury to be united. Told them we need to be united only then we can give a good fight. India alliance will work well and democracy should be saved, whoever wants this won't take a hasty decision is what I feel.”

<h2 lang="en-US">JD(U) leader KC Tyagi says Nitish 'misunderstood'</h2>

Meanwhile, senior JD(U) leader KC Tyagi said that the INDIA bloc has been facing issues in different states because of Congress and added that the Mahagathbandhan is all set to collapse. 
 
"The INDIA bloc is on the verge of collapse. The alliance of INDIA bloc parties is almost over in Punjab, West Bengal and Bihar," said Tyagi, as quoted by ANI. 
 
"The goal and intentions with which Kumar, the JD(U) president, succeeded in bringing non-Congress parties with the Congress have come unstuck," he added, asserting that the leader was "misunderstood". 
 
"Kumar never hankered after a position in the alliance but a section of the Congress leadership repeatedly insulted him," Tyagi said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Months ahead of the general elections in India, political turmoil intensified in the Indian state of Bihar on Saturday (Jan 27) amid media reports suggesting that state chief minister Nitish Kumar is about to leave the JD(U)-RJD-Congress Grand Alliance and will again join the BJP-led NDA alliance.

Months ahead of the general elections in India, political turmoil intensified in the Indian state of Bihar on Saturday (Jan 27) amid media reports suggesting that state chief minister Nitish Kumar is about to leave the JD(U)-RJD-Congress Grand Alliance and will again join the BJP-led NDA alliance. As per a few media reports, the JD(U) chief, who has many times oscillated between political parties RJD and BJP, can also form a new government with BJP on Sunday (Jan 28) and take oath for his 9th term as the chief minister. RJD's Tejashwi Yadav says 'game yet to begin' Meanwhile, JD(U)'s ally Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav told the party leaders in a meeting that Nitish Kumar is "respectable" but there were a lot of factors which were not under his "control." As per media reports, Yadav said, "CM Nitish Kumar was and is respectable. Many things are not under his (Nitish Kumar) control. RJD's allies in the 'Mahagathbandhan' always respected the Chief Minister....” Also read: 'INDIA' set to lose Nitish Kumar? Bihar CM to join hands with BJP very soon, say reports As per media reports, Tejashwi Yadav also hinted at other unexpected developments in the state. "The Chief Minister used to sit with me on the stage and ask, "What was there in Bihar before 2005?" I never reacted... Now, more people are with us. Whatever remained undone in two decades, we managed to get it done within a short time- be it jobs, caste census, increasing reservation, etc. 'Bihar mein abhi khel hona baki hai' (The game is yet to begin in Bihar),” said Yadav, as per media reports. In the 'Mahagathbandhan', which includes the opposition Congress and three Left parties, the RJD is the largest alliance partner and if Kumar's JD(U) pulls out, the alliance will fall short of eight members for a majority in the assembly. Congress tries to avert crisis Congress president M Mallikarjun Kharge said that all efforts are being made by his party to keep the INDIA bloc united. However, he added that he has no knowledge of what is in the mind of JD(U) leadership. "I don't have information on Janata Dal (United) leaving the alliance. I have written a letter to them. Tried to speak to them. But don't know what's on Nitish Kumar's mind," said Kharge, while speaking to the reporters. "Tomorrow I'll go to Delhi and take full information. Let's see what will happen. We don't have information that Nitish will resign. He hasn't told us about meeting Governor. I don't have information so can't tell you authentic. Let's see what happens," he said. Watch: The saga of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's many U-turns The Congress president said, "We are trying our best to make everyone unite together. I've spoken to Mamata (Banerjee) and Nitish and (Sitaram) Yechury to be united. Told them we need to be united only then we can give a good fight. India alliance will work well and democracy should be saved, whoever wants this won't take a hasty decision is what I feel.” JD(U) leader KC Tyagi says Nitish 'misunderstood' Meanwhile, senior JD(U) leader KC Tyagi said that the INDIA bloc has been facing issues in different states because of Congress and added that the Mahagathbandhan is all set to collapse. "The INDIA bloc is on the verge of collapse. The alliance of INDIA bloc parties is almost over in Punjab, West Bengal and Bihar," said Tyagi, as quoted by ANI. "The goal and intentions with which Kumar, the JD(U) president, succeeded in bringing non-Congress parties with the Congress have come unstuck," he added, asserting that the leader was "misunderstood". "Kumar never hankered after a position in the alliance but a section of the Congress leadership repeatedly insulted him," Tyagi said. (With inputs from agencies)

India Elections 2024: Nitish Kumar keeps Bihar politics on tenterhooks; RJD, Congress react to crisis

Concerns about the impact of social media on users' mental health have always been there. Do tech giants like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram care, or is it all about engagement for them? If they do care, to what extent?

In the last few years, instances where social media has contributed to self-harm have come to light across the world.

&nbsp;A recent incident that especially shocked the world is from the UK, where a woman Chloe Macdermott made a so-called suicide pact with strangers she met online and killed herself.

Paul Rogers, the coroner investigating her case, said he believed tech giants like Google and Amazon have the power to prevent tragedies like Chloe Macdermott's suicide pact.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjt6amOuNWDAxUEsVYBHR6dCJgQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coroner-investigating-chloe-macdermott-suicide-pact-says-google-amazon-can-prevent-such-tragedies-675522" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/coroner-investigating-chloe-macdermott-suicide-pact-says-google-amazon-can-prevent-such-tragedies-675522&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjt6amOuNWDAxUEsVYBHR6dCJgQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Chloe Macdermott suicide pact: 'Google, Amazon can prevent such tragedies', says Coroner investigating case</a>

WION decided to investigate how easy or difficult it would be to go about making such a pact on the big three social media platforms: Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.&nbsp;

For this, we simply ran a search for the term 'suicide pact,' to see what would come up. The results were concerning.

<h2>Twitter/ X</h2>

On Elon Musk's Twitter, now called X, the search for 'suicide pact' brought up a page that said in bold "Help is available".&nbsp;

"If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, you are not alone. Our partners can help. You can refer to NIMHANS website for resources or contact the helplines given in the Twitter list," it adds.

<img alt="X 1" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3a9de136-ad45-431f-998d-7b250aac83e4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Fb.png" />

This is followed by two links, if&nbsp;one is searching in India. One opens up the NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences) website, India's apex centre for mental health.

The other one, labelled 'Suicide Prevention Helplines (Twitter List),' should lead to a detailed depository of helplines, but brings up a page that says "Hmm...this page doesn't exist. Try searching for something else."&nbsp;

<img alt="X 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22e28d1f-0b44-4e23-a2a1-799cfbf31da2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/twit%20suicide%202.png" />

Needless to say, this is concerning. If the search was run by someone contemplating suicide, to them, stuck in a dark phase, this might seem like a further sign of hopelessness.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Mumbai: 23% more minor girls than boys died by suicide in 4 years

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mumbai-23-more-minor-girls-than-boys-died-by-suicide-in-4-years-657629/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
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This could very well be a result of the social media giant formerly known as Twitter slashing its global trust and safety staff by 30 per cent since the Musk 2022 takeover.

Apart from this, the search fetched results that could be triggering. Here are some.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Who's up for a suicide pact?
— Mario (@thecarnello) <a href="https://twitter.com/thecarnello/status/1743767596254494749?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

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suicide pact anyone?
— 🐾tee🐈‍⬛ (@newfoundg0ry) <a href="https://twitter.com/newfoundg0ry/status/1742500102978121990?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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first date idea: suicide pact
— Kat (@ollkorrect0) <a href="https://twitter.com/ollkorrect0/status/1728930369884557661?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
anyone up for a suicide pact?
— jai (@bellepitseleh) <a href="https://twitter.com/bellepitseleh/status/1742884774577115294?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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A suicide pact would be so cool right now
— Campurr (@Purrpurrchan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Purrpurrchan/status/1734580324338729275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>Facebook</h2>

The same search for 'suicide pact' on Facebook showed a page with yet another "Help is available" sign. Two buttons followed this one. The first one, 'Get Support', led to another page that had very helpful results.

