Here's what you need to know about the world's largest democratic election kicking off in India

FILE - In this Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, photo, a man holds a brick reading "Jai Shree Ram" (Victory to Lord Ram) as bricks of the old Babri Mosque are piled up in Ayodhya, in the central Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Most pre-poll surveys suggest Modi is likely to win the 2024 elections comfortably, especially after he opened a Hindu temple built on the ruins of the historic mosque in northern Ayodhya city in January, which fulfilled his party’s long-held Hindu nationalist pledge. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue, File)

More Photo Galleries

Commanders' magical season ends in disappointing loss to Eagles

Four turnovers and a porous run defense were too much to overcome, as Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders lost 55-23 to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, January 26, 2025. (Photos by Brian Murphy for the Washington Times)

Boats return to the Potomac River for plane crash recovery and investigation

Auschwitz memorial holds observances on the 80th anniversary of the death camp's liberation

Inside the expansive collection of Washington football memorabilia

When Samu Qureshi sits down in the middle of his 4,100-square-foot “museum” in Bethesda, the longtime Washington football fan is surrounded by his life’s work.

Iconic, decrepit SS United States seeks home after Philadelphia eviction

The SS United States, a historic ship that still holds the transatlantic speed record it set more than 70 years ago, must leave its berth on the Delaware River in Philadelphia. Photo credit: Mike Glenn / The Washington Times

Poop statue erected across from U.S. Capitol ‘honors’ Jan. 6 participants

There’s something new blocking the view of the Capitol Building — a bronze turd sitting on a desk “honoring” the people who took part in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot.

Hamas terror site-turned-memorial has feel of America's 9/11

Cheryl Chumley travels to the Nova Festival site near Gaza which is now a makeshift memorial.

Taylor Swift at the Kansas City Chiefs game

Commanders show improvements, but can't close out Eagles in overtime

The Washington Commanders dropped to 2-2 on the season after losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in overtime 34-31 at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pa., October 1, 2023. (Photos by Brian Murphy for the Washington Times)