It is a chaotic Friday in the subcontinent, with weather relating events dominating the day.
As a heatwave continues to surge across North India, a cyclone in the Bay of Bengal is brewing. Towards the south, in Kerala, the state is experiencing incessant rain.
In Chennai, the field is set for an IPL Qualifier where Rajasthan and Hyderabad will fight it out for a spot in the finals.
PM Narendra Modi is in Himachal Pradesh to campaign for BJP during this 2024 Lok Sabha election.
One spot left!
In Qualifier 2 of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will aim to overcome their disappointing performance in Qualifier 1 when they face Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai today.
SRH missed their initial opportunity to secure a spot in the final, suffering a heavy defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders, who have already secured their place in the IPL 2024 final.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals broke their poor run in the latter stages of the IPL by ending Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) six-match winning streak.
Modi to rally for Ranaut
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a rally in support of BJP’s Mandi candidate Kangana Ranaut at Padda Maidan in Mandi. Modi scheduled to speak at two public rallies in the state today.
In Mandi, Modi will rally support for Ranaut, who is facing a tough contest against Congress candidate Vikramaditya Singh, the son of six-time chief minister Virbhadra Singh and current Mandi MP Pratibha Singh. This rally is crucial for Kangana as she aims for her first electoral victory.
Himachal Pradesh will vote in the last phase of the elections, on 1 June.
Heatwave continues
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that severe heatwave conditions are expected in many areas, including Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, West Rajasthan, parts of West Uttar Pradesh, East Rajasthan, and Northwest Madhya Pradesh from 20 May to 24.
Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, and Northeast Madhya Pradesh are also expected to see heatwave conditions from 20 May to 24. Warm night conditions are likely to prevail in West Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan during the same period.
SC to hear matter related to ECI
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has not yet provided the actual voter numbers for the Lok Sabha elections conducted in the five phases. As a result, attention has turned to the Supreme Court, which is scheduled to hear the matter today.
Recently, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the EC based on an application filed by the NGO Association of Democratic Reforms. The NGO has requested that the ECI publish the absolute number of votes from all polling stations in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Additionally, the NGO has demanded that the ECI disclose the number of votes polled on its website within 48 hours of polling.
Cyclone ‘Remal’ to intesify?
A low-pressure area located over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal has shifted northeastwards. It is expected to intensify and concentrate into a depression over the central parts of the Bay of Bengal by today morning. According to IMD, this system is likely to further intensify into a cyclonic storm over the east-central Bay of Bengal by 25 May.
Following this, the cyclonic storm is projected to move nearly northwards and approach the vicinity of the Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts by the evening of 26 May, potentially as a severe cyclonic storm.
Heavy showers in Kerala
With heavy rains persisting in several parts of Kerala, IMD issued a red alert for two districts of the state, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall in those regions. Pathanamthitta and Idukki were placed on red alert as per the latest update from the weather agency.
Additionally, authorities warned of high waves ranging from 0.4 to 3.3 meters and the possibility of sea incursions along the coast of Kerala, from Vizhinjam in the south to Kasaragod in the north, until Thursday night.
Today in History – 24 May
On 24 May, Commonwealth Day is observed, marking the birthday of Queen Victoria of England, born in 1819. This day is recognised by countries that were once part of the British Empire.
World Events on This Day
With inputs from agencies
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FirstUp: IPL Qualifier 2 in Chennai, Modi in Himachal…Big headlines today