<img alt="FB1" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="96b63b21-d55c-4397-ba40-4040e5573e0d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Fb_0.png" />

A 'Reach out to a friend' nudges users to get in touch with people they trust, which for someone stuck in the dark loop of self-harm can be a lifesaver, especially given that mental health problems often come with self-isolation. 
<img alt="FB2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ed834737-14f8-4c1a-963e-a30bf4e43bdd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/fb%202.png" />

The second button, 'Contact a helpline', brought up several helplines from across the country; telephonic, email-based and even websites.

<img alt="FB3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5c898cd4-6d6a-4282-b490-c07f483df913" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/fb%203.png" />

'See suggestions from professionals outside of Meta', which was the third option, showed infographics on things that "others have found helpful".

<img alt="FB4" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61dd60a9-bbe6-4478-ba96-8660cee530fb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/fb%204_0.png" />

<h2>Instagram</h2>

Another Meta platform, Instagram, is especially popular among young people. However, our hopes which were raised by Facebook's exhaustive and helpful content were dashed.&nbsp;

The search for 'suicide pact' on Instagram fetched many results; accounts, hashtags etc. that made mention of the term. Instagram, which as per Statista boasts 30.8 per cent of users between the ages of 18 and 24, an especially vulnerable age group, didn't even have a "Help is available" for courtesy's sake.

<img alt="IG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="472003ab-18ed-4240-a86e-9e49999d7c8e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IG%20suicide.jpg" />

Given that a huge percentage of the users on these platforms are young children, should certain content and search results be censored, at least to some extent?&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjt6amOuNWDAxUEsVYBHR6dCJgQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/disturbing-trend-in-2022-more-people-than-ever-died-by-suicide-in-the-united-states-664285" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/disturbing-trend-in-2022-more-people-than-ever-died-by-suicide-in-the-united-states-664285&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjt6amOuNWDAxUEsVYBHR6dCJgQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Disturbing trend: In 2022, more suicides than ever took place in the United States</a>

While these tech giants claim to address mental health concerns, their actions sometimes fall short.&nbsp;

Social media platforms' emphasis on engagement can inadvertently lead to the amplification of sensational, provocative, or harmful material that can contribute to dangerous steps taken at sensitive moments.

Big tech must recognise that striking a balance between user engagement and mental well-being is not just a moral obligation, but a critical step towards fostering healthier online communities.

Concerns about the impact of social media on users' mental health have always been there. Do tech giants like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram care, or is it all about engagement for them?

Concerns about the impact of social media on users' mental health have always been there. Do tech giants like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram care, or is it all about engagement for them? If they do care, to what extent? In the last few years, instances where social media has contributed to self-harm have come to light across the world. A recent incident that especially shocked the world is from the UK, where a woman Chloe Macdermott made a so-called suicide pact with strangers she met online and killed herself. Paul Rogers, the coroner investigating her case, said he believed tech giants like Google and Amazon have the power to prevent tragedies like Chloe Macdermott's suicide pact. Also read | Chloe Macdermott suicide pact: 'Google, Amazon can prevent such tragedies', says Coroner investigating case WION decided to investigate how easy or difficult it would be to go about making such a pact on the big three social media platforms: Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. For this, we simply ran a search for the term 'suicide pact,' to see what would come up. The results were concerning. Twitter/ X On Elon Musk's Twitter, now called X, the search for 'suicide pact' brought up a page that said in bold "Help is available". "If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, you are not alone. Our partners can help. You can refer to NIMHANS website for resources or contact the helplines given in the Twitter list," it adds. This is followed by two links, if one is searching in India. One opens up the NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences) website, India's apex centre for mental health. The other one, labelled 'Suicide Prevention Helplines (Twitter List),' should lead to a detailed depository of helplines, but brings up a page that says "Hmm...this page doesn't exist. Try searching for something else." Needless to say, this is concerning. If the search was run by someone contemplating suicide, to them, stuck in a dark phase, this might seem like a further sign of hopelessness. Watch | Mumbai: 23% more minor girls than boys died by suicide in 4 years × This could very well be a result of the social media giant formerly known as Twitter slashing its global trust and safety staff by 30 per cent since the Musk 2022 takeover. Apart from this, the search fetched results that could be triggering. Here are some. Who's up for a suicide pact? — Mario (@thecarnello) January 6, 2024 × suicide pact anyone? — 🐾tee🐈‍⬛ (@newfoundg0ry) January 3, 2024 × first date idea: suicide pact — Kat (@ollkorrect0) November 27, 2023 × anyone up for a suicide pact? — jai (@bellepitseleh) January 4, 2024 × A suicide pact would be so cool right now — Campurr (@Purrpurrchan) December 12, 2023 × Facebook The same search for 'suicide pact' on Facebook showed a page with yet another "Help is available" sign. Two buttons followed this one. The first one, 'Get Support', led to another page that had very helpful results. A 'Reach out to a friend' nudges users to get in touch with people they trust, which for someone stuck in the dark loop of self-harm can be a lifesaver, especially given that mental health problems often come with self-isolation. The second button, 'Contact a helpline', brought up several helplines from across the country; telephonic, email-based and even websites. 'See suggestions from professionals outside of Meta', which was the third option, showed infographics on things that "others have found helpful". Instagram Another Meta platform, Instagram, is especially popular among young people. However, our hopes which were raised by Facebook's exhaustive and helpful content were dashed. The search for 'suicide pact' on Instagram fetched many results; accounts, hashtags etc. that made mention of the term. Instagram, which as per Statista boasts 30.8 per cent of users between the ages of 18 and 24, an especially vulnerable age group, didn't even have a "Help is available" for courtesy's sake. Given that a huge percentage of the users on these platforms are young children, should certain content and search results be censored, at least to some extent? Also read | Disturbing trend: In 2022, more suicides than ever took place in the United States While these tech giants claim to address mental health concerns, their actions sometimes fall short. Social media platforms' emphasis on engagement can inadvertently lead to the amplification of sensational, provocative, or harmful material that can contribute to dangerous steps taken at sensitive moments. Big tech must recognise that striking a balance between user engagement and mental well-being is not just a moral obligation, but a critical step towards fostering healthier online communities.

Dark side of social media: Do X, Facebook, Instagram care about your mental health? WION investigates

WION's Race To Power introduces a new segment, Power Poll. You will vote on the biggest election story and we will analyse your views. Get on our social media accounts and start voting!

WION's Power Poll: Do you think the 2024 Bangladesh Election will be free & fair?

Bangladesh's elections are being seen as 'polls never seen before'. The ruling government has been accused of rigging, the opposition has decided to boycott and the voters have been left confused. Amid political uncertainty, the top concern of the common man remains the cost of living crisis & inflation.

What do voters want in Bangladesh?

Ananya Dutta sits down with Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen as rigging allegations mount against the ruling government. Ambassador Momen also talks about relations with the US amid heavy criticism.

'Opposition's boycott is not our fault', Bangladesh's Foreign Secy says to WION

With the campaign heating up and election dates approaching, let's take a quick look at Bangladesh's current PM Sheikh Hasina, her evolution through the years and what it indicates for her future during elections in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Politics Explainer: Sheikh Hasina's political journey

2023 showed the world that as much as the multi-polar narrative is gaining traction superpower politics still dominates geopolitics. The rest of the world closely follows how the great powers engage among themselves. The United States and China are the undisputed great powers at the moment and their rivalry dominated headlines almost all of this year.

