Author: none@none.com (AFP)

Agence France-Presse known by its acronym AFP is a French news agency founded in 1835 in Paris, France, where it's also headquartered. AFP covers a diversity of topics, both local news and international stories.

Modi Set for Third Term as India’s Prime Minister India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to be sworn in for a third term after coalition talks following unexpected election results. The ceremony on Sunday will see around 30 ministers taking the oath alongside Modi at the presidential palace. Despite his party, the BJP, falling short of a majority, Modi secured the support of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to form the government. Larger coalition partners have secured cabinet positions in exchange for their support, with the BJP retaining control of key ministries like home, defence, finance, and external affairs.…

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In Skardu, Pakistan, the city is facing severe 18-hour daily power cuts, forcing residents to adapt to life without consistent electricity. Local teacher Aniqa Bano uses her fridge as a cupboard due to the lack of power. While higher-end hotels can use solar panels or generators, many locals cannot afford such luxuries. The surge in mountain tourism is rapidly depleting the limited energy supply, with Skardu experiencing up to 22 hours of load shedding. The region has seen a tourism boom, attracting almost 880,000 domestic visitors in 2023. As the population and tourism activities increase, the load shedding hours also…

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An Indian court granted bail to opposition leader Rahul Gandhi in a defamation case accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of corruption. Gandhi, facing numerous legal battles brought by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, was last year briefly disqualified from parliament due to a criminal libel conviction. Several opposition leaders are facing politically motivated criminal proceedings by Modi’s government, including Congress party members. Gandhi’s case involves allegations of corrupt commissions in infrastructure projects in Karnataka state. Although Gandhi was sentenced to two years in another case last year, his conviction was suspended by the Supreme Court, lifting his brief disqualification from…

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The Truth Behind UFO Sightings: Japanese Lawmakers Launch Investigation UFO sightings should not be dismissed as mere fantasy, according to Japanese lawmakers who formed a group to delve deeper into the matter. The non-partisan group, comprising former defence ministers and over 80 members, aims to enhance Japan’s ability to detect and analyze Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP), commonly referred to as UFOs. Amid a surge in UFO reports and discussions in the United States, Japan is stepping up its efforts to understand and address potential threats posed by unidentified flying objects. The recent spread of unauthorized footage depicting a military facility…

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to be sworn in for a third term after a closely contested election led to his party forming a coalition government. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had been expecting a landslide victory but fell short of a majority, resulting in the formation of a 15-member coalition called the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The NDA coalition has agreed to form a government with Modi as the leader. The BJP holds 293 seats in the parliament, giving them control of the 543-seat body. Modi is expected to be sworn in on Saturday, facing the challenge…

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The recent Indian general election results have stunned many as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) failed to secure an outright majority for the first time in a decade. Despite remaining in office, Modi’s mandate was significantly reduced, forcing the party to rely on coalition allies for governance. The reasons behind this unexpected outcome include a divisive campaign strategy that alienated minority communities and failed to fully mobilize the Hindu majority. Additionally, voters were more concerned about economic issues like unemployment rather than the government’s ideological agenda. In a dramatic turn of events, Modi’s party also lost its…

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A small protest took place in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) as Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed victory in the Indian elections. Protesters voiced their criticism of Modi’s government crackdown in Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK). The tensions stem from the partition of British-ruled India in 1947, leading to ongoing conflicts between Pakistan and India over the mountainous region of Kashmir. Kashmiri refugee organisation head Uzair Ahmad Ghazali expressed concerns about increased oppression and restrictions for Kashmiri Muslims under Modi’s re-election. The revocation of IoK’s autonomy in 2019 by Modi raised tensions, resulting in diplomatic strains between Pakistan and India.…

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Mexico’s historic election saw Claudia Sheinbaum becoming the country’s first female president, winning by a landslide. The victory was celebrated by supporters in Mexico City with music and flags, as Sheinbaum promised not to fail her voters. She thanked her opposition and pledged to work towards transforming the country. Sheinbaum’s election, with around 58-60 percent of votes, marked a significant moment for Mexican women who face high levels of violence. The turnout was fueled by a desire for change, particularly in addressing women’s rights and femicides. The election, marred by violence in some areas, raised concerns about cartel interference and…

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A top opponent of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Arvind Kejriwal, vowed to continue fighting against “dictatorship” as he returned to jail following the highly anticipated elections. Kejriwal, who is under criminal investigation, was detained in March in what his colleagues believe was a political conspiracy orchestrated by Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Despite being allowed to campaign, Kejriwal was ordered to return to jail after the general elections. Exit polls indicated a likely victory for Modi, with supporters in Varanasi affirming their belief in his return to power. Kejriwal’s brief bail granted by India’s top court supported the…

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India faced a tragic loss as 33 polling staff members died in Uttar Pradesh due to heatstroke on the last day of voting. The scorching temperatures, exceeding 45 degrees Celsius, led to this devastating toll. The India Meteorological Department reported a high of 46.9°C in Jhansi. Chief electoral officer Navdeep Rinwa confirmed the deaths and announced compensation for the families of the deceased. Meanwhile, in the political arena, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeared set for another victory, as opposition leader Arvind Kejriwal prepared to return to jail after the elections. Kejriwal, under investigation for corruption, was allowed a temporary release…

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