Eleven poll workers in Mirzapur and Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, died of suspected heatstroke on Friday as temperatures soared to 47°C. Six home guards and three polling personnel in Mirzapur, and two polling personnel in Sonbhadra, were among the victims. Several others are being treated in government hospitals. Officials confirmed the deaths, with post-mortem exams underway. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav demanded ₹5 crore compensation for each victim's family. The extreme heat in the region has caused numerous health issues and deaths, with Kanpur also reporting 11 suspected heatstroke fatalities recently.

OpenAI reported that an Israeli firm, STOIC, used AI to influence Indian elections. The firm generated content criticizing BJP and praising Congress. The activities were flagged in May. Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar called it a threat to democracy and urged a thorough investigation. Meta also found a China-based network promoting a pro-Khalistan agenda, targeting Sikhs globally. They used fake accounts and manipulated images. Both reports highlight the use of AI for covert operations to manipulate public opinion.

BJP likened Congress to a child after the latter's decision to boycott exit poll debates ahead of the Lok Sabha elections' results. BJP Chief JP Nadda accused Congress of conceding defeat by abstaining and criticized their inconsistency in participation based on perceived electoral outcomes. Congress defended the move, citing a lack of necessity for speculation. BJP deemed Congress's action as an undermining of democratic processes and accused them of historical denial. Amit Shah labeled Congress's stance as a denial of impending defeat, emphasizing their past participation in exit poll debates.

India's Q4 GDP for FY24 exceeded expectations, expanding by 7.8%, surpassing the 6.2% growth from a year ago. The full fiscal year 2023-24 saw GDP rise to 8.2% compared to 7% in FY23. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hailed the growth, highlighting a robust 9.9% expansion in the manufacturing sector. However, the agriculture sector slowed to 0.6% growth, and the services sector to 5.1%. Investment activities, reflected in gross fixed capital formation, grew by 6.46%, while private and government consumption expenditures also saw increases. India's economic resilience continues despite global challenges, indicating sustained growth momentum.

Former President Donald Trump was convicted of 34 Class E felonies in New York, each carrying a potential sentence of up to four years in prison. Despite the conviction, Trump can legally run for president and even serve from prison. Sentencing is set for July 11. Trump, 77, plans to appeal. If sentenced to probation, he might still vote if New York's lenient standards apply. Trump faces three other criminal cases, complicating his 2024 campaign. The legal saga adds significant uncertainty to his political future.

Israeli forces ended their operations in north Gaza's Jabalia after intense fighting and over 200 airstrikes, preparing to target Hamas strongholds in Rafah. The military discovered rocket launchers, weapons caches, and tunnel shafts. During the Jabalia offensive, Israeli troops killed hundreds of Hamas operatives and disabled a 10 km tunnel network. Over 36,000 Palestinians have died since the conflict began, according to Gaza's health ministry. Israeli officials demand the return of hostages as a condition for halting the conflict. The UN warns of incipient famine due to widespread destruction and slow aid deliveries.

Ukrainian model Sawa Pontyjska has filed a legal complaint against Cannes Film Festival organizers, alleging she was assaulted by a security guard while trying to enter a premiere with a legitimate ticket. The incident, captured on video and viewed over 16 million times on TikTok, shows Pontyjska being restrained and nearly falling. She claims "physical assault and psychological damage" and seeks €100,000 in damages. Singer Kelly Rowland and actresses Yoona and Massiel Taveras also reported issues with the same guard. Festival organizers have yet to comment on the allegations.

A severe heatwave in Bihar has resulted in 18 heat-related deaths over the past 48 hours, including eight officials on election duty. The State Emergency Operation Centre reported that Rohtas district accounted for 11 deaths, Bhojpur for six, and Buxar for one. Temperatures soared above 44°C, with Buxar reaching a record 47.1°C. The state government has closed all educational institutions until June 8 to mitigate the impact. Multiple incidents of school teachers fainting have been reported across various districts. The last phase of Lok Sabha elections is set for Saturday in the affected constituencies.

Air India has been issued a notice by the Aviation Ministry after a 20-hour delay on a Delhi-San Francisco flight. Passengers were seen lying in an aerobridge corridor and reported fainting due to lack of air-conditioning. The flight was initially delayed due to operational reasons, and subsequent flight duty time limitations extended the delay. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) criticized Air India for not providing adequate care for passengers and demanded an explanation within three days. About 200 passengers were affected, with many feeling unwell in the intense heat.

American singer Katy Perry is set to perform at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding party in Cannes. The event will take place on a cruise with a masquerade ball on May 31. The celebration, named "La Vite E Un Viaggio," will feature 800 guests and will be held at a £40 million estate. The party will include a performance by Katy Perry, a DJ, and a fireworks display. Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant are scheduled to marry on July 12 in Mumbai.