BBC: India election 2019: Voting to begin in world's largest election
Indians will head to the polls on Thursday to vote in the first phase of a general election that is being seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Tens of millions of Indians across 20 states and union territories will cast their votes in 91 constituencies.
The seven-phase vote to elect a new lower house of parliament will continue until 19 May. Counting day is 23 May.
With 900 million eligible voters, this is the largest election ever seen.
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MIDDLE EAST
Gantz concedes; Israeli PM Netanyahu secures 5th term. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secures record fifth term.
Trump basks in Netanyahu's victory by highlighting their personal alliance.
In leaky White House, Trump team keeps Middle East peace plan secret.
Civilian casualties rise as fighting intensifies in Syria's Idlib.
Syria's sexual violence survivors seek justice.
Iraq seeks multibillion dollar fee to receive Isis prisoners. Iraq offers to try foreign IS suspects, for a price.
Hezbollah condemns US decision on Iran Guards.
Pompeo urges Saudis to free US women's rights activists.
Iran orders over 60,000 to evacuate flood-hit oil city.
ASIA
Indian elections: The world's biggest democracy heads to the polls today with 900 million voter.
Modi favourite as India's incredible election begins.
Australia general election set for May 18: prime minister.
Thousands flee as ISIL and Taliban fight for Kunar province.
Balakot air strike: Pakistan shows off disputed site on eve of India election.
Pompeo wants China to join Russia in START nuclear treaty.
Kim Jong Un calls for self-reliance in a period of 'tensions'.
Amritsar: Theresa May describes 1919 massacre as 'shameful scar'.
New Zealand lawmakers pass tough gun laws over mosque attacks.
AFRICA
Thousands displaced as Haftar's forces advance on Libya capital.
UNICEF: Half a million Libyan kids in 'direct' danger.
More than a dozen killed during anti-government protests in Sudan.
US hopes Sudan forces keep holding fire on protesters.
Backers of DR Congo's Kabila sweep governorship polls.
Algeria sets presidential election for July 4.
Death toll from devastating Cyclone Idai rises above 1,000.
Uganda's Bobi Wine confirms intention to run for president.
Uganda police arrest 8 suspects in U.S. tourist, driver kidnapping.
Zambians can pursue mining pollution claim in English courts.
EUROPE
EU leaders talk Brexit extension at Brussels summit.
Macron speaks against long Brexit delay at EU summit: diplomats.
Brexit: May awaits EU Brexit extension decision.
UK economy grows faster than expected ahead of Brexit.
Russia’s migrant numbers hit record low in 2018.
Albania deploys army to guard airport after second money heist.
Wikileaks accuses Ecuadorian embassy of ‘Extensive spying operation’ against Assange.
Vatican to investigate 1983 disappearance of teenage girl.
AMERICAS
US Attorney General William Barr says ‘spying did occur’ in probe of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.
Trump urges inquiry into 'attempted coup' against him. Those who started Russia probe were attempting a ‘coup’, AG must start investigation – Trump.
Trump says he may 'call up more military' to border.
US deficit soars to $691 billion, expected to top $1 trillion this year.
Study: Executions declined worldwide in 2018, rose in U.S..
US' Mike Pence urges UN to recognize Venezuela's Guaido.
Maduro says Venezuela ready to receive international aid.
Raúl Castro pledges Cuba will never abandon Venezuela.
Peru: Judge orders 10-day detention of ex-president Kuczynski.
Migrant caravan: Hundreds of Hondurans leave on new trek.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Pompeo says Iran tied to Al-Qaeda, declines to say if war legal.
30 jihadists 'killed or captured' in French-Malian raids near Burkina: French military.
US resumes air raids in Somalia after brief pause.
US 'terror' listing: Iran vows response to 'vicious move'.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Wall Street ekes out gains as investors shrug off Fed minutes.
US Fed could go 'in either direction' on interest rates: minutes.
US, China agree to establish trade deal enforcement offices, says US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.
World Bank keeps investing in fossil fuel projects.
