The all-India wheat production is projedted at 110.65 million tonnes, slightly above the 109.63 million tonnes produced in 2024-25, after factoring in recent weather damage, The Agriwatch Annual Wheat Survey for 2025-26 has said. New Delhi: The Union Government has raised its wheat procurement
Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric has launched in India at Rs 55 lakh (ex-showroom) with up to 792 km range, 800V fast-charging tech, multiple variants and features to improve long-distance EV usability. The Mercedes-Benz India has launched the CLA Electric at Rs 55 lakh (ex-showroom)
Apple could be working on a quad-curved display for its 20th Edition iPhone that could debut in September next year. The phone could run on A21 Pro processor while packing an all-glass design While the iPhone 18 Pro lineup is just months away
Youtuber Salim Wastik arrested for 1995 kidnap-murder: How he was nabbed after 31 yearsThe case pertains of the kidnapping and murder of a 13-year-old son of a businessman in 1995. Updated on: Apr 25, 2026 5:05 PM IST Written by Majid Alam Share via Copy link A man wanted for a 1995 murder of a
Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace has flagged off its Vikram-1 rocket for India's first privately built orbital mission, targeting a June launch. The 23-meter rocket, developed over four years, aims to validate performance and gather flight data
Palestinians in West Bank and some in Gaza vote in local elections
Palestinians are voting in local elections on Saturday, including the first poll of any kind to be held in Gaza since 2006.
Elections are taking place across the occupied West Bank, as well as in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza where Hamas operates.
Hamas was not allowed to stand and several other factions have boycotted it over a requirement that candidates recognise the authority of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO), which dominates the Palestinian Authority (PA) governing the parts of the occupied West Bank not under Israeli control.
Fatah, the faction led by President Mahmoud Abbas and which dominates the PLO, was violently ousted from Gaza after the last elections there, which Hamas won triggering a power struggle between the two groups.
More than a million voters across the Palestinian territories are eligible to take part, according to the Ramallah-based Central Elections Commission, including 70,000 in Deir al-Balah, where 12 polling stations were scheduled to operate. Results are expected late on Saturday or on Sunday.
While Hamas was not on the ballot in Deir al-Balah, Reuters news agency reported that one slate of candidates was widely seen as being aligned with it.
The central city was chosen as the sole Gaza area where elections would take place as it was not as badly damaged as other places during the Israel-Hamas war. A fragile ceasefire is in place as part of President Trump's 20-point peace plan, which halted the fighting in October last year.
Hamas continues to operate in parts of Gaza where Israeli forces have withdrawn from, and Reuters reported that its police force was involved in security operations around polling stations.
The group's popularity has fallen in Gaza because of the war, which some Gazans partially blame on Hamas for launching its attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, triggering Israeli military retaliation.
But it has surged in the West Bank where there is widespread disillusionment with the PA run by Abbas and his Fatah party. The PA is seen by many Palestinians as corrupt and ineffective and having failed to improve the economic lives of ordinary people or end Israel's decades-long military occupation.
With Fatah the only major faction on the ballot across the Palestinian territories - and guaranteed victory in some districts because no opposition candidates are running - these elections are a reminder of the continued lack of unity among the two main Palestinian factions.
The field narrowed after several groups objected to an election law which set the conditions under which candidates would be permitted to stand.
It said candidates could only run if they committed to recognising "the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, its political and national programme, and the relevant decisions of international legitimacy".
The PLO-dominated PA has formally claimed to be the legitimate government in Gaza despite exercising no effective control there.
Hamas and several other Palestinian factions oppose the PLO, including over its recognition of Israel.
Local elections have not been held in the West Bank since 2022, while the last poll of any kind in Gaza was two decades ago.
Hamas replaced Fatah as the largest Palestinian faction in the 2006 legislative council election, a result which raised tensions between the rivals and preceded violent clashes.
Fatah was forcibly ousted from Gaza the following year by Hamas, cementing a political divide between the territory and the occupied West Bank.
Earlier this week the United Nations deputy special coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Dr Ramiz Alakbarov, said the elections "represent an important opportunity for Palestinians to exercise their democratic rights during an exceptionally challenging period".
Speaking after voting in Deir al-Balah, Mohammed al-Hasayna told AFP that the election served as a sign of people's "will to live".
"We want the world to help us overcome the catastrophe of war. Enough wars - it is time to work towards rebuilding Gaza," he said.
