 "FirstUp: Lok Sabha election in India kicks off, UNSC votes to include Palestine & more...The headlines today")
A defining Friday kicks off with voting in the world’s most populous state to begin today and voting on the global stage at the UNSC on a crucial topic will take place as well.
Let’s get into the details of it all:
Phase 1 commences: Lok Sabha elections 2024 begin today!
India’s much-anticipated political event, the 2024 Lok Sabha election, is poised to kick off starting today, 19 April 2024. The electoral process will unfold in seven phases, mirroring the structure of the 2019 general elections.
This inaugural phase will span 21 states, encompassing nearly 970 million eligible voters, across more than 1.2 million polling stations.
On March 16, 2024, the Election Commission of India unveiled the schedule for the Lok Sabha and four assembly elections. The Lok Sabha proceedings will commence on April 19, 2024. Per the EC’s announcement, the election results will be declared on June 4.
UN Security Council vote on Palestinian membership
The United Nations Security Council is slated to convene today to vote on a Palestinian request for full UN membership, as reported by diplomats. However, the United States, a staunch ally of Israel, is anticipated to thwart the motion due to its implicit recognition of a Palestinian state.
Scheduled for 3 pm (1900 GMT) Friday, the council will deliberate on a draft resolution recommending the admission of the State of Palestine to UN membership.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsA council resolution necessitates a minimum of nine affirmative votes without any veto from the US, Britain, France, Russia, or China to pass. Algeria, a council member, proposed the draft resolution, seeking a vote to coincide with a Security Council meeting on the Middle East.
PM Modi’s ‘overnight’ stay at Nagpur
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Nagpur on April 19, where he will remain overnight before resuming his campaign activities the following day for phase 2. This marks Modi’s first overnight stay in the city since assuming office as Prime Minister.
During his visit, Modi will address a rally in Wardha, where BJP candidate Ramdas Tadas is contesting. A senior BJP official remarked, “The PM will lodge overnight at Raj Bhavan, marking his inaugural stay in the city since assuming office.”
India to start delivery of BrahMos missiles to PhilippinesIndia will deliver the first set of BrahMos launchers and missiles ordered by the Philippines today.
Sources told The Print said the delivery will be carried out by two aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and civilian freight liners to the Clark International Airport in the province of Pampanga, Philippines.
Sources added that the shipment would also include “some of the initial lot of missiles”.
The contract, which was the first major international export order for the Indian defence space, is for a shore-based variant of an anti-ship cruise missile, with a range of 290 km.
Wrestlers step into the ring!
Seventeen Indian wrestlers are heading to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, for the Asian Wrestling Olympic Qualifiers starting this Friday. They’ll be trying to earn spots for the Paris 2024 Summer Games. This qualifier is their second-to-last chance to secure a spot.
In Bishkek, there are 36 spots up for grabs across different weight categories. The wrestlers will compete in brackets, and if they make it to the semi-finals, they get a spot for their country. No need for gold medal matches or extra rounds!
Today in History - April 19
Birthday of Mukesh Ambani
- Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Industries and the richest Asian, was born on this day. His visionary leadership has propelled Reliance Industries to become one of the largest conglomerates globally, with interests spanning across various sectors such as petrochemicals, telecommunications, and retail.
Launch of India’s first satellite, Aryabhata (1975)
- On this day in 1975, India marked a significant milestone in its space exploration journey with the successful launch of Aryabhata, its first satellite. This historic achievement propelled India into the realm of space exploration and laid the foundation for its subsequent advancements in space technology.
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
