Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal urged citizens to keep peace after election results, stressing that polling remained largely high and largely violence-free. He said over 500 companies of central forces will stay in the state post-election, supported by strict vigil and control rooms, to prevent any untoward incidents and maintain order during the transition period.
The rupee weakened to 94.86 per USD, trading in a narrow range as modest dollar inflows and easing oil prices offered only partial support. Importers’ active dollar purchases kept downward pressure on the currency, even after oil fell following hints of US support for ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Investors now look to upcoming earnings and economic data for direction.
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Early Election Commission trends from Puducherry’s 2026 Assembly counting show the All India N.R. Congress (AINRC) leading across the board, including a likely continued win for Chief Minister N Rangasamy in Thattanchavady. Counting is still underway across all constituencies, and final seat outcomes depend on results from remaining areas.
India’s leather and leather products exports fell 2.36% year-on-year to USD 4.26 billion in 2025-26, as industry links the slowdown to the West Asia crisis. Exporters are now seeking duty exemptions on critical inputs to shield costs and support shipments. They still project overall exports could rise toward USD 5.6 billion with non-leather goods data pending.
Equitas Small Finance Bank shares rallied about 7% after the lender reported a 406% jump in fourth-quarter net profit for FY26 to Rs 213 crore. The strong showing was linked to business expansion, better asset quality, and faster growth in advances and disbursements, alongside an uptick in profitability metrics including net interest margin.
The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal has upheld the National Company Law Tribunal’s ruling approving the Adani Group as the selected buyer for Jaiprakash Associates Ltd. NCLAT found no grounds to overturn the original decision and emphasized that lenders’ selection was based on commercial wisdom, keeping the deal on track.
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A shooting near Arcadia Lake, close to Edmond and the Oklahoma City area, sent at least ten people to hospital late Sunday night during a large gathering. Authorities say there are no confirmed fatalities and no ongoing threat to the public. The investigation is continuing, and no suspects are currently in custody.
Visa card payments in the UAE are expected to feel noticeably faster after Emirates NBD was appointed as the National Net Settlement Service agent. Domestic card transactions can be settled locally in dirhams, cutting processing time and reducing dependence on international rails for routine purchases.
Saudi Arabia is rolling out a digital identification option for Hajj pilgrims traveling within the country, removing the need to carry physical passports. The change is available through the Ministry of Interior’s Absher platform and is designed to make movement between cities faster and simpler during the Hajj season.
Chennai’s DMK headquarters fell into a sombre mood as early counting trends for the 234-seat Tamil Nadu Assembly election put the party in a distant third place. At Anna Arivalayam, celebratory tents and arrangements were dismantled shortly after initial leads emerged. By the time of reporting, TVK led 111 seats and AIADMK 72, leaving DMK at 51.
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Vedanta shares jumped about 5% after the company demerged into four separate entities. Analysts say the move could sharpen business focus and unlock upside, supported by strong Q4 performance. But they also flag a growing concentration risk and warn that valuations of the newly separated businesses are still in flux, leaving fresh investors in a phase of price discovery.
Indore will host BRICS agriculture ministers from June 12 to 13, with officials meeting earlier from June 9 to 11. The agenda will cover food security, smart agriculture, global trade, and measures aimed at improving farmer welfare. The talks are expected to shape regional cooperation plans ahead of future agricultural commitments.
A French national, Guillaume Sebastien Roger Mattler, has been charged with abusive sexual contact for allegedly sexually assaulting a sleeping woman in first class on a Swiss International Air Lines flight from Zurich to Miami. Witnesses reported the incident, recorded it, and confronted him, after which he admitted touching the victim, according to authorities.
Indian government bonds rallied as value investors stepped in after yields jumped, pushing benchmark rates lower. Market confidence improved on early election trends that favor the ruling party and signs of oil prices stabilizing, even as geopolitical tensions persist. The move offers relief to investors watching inflation and import costs closely.
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Bollywood production houses are increasingly stepping into film distribution after two difficult years, driven by structural pressures. Soaring production costs and shifting revenue models are squeezing traditional returns, pushing companies to control the full value chain. The move suggests distribution is becoming the new leverage point for survival and profit stability in a changing market.
Menstrual hygiene startup HealthFab, seen on Shark Tank India, has raised Rs 20 crore in Series A led by Atomic Capital. The firm will use the money to broaden its holistic period care range, scale distribution through quick commerce and general trade, and expand manufacturing. Founded in 2019, it built trust with GoPadFree leak-proof reusable underwear and now targets deeper cycle-wide wellness.
Counting has started for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election in Madurai Central, a crucial urban battleground. Among 12 candidates, DMK’s Palanivel Thiaga Rajan and AIADMK’s Sundar C are drawing the most attention. The result is expected to influence Madurai Central’s political direction while feeding into the broader statewide electoral mood.
