Morning briefing: 10 facts about Lok Sabha phase 3 polls, what SC said on extra levy on sanitary pads disposal, and more

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Published on: May 7, 2024, 09:00:04 IST

By HT News Desk

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Polling in 93 constituencies spread across 11 states and union territories is underway in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party had won an overwhelming majority of these seats, including all in Gujarat, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. More 1,300 candidates, including around 120 women, are in the fray. As many as 17.24 crore people, including 8.39 crore females, will be eligible to cast their votes and 1.85 lakh polling stations manned by 18.5 lakh officials have been set up. With the BJP securing Surat unopposed, 25 seats in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state of Gujarat is polling on May 7, besides 11 seats in Maharashtra, 10 seats in Uttar Pradesh, the remaining 14 of the 28 in Karnataka, seven in Chhattisgarh, five in Bihar, four each in Assam and West Bengal, and all two in Goa. The union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (2 seats) and nine seats in Madhya Pradesh, including Betul where elections were deferred, are also polling on Tuesday and over 11 crore people will be eligible to vote. Dig deeper

Voters wait to cast their vote for the third phase of Lok Sabha elections, in Guwahati. (PTI)

The Supreme Court on Monday expressed displeasure at a Kerala government regulation that imposes an additional fee for the disposal of sanitary waste, lamenting that the state’s stance comes as a contradiction to the court’s consistent advocacy for menstrual hygiene and accessibility to sanitary products. “On one hand, we have been issuing directions for ensuring menstrual hygiene by providing sanitary napkins in schools and other institutions, and on the other hand, the state is charging for the disposal of sanitary waste. How can it be? You justify this,” a bench of justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan asked the state government. Dig deeper

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India News

Watch: PM Narendra Modi casts his vote at Ahmedabad school, urges voters to exercise ‘matdaan’ Dig deeper

Remove deepfakes within 3 hours of being notified: Election Commission to political parties Dig deeper

Global Matters

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Sports Goings

Concerns about Rohit Sharma's form in T20 cricket remained on Monday despite Mumbai Indians' seven-wicket win against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium. Rohit's poor run of form, since smashing that century against Chennai Super Kings, continued, leaving the fans worried with India slated to begin their T20 World Cup campaign in a month's time. And it seems that the forgettable run has left Rohit shattered as well as the former MI captain was seen dispirited in the dressing room after his dismissal for just four runs. Dig deeper

Entertainment Focus

Singer Ananya Birla has announced that she is quitting her career in music to focus all her "energies to the business world". Taking to Instagram on Monday, Ananya penned a note and shared her decision with her fans and followers, leaving many emotional. She also said that balancing her businesses and focusing on music is "taking a toll on me in ways that I can't express". Dig deeper

Lifestyle and Health

Kylie Jenner once again showcased her sartorial finesse as she graced the Met Gala 2024. Embracing the timeless glamour of old Hollywood, the diva donned a stunning pedestal gown that exuded unparalleled sophistication and elegance, captivating onlookers and commanding attention. Amidst a sea of distinct fashion statements, Kylie opted for an elegant ensemble that paid homage to the evening's theme - a garden statue, courtesy of a custom design by Oscar de la Renta. Dig deeper

That’s all we have at this hour in our Morning briefing. Catch you in the afternoon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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