Cross-voting impacted Rajya Sabha elections in Jharkhand and Legislative Council polls in Karnataka. While NDA gained in Jharkhand, Congress outmaneuvered BJP in Karnataka. Both parties exhibit double standards regarding cross-voting.
Reform UK's mixed byelection results, including a disappointing second place in Makerfield and distant seconds in Gorton and Denton, raise concerns for Nigel Farage. Issues include candidate selection, vulnerability to tactical voting, and competition from the right.
Reform UK's mixed byelection results, including a disappointing second place in Makerfield, raise concerns for Nigel Farage. Issues with candidate selection, tactical voting, and a new right-wing competitor, Restore Britain, highlight challenges for the party.
A new survey reveals Gen Z pet owners spend significantly more annually ($6,103) than Boomers ($2,454), with many viewing pets as children and willing to sell organs in emergencies. Pet spending reached $158 billion in 2025, driven by rising vet bills and private equity investment.
The BJP-led NDA has won 19 of 26 Rajya Sabha seats, increasing its strength to 150. The alliance is now 13 seats short of a two-thirds majority, with potential further gains from TMC and AAP splits. Opposition INDIA bloc secured six seats.
Andy Burnham's decisive victory in the Makerfield byelection has intensified speculation about a leadership challenge to Keir Starmer. Allies hope Burnham can be installed as PM within days, citing his emphatic win as proof of his ability to unite the party and challenge Reform UK.
Polls close in Makerfield by-election, a key contest for Andy Burnham's political future. The Labour candidate faces Reform's Robert Kenyon in a seat traditionally safe for Labour but recently leaning towards Reform.
The Election Commission of India is preparing for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections by requesting over ₹500 crore to purchase new electronic voting machines. This is due to a significant increase in polling stations and the retirement of older machines, aiming for a smooth voting process.
A new study of election data suggests young men are not shifting rightwing more than other demographics, challenging claims they are a key driver of parties like Reform UK. Age is a bigger factor than gender in political opinions, and young men remain the most progressive male cohort.
NDA-backed Independent Parimal Nathwani secured one of the two Rajya Sabha seats from Jharkhand, defeating Congress candidate Pranav in a close contest. The ruling JMM candidate Baidyanath Ram won the other seat. The election saw cross-voting and invalid votes, leading to accusations of betrayal from the Congress.
UK newspapers focus on Donald Trump's Iran deal, with the Daily Mirror calling it a "sellout". Critics question its value, while The Times anticipates Republican anger. Separately, the i Paper reports BBC staff frustration over funding cuts impacting journalism.
Shoko Kawata, Japan's youngest female mayor, has ignited a national discussion by taking maternity leave, a move unprecedented for an incumbent mayor. The decision highlights Japan's struggle with gender equality and outdated work culture, prompting calls for systemic support for working parents.
Rupert Murdoch reportedly told Donald Trump that JD Vance has "potential to be great" while Marco Rubio is "brilliant," favoring Rubio during a 2028 presidential election discussion. The excerpt from "Regime Change" highlights a complex relationship between Trump and Murdoch, and internal party divisions over potential successors.
Jharkhand's Rajya Sabha elections are set for a close contest as the INDIA bloc, with 56 MLAs, faces a challenge from the BJP-backed independent candidate Parimal Nathwani, who needs just 4 cross-votes to potentially upset the ruling coalition's expected win of two seats. Both camps are employing 'hotel politics' and mock polls to ensure MLA unity and prevent cross-voting, reminiscent of recent upsets in Bihar and Odisha.
Pauline Hanson, once seen as a radical outlier, has evolved into a significant political force with her One Nation party topping polls. Her anti-establishment message, fueled by societal discontent over issues like migration and inequality, resonates strongly, positioning her as a serious contender for prime minister.
Pauline Hanson outlined One Nation's vision for Australia, advocating for a monocultural society, reduced migration, and strong support for coal and gas. She proposed shutting down public broadcasters, scaling back parental leave, and cutting workers' rights, while criticizing transgender rights and climate action. Hanson also made controversial remarks about international partners and reacted aggressively to scrutiny.
Candidates in a UK by-election are making final pitches ahead of Thursday's vote. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham hopes to win an MP seat, potentially challenging Labour leader Keir Starmer. His main rival is Reform UK's Robert Kenyon.
This article speculates on potential appointments to Keir Starmer's shadow cabinet, focusing on key roles like Chancellor and Foreign Secretary. It highlights potential allies and rivals, discussing their policy stances and past relationships. Key figures mentioned include Ed Miliband, Shabana Mahmood, Wes Streeting, Rachel Reeves, Louise Haigh, Anneliese Midgley, Miatta Fahnbulleh, Josh Simons, Kevin Lee, Lisa Nandy, Dan Jarvis, Nick Thomas-Symonds, Heidi Alexander, and Bridget Phillipson.
Speculation surrounds potential cabinet appointments if Keir Starmer were replaced by Andy Burnham as Labour leader. Key figures like Ed Miliband, Shabana Mahmood, and Louise Haigh are discussed for roles such as Chancellor and Home Secretary, with policy advisors also highlighted.
Washington D.C. voters are choosing party nominees for mayor and congressional delegate in a primary election marked by the city's changing landscape under the Trump administration. Key races include the Democratic primary for mayor and delegate, with candidates focusing on issues like affordability, public safety, and home rule.
Washington D.C. voters are participating in primary elections for mayor and congressional delegate. The races are marked by significant changes under the Trump administration, with candidates focusing on issues of autonomy, affordability, and public safety.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong welcomed a US-Iran peace deal to end hostilities, potentially reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, a new poll shows One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has overtaken Anthony Albanese as preferred PM, with the party also seeing a surge in donations.
Australia has welcomed a US-Iran ceasefire, with PM Albanese emphasizing the need for dialogue and addressing Iran's nuclear program. Meanwhile, domestic politics sees Opposition Leader Angus Taylor focusing on the federal budget and a Senate inquiry, while One Nation's rising poll numbers and fundraising are also in focus.
Speculation is mounting that Punjab's assembly elections, currently scheduled for February 2027, may be moved up to November 2026. This potential shift is reportedly driven by the upcoming Kumbh Mela and the second phase of the national census, which could impact the original timeline. Both the ruling AAP and the Congress party are reportedly preparing for an earlier election.