WION Rewind 2023: Superpower politics between US and China

Egyptians began voting, on Sunday (Dec 10), in a presidential election overshadowed by the war in neighbouring Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas while the incumbent President&nbsp;Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is poised to secure a third term in power. The polling began as the country grapples with one of the most severe financial crises in its recent history.&nbsp;

<h2>About the elections</h2>

The voting began at 9:00 am and will go on till 9:00 pm (local time) and will continue for the next three days. The results will be announced on December 18.&nbsp;

Voters lined up before the booths opened in Cairo, reported AFP, with patriotic songs playing on a loop amid heavy security. Riot police were deployed at entrances to Tahrir Square in the capital’s centre.&nbsp;

Around 67 million people are eligible to vote but given the low turnout in the previous elections, the government has ramped up efforts to urge voters to cast their ballots.

Sisi is poised to win a new six-year term while critics have called the election a sham after the government’s decade-long crackdown on dissent. However, the state media has called this election a step towards political pluralism.

There are three other candidates qualified to stand against the incumbent, but the only prominent figure who had the potential to give some competition to Sisi stepped down in October citing attacks against his supporters by officials and thugs. The accusations have since been dismissed by the national election authority.&nbsp;

“Of course people need to participate, but let’s be realistic: these elections are set for Sisi, because no one knows the other candidates,” a voter in her fifties told AFP on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

Voters also said that they didn’t even know that the elections were happening, but noted that it would make very little difference. “I feel indifferent about the elections because there will be no real change,” Aya Mohamed, a 35-year-old marketing executive told Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>Economic crisis, war in Gaza on minds</h2>

In 2013, Sisi, while serving as the army chief led the efforts to oust Egypt’s first democratically elected president, Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood, before winning the presidency the following year with 97 per cent of the vote.

Under Sisi’s rule, Egypt has jailed thousands of political dissenters as the crackdown swept up liberal and leftist activists as well as Islamists. However, the incumbent president and his supporters have argued that the crackdown was needed to stabilise Egypt and counter Islamist extremism.&nbsp;

Rights groups reportedly say tens of thousands have been jailed, this is even though around 1,000 people were freed after a presidential pardon in one year.&nbsp;

If Sisi wins, one of his priorities would also include preventing spillover from the war between Israel and Hamas.

Meanwhile, Egypt’s fast-growing population of 104 million is struggling to keep up with the rising inflation in the country.&nbsp;

Inflation has hovered near 40 per cent after the currency lost half its value and drove up the cost of imports, but even before the current crisis, millions of people were living on or below the poverty line.&nbsp;

A report by Reuters said voters were handed out bags containing flour, rice and other basic commodities after showing ink stains on their fingers indicating they had voted. However, some expressed disappointment that it did not include sugar recently subject to sharp price rises.

During Sisi’s rule, the national debt has tripled while the various mega-projects which are often led by the military fail to deliver on their benefits.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Egyptians began voting, on Sunday (Dec 10), in a presidential election overshadowed by the war in neighbouring Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas while the incumbent President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is poised to secure a third term in power.

Egyptians began voting, on Sunday (Dec 10), in a presidential election overshadowed by the war in neighbouring Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas while the incumbent President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is poised to secure a third term in power. The polling began as the country grapples with one of the most severe financial crises in its recent history. About the elections The voting began at 9:00 am and will go on till 9:00 pm (local time) and will continue for the next three days. The results will be announced on December 18. Voters lined up before the booths opened in Cairo, reported AFP, with patriotic songs playing on a loop amid heavy security. Riot police were deployed at entrances to Tahrir Square in the capital’s centre. Around 67 million people are eligible to vote but given the low turnout in the previous elections, the government has ramped up efforts to urge voters to cast their ballots. Sisi is poised to win a new six-year term while critics have called the election a sham after the government’s decade-long crackdown on dissent. However, the state media has called this election a step towards political pluralism. There are three other candidates qualified to stand against the incumbent, but the only prominent figure who had the potential to give some competition to Sisi stepped down in October citing attacks against his supporters by officials and thugs. The accusations have since been dismissed by the national election authority. “Of course people need to participate, but let’s be realistic: these elections are set for Sisi, because no one knows the other candidates,” a voter in her fifties told AFP on condition of anonymity. Voters also said that they didn’t even know that the elections were happening, but noted that it would make very little difference. “I feel indifferent about the elections because there will be no real change,” Aya Mohamed, a 35-year-old marketing executive told Reuters. Economic crisis, war in Gaza on minds In 2013, Sisi, while serving as the army chief led the efforts to oust Egypt’s first democratically elected president, Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood, before winning the presidency the following year with 97 per cent of the vote. Under Sisi’s rule, Egypt has jailed thousands of political dissenters as the crackdown swept up liberal and leftist activists as well as Islamists. However, the incumbent president and his supporters have argued that the crackdown was needed to stabilise Egypt and counter Islamist extremism. Rights groups reportedly say tens of thousands have been jailed, this is even though around 1,000 people were freed after a presidential pardon in one year. If Sisi wins, one of his priorities would also include preventing spillover from the war between Israel and Hamas. Meanwhile, Egypt’s fast-growing population of 104 million is struggling to keep up with the rising inflation in the country. Inflation has hovered near 40 per cent after the currency lost half its value and drove up the cost of imports, but even before the current crisis, millions of people were living on or below the poverty line. A report by Reuters said voters were handed out bags containing flour, rice and other basic commodities after showing ink stains on their fingers indicating they had voted. However, some expressed disappointment that it did not include sugar recently subject to sharp price rises. During Sisi’s rule, the national debt has tripled while the various mega-projects which are often led by the military fail to deliver on their benefits. (With inputs from agencies)

Egyptians cast votes in elections held amid Israel-Hamas war with Sisi almost sure to win

AAP MP Raghav Chadha thanked the Supreme Court and Rajya Sabha chairman on Monday (Dec 4), after his suspension from the Upper House of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) was discontinued.

In a video message, Chadha thanked people for the love and blessings that he received during the period of suspension.

"I had to approach the Supreme Court to get my suspension discontinued. It was after the Supreme Court's intervention that my suspension was ended. At least for 115 days, I was suspended. During those days, I could not ask your questions inside Parliament and was not able to raise your voice inside the House," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-raghav-chadha-wishes-wifey-parineeti-on-her-birthday-with-adorable-post-you-light-up-my-life-650030">Also read |&nbsp;Raghav Chadha wishes 'wifey' Parineeti on her birthday with adorable post: 'You light up my life'</a>

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said he received a lot of love and blessings from people during the period of his suspension.

"I am happy that my suspension was ended. I am thankful to the Supreme Court and Rajya Sabha chairman for this. During the 115 days, I got a lot of love and blessings from people. I got strength from you guys. I am thankful to you from the bottom of my heart," he said.

Chadha was suspended from the Upper House in August for alleged breach of privileges.&nbsp;

AAP MP Raghav Chadha thanked the Supreme Court and Rajya Sabha chairman on Monday (Dec 4), after his suspension from the Upper House of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) was discontinued.

AAP MP Raghav Chadha thanked the Supreme Court and Rajya Sabha chairman on Monday (Dec 4), after his suspension from the Upper House of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) was discontinued. In a video message, Chadha thanked people for the love and blessings that he received during the period of suspension. "I had to approach the Supreme Court to get my suspension discontinued. It was after the Supreme Court's intervention that my suspension was ended. At least for 115 days, I was suspended. During those days, I could not ask your questions inside Parliament and was not able to raise your voice inside the House," he said. Also read | Raghav Chadha wishes 'wifey' Parineeti on her birthday with adorable post: 'You light up my life' The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said he received a lot of love and blessings from people during the period of his suspension. "I am happy that my suspension was ended. I am thankful to the Supreme Court and Rajya Sabha chairman for this. During the 115 days, I got a lot of love and blessings from people. I got strength from you guys. I am thankful to you from the bottom of my heart," he said. Chadha was suspended from the Upper House in August for alleged breach of privileges.

