US Election 2024 LIVE Updates: Polling begins in United States to elect 47th President amid tight Harris vs Trump race

US Election 2024 LIVE Updates: Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have entered the final stretch and are running a tight neck-to-neck race to the White House in what is being called the “closest race in history" of the high-stakes 2024 US Presidential elections.

On Monday, Harris rallied Americans to vote in this pivotal election, delivering her final campaign speech in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state. “Just one more day until the most consequential election of our lifetimes, and the momentum is on our side," she said in Philadelphia. “This could be one of the closest races in history—every vote counts."

Vice President Kamala Harris is the Democratic candidate in the 2024 U.S. Presidential election, with the goal of making history as the first woman and the first person of Indian descent to become President of the United States.

On the Republican side, Donald Trump, the former President, is seeking a historic comeback to the White House after his contentious loss in 2020. If Trump wins, it would mark the first time in over a century that a president has served two non-consecutive terms.

In the 2016 election, Trump won the presidency by securing 304 electoral votes to 227 against Hillary Clinton, even though he trailed Clinton by more than 2 percentage points and about 2.8 million votes in the popular vote.

However, in the 2020 election, Trump was defeated by Joe Biden, who won with 306 electoral votes to 232 and led Trump by over 700,000 votes in the popular vote. Trump has continued to deny the 2020 election results, claiming widespread voter fraud, a stance that sparked protests by his supporters and culminated in the January 6 Capitol Riots.

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05 Nov 2024, 04:39:14 PM IST

US Election 2024 LIVE: Polling begins in United States to vote for 47th President

The United States of America went to polling on November 5 as the high-stakes neck-to-neck race between Democratic candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump. The results will be declared once the counting of votes conclude in the next 1-2 days across all states and ballots. 

05 Nov 2024, 04:27:27 PM IST

US Election 2024 LIVE: What Kamala Harris' win means for India?

A potential Kamala Harris administration could foster bilateral relationship between the two countries, owing to her Indian background and favourable foreign policy priorities. It is unclear how Kamala Harris will respond to tariffs, but her agenda had emphasisesed on taxing the rich and giving breaks to the middle class.

According to experts, if Kamala Harris is voted to power, she will carry forward most of the trade policies established under the outgoing Joe Biden administration and strengthen diplomatic, economic and cultural ties. The cooperation in strategy, defence, trade, health, and climate change may continue as witnessed during the Biden administration, they said.

The target areas of these policies include economic resilience, domestic manufacturing, and reduction in reliance on global supply chains. It is expected that Kamala Harris will resonate with India’s strategic interests and continue the legacy of US' firm stance against Russian war in Ukraine. The former prosecutor and US senator may also play a decisive role to curb Chinese influence in Asia.

However, President Biden’s ‘accommodating’ approach towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government may witness a bit of divergence, considering Kamala Harris' reservations as a senator over revocation of Article 370, that took away Jammu and Kashmir's special status in August 2019.

05 Nov 2024, 04:04:05 PM IST

US Election 2024 LIVE: Final campaign calls

Despite enjoying the support of A-list celebrities including Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey, both of whom rallied the Philadelphia crowd before Harris took the stage, Harris called herself the underdog who like Rocky was ready to "climb to victory."

"The momentum is on our side," Harris told a crowd that chanted back, “We will win. Tonight, then, we finish as we started: with optimism, with energy, with joy," Harris said, predicting one of the closest elections in US history.

In Allentown, Harris appealed to the city's substantial Puerto Rican community who were outraged by insults from a comedian at a Trump rally last week. Later she went door-knocking in Reading and held a brief rally in Pittsburgh, where pop star Katy Perry played a set.

Trump led his fourth and final rally after midnight before a packed arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the third presidential election in a row that he has used the city for his last event.

He promoted his signature issues of increasing border security while attacking the economic record of the Biden-Harris years. It was also likely the last campaign rally of his career, since he has said he does not plan to run for president again should he fail attain the high office in Tuesday's election.

05 Nov 2024, 03:43:20 PM IST

US Election 2024 LIVE: When will election results be declared?

The first polls close at 18:00 EST (23:00 GMT) on Tuesday evening and the last at 01:00 EST (06:00 GMT) early on Wednesday. 

In some presidential races the victor has been named late on election night, or early the next morning. This time, the knife-edge race in many states could mean media outlets wait longer before projecting who has won.

Democratic Vice-President Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump, the former president, have been running neck-and-neck for weeks.N arrow victories could also mean recounts.

In the key swing state of Pennsylvania, for example, a recount would be required if there’s a half-percentage-point difference between the votes cast for the winner and loser.

