DEMOCRATIC POWERS
As millions vote in UK polls, future of PM Rishi Sunak and his party hangs in balance
Millions of voters in the UK cast their ballots in a historic general election where Rishi Sunak, Britain’s first Prime Minister of Indian origin, faces a tough battle against anti-incumbency after 14 years. Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer were among the early voters, with polls predicting a possible Labour landslide. Candidates from various parties are contesting for a majority in the 650 constituencies, with the first results expected late on polling day.
Ballot in Britain: Keir Starmer-led Labour Party set to sweep to power, ousting Rishi Sunak
Britons are casting their votes in a parliamentary election that could see Keir Starmer's Labour Party replacing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservatives. Opinion polls suggest a potential landslide victory for Starmer, reflecting a desire for change after years of Conservative leadership marked by infighting. Both parties have made their final appeals to voters, with contrasting visions for the country's future. The outcome of the election could have significant implications for British politics and policy direction. Stay updated for the latest developments as the voting process concludes and results are announced.
Labour predicted to rout Sunak's Conservatives as Britain goes to polls
Britain is poised to elect Labour Party leader Keir Starmer as the next prime minister, ending the Conservative Party's 14-year rule. Polls indicate a significant lead for Labour, reflecting voter desire for change rather than strong support for the party. Starmer promises a new chapter for Britain, while outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak warns of economic risks under Labour. Labour's lead follows Conservative turmoil, including multiple prime ministers and economic instability. Polls open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with results expected early Friday.
Netflix co-founder becomes one of the biggest Democratic donors to call for Biden to step aside
Reed Hastings, Netflix co-founder and prominent Democratic donor, publicly called for President Joe Biden to step aside from the Democratic presidential ticket, urging a stronger leader to face Trump in the upcoming election. Hastings, a major supporter of education reform and racial justice causes, has been vocal about his concerns, echoing private sentiments among Democratic megadonors. Despite Biden and White House officials affirming his intent to stay, Hastings' stance underscores growing divisions within Biden's support base. Known for his philanthropy and executive role at Netflix, Hastings remains influential in both politics and his personal interests, including skiing.
Emergency resolution in Lok Sabha exposes anti-democratic thinking of Congress, says Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has praised Speaker Om Birla for moving a resolution condemning the imposition of the Emergency in 1975 by Indira Gandhi. The resolution reveals the Congress's anti-democratic thinking, which harmed democracy's major pillars, including judiciary, bureaucracy, and media. Shah also praised the Lok Sabha for remembering the Emergency as an "Era of Injustice" and expressing sympathy to the poor, Dalits, and backward people who suffered from the exploitation and atrocities of the Indira Gandhi government.
Spiller of beans, and State vs open society
Wikileaks demonstrated the immense power governments, even in liberal democracies, have over their citizens and the extent to which a state will go to protect that power. Assange made us confront the ease with which governments use 'national security' as a default rabbit to be pulled out of the hat.
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Pannun Case: Top democratic senators urge strong diplomatic response
Democratic Senators have called for a strong diplomatic response from the Biden administration to allegations of the Indian government's involvement in a foiled plot to assassinate Sikh extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on US soil. The letter, signed by Senators Jeff Merkley, Ron Wyden, Tim Kaine, Bernie Sanders, and Chris Van Hollen, urged accountability and a briefing on the administration's engagement with the Indian government.
Lok Sabha polls: People voted to check power from being in hands of 1 or 2 persons, says Sharad Pawar
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar commented on the recent Lok Sabha elections, stating that voters aimed to prevent power from being concentrated in the hands of a few individuals. He credited the BJP's majority in the Lok Sabha to the support from allies like JD(U) and TDP. Pawar urged his party members to prepare for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, expressing confidence that they would gain power in the state.