India: AAP MP Raghav Chadha's parliament suspension revoked. Here's what happened

Political dynamics are fast changing ahead of the upcoming February 2024 general elections as former Pakistani President, Asif Zardari remarks on remarks on Bilawal saying he is 'not fully trained' for politics

Political dynamics change in Pakistan change ahead of 2024 general elections | WION

New&nbsp;Zealand's National Party said on Thursday it has reached an agreement with ACT&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;and&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;First to form a government, ending weeks of negotiations and political uncertainty with the country under a caretaker government.

The center-right National Party won the largest share of votes in&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand's Oct. 14 general election but needed the support of both right-wing ACT&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;and the populist&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;First parties to form a majority government.

Negotiations have dragged on as the three parties had to agree on a political agenda for the coming three years and allocate ministerial positions.

"I'm very pleased to announce that we're in a position where we've concluded negotiations with the respective parties. Those agreements are now before the parties for ratification, which we hope to have this evening," incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told reporters.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-was-mossad-chief-behind-the-delay-in-hostage-release-deal-661909">Israel-Hamas war: Was Mossad chief behind the delay in hostage release deal?</a>

"We are genuinely excited."

Both NZ First's Winston Peters and Act's David Seymour confirmed negotiations had concluded.

The conservative National Party won over voters by promising relief for struggling middle-income&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealanders, and to bring historically high inflation under control while reducing the country's debt. It is expected to announce plans to return the central bank to a single mandate of targeting inflation of 1 per cent&nbsp;to 3 per cent.

The formation of the&nbsp;new&nbsp;coalition government will bring to an end six years of left-wing government led by Labour. Labour lost support with many&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealanders disgruntled over the country's long COVID-19 lockdown and the rising cost of living.

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cameron-ortis-canadas-ex-police-intel-chief-convicted-of-leaking-secrets-661754">&nbsp;Cameron Ortis, Canada's ex-police intel chief, convicted of leaking secrets</a>

New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;operates a mixed member proportional system, which means coalition governments are the norm and historically it takes roughly a month for a government to be formed but can take longer.

A detail breakdown of the&nbsp;new&nbsp;government's policy agenda is expected to be released Friday. Ministerial appointments are also expected to be announced then.

New Zealand's National Party said on Thursday it has reached an agreement with ACT New Zealand and New Zealand First to form a government, ending weeks of negotiations and political uncertainty with the country under a caretaker government.

New Zealand's National Party said on Thursday it has reached an agreement with ACT New Zealand and New Zealand First to form a government, ending weeks of negotiations and political uncertainty with the country under a caretaker government. The center-right National Party won the largest share of votes in New Zealand's Oct. 14 general election but needed the support of both right-wing ACT New Zealand and the populist New Zealand First parties to form a majority government. Negotiations have dragged on as the three parties had to agree on a political agenda for the coming three years and allocate ministerial positions. "I'm very pleased to announce that we're in a position where we've concluded negotiations with the respective parties. Those agreements are now before the parties for ratification, which we hope to have this evening," incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told reporters. ALSO READ | Israel-Hamas war: Was Mossad chief behind the delay in hostage release deal? "We are genuinely excited." Both NZ First's Winston Peters and Act's David Seymour confirmed negotiations had concluded. The conservative National Party won over voters by promising relief for struggling middle-income New Zealanders, and to bring historically high inflation under control while reducing the country's debt. It is expected to announce plans to return the central bank to a single mandate of targeting inflation of 1 per cent to 3 per cent. The formation of the new coalition government will bring to an end six years of left-wing government led by Labour. Labour lost support with many New Zealanders disgruntled over the country's long COVID-19 lockdown and the rising cost of living. ALSO READ | Cameron Ortis, Canada's ex-police intel chief, convicted of leaking secrets New Zealand operates a mixed member proportional system, which means coalition governments are the norm and historically it takes roughly a month for a government to be formed but can take longer. A detail breakdown of the new government's policy agenda is expected to be released Friday. Ministerial appointments are also expected to be announced then.

New Zealand's National Party clinches deal to form government

Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) on Sunday elected Ozgur Ozel as its new leader, ending a 13-year term for incumbent Kemal Kilicdaroglu, as the country gears up for local elections next March.

Ozel, 49, has been serving as the CHP's deputy parliamentary group chairman since 2015 and has been a lawmaker since 2011. He announced his candidacy&nbsp;in September, after Kilicdaroglu and the CHP's painful defeat to President Tayyip Erdogan and his ruling political alliance in May presidential and general elections.

Ozel, a pharmacist by trade, received 812 of 1,366 possible votes at a tense, hours-long party congress in Ankara that took two rounds.

"This is the greatest honour of my life," Ozel said after the results were announced, while thanking Kilicdaroglu for his work at the party. "We are embarking on the road for local election victory," he added.

"We have believed in turning hopelessness into hope, we are hopeful," Ozel said, surrounded by applauding party members and standing alongside Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.

Imamoglu supported Ozel in a push for change at the CHP that has long been bogged down by in-fighting. After winning the 2019 municipal elections in Istanbul and ending Erdogan's years-long hold over the city, Imamoglu was seen as a potential new leader for the party and challenger for the presidency.

However, Kilicdaroglu chose to run himself against Erdogan in the May elections, despite several previous losses. After the vote, he came under fire for refusing to step down as the leader of the CHP, established by modern Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

<h2 data-testid="Heading">Turning point</h2>

"I carried our Great Leader Ataturk's legacy with honour until today," Kilicdaroglu said on social messaging platform X after the results, and congratulated Ozel. "And today, with the decision our congress delegates made, I say goodbye to the post of chairman."

Under his 13-year term, the CHP failed to surpass a historic ceiling of 25% nationwide support. On Sunday, Kilicdaroglu opted to take the vote to a second round after Ozel failed to secure a majority in the first round, despite calls from party members to withdraw from the race.

Analysts say Kilicdaroglu's refusal to step down or withdraw from the race had hurt his legacy. Ozer Sencar, head of pollster Metropoll, said on X that Ozel's victory could alter the trend of depoliticisation in Turkey following the May elections.

"The Ozel-Imamoglu union could be a very important turning point in the country's politics," Sencar said.

Ozel will now lead the CHP into local elections on March 31, where the party hopes to keep hold of the key municipalities it won in 2019, including the capital Ankara, Turkey's biggest city Istanbul, and other major cities.

Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) on Sunday elected Ozgur Ozel as its new leader, ending a 13-year term for incumbent Kemal Kilicdaroglu, as the country gears up for local elections next March.

Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) on Sunday elected Ozgur Ozel as its new leader, ending a 13-year term for incumbent Kemal Kilicdaroglu, as the country gears up for local elections next March. Ozel, 49, has been serving as the CHP's deputy parliamentary group chairman since 2015 and has been a lawmaker since 2011. He announced his candidacy in September, after Kilicdaroglu and the CHP's painful defeat to President Tayyip Erdogan and his ruling political alliance in May presidential and general elections. Ozel, a pharmacist by trade, received 812 of 1,366 possible votes at a tense, hours-long party congress in Ankara that took two rounds. "This is the greatest honour of my life," Ozel said after the results were announced, while thanking Kilicdaroglu for his work at the party. "We are embarking on the road for local election victory," he added. "We have believed in turning hopelessness into hope, we are hopeful," Ozel said, surrounded by applauding party members and standing alongside Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. Imamoglu supported Ozel in a push for change at the CHP that has long been bogged down by in-fighting. After winning the 2019 municipal elections in Istanbul and ending Erdogan's years-long hold over the city, Imamoglu was seen as a potential new leader for the party and challenger for the presidency. However, Kilicdaroglu chose to run himself against Erdogan in the May elections, despite several previous losses. After the vote, he came under fire for refusing to step down as the leader of the CHP, established by modern Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Turning point "I carried our Great Leader Ataturk's legacy with honour until today," Kilicdaroglu said on social messaging platform X after the results, and congratulated Ozel. "And today, with the decision our congress delegates made, I say goodbye to the post of chairman." Under his 13-year term, the CHP failed to surpass a historic ceiling of 25% nationwide support. On Sunday, Kilicdaroglu opted to take the vote to a second round after Ozel failed to secure a majority in the first round, despite calls from party members to withdraw from the race. Analysts say Kilicdaroglu's refusal to step down or withdraw from the race had hurt his legacy. Ozer Sencar, head of pollster Metropoll, said on X that Ozel's victory could alter the trend of depoliticisation in Turkey following the May elections. "The Ozel-Imamoglu union could be a very important turning point in the country's politics," Sencar said. Ozel will now lead the CHP into local elections on March 31, where the party hopes to keep hold of the key municipalities it won in 2019, including the capital Ankara, Turkey's biggest city Istanbul, and other major cities.

Turkey's main opposition elects Ozgur Ozel as new leader in run-up to local elections

Helicopters and ground troops rushed to help people hurt in a strong earthquake that shook northwestern Nepal districts just before midnight Friday, killing at least 132 people and injuring dozens more, officials said Saturday.

At least 132 dead as earthquake rocks Nepal

After four years of self-imposed exile in London, Pakistan's three-time Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, returned to Lahore on October 21. His arrival was met with much fanfare and thousands of supporters cheered him on as he began speaking. The seasoned politician has played a pivotal role in shaping the country's past while continuing to hold significant clout in influencing its present. As for his future, it will depend on multiple factors including his ties with the army and his legal cases. WION breaks down Nawaz Sharif's past, present and future.&nbsp;

<h2>Past&nbsp;</h2>

Nawaz Sharif entered into politics in the 1980s when he joined the Pakistan Muslim League (PML) and was appointed as the Finance Minister of Punjab in 1981 by former President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq.&nbsp;

In 1985, Nawaz Sharif was elected as the Chief Minister of Punjab, Pakistan's most populous province. This is his bastion where he still holds significant clout. Husain Haqqani, former Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/is-nawaz-sharifs-return-a-deal-with-pakistan-military-establishment-649672">told WION</a>, "He has led PML-N in winning three elections and still retains support in Punjab."

Nawaz Sharif's PML-N won the general elections in 1990, and he became the Prime Minister of Pakistan for the first time. But soon in 1993, his first term as PM was marred by allegations of corruption and a power struggle with President Ghulam Ishaq Khan, ultimately leading to his dismissal in 1993.

In 1997, Nawaz Sharif was re-elected as Prime Minister for his second term. Under him, Pakistan conducted its first successful Chagai-I nuclear tests in 1998.&nbsp;

But in 1999, there came a significant turning point when Nawaz Sharif's second term met an abrupt end when a military coup led by General Pervez Musharraf ousted him from power.

Following his ouster, Nawaz Sharif faced exile and legal challenges. These allegations were largely related to his business interests and financial dealings, particularly his family's ownership of Ittefaq Group, a prominent business conglomerate. Co-founded by his father, Mian Muhammad Sharif, it included several businesses in sectors such as steel, sugar, textiles, and paper.&nbsp;

Nawaz Sharif is accused of using his political influence to benefit the Ittefaq Group and secure favourable contracts and loans from state-owned institutions.

After staying outside Pakistan during the eight-year rule of military dictator Parvez Musharraf, he returned to Pakistan in 2007 from Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

When <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/is-nawaz-sharifs-return-a-deal-with-pakistan-military-establishment-649672">WION spoke to a political analyst </a>about Nawaz Sharif's second return from exile this Saturday, he said, "His arrival suggests that he has&nbsp;made a 'deal' with the military establishment as well as the deep state of neighbouring and friendly countries including Saudi Arabia."&nbsp;

In 2013, Nawaz Sharif and the PML-N won the general elections, and he was re-elected as the Prime Minister for a third term.&nbsp;

Then came the Panama Papers Scandal in 2016 which revealed that Nawaz Sharif's family had acquired luxury apartments in London through offshore companies, leading to investigations and legal proceedings.&nbsp;

In 2017, he was disqualified from office by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Nawaz Sharif's health concerns led to his departure for London in 2019, where he received medical treatment.&nbsp;

Despite his absence from Pakistan, he continued to wield significant influence within the PML-N and on the nation's politics.

<h2>Present&nbsp;</h2>

Nawaz Sharif had&nbsp;picked Asim Munir as Pakistan's Army Chief, and a political analyst in his article for an Indian think tank wrote - "The enemy’s enemy is a friend," leaving food for thought.&nbsp;

Imran and Munir have a history marked by controversies.

Former PM Shehbaz Sharif reportedly said that Army Chief Gen Asim Munir was removed as the head of ISI in 2019 by Imran Khan because the spy chief had confronted him with proof of corruption involving his wife.

Munir served as the head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), after being replaced by Lt. Gen Faiz Hameed in 2019 when Khan was at the helm.

Imran-Bajwa combination also could not pull Pakistan out of the economic mess, in fact, pushed it into greater political instability which led to a no-confidence motion being passed with 174 votes in the National Assembly.

Imran Khan's criticism of former General Bajwa also grew.&nbsp;

Imran was earlier seen as an anti-corruption figure and an attractive choice for the military establishment but he was found guilty of not disclosing information on gifts presented to Toshakhana.&nbsp;

He is also facing charges of violating the Official Secrets Act by disclosing a secret diplomatic cable (cipher case) sent by the country's embassy in Washington in March last year.&nbsp;

<h2>Future&nbsp;</h2>

The PML-N's performance in the next general elections will be crucial for Sharif. The party will need to win over the supporters of Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).&nbsp;

Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-imran-khans-arrest-and-future-of-pakistans-pti-party-623991">told WION </a>after Imran Khan's arrest that PTI without Imran could make electoral gains "if its remaining leadership is able to improve ties with the military." With Imran lodged inside the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi in Pakistan's Punjab, the return of Nawaz Sharif changes everything.

Pakistani voters have no choice.&nbsp;

But at the same time, Nawaz Sharif's past conflicts with the military establishment remain to be a pivotal factor in Pakistani politics. Any future involvement in politics would mean Sharif needs to navigate cautiously.

There are two possibilities. Sharif's return to Pakistan could lead to efforts at political reconciliation or further polarisation in the country.&nbsp;

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After four years of self-imposed exile in London, Pakistan's three-time Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, returned to Lahore on October 21. His arrival was met with much fanfare and thousands of supporters cheered him on as he began speaking.