05 Nov 2024, 03:26:30 PM IST

US Election 2024 LIVE: Second term for Trump likely to have limited negative impact on Indian IT sector

During his first term, former President Trump enacted Executive Order 13788, “Buy American and Hire American," which increased restrictions on H-1B visas and led to a notable rise in H-1B and L-1 visa denial rates.

According to global brokerage JM Financial, these measures had a pronounced impact on Indian IT services companies, which were highly reliant on these visas at that time. The brokerage analysed USCIS data on initial approvals and denials for H-1B and L-1 A/B visas over the past decade, noting a significant increase in initial H-1B denial rates from four per cent in 2015 to 17 per cent in 2019. L-1 A/B denial rates also surged by 12 percentage points to 28 per cent. 

The analysis further highlighted that denial rates have dropped to decade lows under the Biden administration. However, a potential Trump administration could trigger a reversal, with stricter policies possibly driving denials higher again. The brokerage noted that major IT services firms now have a much lower dependency on these visas, providing substantial insulation.

It estimates that, as of FY17, around 65 per cent of Infosys US employees relied on H-1B and L-1 visas. This fell below 50 per cent in FY20 and is likely to have trended down. Infosys' 'expand localisation' strategy has been a key part of its approach. Similarly, Wipro reported 69 per cent of the global workforce as localised in FY20. 50-80 per cent reduction in H-1B visa approvals for Infosys, TCS, and Wipro over the past 10 years also reflects lower visa dependence, it stated.

Additionally, Trump’s previous administration attempted to increase wage obligations for H-1B visas through a Department of Labor rule in 2020, though it was later vacated in court. JM Financials' analysis suggests that average wages for H-1B roles are now 25 per cent above the prevailing market wages, which may lessen claims that H-1B employees displace US workers due to lower costs.

05 Nov 2024, 03:07:20 PM IST

US Election 2024 LIVE Updates: Kamala Harris and Donald Trump tie in New Hampshire hamlet in first votes 

The New Hampshire town of Dixville Notch, near the US-Canada border, became the first place in the country to cast a ballot for the 2024 US Presidential elections on November 5 "Election Day". As the voting kicked of in the tiny community in the northeastern state of New Hampshire, early outcome mirrored the incredibly close US presidential polls in the White House race.

There was a tie between the two US presidential candidates, Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump. They each got three ballots in New Hampshire's Dixville Notch – which for decades has kicked off Election Day at the stroke of midnight Monday, hours before the rest of the country's polling stations open.

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are neck-and-neck in the 2024 US election. Opinion polls have largely predicted a close battle between the two. The two leaders are facing cut-throat competition in the swing states too. While millions have already cast their ballots in early voting, the final round of voting took place on Tuesday, November 5.

05 Nov 2024, 02:53:51 PM IST

US Election 2024 LIVE Updates: Harris closes campaign in Philadelphia, Trump in Michigan on eve of deadlocked election

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris both predicted victory as they campaigned across Pennsylvania and other battleground states on Monday in the final, frantic day of an exceptionally close US presidential election.

The campaign has seen head-spinning twists: two assassination attempts and a felony conviction for Republican former President Trump, and Democratic Vice President Harris' surprise elevation to the top of the ticket after President Joe Biden, 81, dropped his reelection bid under pressure from his own party. More than $2.6 billion has been spent to sway voters' minds since March, according to AdImpact, an analytics firm

05 Nov 2024, 02:41:18 PM IST

US Election 2024 LIVE Updates: New Hampshire completes in person voting 

The small New Hampshire town of Dixville Notch, known for its tradition dating back to 1960, was the first in the nation to complete in-person voting. Following a spirited accordion rendition of the national anthem, the town's six voters began casting their ballots at midnight, and by 12.15 am, the vote count was finished

05 Nov 2024, 02:04:23 PM IST

US Election 2024 LIVE Updates: 3-term Democratic lawmaker tries to hold key US Senate seat

US Election 2024 LIVE Updates: Three-term incumbent Democratic US Sen Jon Tester of Montana faced his toughest re-election challenge on Tuesday. 

Republicans have pinned their hopes on Tim Sheehy, a former U.S. Navy SEAL and founder of an aerial firefighting company. Sheehy, 38, had early backing from party leaders including former President Donald Trump, clearing the political newcomer's path to win the June primary.

05 Nov 2024, 01:56:25 PM IST

US Election 2024 LIVE Updates: US Intel warns of most active ‘disinformation’ efforts by Russia

US Election 2024 LIVE Updates: US Intel warns of most active ‘disinformation’ efforts by Russia and also added that Iran can also pose a massive threat. 

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warned that foreign adversaries of the United States, especially Russia are ramping up their efforts to undermine confidence in the presidential election and “stoke divisions among Americans."

