India is likely to experience more heat-wave days than normal between April and June, the weather office said on Monday (April 01), potentially hitting agricultural production and hampering government efforts to bring down food inflation.

India braces for extreme heatwaves; should poll campaigns reflect climate issues?

The Conservative Party leadership election has concluded, and Liz Truss is largely anticipated to be declared the winner and follow Boris Johnson as the country's next prime minister.

The Conservative Party's online and postal voting for members ended at 5 p.m. (16:00 GMT) on Friday, capping a two-month campaign that saw the final two candidates participate in hustings and televised debates while touring the nation.

A day before the departing Johnson formally presents his resignation to Queen Elizabeth II, the outcome of the runoff between foreign secretary Truss and former finance minister Rishi Sunak will be made public at 12:30 p.m. on Monday.

Andrew Stephenson, head of the Conservative Party, congratulated both candidates for participating in the frequently "gruelling schedule in good spirits".

“I know our party is ready to unite around a new leader, and tackle the challenges we face as a country ahead,” he said as the ballot closed.

Early in August—a month after Johnson announced his resignation—the estimated 200,000 Conservative Party members began casting ballots. This was in response to a number of controversies and resignations from Johnson's cabinet.

In member polls, Truss, 47, has regularly received a resounding majority of the vote versus Sunak.

She has run a campaign to cut taxes and put economic growth first, at a time when the UK is experiencing inflation that it has not been seen in decades and is predicted to go into recession this year, as reported by Al Jazeera.&nbsp;

“I have a bold plan that will grow our economy and deliver higher wages, more security for families and world-class public services,” Truss said in a statement, as the curtain came down on the often bitter race with her 42-year-old rival Sunak.

“If I am elected prime minister, I will never let anyone talk us down and I will do everything in my power to make sure our great nation succeeds.”

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Sunak has called Truss's plans "reckless," warning that they run the risk of driving up inflation and harming the nation's reputation in the eyes of foreign lenders and markets.

He has suggested that he is best qualified to lead the UK through its present economic difficulties because of his experience managing the nation's finances during the pandemic.

“We face huge challenges ahead, but also huge opportunities,” Sunak said on Friday.

“I know what it takes to get through challenging times. I did it as chancellor and I will do it again as prime minister.”

Who is the better politician?&nbsp;

After months of managing controversies poorly, Conservatives turned against their Brexit hero Johnson and chose Sunak over Truss as their more electable candidate to lead them until the next general election, which is scheduled for January 2025.

Nevertheless, the party's grassroots have backed Truss's right-wing agenda despite the fact that she was a former Liberal Democrat and supported remaining in the EU during the 2016 referendum in Britain.

“She’s a better politician,” John Curtice, professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, told the AFP news agency after Truss stuck to a simple script over the long, hot summer of campaigning.

“Sunak has demonstrated some of the qualities you might hope to see in a good minister. But Miss Truss has demonstrated the qualities that you need in a politician,” Curtice added.

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Regardless of the outcome, recent polls of the general electorate indicate that the Conservatives will find it more difficult to maintain their 12-year hold on office.

The Conservatives have taken their time choosing a new leader, plagued by infighting despite the larger crisis. The Labour Party has benefited by criticising Johnson's "zombie government," which has been in place since it was formed.

Also WATCH |&nbsp;G7: Price cap per barrel under discussion, to be introduced in December

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/g7-price-cap-per-barrel-under-discussion-to-be-introduced-in-december-512601/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

The Conservative Party leadership election has concluded, and Liz Truss is largely anticipated to be declared the winner and follow Boris Johnson as the country's next prime minister.