President Droupadi Murmu appoints Narendra Modi as PM for third term on unanimous NDA support
President Droupadi Murmu appointed Narendra Modi as Prime Minister for a third consecutive term after the NDA submitted letters of support. The swearing-in is set for June 9. Modi vowed to continue working for India's development and praised the NDA's success and unity. Senior leaders like Rajnath Singh and coalition partners endorsed Modi's leadership. The NDA emphasized its principles and stability, contrasting with opposition conflicts, as Modi visited BJP veterans and former President Ram Nath Kovind to reinforce alliance unity.
NDA MPs arrive to elect Narendra Modi as their leader
Newly elected MPs of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance arrived at Parliament complex on Friday to elect Narendra Modi as their leader, paving the way for him to take oath as prime minister for a third term. Besides NDA MPs, senior leaders of the alliance, including chief ministers, will be part of the meeting where BJP president J P Nadda is expected to propose a resolution in support of Modi's leadership, with allies and MPs likely to endorse it.
18th Lok Sabha formation: CEC to present list of newly-elected MPs to President
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu will meet with President Droupadi Murmu to present the list of newly-elected MPs for the 18th Lok Sabha. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has elected Narendra Modi as their leader for the third time. President Droupadi Murmu dissolved the 17th Lok Sabha following the Union Cabinet's recommendation.
Sensex zooms over 800 pts, Nifty above 22,850 as Modi magic helps calm D-Street
For the second consecutive day on Thursday, Indian benchmark equity indices, Nifty50 and Sensex, commenced trading on a higher note. Banking stocks led the upswing as Narendra Modi is poised to secure a third term in power, with two crucial allies pledging their support to establish a new government.
NDA presents united face, selects Narendra Modi as its leader
Key NDA leaders, including TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu and JDU leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, gathered at the Prime Minister's official residence to endorse Modi's leadership. Both Naidu and Kumar, crucial allies of the BJP, played significant roles in securing the NDA's majority in the Lok Sabha.
To keep BJP out of power, Kharge says INDIA will take 'appropriate steps at appropriate time'
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge hints at keeping BJP out of power, emphasizing the INDIA bloc's fight against BJP's fascist rule led by PM Modi. The opposition bloc plans to take steps to honor people's desire to avoid BJP governance.
'Picture abhi baaki hai': Anupam Mittal reacts to 2024 Lok Sabha election results
Anupam Mittal and Ashneer Grover share their thoughts on the 2024 Lok Sabha election results, highlighting the public's political wisdom. The NDA's decisive victory, with 293 seats, including 240 by the BJP, underscores a clear mandate. Mittal emphasizes the importance of internal party dynamics, while Grover praises the public's ability to choose MPs effectively.
BJP-led NDA's narrow majority shifts focus to rural spending and increased private investments
The recent election results in India saw the ruling BJP-led NDA secure a majority, though narrower than expected. A Bernstein report predicts increased focus on direct social schemes, especially in rural areas. Private sector investments are expected to drive the capex cycle, with implications for economic growth and market dynamics. Market volatility is anticipated due to policy uncertainty, while financials remain a key sector.
A tale of two INDIAs: One springs a surprise, the other keeps BJP below halfway mark
The opposition INDIA bloc, led by Congress, achieved a significant poll performance in key states, including Uttar Pradesh, preventing the BJP from securing a majority in the Lok Sabha. Rahul Gandhi emphasized the rejection of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, triggering a stock market plunge.
Modi retaining power under changed circumstances to make reforms challenging: Economists
Economists warn that PM Narendra Modi's retention in power after the general elections under 'changed circumstances' will pose challenges for implementing critical reforms.
United Democratic Front repeats sterling performance in Kerala
UDF retains lead in Kerala with 18/20 seats, Rahul Gandhi wins big from Wayanad by 3.64 lakh votes, CPI(M) maintains one seat, AICC leader's victory near Karnataka and Tamil Nadu border, voters disappointed with Pinarayi Vijayan's regime, BJP makes inroads in Kerala with Suresh Gopi's win, Shashi Tharoor wins Thiruvananthapuram after tough fight with MoS (MeitY), KC Venugopal wins Alappuzha
Banks, infra stocks to lead Indian shares higher as vote count set to begin
Indian markets surge as exit polls predict a strong majority for the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance. Public sector enterprises, state-run banks, and infrastructure stocks record gains, with analysts projecting sustained rally and double-digit returns in equities.