In the northern West Bank city of Tulkarem, businessman Mahmud Bader told AFP he had little hope for meaningful change.
"The [Israeli] occupation is the one that rules Tulkarem. It would only be an image shown to the international media - as if we have elections, a state or independence," he said.
Source: BBC
Related Posts: U.N. condemns ‘summary execution’ of two West Bank Palestinians by Israeli forces Israel says Rafah crossing to open soon to let Palestinians leave Gaza via Egypt Thousands of Palestinians return to devastated Gaza as ceasefire takes effect At least 16 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza At least 51 palestinians killed in Gaza airstrike while awaiting food aid What would wider recognition of Palestine mean for Palestinians and Israel Israel’s existence is a discriminatory reality for Palestinians Israel passes law imposing death penalty for Palestinians convicted of terror attacks Hamas Seen Carrying Out Executions Of Palestinians In Disturbing Footage Recognition for Palestine state harms the rights of stateless Palestinians
From Lahore to Asian Tour, Ahmad Baig flies solo for Pakistan golfPakistani golfer Ahmad Baig excels at the International Series in Singapore, overcoming challenges of isolation and logistics as he pursues his dream. Published on: Apr 25, 2026 3:56 PM IST By Shantanu Srivastava Share via Copy link
1 minutes ago
Sanjay Dutt’s fans were in for a treat as the Bollywood actor announced his new film, Khalnayak Returns, on Friday. The film offers a fresh take on the 1993 blockbuster ‘Khalnayak’ starring Dutt, Madhuri Dixit and Jackie Shroff in lead roles. Now, with the sequel announcement after 33 years
1 minutes ago
Union Finance Minister on Saturday urged all entities in the to be 'exceptionally vigilant' on .Without naming , the newly minted platform from leading AI company Anthropic, Sitharaman said artificial intelligence tools are making cyberattacks faster and more adaptive
1 minutes ago
BJP's ‘Sheesh Mahal’ jibe at Kejriwal isn't new. Here's how row 2.0 emergedWhile the AAP denied allegations and questioned the veracity of photos shared by BJP, it was Delhi minister Parvesh Verma who took the lead in the attack Updated on: Apr 25
1 minutes ago
First-word problems: What did the earliest writers write about?A new book explores ancient letters about kings, pleas for help from a bereft mother, classroom exercises and ancient doodles – all dating to before 1500 BCE. Published on: Apr 25
1 minutes ago
Salman Khan, who is preparing for Maatrubhumi, has confirmed that his collaboration with Dil Raju, SVC63, featuring Nayanthara, is set to release in 2027. This project signifies an important partnership with Telugu film producer Dil Raju and director Vamshi Paidipally
1 minutes ago
If you have been struggling to build a consistent, feel-good morning routine, Samantha Ruth Prabhu may have just shared the reset you need. The actor swears by a simple yet powerful 8-step morning routine that, when followed for 21 days, can help reduce inflammation, calm your nervous system
1 minutes ago
Former Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha on Saturday launched her party Telangana Rashtra Sena. The name of the new party echoes the former name of Bharath Rashtra Samithi, which was earlier called Telangana Rashtra Samithi. Kavitha’s announcement came months after she resigned from the
1 minutes ago
Rahul Gandhi addressed an election rally in Serampore. He stated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee both help the rich. Gandhi claimed Modi sells the country and spreads hatred. He contrasted this with Congress's ideology of unity and brotherhood
1 minutes ago
Deloitte will cut parental leave, PTO, pension accruals and IVF-related benefits for some US employees from 2027, as part of a broader restructuring and benefits overhaul. Deloitte is set to cut several employee benefits for a section of its US workforce starting January 1, 2027
1 minutes ago
Social activist Anna Hazare said the exit of Raghav Chadha and six other Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MPs could have been avoided if the party had followed the “right” path. Speaking to reporters in Ahilyanagar district of Maharashtra, Hazare said
1 minutes ago
America has frozen 344 million dollars in cryptocurrency assets. These funds are linked to Iran. This action aims to increase pressure on Tehran. Energy supplies are disrupted due to the war in the Middle East. The Treasury Department vows to degrade Iran's ability to move funds
1 minutes ago
X’s standalone messaging app, XChat, was rolled out to the public on Friday. The app is currently available on iOS devices and lets users connect with their X contacts for messaging, file sharing, audio and video calls, and group chats.Taking to X, lead designer Benji Taylor said
1 minutes ago