After four years of self-imposed exile in London, Pakistan's three-time Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, returned to Lahore on October 21. His arrival was met with much fanfare and thousands of supporters cheered him on as he began speaking. The seasoned politician has played a pivotal role in shaping the country's past while continuing to hold significant clout in influencing its present. As for his future, it will depend on multiple factors including his ties with the army and his legal cases. WION breaks down Nawaz Sharif's past, present and future. Past Nawaz Sharif entered into politics in the 1980s when he joined the Pakistan Muslim League (PML) and was appointed as the Finance Minister of Punjab in 1981 by former President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq. In 1985, Nawaz Sharif was elected as the Chief Minister of Punjab, Pakistan's most populous province. This is his bastion where he still holds significant clout. Husain Haqqani, former Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States told WION, "He has led PML-N in winning three elections and still retains support in Punjab." Nawaz Sharif's PML-N won the general elections in 1990, and he became the Prime Minister of Pakistan for the first time. But soon in 1993, his first term as PM was marred by allegations of corruption and a power struggle with President Ghulam Ishaq Khan, ultimately leading to his dismissal in 1993. In 1997, Nawaz Sharif was re-elected as Prime Minister for his second term. Under him, Pakistan conducted its first successful Chagai-I nuclear tests in 1998. But in 1999, there came a significant turning point when Nawaz Sharif's second term met an abrupt end when a military coup led by General Pervez Musharraf ousted him from power. Following his ouster, Nawaz Sharif faced exile and legal challenges. These allegations were largely related to his business interests and financial dealings, particularly his family's ownership of Ittefaq Group, a prominent business conglomerate. Co-founded by his father, Mian Muhammad Sharif, it included several businesses in sectors such as steel, sugar, textiles, and paper. Nawaz Sharif is accused of using his political influence to benefit the Ittefaq Group and secure favourable contracts and loans from state-owned institutions. After staying outside Pakistan during the eight-year rule of military dictator Parvez Musharraf, he returned to Pakistan in 2007 from Saudi Arabia. When WION spoke to a political analyst about Nawaz Sharif's second return from exile this Saturday, he said, "His arrival suggests that he has made a 'deal' with the military establishment as well as the deep state of neighbouring and friendly countries including Saudi Arabia." In 2013, Nawaz Sharif and the PML-N won the general elections, and he was re-elected as the Prime Minister for a third term. Then came the Panama Papers Scandal in 2016 which revealed that Nawaz Sharif's family had acquired luxury apartments in London through offshore companies, leading to investigations and legal proceedings. In 2017, he was disqualified from office by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Nawaz Sharif's health concerns led to his departure for London in 2019, where he received medical treatment. Despite his absence from Pakistan, he continued to wield significant influence within the PML-N and on the nation's politics. Present Nawaz Sharif had picked Asim Munir as Pakistan's Army Chief, and a political analyst in his article for an Indian think tank wrote - "The enemy’s enemy is a friend," leaving food for thought. Imran and Munir have a history marked by controversies. Former PM Shehbaz Sharif reportedly said that Army Chief Gen Asim Munir was removed as the head of ISI in 2019 by Imran Khan because the spy chief had confronted him with proof of corruption involving his wife. Munir served as the head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), after being replaced by Lt. Gen Faiz Hameed in 2019 when Khan was at the helm. Imran-Bajwa combination also could not pull Pakistan out of the economic mess, in fact, pushed it into greater political instability which led to a no-confidence motion being passed with 174 votes in the National Assembly. Imran Khan's criticism of former General Bajwa also grew. Imran was earlier seen as an anti-corruption figure and an attractive choice for the military establishment but he was found guilty of not disclosing information on gifts presented to Toshakhana. He is also facing charges of violating the Official Secrets Act by disclosing a secret diplomatic cable (cipher case) sent by the country's embassy in Washington in March last year. Future The PML-N's performance in the next general elections will be crucial for Sharif. The party will need to win over the supporters of Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington told WION after Imran Khan's arrest that PTI without Imran could make electoral gains "if its remaining leadership is able to improve ties with the military." With Imran lodged inside the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi in Pakistan's Punjab, the return of Nawaz Sharif changes everything. Pakistani voters have no choice. But at the same time, Nawaz Sharif's past conflicts with the military establishment remain to be a pivotal factor in Pakistani politics. Any future involvement in politics would mean Sharif needs to navigate cautiously. There are two possibilities. Sharif's return to Pakistan could lead to efforts at political reconciliation or further polarisation in the country. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Explained | Nawaz Sharif returns to Pakistan. His past, present, and future

Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara removed his prime minister and dissolved his cabinet on Friday (Oct 6), said the presidency’s secretary general Aboudramane Cisse, according to Reuters. However, the reason for this unexpected move was not immediately known.&nbsp;

This comes a year after Ivorian PM Patrick Achi tabled his and his government’s resignation but was later re-appointed. This time around, Achi and all the other ministers have been removed from their posts by the presidential decree.&nbsp;

<h2>What do we know so far?</h2>

“The president expresses his gratitude to Prime Minister Patrick Achi and to all members of the government for their commitment to serving the nation over the past years,” said Cisse, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Ivory coast political upheaval: A fight for free speech

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It is not uncommon for presidents of the nation of 29.3 million people to make such drastic and unexpected changes to their government.

The ministers will temporarily remain in charge until a new prime minister and government are appointed.&nbsp;

The West African nation will hold a presidential election in 2025.&nbsp;Ouattara, who was re-elected as the president in 2020, has not yet said whether he will run again.

The incumbent president has been in power since his predecessor, Laurent Gbagbo, was forcibly ousted after he refused to accept Ouattara’s internationally recognised victory in the November 2010 presidential election.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shocking-21-year-old-ivory-coast-football-player-moustapha-sylla-collapses-dies-during-match-watch-569560">SHOCKING: 21-year-old Ivory Coast football player Moustapha Sylla collapses, dies during match - Watch</a>

Ouattara won a second five-year term in 2015, with nearly 84 per cent of votes, in an election which was said to be valid as per observers from the United States.&nbsp;

However, in 2020, the opposition boycotted the poll in protest after they called Ouattara’s third term unconstitutional.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Re-appointed’</h2>

Though Achi had tabled his resignation in April last year after Ouattara’s plans to reduce the size of the cabinet, he was re-appointed a week later.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ivory-coast-readies-for-2025-ouattara-marshals-predecessors-world-of-africa-579205">Ivory coast readies for 2025 | Ouattara marshals predecessors | World of Africa</a>

The 67-year-old was appointed prime minister in March 2021 as the third PM in the West African state in the last three years following the deaths of Amadou Gon Coulibaly and Hamed Bakayoko, who both passed away in 2020.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
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Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara removed his prime minister and dissolved his cabinet on Friday (Oct 6), said the presidency’s secretary general Aboudramane Cisse, according to Reuters.

Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara removed his prime minister and dissolved his cabinet on Friday (Oct 6), said the presidency’s secretary general Aboudramane Cisse, according to Reuters. However, the reason for this unexpected move was not immediately known. This comes a year after Ivorian PM Patrick Achi tabled his and his government’s resignation but was later re-appointed. This time around, Achi and all the other ministers have been removed from their posts by the presidential decree. What do we know so far? “The president expresses his gratitude to Prime Minister Patrick Achi and to all members of the government for their commitment to serving the nation over the past years,” said Cisse, as quoted by Reuters. ALSO WATCH | Ivory coast political upheaval: A fight for free speech It is not uncommon for presidents of the nation of 29.3 million people to make such drastic and unexpected changes to their government. The ministers will temporarily remain in charge until a new prime minister and government are appointed. The West African nation will hold a presidential election in 2025. Ouattara, who was re-elected as the president in 2020, has not yet said whether he will run again. The incumbent president has been in power since his predecessor, Laurent Gbagbo, was forcibly ousted after he refused to accept Ouattara’s internationally recognised victory in the November 2010 presidential election. ALSO READ | SHOCKING: 21-year-old Ivory Coast football player Moustapha Sylla collapses, dies during match - Watch Ouattara won a second five-year term in 2015, with nearly 84 per cent of votes, in an election which was said to be valid as per observers from the United States. However, in 2020, the opposition boycotted the poll in protest after they called Ouattara’s third term unconstitutional. ‘Re-appointed’ Though Achi had tabled his resignation in April last year after Ouattara’s plans to reduce the size of the cabinet, he was re-appointed a week later. ALSO WATCH | Ivory coast readies for 2025 | Ouattara marshals predecessors | World of Africa The 67-year-old was appointed prime minister in March 2021 as the third PM in the West African state in the last three years following the deaths of Amadou Gon Coulibaly and Hamed Bakayoko, who both passed away in 2020. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara removes PM, dissolves government

Violence broke out during an Eritrean cultural festival in the German city of Stuttgart on the 16th of September. Over 200 Eritrean opposition supporters were detained after they tried to disrupt the festival. Organized by several groups considered close to the government of Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki. At least 26 German police officers suffered injuries in the riot. Eritrea, which broke away from Ethiopia in May 1991 and formally declared independence in May 1993, has been ruled with an iron-fist by Isaias Afwerki since then. A one-party state with a highly militarized society, Eritrea has been ranked even lower than North Korea in press freedom by 'Reporters without Borders'. Mohammed Saleh will get you more details.