A former JPMorgan employee, Chirayu Rana, allegedly used an online legal chatbot to detail sexual assault accusations against a Morgan Stanley boss months before his later complaint against JPMorgan executive Lorna Hajdini went public. The chatbot messages reportedly described rape and harassment and claimed he was pressured into signing a separation agreement, igniting an online divide.
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Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader and actor-politician TVK Vijay has surged in early trends, leading in 68 seats while DMK trails with 29. Vijay is also ahead in Trichy East. Despite exit polls pointing to a DMK win, TVK’s rise raises kingmaker fears. Yet Vijay’s own labels—DMK as a political enemy and BJP as ideological enemy—hint at a complex post-poll landscape.
Kerala’s election result battle is already turning volatile as early counting trends show CM Pinarayi Vijayan trailing in Dharmadam. Chennithala is leading in Haripad, while multiple ministers also appear behind. Congress-UDF looks ahead across several seats, and LDF is gaining ground too, with BJP-led NDA leading in a few constituencies. Final outcomes are still awaited.
Votes are being counted in Chennai’s Kolathur constituency for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Early trends are expected to show how Chief Minister M K Stalin and the ruling DMK are performing, as well as whether the seat’s long-standing DMK dominance is holding. Kolathur has been a DMK stronghold since 2011, making the outcome a key test of its urban hold.
Thailand is considering a compulsory health insurance requirement for all foreign visitors, including tourists and workers. The move targets a growing problem of unpaid medical bills, which leave the healthcare system shouldering costs for patients who can’t pay. If approved, travelers may need coverage upfront, potentially changing how trips and work assignments are planned.
Zen Technologies shares fell 11% after the company reported a steep 69% year-on-year drop in March quarter net profit. Revenue from operations also declined 45%, adding pressure to the outlook. The firm declared a final dividend of Re 1 per share and said its order book remains at Rs 1,336 crore, despite the earnings shock.
Global markets are surging on AI-led optimism, with the S&P 500 reaching record highs supported by strong earnings and a steady economic backdrop. But analysts warn that physical oil is flashing a warning sign: potential disruption that hasn’t fully made its way into asset prices, leaving investors exposed if energy conditions tighten suddenly.
Actor Vijay’s newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has upended Tamil Nadu politics, emerging as the single largest party in early Assembly results. The breakthrough breaks the familiar dominance of DMK and AIADMK and places TVK at the center of government formation talks. Vijay, the actor-turned-politician, is reported to be leading from both seats.
In the West Bengal election campaign, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said he is leading from Nandigram and predicted a clear majority for the party. He claimed Hindu votes have consolidated, while Muslim votes are divided. Adhikari also suggested the vote share is uneven across districts, pointing to local splits that could shape the outcome.
Avenue Supermarts (DMart) shares fell about 4% after reporting a strong March quarter for FY26, with net profit and revenue up 19% and store count jumping by 58 to cross 500. Still, investor sentiment stayed mixed as analysts weighed the sustainability of store expansion and improving trends, with some keeping positive stances while others flagged remaining concerns.
Kotak Mahindra Bank stock dropped about 5% after Q4FY26 results, even as the bank delivered a solid quarter. Net profit grew 13.3% year on year and NII rose 8.1%, while asset quality improved with both gross and net NPAs declining. Morgan Stanley stayed bullish with an “Overweight” rating despite the selloff.
Early counting trends in West Bengal’s 2026 assembly election point to a sharp political swing, with the BJP taking the lead over the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). Initial television indications suggest BJP has crossed the 150-seat mark in the 294-member House, while TMC is leading in roughly 120 seats, reshaping expectations for the final tally.
North Korea has dismissed US allegations that it commits cybercrimes to finance its weapons programs, calling the claims “absurd slander.” Washington says Pyongyang has stolen billions in virtual assets, a key revenue stream under sanctions, and the US Justice Department has prosecuted people tied to the multi-year scheme.
New Mexico’s trial against Meta could compel major changes across Facebook and other platforms. The state alleges the company fuels youth addiction and does not adequately protect children online. If the judge rules broadly, Meta may be forced to overhaul practices and could even choose to leave the state to avoid compliance costs.
The Election Commission has ordered all victory festivities in West Bengal to be suspended today to maintain law and order after election results were announced. Authorities are addressing reports that party representatives are having difficulty accessing counting stations. Officials say a resolution is expected shortly, with the move aimed at preventing unrest during the immediate post-result period.
Dubai International Airport saw a dramatic 66% drop in passenger numbers in March, linked to regional disruptions from the Iran Israel war. The setback spilled into the first quarter, with overall traffic falling 21%. Even so, the airport is preparing to ramp up flights as travel restrictions ease, banking on strong demand from key markets including India, Saudi Arabia, and the UK.