Prem Singh Tamang elected leader of SKM legislature party
Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) legislators have re-elected Prem Singh Tamang as their Chief Ministerial candidate. Tamang announced that all 30 newly elected legislators signed a resolution designating him as the leader of the Legislature Party and Chief Ministerial candidate for the 11th Sikkim Legislative Assembly. SKM secured 31 out of 32 seats, while the opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) won just one seat
Sikkim: Ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) returns back to power for second consecutive term
Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) wins 31 out of 32 seats in Sikkim, securing a second consecutive term. Opposition Sikkim Democratic Front wins only one seat. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang expresses gratitude for the victory.
BJP leaders' only purpose is to grab power at any cost: Priyanka Gandhi in Himachal's Chamba
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi criticized BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Modi, for their corrupt practices, bribery, and misleading tactics in the name of God to seize power.
If BJP comes to power again at Centre, democracy will be in danger: Shashi Tharoor
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticised the BJP. He mentioned that if the party regains power at the Centre, democracy in the country will be at risk. "If BJP forms the government this time, democracy will be in danger. To safeguard the nation, it is imperative that the BJP is not permitted to assume power at the Centre again. That's why I am asking for votes for Charanjit Singh Channi," Tharoor told reporters here as he was in the state to campaign for former Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi, who is contesting from Jalandhar Lok Sabha constituency as Congress candidate.
China says drills around Taiwan test 'seizure of power' capability
On Friday, China announced that its ongoing military drills encircling Taiwan were intended to test the ability to seize control of the self-ruled island. These exercises, codenamed "Joint Sword-2024A," follow the inauguration of Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te, whose pro-independence stance Beijing strongly opposes. The two-day drills involve naval vessels and military aircraft and are part of China's increasing military intimidation of Taiwan. The United Nations and the United States have called for restraint, while Beijing has vowed to severely punish "Taiwan independence" forces.
How GoI’s post-poll domestic authority will shape New Delhi’s geopolitics
With India's key strategic partner Russia more firmly entrenched and aligned with China in 2024, the domestic political authority the next government in New Delhi brings to the table - and the way it deploys this capital - will hold the key to how it can position itself at the start of a turbulent phase between a relatively stronger, expanding Russia-China arc of power and a politically strife-ridden democratic coalition of powers.
Trump trial turns to sex, bank accounts and power: Highlights from the third week of testimony
Porn actor Stormy Daniels detailed her alleged 2006 sexual encounter with former US President Donald Trump in court. Trump's defence team challenged Daniels' credibility, questioning her motives and profession. Prosecutors presented evidence linking Trump directly to hush money payments to Daniels, including checks signed with his initials, "DJT." Trump's courtroom behavior drew criticism, leading to fines and warnings.
Important for India to have stable leadership as world will witness very stormy churn: EAM Jaishankar
India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, has warned that the world will face a "very, very stormy" churn due to conflicts, power shifts, and sharpening competition in the coming decade. Jaishankar, a former ambassador to China and the United States, highlighted the declining influence of the United States, the conflict in Ukraine, the fighting in Gaza, attacks in the Red Sea, tensions in the South China Sea, the challenge of terrorism in different geographies, and the advent of new technologies as the drivers of the "churn".
Important for India to have stable leadership as world will witness stormy churn: EAM Jaishankar
In an exclusive interview, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar warned of a turbulent global landscape in the coming decade, citing conflicts, power shifts, and heightened competition. He emphasized the need for India to have stable leadership amidst various challenges such as declining US influence, conflicts in different regions, and the impact of new technologies.
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