Geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack, are casting a shadow over Dalal Street. Market sentiment will also be influenced by foreign fund trading patterns, quarterly earnings from Indian and US companies, and overall trends in US markets.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct NEET-UG 2025 at approximately 5,500 centers across 552 cities in India and 14 international locations. To ensure smooth operations and prevent irregularities, 180 central institutions will verify center preparedness, and state-level committees will oversee logistics and security.
Hundreds of Indian-origin supporters overwhelmed a smaller Pakistani protest outside the Indian High Commission in London following the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The Indian side, displaying the Tricolour and chanting patriotic slogans, outnumbered the Pakistani protesters who were raising slogans against PM Modi. The incident has sparked debate in the UK, with right-wing commentators questioning the success of multiculturalism.
Pakistani Ahmadiyya brides in Qadian, Punjab, are relieved following a Union home ministry clarification. Visa cancellations related to the Pahalgam situation will not affect their long-term visas (LTVs). This announcement eased anxieties among the women, who feared expulsion from their homes and families in India.
A Bengaluru-bound IndiGo flight at Varanasi airport faced a bomb scare on Saturday night when a Canadian national, Yohanathan Nishanth, claimed to be carrying explosives. The aircraft was thoroughly checked by security personnel, and Nishanth was arrested for his disruptive behavior, which included shouting religious slogans.
India is increasing pressure on Pakistan along land and sea borders. The Army is retaliating strongly to ceasefire violations along the LoC, while the Navy conducts missile firings in the Arabian Sea. The IAF is also flying long-range fighter sorties, signaling readiness for potential punitive strikes if the government decides to act.
Following the Pahalgam attack, Jammu and Kashmir leaders Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti, and Sajad Lone cautioned against collective punishment of Kashmiris during the crackdown on terrorists. They emphasized that while terrorism must be decisively fought, innocent people should not become collateral damage.
Former members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) Kashmir have launched a new political party called Jammu & Kashmir Justice and Development Front. The party aims to bridge the gap between governance and the grassroots level. Sayar Reshi, a former JeI member, stated the party will participate in all upcoming elections in the Valley.
Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan announced a restructuring plan involving layoffs and management changes to regain competitiveness. The company aims to cut $1.5 billion in operating expenses over two years, focusing on engineering talent and streamlining processes. A return-to-office mandate of four days a week will also be implemented to foster collaboration and innovation.