Republicans are adjusting their strategy for upcoming midterm elections. They aim to use President Trump's ability to mobilize voters without making the elections about his unpopularity. The focus will shift to promoting tax cuts and inflation-fighting policies
1 minutes ago
‘I just want to go back’: Indian woman in Dublin says missing cousin’s wedding is real cost of living abroadAn Indian woman in Dublin said missing her cousin’s wedding in India showed the real emotional cost of living abroad. Updated on: Apr 25
1 minutes ago
In an alternate universe: How will the Mandela Effect evolve, in the age of AI?Long before software manipulation, people were ‘remembering’ things that hadn’t happened. Could studying how this works help us frame a way forward? Updated on: Apr 25
1 minutes ago
![New Delhi [India], April 25 (ANI): A fire broke out on Saturday in the Majlis Park forest area in the national capital on Saturday](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/fire-breaks-out-in-majlis-park-forest-area-in-delhi.webp?height=520)
New Delhi [India], April 25 (ANI): A fire broke out on Saturday in the Majlis Park forest area in the national capital on Saturday. Fire tenders have been rushed to the spot, and efforts are underway to bring the blaze under control. Just hours earlier
1 minutes ago
![New Delhi [India], April 25 (ANI): A fire broke out in a tent warehouse in the Jyoti Nagar area of the national capital on Saturday](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/fire-in-tent-warehouse-in-delhi-s-jyoti-nagar.webp?height=520)
New Delhi [India], April 25 (ANI): A fire broke out in a tent warehouse in the Jyoti Nagar area of the national capital on Saturday. Fire tenders are present at the scene, and efforts are underway to douse the flames. Deputy Chief Fire Officer of Delhi Fire Service MK Chattopadhyay said the fire
1 minutes ago
David Wilcock’s chilling 911 call reveal final moments, financial struggles: ‘I’m sorry to put you…'David Wilcock, 53, known for his UFO theories, died after battling depression and financial issues. A 911 call revealed his struggles before his death. Updated on: Apr 25
1 minutes ago
Apple’s new boss needs to restore its magic for the AI eraThe elevation of John Ternus hints at the future direction of the company Updated on: Apr 25, 2026 5:07 PM IST The Economist Share via Copy link JOHN TERNUS, named by Apple on April 20th as its new chief executive
1 minutes ago
Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha, the most loved couple in town, continue to win hearts with their adorable bond and frequent public appearances together. Her politician husband has been hitting headlines ever since he announced his exit from the Aam Aadmi Party and his entry in the Bharatiya
1 minutes ago
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is working on a revised framework for Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs), the system behind digital wallets and prepaid cards. On Wednesday, the apex bank proposed a set of measures aimed at supporting their long-term growth
1 minutes ago
Woman shares how she found a PG in Bengaluru without stepping out: ‘Search, call, shortlist’A woman shared how she found a PG in Bengaluru from home and offered a simple three step guide for newcomers. Published on: Apr 25, 2026 3:19 PM IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Share via Copy link A
1 minutes ago
The Congress on Saturday (April 25, 2026) came out in solidarity with its leader, Pawan Khera and said the verdict of the Gauhati High Court rejecting his anticipatory bail petition would be challenged in the Supreme Court. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh expressed
1 minutes ago
Delhi Weather: Several parts of north India, including Delhi, are facing heatwave conditions, with temperatures crossing 40°C in most of the parts. The mercury may rise further by up to 3 degrees Celsius by April 29. Delhi Weather: Delhi witnessed intense heatwave conditions on Friday as the
1 minutes ago
Think that silver coin in your locker is a solid investment? You might want to double-check. The latest scam happened with Vaishno Devi Temple Trust, which had accumulated nearly 20 tonnes of silver coins offered by devotees over the years. Expecting a payout of over ₹500 crore
1 minutes ago
CBSE Three Language Policy: With only one foreign language allowed, most parents and students are choosing English, leaving almost no demand for languages like German or French. Under the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) new three-language policy
1 minutes ago
![Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], April 25 (ANI): Sunrisers Hyderabad's (SRH) swashbuckling opener Abhishek Sharma is just 26 runs away from surpassing Kane](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/abhishek-sharma-just-26-runs-away-from-becoming-third-highest-run-scor.webp?width=120&height=70)
