The chief of India's main Opposition party - Congress - is in the fray in the country's fifth phase of polling.
Rahul Gandhi, a member of India's Nehru-Gandhi family, is contesting from the seat of Amethi in north India's Uttar Pradesh.
Neha Poonia reports from India:
Sydney Airport flights disrupted due to air traffic controller shortage
A shortage of air traffic controllers has caused flight cancellations and delays at Sydney Airport on Friday morning, the federal agency responsible for managing Australia's air traffic said, as probes continue into several recent near-misses at the airport.
Fire in rebel-held east Congo kills 24 schoolchildren
A fire in Congo's rebel-controlled city of Bukavu killed at least 24 children as it destroyed two schools and burned down around 300 wooden houses, an official from the rebel administration told Reuters on Thursday.
Trump says he does not regret Iran war despite potential impact on elections
President Donald Trump said he did not regret going to war against Iran despite the impact the conflict may have on the November US midterm elections.
Trump touts $5,000 payout if Republicans win as Vance waits in wings
President Donald Trump capped the first day of his Republican Party's first-ever midterm convention by proposing to pay every US adult a $5,000 "Trump dividend" if his party wins November's congressional elections.
Search expands after Philippine ferry fire kills five and leaves dozens missing
A large-scale search and rescue operation was underway off the western Philippine island of Palawan on Thursday after a passenger ferry caught fire, killing five people and leaving dozens of passengers missing.
The UAE has announced plans to invest 40 billion euros in Germany, targeting key sectors including industry, advanced technology, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and energy.
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have witnessed the announcement of a series of agreements, memoranda of understanding and letters of intent aimed at expanding cooperation.
The UAE has expressed hope that Algeria’s decision to sever diplomatic relations will be temporary, while reaffirming its commitment to strong relations with all countries.