The Conservative Party leadership election has concluded, and Liz Truss is largely anticipated to be declared the winner and follow Boris Johnson as the country's next prime minister. The Conservative Party's online and postal voting for members ended at 5 p.m. (16:00 GMT) on Friday, capping a two-month campaign that saw the final two candidates participate in hustings and televised debates while touring the nation. A day before the departing Johnson formally presents his resignation to Queen Elizabeth II, the outcome of the runoff between foreign secretary Truss and former finance minister Rishi Sunak will be made public at 12:30 p.m. on Monday. Andrew Stephenson, head of the Conservative Party, congratulated both candidates for participating in the frequently "gruelling schedule in good spirits". “I know our party is ready to unite around a new leader, and tackle the challenges we face as a country ahead,” he said as the ballot closed. Early in August—a month after Johnson announced his resignation—the estimated 200,000 Conservative Party members began casting ballots. This was in response to a number of controversies and resignations from Johnson's cabinet. In member polls, Truss, 47, has regularly received a resounding majority of the vote versus Sunak. She has run a campaign to cut taxes and put economic growth first, at a time when the UK is experiencing inflation that it has not been seen in decades and is predicted to go into recession this year, as reported by Al Jazeera. “I have a bold plan that will grow our economy and deliver higher wages, more security for families and world-class public services,” Truss said in a statement, as the curtain came down on the often bitter race with her 42-year-old rival Sunak. “If I am elected prime minister, I will never let anyone talk us down and I will do everything in my power to make sure our great nation succeeds.” Also read | Police apologise for wrongfully convicting a man executed 70 years ago Sunak has called Truss's plans "reckless," warning that they run the risk of driving up inflation and harming the nation's reputation in the eyes of foreign lenders and markets. He has suggested that he is best qualified to lead the UK through its present economic difficulties because of his experience managing the nation's finances during the pandemic. “We face huge challenges ahead, but also huge opportunities,” Sunak said on Friday. “I know what it takes to get through challenging times. I did it as chancellor and I will do it again as prime minister.” Who is the better politician? After months of managing controversies poorly, Conservatives turned against their Brexit hero Johnson and chose Sunak over Truss as their more electable candidate to lead them until the next general election, which is scheduled for January 2025. Nevertheless, the party's grassroots have backed Truss's right-wing agenda despite the fact that she was a former Liberal Democrat and supported remaining in the EU during the 2016 referendum in Britain. “She’s a better politician,” John Curtice, professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, told the AFP news agency after Truss stuck to a simple script over the long, hot summer of campaigning. “Sunak has demonstrated some of the qualities you might hope to see in a good minister. But Miss Truss has demonstrated the qualities that you need in a politician,” Curtice added. Also read | India overtakes UK to become world’s fifth largest economy Regardless of the outcome, recent polls of the general electorate indicate that the Conservatives will find it more difficult to maintain their 12-year hold on office. The Conservatives have taken their time choosing a new leader, plagued by infighting despite the larger crisis. The Labour Party has benefited by criticising Johnson's "zombie government," which has been in place since it was formed. Also WATCH | G7: Price cap per barrel under discussion, to be introduced in December

UK Conservatives cast their final votes for new PM, Truss likely to win

India Election Watch: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra kicks-off poll campaign with a 3-day Ganga sojourn

Top Congress leadership on March 12 paid their respect to Mahatma Gandhi at the Sabarmati Ashram, ahead of launching the party's poll campaign for the Lok Sabha elections.

Party leaders led by its chief Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, former prime minister Manmohan Singh sought to give a symbolic message to the people of the country ahead of the general elections by remembering Mahatma and his ideals of non-violence and tolerance.

Other party leaders like A K Antony, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ahmed Patel, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, former chief ministers Siddaramaiah, Tarun Gogoi, Harish Rawat and Oommen Chandy attended a prayer meeting at the Sabarmati Ashram.

Rahul while addressing Congress booth workers in Delhi on March 11 had said the upcoming general elections will be a battle between Mahatma Gandhi's India and Nathuram Godse's India with love on one side and hate on the other.

March 12 also marks the anniversary of the famous 'Dandi March' started by Mahatma Gandhi from Sabarmati Ashram on March 12, 1930 with a group of Satyagrahis.

"Today marks the anniversary of the #DandiMarch, led by Mahatma Gandhi, which played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence. The march was a non-violent protest against the rigorous and oppressive British policies on salt," the Congress said on its official Twitter handle.

The Congress, at its meeting of the working committee-- the highest decision-making body, later in the day will give the final shape to its strategy for the general elections.

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting is being held at Vallabhbhai Patel's national memorial here, with top party leaders, including former prime minister Manmohan Singh and newly-appointed Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in attendance. This will be the first official meeting of Priyanka after assuming an active political role in the Congress party.

Later, the party will sound the poll bugle from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state, with a 'Jan Sankalp Rally', party leaders said.

The day-long meeting of the Congress Working Committee assumes significance as it comes barely two days after the declaration of the poll schedule.

Sources said the Congress is seeking to give a strong political message to the nation from the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel, with the party leadership holding the prayer meeting at Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad, followed by the CWC meet at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel national memorial in the state.

The CWC meeting is being held in Gujarat after a gap of 58 years. It was last held in the state at Bhavnagar in 1961.

The party will also hold a public meeting in Adalaj in Gandhinagar district of Gujarat with the slogan of 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan'. Priyanka Gandhi is also likely to address this meeting in her first public rally after entering politics.

