FirstUp: South Africa goes to the polls, Modi's mega Kolkata rally...The top news today

It is a crucial Wednesday all around the globe, as many major events are lined up for today.

On the world front, South Africa will head to polls today to elect 400 Parliamentarians today. Whereas in India, ahead of last phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha Election on 1 June, election rallies are in fervour.

PM Narendra Modi’s mega election rally in Kolkata traffic advisories in the city of joy has been renewed. Whereas his rival Congress’ Rahul Gandhi along with party president Mallikarjun Kharge will hold rallies in Odisha.

Another big gala for celebs around the world is about to commence today, as Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant host another grand pre-wedding bash in Italy.

Amid the ongoing water cut in Mumbai, several new regions in the city are going to be affected on Wednesday.

Here is a rundown of what is expected today.

South Africa elections

As South Africa gears up for elections to fill the 400 seats in the national assembly, experts predict it to be the most closely contested since the landmark post-apartheid democratic elections of 1994.

Initial polls hinted at a potential shift in power, threatening the ruling African National Congress’ long-standing dominance, three decades after Nelson Mandela’s historic ascent to power.

With 27 million registered voters expected to cast their ballots, the spotlight is on the ANC, the Democratic Alliance (DA), and the Economic Freedom Fighters party among the 70 political contenders vying for victory.

President Cyril Ramaphosa faces a challenging contest as the African country grapples with soaring unemployment, widespread corruption, and rampant crime.

PM Modi’s mega rally in Kolkata

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lead another grand roadshow in Kolkata today. The city police in a post on X issued an advisory, which included road diversions, closures, and alternative routes to manage expected traffic surges during the event.

PM Modi is on a two-day visit to West Bengal before the seventh and final phase of Lok Sabha elections which will take place on 1 June.

On Tuesday, he addressed rallies in Ashoknagar in Barasat constituency and Jadavpur. Later in the day, he paid floral tribute to the statue of Subhas Chandra Bose and held a 2.5 km-long roadshow in Kolkata.

Rahul and Kharge to campaign in Odisha

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi are slated to visit the state to campaign for the party’s candidates set to contest in the final phase of elections on June 1.

Party president Kharge will arrive today and hold election meetings in Balasore and Bhadrak, while Rahul Gandhi will address a gathering in Sanamahitpur, Simulia, Balasore district, tomorrow.

According to Congress sources cited in The New Indian Express, these rallies hold significance as party candidates in these Lok Sabha constituencies have a favourable position compared to others and are likely to emerge victorious.

The grand Ambani pre-wedding bash

Anant Ambani and his fiancee Radhika Merchant will embark on a luxury cruise in Italy for their second pre-wedding festivities starting 29 May.

The exclusive is expected to be attended by various Bollywood celebrities and global personalities, including Ranveer Singh, MS Dhoni with his wife Sakshi, and Ranbir Kapoor with Alia Bhatt. Ambanis has invited over 3,000 VIP guests to grace the occasion.

The invitation, titled ‘La Vite E Un Viaggio’ (life is a journey), reveals plans for a welcome lunch and a ‘Starry Night’ celebration onboard the cruise today. The pre-wedding festivities will culminate on June 1 in Switzerland.

Water cuts in Mumbai

In a bid to aid repair works, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had announced introduce a 16-hour water cut in parts of Andheri and P/South (Goregaon) wards today.

The civic body had earlier announced complete and partial water cuts across different pockets of the city. It will be carrying out the work on cross-connection of newly laid 1,500-mm water main along with the newly laid 1200-mm outlet, which will be replacing the old main in Andheri East between 29 May and 30 May.

In light of the water cut, BMC has urged citizens to use water responsibly.

Today in History: First successful summit of Mt. Everest

On this day in 1953, adventurer Edmund Hillary and his fearless Nepalese sherpa companion, Tenzing Norgay, etched their names into history by conquering the summit of Mount Everest.

As per a BBC report, the duo’s triumphant ascent to the world’s highest peak was no easy feat, as they battled treacherous terrain and dwindling oxygen levels during their grueling climb up the southern face. Despite the daunting challenges, Hillary and Tenzing savoured their victorious moment atop the summit for a mere 15 minutes, capturing breathtaking photographs and of Sherpa Tenzing waving flags representing Britain, Nepal, the United Nations, and India.

In a touching gesture, Tenzing left behind offerings of sweets and biscuits as a humble tribute to the mountain gods.