At least 10 people were taken to hospitals after a shooting during a party near a lake outside Oklahoma City, police said. Authorities received multiple reports of shots being fired at a gathering of young people, according to Edmond police spokesperson Emily Ward. Police are investigating the circumstances and searching for answers about who was responsible.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, is making a remarkable debut in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026. Early trends show TVK leading in over 40 seats and pushing AIADMK into third place in several constituencies. Social media is flooded with memes hailing Vijay as Tamil Nadu’s “next MGR,” fueling a fresh political buzz.
Walmart and ALDI have issued a nationwide recall of at least eight products, including frozen pizzas and pork rinds, after potential salmonella contamination was linked to dry milk powder. Retailers have removed the items from shelves while investigations continue. Health officials warn that symptoms can be severe and consumers should not eat the affected products.
Early trends from the Election Commission of India show BJP taking a commanding lead in Assam Assembly elections 2026, with the party ahead in a large number of constituencies and Congress trailing in comparison. Counting is still underway, and the final seat count will decide who forms the next government and shape the state’s political direction.
India’s heat wave is driving record electricity demand, and AC usage is rising fast. But a cheaper, safer and more energy-efficient refrigerant—propane (R290)—could ease grid pressure and reduce climate impact. Adoption remains slow because outdated regulations still restrict it, leaving a practical solution underused while cooling needs surge.
India has resumed wheat exports for the first time in four years, with ITC loading 22,000 metric tons for the UAE. A record harvest, plus higher global prices and freight rates, has made Indian wheat competitive again after earlier export curbs caused by crop damage from extreme heat.
Actor-politician TVK leader Vijay is seeing a split start to his electoral debut. Early trends show him ahead in Perambur, while he trails in Tiruchirappalli East, a DMK stronghold targeted to judge TVK’s statewide reach. As counting progresses, results suggest a sharply divided voter response across key pockets.
Early Tamil Nadu election results point to a dramatic political shift. CM M.K. Stalin is reportedly trailing in his constituency, while actor Vijay’s TVK is running neck and neck with AIADMK. The ruling DMK appears hit by an anti-incumbency wave, with TVK’s strong showing signaling a major turning point for Vijay’s entry into politics.
Retail investors are adding shares of Eternal even as the stock trades about 30% below its peak and carries a lofty 670x price to earnings multiple. The dip-buying momentum has continued into the second quarter, alongside rising mutual fund interest. Meanwhile, foreign institutional investors have trimmed holdings. The company’s strong revenue growth and improving profitability are supporting sentiment.
Six people were detained after overnight raids in Bareilly over allegations of raising pro-Pakistan slogans in a crowded market. The incident sparked panic and led shopkeepers to partially close their businesses. Police have lodged an FIR naming more than four dozen people and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify additional accused, with heightened alert in the Cantonment area.
Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal were spotted together at Mumbai airport on Sunday evening, stepping out in what many are calling their first major public appearance since welcoming their son, Vihaan. The couple’s appearance has sparked fresh buzz among fans, as it marks a return to the spotlight shortly after their personal milestone.
Saudi AI firm Humain is deepening its ties with Amazon Web Services, unveiling Humain One, a generative AI enterprise operating system. The initiative positions Humain One as a platform approach to deploy and manage enterprise AI workloads, using AWS infrastructure and services as the foundation for scaling applications and capabilities.
Nemom, a key Thiruvananthapuram suburb, is set for a crucial 2026 Assembly contest where BJP, Congress and CPI(M) are locked in a multi-cornered fight. With voters focused on daily civic concerns like traffic and water, and turnout expected to be high, the result could reveal a shift in suburban voter preferences across Kerala’s changing political landscape.
In Uttar Pradesh, eight people were killed when a speeding car ran over bystanders gathered to help after a motorcycle collision near Ashrafpur Bhua village. Police say the driver fled the scene and are searching for the accused. Authorities have identified most victims, while two bodies are still being identified as the investigation continues.
GameStop has made a $55.5 billion takeover bid for eBay, valuing the deal at $125 per share. The proposal combines stock and cash and comes at a significant premium, signaling GameStop’s push to reshape eBay into a stronger Amazon rival. The move could quickly redraw competition in the online retail and marketplace arena if talks progress.
Jarrett Allen delivered a career-high 22 points with 19 rebounds to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 114-102 Game 7 win over the Toronto Raptors. Donovan Mitchell added 22 as Cleveland unleashed a devastating 49-21 run across the second and third quarters. The victory sends the Cavs to the Eastern Conference semifinals against top-seeded Detroit.
Counting has begun in Gaighata, a Matua-dominated SC-reserved constituency in North 24 Parganas, where BJP’s Subrata Thakur is defending his turf against TMC’s Narottam Biswas. Early trends indicate Narottam Biswas is leading and Subrata Thakur is trailing, signaling a potential shift in voting patterns as round-wise results roll in.
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