Germany rocked by rioting as Eritrean politics spills onto its streets

There are signs that Zimbabwe has slipped into another era of brutal oppression, even as newly reelected president Emmerson Mnangagwa spoke publicly of peace, love, harmony and tolerance. A number of opposition politicians and activists have been arrested and charged with various offences.

Opposition figures kidnapped, tortured in Zimbabwe

As the Maldives' presidential election heads into a suspenseful runoff on September 30, political strategists and analysts are closely scrutinising the evolving dynamics that could reshape the nation's political landscape.&nbsp;

Associate Fellow at ORF think tank, Aditya Gowdara Shivamurthy, spoke to WION and provided valuable insights into the potential implications for the Maldives' foreign policy, particularly in relation to India, and the dance of alliances among key players.

<h2>India-out campaign&nbsp;</h2>

One of the central questions looming over this election is the future of India-Maldives relations if the pro-China presidential candidate of the opposing PPM-PNC coalition Mohamed Muizzu, who took the lead in the first round of elections, secures victory over ruling Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Muizzu's association with the India-out campaign has raised concerns, but the situation is nuanced. Aditya Shivamurthy explained that Muizzu's stance on India has appeared to be diluted during the campaign in comparison to the stance of Yameen.&nbsp;

While he was once aligned with the India-out campaign, his recent actions suggest a shift away from anti-Indian rhetoric.&nbsp;

Notably, the absence of India-out campaign T-shirts and reduced prominence in anti-India protests indicate a possible softening of his stance, the expert told WION.&nbsp;However, there is an indirect reference to India in all his campaigns as he has called for foreign soldiers to leave the country.&nbsp;

This change, Shivamurthy suggested, could be attributed to Muizzu's desire to forge alliances with other parties, including the Democrats, led by Mohamed Nasheed.

"That said, he has continued to be a good advocate for good relations with China. He has also said that once he comes to power he will he will have more people-to-people contacts and bringing-in more Chinese tourists to the Maldives so that story always exists. He has always been a pro-China guy and it continues to be that way unless there is something&nbsp;substantial that happens," the expert said.&nbsp;

<h2>Nasheed as king-maker&nbsp;</h2>

None of the candidates managed to secure more than 50 per cent of the vote required for a first-round victory held on September 9.&nbsp;

Former President and current Speaker of the People's Majlis (parliament), Mohamed Nasheed, who had previously parted ways with the ruling Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) to form his own party, The Democrats, has emerged as a pivotal figure leading up to the runoff.&nbsp;

The Democrats secured a third-place finish in the initial round, prompting both President Solih's MDP and the PPM to seek Nasheed's support.&nbsp;His support may play a crucial role in determining the election's outcome.&nbsp;

Aditya Shivamurthy said that the second round is where the real political manoeuvring takes place, as parties and candidates strive to secure support and form strategic alliances.

The ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has signalled its willingness to engage with the Democrats, indicating a potential alliance.&nbsp;

However, the expert said, "The Democrats have not shown anything as such probably the Democrats trying to indicate that the MDP has been at a loss by losing Nasheed. They have not yet made it clear if they want to join the MDP or PPM. They are still keeping their options open."&nbsp;

Additionally, Democrat member Mohamed Nasheed has reportedly also hinted that he may be considering the possibility of supporting Muizzu of the PPM-PNC coalition. But it is yet to be seen how things pan out.&nbsp;

On this, the expert said, "Surprisingly this time the Democrats are the king-makers, Nasheed is the king-maker, and Qasim and other players are far beyond the race."&nbsp;

The political landscape also includes other candidates, such as Qasim Ibrahim from the Jumhooree Party, Umar Naseer as an independent presidential candidate.

Their positions and alliances are yet to crystallize fully.

MNP's leader Colonel (Retired) Mohamed Nazim on Tuesday (September 12) joined hands with the opposition PPM-PNC coalition.&nbsp;

The expert said what's noteworthy is that the MDP had previously built "a kind of fortress where they didn't really interact with other parties much."

"In the initial days, when Nasheed split and the coalition was breaking apart MDP made sure that they had the Maldives development alliance on their side, the Adhaalath Party on their side but apart from those two parties they never really had this vigour to reach out to other parties and build up broader coalition."&nbsp;

On the other hand, he noted, "PPM, the Democrates, the Jumhooree Party and other independent candidates they consistently met each other... try to keep negotiations open."&nbsp;

"Here is where I see the progressive alliance being on a bit of an advantage," he said.&nbsp;

<h2>Maldivian presidential elections</h2>

During the first round of elections, Mohamed Nasheed's proxy candidate, Ilyas Labeeb, who garnered 15,839 votes, accounting for 7.18 per cent of the total secured the third position.

Notably, the independent candidate Umar Naseer emerged as the closest competitor to The Democrats, amassing less than half the votes secured by Nasheed's party, with a total of 6,343 votes, representing 2.87 per cent of the vote share.

Qasim Ibrahim from the Jumhooree Party, a familiar face in the race, lagged behind the independent candidate Umar Naseer, suggesting a decline in his popularity compared to previous elections.&nbsp;

Ibrahim secured only 5,460 votes, making up 2.47 per cent of the total votes.

The Maldivian National Party's Mohamed Nazim, who positioned himself as the leader of the 'Indians-out' campaign, failed to gain significant traction and received only 1,907 votes, accounting for 0.86 per cent of the total votes.&nbsp;

It's worth noting that in the upcoming second round, only the candidates who placed first and second will compete for the presidency.

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As the Maldives' presidential election heads into a suspenseful runoff on September 30, political strategists and analysts are closely scrutinising the evolving dynamics that could reshape the nation's political landscape.