Patidar leader Hardik Patel, who shot to fame by spearheading quota stir in the state and is set to fight the Lok Sabha polls, will join the Congress at the meeting in the presence of party chief Rahul Gandhi.

Besides giving final shape to its Lok Sabha election strategy, the party will demand answers from Modi and the BJP on what it calls the "failures" and "unfulfilled promises" of the government.

The top Congress leadership led by Rahul, Sonia, Manmohan Singh and other senior leaders will deliberate on key issues for the national elections beginning April 11.

The party leaders will also discuss ways to corner Modi and his government on issues of governance, agrarian and economic crisis, unemployment and lack of job creation, national security and women's safety.

The party has maintained that the narrative for the general elections needs to be steered towards real issues and problems confronting people rather than the "propaganda" plank of the current regime, especially after the Pulwama attack and subsequent airstrike on terror camps in Pakistan.

Sources said the party will issue a statement after the CWC, covering all these issues.

The Congress leaders feel that the party needs to demand answers from the prime minister on the status of the promises made by him five years ago and on his governance track record.

Top Congress leadership on March 12 paid their respect to Mahatma Gandhi at the Sabarmati Ashram, ahead of launching the party's poll campaign for the Lok Sabha elections.

Top Congress leadership on March 12 paid their respect to Mahatma Gandhi at the Sabarmati Ashram, ahead of launching the party's poll campaign for the Lok Sabha elections. Party leaders led by its chief Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, former prime minister Manmohan Singh sought to give a symbolic message to the people of the country ahead of the general elections by remembering Mahatma and his ideals of non-violence and tolerance. Other party leaders like A K Antony, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ahmed Patel, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, former chief ministers Siddaramaiah, Tarun Gogoi, Harish Rawat and Oommen Chandy attended a prayer meeting at the Sabarmati Ashram. Rahul while addressing Congress booth workers in Delhi on March 11 had said the upcoming general elections will be a battle between Mahatma Gandhi's India and Nathuram Godse's India with love on one side and hate on the other. March 12 also marks the anniversary of the famous 'Dandi March' started by Mahatma Gandhi from Sabarmati Ashram on March 12, 1930 with a group of Satyagrahis. "Today marks the anniversary of the #DandiMarch, led by Mahatma Gandhi, which played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence. The march was a non-violent protest against the rigorous and oppressive British policies on salt," the Congress said on its official Twitter handle. The Congress, at its meeting of the working committee-- the highest decision-making body, later in the day will give the final shape to its strategy for the general elections. The Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting is being held at Vallabhbhai Patel's national memorial here, with top party leaders, including former prime minister Manmohan Singh and newly-appointed Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in attendance. This will be the first official meeting of Priyanka after assuming an active political role in the Congress party. Later, the party will sound the poll bugle from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state, with a 'Jan Sankalp Rally', party leaders said. The day-long meeting of the Congress Working Committee assumes significance as it comes barely two days after the declaration of the poll schedule. Sources said the Congress is seeking to give a strong political message to the nation from the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel, with the party leadership holding the prayer meeting at Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad, followed by the CWC meet at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel national memorial in the state. The CWC meeting is being held in Gujarat after a gap of 58 years. It was last held in the state at Bhavnagar in 1961. The party will also hold a public meeting in Adalaj in Gandhinagar district of Gujarat with the slogan of 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan'. Priyanka Gandhi is also likely to address this meeting in her first public rally after entering politics. Patidar leader Hardik Patel, who shot to fame by spearheading quota stir in the state and is set to fight the Lok Sabha polls, will join the Congress at the meeting in the presence of party chief Rahul Gandhi. Besides giving final shape to its Lok Sabha election strategy, the party will demand answers from Modi and the BJP on what it calls the "failures" and "unfulfilled promises" of the government. The top Congress leadership led by Rahul, Sonia, Manmohan Singh and other senior leaders will deliberate on key issues for the national elections beginning April 11. The party leaders will also discuss ways to corner Modi and his government on issues of governance, agrarian and economic crisis, unemployment and lack of job creation, national security and women's safety. The party has maintained that the narrative for the general elections needs to be steered towards real issues and problems confronting people rather than the "propaganda" plank of the current regime, especially after the Pulwama attack and subsequent airstrike on terror camps in Pakistan. Sources said the party will issue a statement after the CWC, covering all these issues. The Congress leaders feel that the party needs to demand answers from the prime minister on the status of the promises made by him five years ago and on his governance track record.

Lok Sabha elections 2019: Congress begins poll campaign from PM Narendra Modi's bastion Gujarat

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