05 Nov 2024, 01:42:54 PM IST

US Election 2024 LIVE Updates: People from Kamala Harris's ancestral village create kolam designs to support Harris

US Election 2024 LIVE Updates: People from Kamala Harris's ancestral village 'Thulasendrapuram' in Tiruvarur district created kolam designs, a tradition in Tamil culture, to express their hopes for her success in the US Presidential elections, reported ANI. 

Visuals of Thulasendrapuram village show women drawing kolam with letters stating "Vanakkam America - Kamala Harris - Vetripera Vazhthukal (Namaste America - Kamala Harris - Wisher for her win.)

05 Nov 2024, 01:16:32 PM IST

US Election 2024 LIVE Updates: First Ballot for 2024 US Presidential Elections cast in New Hampshire

The first ballot has been cast in the US for the 2024 Presidential elections in New Hampshire's small township of Dixville Notch.

Dixville Notch becomes the first place in the US to cast a ballot as the country goes into elections on November 5 and November 6.

The township is located along the US-Canada border and sits at the northern tip of New Hampshire. It opened and closed its poll just after midnight ET in a tradition that dates back to 1960, CNN reported. (ANI)

05 Nov 2024, 01:13:34 PM IST

US Election 2024 LIVE Updates: A tiny village in India where Kamala Harris has ancestral roots is praying for her victory

The temple reverberated with rhythmic Sanskrit and Tamil hymns, as a Hindu priest held a flame before the god. As this tiny South Indian village gathered to pray for Kamala Harris, a gaggle of reporters jostled for space and camera angles.

There's little to distinguish the village of Thulasendrapuram from any other rural community in Tamil Nadu, except its connection to a woman who could become America's first leader with South Asian roots.

As millions of Americans vote, Harris has people rooting for her from thousands of miles away in a village surrounded by rice paddies and coconut trees, where her mother's family has ancestral ties. They talk about her at the local tea shop. Banners and billboards bearing her face are seen throughout the community. (AP)

05 Nov 2024, 01:00:53 PM IST

US Election 2024 LIVE Updates: Harris Win May Give Yen a Boost, Trump Could Deepen Slump

A victory for Kamala Harris in the US presidential election has the potential to support Japan’s ailing currency while a win for Donald Trump would probably boost the Tokyo stock market and put the yen at risk of a deeper slump.

That’s just two of the many possible market outcomes as investors and analysts sketch multiple scenarios for the trajectory of Japanese assets.

They caution that the risk of a contested result in the election means that regardless of who initially appears to come out on top, a period of heightened volatility is likely. (Bloomberg)

05 Nov 2024, 12:59:51 PM IST

US Election 2024 LIVE Updates: US Bitcoin ETFs Suffer Record Outflows Ahead of Election Day

US exchange-traded funds investing in Bitcoin recorded their highest daily net outflow to date as markets brace for Election Day.

The group of 12 funds managed by the likes of BlackRock Inc. and Fidelity Investments shed $579.5 million on Monday, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

The outflows come as digital-asset traders prepare for a period of heightened volatility in the immediate aftermath of the US election. (Bloomberg)

05 Nov 2024, 12:59:12 PM IST

US Election 2024 LIVE Updates: US intel warns of 'most active' disinformation efforts by Russia

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Tuesday released a statement warning that foreign adversaries of the United States, especially Russia are ramping up their efforts to undermine confidence in the presidential election and "stoke divisions among Americans."

The United States Intelligence Community (IC) said they expect foreign influence operations will "intensify through Election Day and in the coming weeks" adding that "foreign influence narratives will focus on swing states."

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, in a joint statement with the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said "Russia is the most active threat". (ANI)

05 Nov 2024, 12:58:04 PM IST

US Election 2024 LIVE Updates: Donald Trump 'very narrow favourite'; both Presidents will favour close ties with India, says Political scientist Ian Bremmer 

As the race for the White House remains extremely tight even hours before the start of the vote, prominent American political scientist Ian Bremmer has said that no result would surprise him in this close contest, though he views Trump as the "very narrow favourite."

He further highlighted that some polls have shown Trump "surprisingly weak" in Republican-leaning states, adding that the minds of undecided voters and turnout operations by the two parties might eventually play the deciding role in the results.

Ian Bremmer is the president and founder of Eurasia Group, a geopolitical risk advisory firm, and GZERO Media, a company providing intelligent and engaging coverage of international affairs. 

In an email interview with ANI, Bremmer said, "We view Trump as the very narrow favourite in this race, but this is a low-conviction view, reflecting the closeness of polling and polls over the weekend that showed him surprisingly weak in Republican-leaning states."

"No outcome would surprise me. Deciding factors will be: how undecided voters break in the final days and which party has the more effective turnout operation," he added. (ANI)