As the Maldives' presidential election heads into a suspenseful runoff on September 30, political strategists and analysts are closely scrutinising the evolving dynamics that could reshape the nation's political landscape. Associate Fellow at ORF think tank, Aditya Gowdara Shivamurthy, spoke to WION and provided valuable insights into the potential implications for the Maldives' foreign policy, particularly in relation to India, and the dance of alliances among key players. India-out campaign One of the central questions looming over this election is the future of India-Maldives relations if the pro-China presidential candidate of the opposing PPM-PNC coalition Mohamed Muizzu, who took the lead in the first round of elections, secures victory over ruling Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Muizzu's association with the India-out campaign has raised concerns, but the situation is nuanced. Aditya Shivamurthy explained that Muizzu's stance on India has appeared to be diluted during the campaign in comparison to the stance of Yameen. While he was once aligned with the India-out campaign, his recent actions suggest a shift away from anti-Indian rhetoric. Notably, the absence of India-out campaign T-shirts and reduced prominence in anti-India protests indicate a possible softening of his stance, the expert told WION. However, there is an indirect reference to India in all his campaigns as he has called for foreign soldiers to leave the country. This change, Shivamurthy suggested, could be attributed to Muizzu's desire to forge alliances with other parties, including the Democrats, led by Mohamed Nasheed. "That said, he has continued to be a good advocate for good relations with China. He has also said that once he comes to power he will he will have more people-to-people contacts and bringing-in more Chinese tourists to the Maldives so that story always exists. He has always been a pro-China guy and it continues to be that way unless there is something substantial that happens," the expert said. Nasheed as king-maker None of the candidates managed to secure more than 50 per cent of the vote required for a first-round victory held on September 9. Former President and current Speaker of the People's Majlis (parliament), Mohamed Nasheed, who had previously parted ways with the ruling Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) to form his own party, The Democrats, has emerged as a pivotal figure leading up to the runoff. The Democrats secured a third-place finish in the initial round, prompting both President Solih's MDP and the PPM to seek Nasheed's support. His support may play a crucial role in determining the election's outcome. Aditya Shivamurthy said that the second round is where the real political manoeuvring takes place, as parties and candidates strive to secure support and form strategic alliances. The ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has signalled its willingness to engage with the Democrats, indicating a potential alliance. However, the expert said, "The Democrats have not shown anything as such probably the Democrats trying to indicate that the MDP has been at a loss by losing Nasheed. They have not yet made it clear if they want to join the MDP or PPM. They are still keeping their options open." Additionally, Democrat member Mohamed Nasheed has reportedly also hinted that he may be considering the possibility of supporting Muizzu of the PPM-PNC coalition. But it is yet to be seen how things pan out. On this, the expert said, "Surprisingly this time the Democrats are the king-makers, Nasheed is the king-maker, and Qasim and other players are far beyond the race." The political landscape also includes other candidates, such as Qasim Ibrahim from the Jumhooree Party, Umar Naseer as an independent presidential candidate. Their positions and alliances are yet to crystallize fully. MNP's leader Colonel (Retired) Mohamed Nazim on Tuesday (September 12) joined hands with the opposition PPM-PNC coalition. The expert said what's noteworthy is that the MDP had previously built "a kind of fortress where they didn't really interact with other parties much." "In the initial days, when Nasheed split and the coalition was breaking apart MDP made sure that they had the Maldives development alliance on their side, the Adhaalath Party on their side but apart from those two parties they never really had this vigour to reach out to other parties and build up broader coalition." On the other hand, he noted, "PPM, the Democrates, the Jumhooree Party and other independent candidates they consistently met each other... try to keep negotiations open." "Here is where I see the progressive alliance being on a bit of an advantage," he said. Maldivian presidential elections During the first round of elections, Mohamed Nasheed's proxy candidate, Ilyas Labeeb, who garnered 15,839 votes, accounting for 7.18 per cent of the total secured the third position. Notably, the independent candidate Umar Naseer emerged as the closest competitor to The Democrats, amassing less than half the votes secured by Nasheed's party, with a total of 6,343 votes, representing 2.87 per cent of the vote share. Qasim Ibrahim from the Jumhooree Party, a familiar face in the race, lagged behind the independent candidate Umar Naseer, suggesting a decline in his popularity compared to previous elections. Ibrahim secured only 5,460 votes, making up 2.47 per cent of the total votes. The Maldivian National Party's Mohamed Nazim, who positioned himself as the leader of the 'Indians-out' campaign, failed to gain significant traction and received only 1,907 votes, accounting for 0.86 per cent of the total votes. It's worth noting that in the upcoming second round, only the candidates who placed first and second will compete for the presidency. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Explained: Maldives presidential runoff and dance of political alliances

Russian President Vladimir Putin has characterised the legal proceedings against former US President Donald Trump as a political witch hunt. He viewed these actions as a form of politically driven persecution.&nbsp;"It is a politically motivated persecution of one's competitor," Putin said&nbsp;at an economic forum in the far eastern city of Vladivostok.

The charges against Trump are in connection with allegations related to election interference. Kremlin has consistently voiced its support for the former US president.&nbsp;

During the forum, Putin expressed his perspective on the situation, stating, "As for the persecution of Trump, for us, in the current environment, it's good because it shows the rottenness of the American system."&nbsp;

Putin said,&nbsp;"And this shows who we are fighting ... As they said in Soviet times: 'The bestial face of American imperialism'."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/morocco-ambassador-maliki-welcomes-indias-offer-of-assistance-after-deadly-earthquake-635132">Morocco Ambassador Maliki welcomes India's offer of assistance after deadly earthquake</a>

The Russian president also indicated that he does not anticipate a change in the US foreign policy stance toward Russia, regardless of the outcome of the US presidential election next year.

He accused Washington of fueling anti-Russian sentiments among ordinary people.&nbsp;

"Current authorities have directed American society in an anti-Russian spirit," Putin said adding,&nbsp;"They've done it and now somehow turning this ship in the other direction will be very difficult."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-nipah-virus-alert-in-keralas-kozhikode-after-two-unnatural-deaths-reported-in-district-635097">India: Nipah virus alert in Kerala's Kozhikode after two 'unnatural deaths' reported in district</a>

Earlier, Trump said that had he remained in office, he would have pursued negotiations, potentially allowing Russia to assume control of certain Russian-speaking areas in Ukraine as a means to bring an end to the ongoing conflict.

Trump contended that this would have been a worst-case scenario. He also added that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not have initiated a military offensive on Ukraine under his leadership.

Watch | Can India amplify the voice of the global south?

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During an appearance on Sean Hannity's radio show, Trump compared his approach to previous administrations, stating, "Don’t forget, under Bush they take over Georgia, under Obama they took over Crimea. And, under Biden, they are taking over everything. It looks like they are going to take over everything, the whole thing, they are going to go for the whole enchilada, they are going for everything, that’s what it looks like to me."&nbsp;

Trump has consistently maintained that his re-election in 2020 could have averted the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, although he has not provided concrete evidence to support this claim.

Additionally, he said, if he were still in office, he could have resolved the current war in Ukraine within a single day.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has characterised the legal proceedings against former US President Donald Trump as a political witch hunt. He viewed these actions as a form of politically driven persecution.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has characterised the legal proceedings against former US President Donald Trump as a political witch hunt. He viewed these actions as a form of politically driven persecution. "It is a politically motivated persecution of one's competitor," Putin said at an economic forum in the far eastern city of Vladivostok. The charges against Trump are in connection with allegations related to election interference. Kremlin has consistently voiced its support for the former US president. During the forum, Putin expressed his perspective on the situation, stating, "As for the persecution of Trump, for us, in the current environment, it's good because it shows the rottenness of the American system." Putin said, "And this shows who we are fighting ... As they said in Soviet times: 'The bestial face of American imperialism'." Also Read | Morocco Ambassador Maliki welcomes India's offer of assistance after deadly earthquake The Russian president also indicated that he does not anticipate a change in the US foreign policy stance toward Russia, regardless of the outcome of the US presidential election next year. He accused Washington of fueling anti-Russian sentiments among ordinary people. "Current authorities have directed American society in an anti-Russian spirit," Putin said adding, "They've done it and now somehow turning this ship in the other direction will be very difficult." Also Read | India: Nipah virus alert in Kerala's Kozhikode after two 'unnatural deaths' reported in district Earlier, Trump said that had he remained in office, he would have pursued negotiations, potentially allowing Russia to assume control of certain Russian-speaking areas in Ukraine as a means to bring an end to the ongoing conflict. Trump contended that this would have been a worst-case scenario. He also added that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not have initiated a military offensive on Ukraine under his leadership. Watch | Can India amplify the voice of the global south? × During an appearance on Sean Hannity's radio show, Trump compared his approach to previous administrations, stating, "Don’t forget, under Bush they take over Georgia, under Obama they took over Crimea. And, under Biden, they are taking over everything. It looks like they are going to take over everything, the whole thing, they are going to go for the whole enchilada, they are going for everything, that’s what it looks like to me." Trump has consistently maintained that his re-election in 2020 could have averted the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, although he has not provided concrete evidence to support this claim. Additionally, he said, if he were still in office, he could have resolved the current war in Ukraine within a single day. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Putin calls Trump's legal battles a political witch hunt as US-Russia tensions escalate

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