As the second phase of Jharkhand’s 2024 Assembly elections concluded, exit polls suggest a tight contest between the JMM-led INDIA alliance and the BJP-led NDA. The ruling JMM, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, seeks to retain power, while the BJP aims to unseat the government. In 2019, JMM and allies secured a victory, winning 13 of the 38 seats. Exit poll results vary, with some predicting a BJP win, while others forecast a JMM-led victory. Key contests include CM Hemant Soren and BJP’s Gamaliel Hembrom in Barhait.

The United States has stated it will veto a UN Security Council resolution calling for an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, citing concerns over the lack of hostages’ release in the draft. A senior US official said the Council's 10 non-permanent members rejected compromise efforts, especially proposals made by Britain. The draft resolution demands an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire” in Gaza but omits a clause on hostage release, which the US insists is essential. The Israeli military campaign, which began in October 2023, has resulted in nearly 44,000 deaths and massive displacement in Gaza.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated an investigation into a massive bitcoin scam in Maharashtra, involving an alleged fraud of Rs 6,600 crore. The agency filed a case against two key suspects—Amit Bharadwaj, who recently died of a heart attack, and Ajay Bharadwaj, who remains at large. The CBI summoned Gaurav Mehta, another accused, for questioning. The investigation follows a Supreme Court order, and it comes after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had already registered FIRs against the Bharadwaj brothers. BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi has claimed that members of the NCP and Congress were involved in using bitcoin to influence election results, but Supriya Sule denies these allegations.

India's team management, led by stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah and head coach Gautam Gambhir, is set to surprise with Ravichandran Ashwin as the lone spinner in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth. Ashwin will replace Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar due to the presence of left-handers in the Australian lineup. Additionally, seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is expected to make his debut, adding depth to India's bowling attack. With a green top expected at the Optus Stadium, India is likely to field three fast bowlers and Ashwin in the XI.

Indian-American researcher Rajan Hooda, from the University of Chicago, has proposed a groundbreaking theory on the construction of the Egyptian pyramids. After over 50 years of research, Hooda introduced the 'Theory of The Conjoint Solution and The Shrinking Dual L Notch Ramps,' explaining how the massive stone blocks were moved with precision. His research suggests that the pyramids were built layer by layer, using a unique L Notch Ramp system, which was later removed, leaving no evidence behind. Hooda’s theory provides new insights into one of history's greatest architectural mysteries.

Ukraine’s military intelligence agency has accused Russia of launching a “massive informational and psychological attack” on Ukraine by spreading false messages about an impending rocket-bomb attack on Kyiv and other cities. The agency, part of the Ministry of Defence, urged citizens to only trust official sources and avoid panic. It emphasized that while the messages are meant to intimidate, Ukrainians should still heed air raid alerts. Russia’s tactics aim to exert psychological pressure on society amid ongoing tensions.

India’s practice session in Perth was marked by an intense battle between Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, with both players showcasing their skills ahead of the first Test against Australia. Kohli appeared in excellent form, while Bumrah’s precision and pace tested the batsman. Yashasvi Jaiswal, however, struggled against pacers, displaying discomfort. Shubman Gill, nursing a thumb injury, missed the session, with Devdutt Padikkal stepping in as a potential replacement. Dhruv Jurel, KL Rahul, and Kohli all showed good form, while Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy also impressed during the session.

Exit polls predict the BJP-Sena-NCP alliance will retain power in Maharashtra, with projections ranging between 150-170 seats for the Mahayuti alliance. The MVA coalition, including Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena UBT, and NCP factions, is expected to secure 110-130 seats. In Jharkhand, exit polls favor the BJP-led NDA to win 42-47 seats, surpassing the 40-seat halfway mark. The JMM-Congress alliance is forecasted to win 25-30 seats. However, experts caution that exit polls may not always be accurate, urging caution in interpreting the predictions.

India successfully defended their Women's Asian Champions Trophy title, defeating China 1-0 in the final at Rajgir Sports Complex. The match remained closely contested in the first half, with both teams creating chances. However, Deepika, who was named Player of the Tournament, scored the lone goal in the third quarter, securing India's victory. Despite a few missed penalty corners, India's defense and control improved, with Lalremsiami being named Player of the Match for her crucial defensive efforts. India maintained dominance, with impressive performances from Sangita Kumari and captain Salima Tete.

Exit polls for the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections predict a strong victory for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance. According to Chanakya Strategies, the alliance is expected to secure 152-160 seats, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is projected to win 130-138 seats. The BJP is estimated to win 89-101 seats, with Congress securing 39-47, Shiv Sena 37-45, and NCP(SP) 35-43. The Shiv Sena (UBT) could win 21-29 seats. Voting in the 288-member assembly ended with a voter turnout of 45.53% by 3 pm, with results expected soon.