The river, celebrated with birth and death ceremonies on its banks, is also linked to waterborne diseases which kill thousands of adults and children annually.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal – a staunch critic of PM Narendra Modi and a key opposition leader – was arrested on March 21 in connection with corruption allegations related to the capital territory’s liquor policy.

Turnout for phase three of the country’s seven-phase election was 65.7 per cent, lower than phases one and two and down from 67.4 per cent in the last general election in 2019.

Eric Garcetti defends India’s role as check against China, pointing out its early TikTok ban and loss of soldiers along the disputed border.

Analysts say with momentum already with the BJP, any alleged Pakistani interference and support for Rahul Gandhi is unlikely to swing voter support.

India’s election commission faces accusations of bias towards the ruling BJP by refusing to reign in the party’s divisive campaign rhetoric and for not providing voter turnout data quickly enough.

Narendra Modi’s government has launched numerous initiatives to speed up the country’s development, but many areas continue to lag behind – with employment scarce.

PM Narendra Modi has attacked Gandhi’s decision, saying he is ‘scared to fight’ in Amethi against BJP’s Smriti Irani again.

Arun Reddy, the opposition party’s social media chief, is accused of editing footage showing Shah during his election campaign speech.

Japan is a critical US ally, while India, one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, is a vital partner in the Indo-Pacific despite differences on human rights

Prajwal Revanna is accused of sexually assaulting hundreds of women after the release of videos showing his alleged crimes.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk cancelled his meeting with India PM Modi last week, and instead went to China to make progress towards an advanced driver assistance package.

Phase two of voting saw a 65 per cent turnout, with heat and complacency of BJP supporters among possible reasons for the lower figure.

The electric vehicle maker is expected to build a base in India given the country’s importance as a sales market, analysts say.

The recent surge of passengers is due to ongoing national elections and a cluster of astrologically auspicious dates, typically used for Hindu weddings.

Media advocates have urged New Delhi to “cease using visa regulations as a tool of repression” against reporters.

At an election rally, the Indian prime minister called Muslims ‘infiltrators’ and accused the opposition of wanting to gather Hindus’ wealth ‘and distribute it among those who have more children’.

The Indian prime minister’s ruling BJP has vowed to attain developed economy status within 25 years. But a host of legacy issues still need tackling.

Only Indian citizens can vote in India’s elections. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi has still worked hard to woo the diaspora – and their endorsement has an impact.

New Delhi has urged de-escalation on both sides, reflecting deep concerns over regional instability

Voter concerns such as inflation and unemployment are unlikely to derail PM Modi and his ruling BJP’s path to victory, analysts say.

The rebels, who ascribe to a form of communism propagated by late Chinese leader Mao Zedong, have waged a guerilla-style struggle against the government.

Opposition parties, and India’s long history of religious pluralism, both face an ‘existential crisis’ as Narendra Modi’s ruling BJP looks set to secure a third term in power.

As the country’s general election nears, politicians face a sobering reality: the fastest-growing economy is struggling to create enough jobs for its educated youth.

Analysts say a thaw in tensions could come with a changing of the guard in Pakistan, with both sides keen to not let ties worsen amid significant challenges.

Modi has denounced the opposition Congress Party for “callously giving away” the island of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka in a 1974 agreement.