Stories from Delhi · India

The proportion of women participating in Indian elections has risen from 48 percent to slightly over the proportion of men nationally. The Election Commission of India is currently conducting a review of voter rolls. The commission has requested that voters provide historical documentation to prove citizenship and voter validity, dating back to 2002. This process involves verifying records from parents and grandparents. The review has notably impacted women's participation in the registration process. Voters are being asked to provide old documentation to prove citizenship and validity, including records dating back to 2002. Approximately 6 million eligible women have been removed from voter rolls in an ongoing election process. Data indicates that 62% of the deleted voters are women. The BBC reported that these individuals will not be able to vote.

India's election commission reported that five regions have a combined 174 million voters. This figure represents approximately 18% of the country's total electorate. The report noted that the female vote has become a battleground for politicians due to a substantial increase in female voters over recent decades. The elections are being used as a gauge of support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Over 3.22 crore electors are eligible to cast votes in the current phase of elections. This includes more than 4.12 lakh first-time voters aged between 18 and 19 years. Approximately 3,200 voters in this phase are aged 100 years or older. The Election Commission has implemented measures to facilitate early voting for these demographics. High youth engagement was noted, with voters frequently updating social media profiles with selfies showing blue indelible ink on their fingers.

Millions of people across five Indian states are participating in elections. Voting in two assembly constituencies was peaceful, with turnout reaching 72% by 3 PM on the second and fourth weeks of May. The Election Commission rescheduled voting based on reports from returning officers and observers. Voting at these polling stations took place during the second phase of assembly elections on the 29th. Vote counting for assembly elections in West Bengal, Kerala, Daman, Assam, and the federal territory of Puducherry will occur on the 29th. Voters will be counted on the 29th for state assembly elections. The situation can be managed effectively through timely preparedness and by following advisories issued by the India Meteorological Department. In IPL cricket, Chennai Super Kings will take on Mumbai Indians in Chennai this evening at 7:30 p.m.

An Indian court has issued a stay on stricter power grid penalties targeting renewable energy firms.

Sanctions against Iran are causing the closure of textile factories in India and Bangladesh. Global economic prospects have been disrupted by these developments. The most severe economic consequences are expected in developing nations where consumers cannot afford rising energy prices. Governments in these regions lack the resources to provide compensatory aid. Additionally, tightening credit conditions are increasing the cost of loans that these countries desperately require.

Listed companies in India reported a 14.7% increase in Q3 FY26 net profits. This represents the fastest growth rate recorded in the last two years.

Salim Dola, an aide to Dawood Ibrahim, has been deported to India. The individual arrived at Delhi airport via a special aircraft under tight security.

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss regional stability and cooperation. Both ministers are coordinating efforts on regional issues. They plan further discussions on these matters. Russia and India are expanding cooperation in the atomic energy sector, including the construction of a new nuclear power plant of Russian design in India. Military-technical interaction remains stable and independent of geopolitical conditions, according to Maria Zakharova. Key joint projects include the production of BARAMOS rocket systems and Akan 203 assault rifles. An analyst noted that Europe may lose key international partners due to its focus on the conflict in Ukraine.

Chatbots have been found to misdiagnose medical symptoms and cite non-existent diseases. Users are advised to exercise caution and consult medical professionals. This issue has been noted across multiple reports, raising concerns about the reliability of AI in healthcare diagnostics. The specific fake disease cited was not detailed in the reports. AI chatbots are misdiagnosing symptoms and citing a non-existent disease, leading to potential health misinformation. The accuracy of AI-driven medical advice is under scrutiny. Artificial intelligence chatbots are generating false medical information, including citing non-existent diseases and misdiagnosing user-reported symptoms.

India aims to double its exports within ten years, providing impetus to export promotion councils. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) will reduce duties on carpets, ceramics, and handicrafts by up to 10%. The carpet and handicraft industries have welcomed this agreement, anticipating increased competitiveness and market access. The gem and jewelry industry also expects benefits from the agreement. TEA offers a range of financial services tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. The company currently serves over 75,000 clients. TEA, a business entity, has set an ambitious goal to quintuple its business operations within the next five years. Further details on the company's strategy or specific targets were not disclosed.