Bengaluru (PTI): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday exhorted people to vote, saying they should exercise their democratic right despite the soaring mercury.

The Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka cast her ballot at a polling booth in Jayanagar coming under Bangalore South Lok Sabha constituency.

Voting was underway on Friday in 14 Lok Sabha constituencies in the State in the first phase.

“Everyone should come out of their homes and cast their vote. Yes, it can be a hot day for Bengaluru but it is worth coming out. Choose your time, please come and do vote," Sitharaman told reporters.

Many booths reported brisk voting in the first hour of polling as people sought to "beat the heat"

Polling began at 7 am and will end at 6 pm.

A total of 247 candidates -- 226 men and 21 women -- are in the fray for the first phase in 14 segments covering most of the southern and coastal districts, where more than 2.88 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in 30,602 polling stations.

The 14 segments facing polls in the first phase are: Udupi-Chikmagalur, Hassan, Dakshina Kannada, Chitradurga, Tumkur, Mandya, Mysore, Chamarajanagar, Bangalore Rural, Bangalore North, Bangalore Central, Bangalore South, Chikkballapur and Kolar.

There are a total of 2,88,19,342 electors in these constituencies — 1,44,28,099 male, 1,43,88,176 female and 3,067 third gender

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Perth (PTI): India recorded a dominant 295-run win in the first Test after dismissing Australia for 238 in their second innings on day four here on Monday.

With the thumping win, India lead the five-match series 1-0.

It did not take long for India to complete formalities after reducing Australia to 227 for eight at tea. Chasing 534, the hosts were all out shortly after the break.

Travis Head (89) and Mitchell Marsh (47) showed fight in an otherwise underwhelming batting performance by the hosts. Alex Carey (36) was the last man to be dismissed.

Three wickets fell in the afternoon session after Mohammed Siraj reduced Australia to 104 for five at lunch.

India made a remarkable comeback after getting bowled out for 150 on the opening day as Australia were limited to 104 in response.

The second test begins in Adelaide from December 6.

Brief Scores:

India: 150 & 487/6 declared in 134.3 overs

Australia: 104 and 238 all out in 58.4 overs (Travis Head 89, Mitchell Marsh 47; Jasprit Bumrah 3/42, Mohammed Siraj 3/51).