Morning Briefing: All You Need to Know about Lok Sabha Polls Phase 6 & Cyclone Remal Alert!

Morning Briefing: Lok Sabha Polls Phase 6 and Cyclone Remal Alert

Here's everything you need to know:

• Lok Sabha Polls Phase 6: The sixth phase of Lok Sabha elections is underway.

• Cyclone Remal Alert: Bengal and Odisha are on alert due to Cyclone Remal.

Stay informed with these updates and more.

The sixth phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is taking place on May 25, covering 58 constituencies across six states and two union territories. This includes all seven parliamentary seats in Delhi and the Jangal Mahal region in West Bengal. Polling began at 7 am and will continue until 6 pm. This phase holds significance as it includes various crucial regions, and the voter turnout is expected to have a significant impact on the overall election results. The political atmosphere is intense, with major political parties competing for dominance in these key constituencies.

 Prior to this phase, polling has already been completed in 428 parliamentary constituencies across 25 states and union territories in the first five phases of the general elections. The conclusion of these phases has set the stage for the remaining constituencies, making the sixth phase a pivotal moment in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. As the nation watches, the results from this phase will play a key role in shaping the next government, reflecting the political climate and voter sentiment across these diverse regions.

In preparation for Cyclone Remal, school buildings in three coastal districts of West Bengal were designated as cyclone shelters, and district control rooms were activated. Emergency services were put on standby, and advisories were issued to ports in Kolkata and Paradip, Odisha. The eastern states are expecting moderate to heavy rain over the weekend due to the severe cyclonic storm. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with the army, navy, and Coast Guard, were readied. The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) directed authorities to ensure minimal loss from the storm brewing over the Bay of Bengal.

Rajasthan Royals faced a disappointing loss against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the second qualifier of the 2024 Indian Premier League, prolonging their quest for a second IPL title. RR, who reached the final two years ago under Sanju Samson and narrowly missed the Playoffs in 2023, witnessed their batting lineup struggle in difficult conditions. The absence of dew favored SRH's spin attack, especially Shahbaz Ahmed and Abhishek Sharma, leaving RR perplexed. The dismissal of Riyan Parag received the most criticism, leading to the team's batting collapse.

At the Cannes Film Festival, Chinese director Hu Guan's film "Black Dog" won the Un Certain Regard Prize, while Boris Lojkine’s "The Story Of Souleymane" received the Jury Prize for its asylum-seeker narrative. Anasuya Sengupta was awarded the Un Certain Regard Prize for Best Actress for her role in "The Shameless," a film following a sex worker who flees a Delhi brothel after an altercation with a policeman. Anasuya dedicated her award to marginalized communities, including the queer community, for their courageous fight against unjust battles.

Summer 2024 is bringing in a vibrant culinary scene with a range of exciting trends set to revolutionize menus and dining experiences. At the forefront are inventive plant-based dishes, going beyond traditional meat substitutes to showcase whole-food, plant-based offerings. Chef Supreet Ghai, Director of Culinary at ibis and ibis Styles India, emphasized in an interview with HT Lifestyle, “Jackfruit tacos, mushroom steaks, and legume-based burgers are examples of how natural flavors and textures are being highlighted, appealing not only to vegans but also to anyone looking for healthier and more sustainable choices.”