The Election Commission refutes the government’s justification for simultaneous polls citing the Model Code of Conduct, emphasizing its role in ensuring fairness. The government argues for unified elections due to financial and operational burdens. The EC maintains the MCC is crucial for equitable elections and brief application correlates with electoral cycles, minimizing disruption.

Multiple wildfires tearing through Los Angeles are pumping toxic clouds into the air, blanketing a vast region with choking fumes. Residents have been advised to stay indoors and wear an N95 mask if they step outside. The fires have reduced homes, businesses, cars, and vegetation to ash. That means plastics, chemicals, fuel, and building materials all went up in smoke, and now hang in the air across a densely populated region. n18oc_world n18oc_crux

AAP called on Saxena to stop indulging in “petty politics” after the LG criticised the Delhi government of failing to provide clean water and Yamuna river to residents.