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Stock markets: Sensex Plummets Over 2,000 Points Amid Lok Sabha Poll Counting


1. Indian stock markets faced a notable decline after a strong rally in the previous session.
2. Early vote-counting trends suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party-led alliance was ahead in over 272 seats.
3. The extent of the victory was uncertain despite the initial lead.


Mumbai, June 04: Today, Indian stock markets experienced a significant downturn following a substantial surge in the previous trading session.

This came as early vote-counting trends indicated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party-led alliance was leading in more than 272 seats, although the exact magnitude of the victory remained uncertain.

As of 9:30 am, the NSE Nifty 50 index dropped by 3.03% to 22,557, while the S&P BSE Sensex declined by 3% to 74,107.


Also Read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Results: Vote Counting for All 543 Seats Begins at 8 AM Today

Just the day before, these benchmarks had surged by over 3%, reaching record highs and marking their most impressive session in nearly 40 months.

This surge came on the heels of exit polls suggesting that the BJP-led alliance was poised to secure a two-thirds majority in the lower house.

According to early trends, the NDA is currently leading in 288 seats, with the INDIA bloc ahead in 213 seats.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Results: Vote Counting for All 543 Seats Begins at 8 AM Today


1. Lok Sabha election results 2024 will be declared today, June 4.
2. Counting for all 543 constituencies starts at 8 am.
3. This election selects the 18th Lok Sabha of India’s Parliament.


New Delhi, June 04: The results of the highly anticipated Lok Sabha elections 2024 will be declared today, June 4. The counting of votes for all 543 constituencies, which went to the polls over seven phases from April 19 to June 1, will commence at 8 am.

This election marks the selection of the 18th Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s bicameral Parliament.

Simultaneously, assembly elections were held in the states of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim.

The outcomes for the assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim were announced on June 2, while those for Andhra Pradesh and Odisha will be revealed today.

These results are crucial as they set the stage for the new legislative bodies in these states.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ensured that the counting trends and results will be accessible on the ECI website at ‘results.eci.gov.in’ and through the Voter Helpline App.


Also Read: Anti-rabies Drive Vaccinates Over 450 Dogs in Arunachal’s Capital Complex

This transparency allows the public to stay informed in real time as the votes are counted and results are tallied.

The exit polls have generated significant interest, with the India Today-Axis My India poll standing out prominently.

These polls have suggested a favorable outcome for the ruling BJP-led NDA (National Democratic Alliance), indicating a potential increase in their performance compared to the 2019 elections.

In the previous general elections, the NDA secured an impressive 352 seats, with the BJP winning by a substantial margin of 4.79 lakh votes, establishing itself as a dominant force in Indian politics. The latest exit polls hint at an upward trajectory for the alliance.

Consolidation of five exit polls, including the India Today-Axis My India poll, has forecasted that the BJP-led NDA could win 379 seats, possibly crossing the ‘400 mark.’

Conversely, the INDIA bloc, with the Congress as its primary component, is predicted to secure 136 seats in the Lok Sabha election in 2024.

The India Today-Axis My India exit poll has made specific predictions for key battles across various constituencies. Notably, it suggests that K Annamalai, the Tamil Nadu BJP chief, might lose in the Coimbatore constituency. In Assam’s Jorhat, BJP MP Topon Gogoi is expected to triumph over Congress’s Gaurav Gogoi.

In other significant predictions, the exit poll indicates that Union Minister Kiren Rijiju is likely to retain his Arunachal West seat, while Amit Shah is anticipated to hold on to Gandhinagar in Gujarat.

Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut is expected to win her first election from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh.

Additionally, BJP’s Manoj Tiwari is predicted to keep his North East Delhi seat against Congress’ Kanhaiya Kumar, and Rajeev Chandrasekhar of the BJP is favored over Shashi Tharoor in Thiruvananthapuram.

Rahul Gandhi is anticipated to win again in Wayanad, reinforcing his stronghold.

The General Elections of 2024 were among the most extensive in Indian democratic history, spanning from April 19 to June 1 and covering seven phases.

This prolonged election period has captured the nation’s attention as citizens eagerly await the final results.

The outcomes are expected to shape the future of Indian politics significantly, influencing the nation’s legislative and policy directions for the next five years.

The anticipation surrounding the election results is palpable, with political analysts, party workers, and citizens all awaiting the final count.

The extensive coverage and transparency provided by the Election Commission aim to ensure that the process remains fair and that the results reflect the people’s true will.

As the counting progresses and results emerge, all eyes will be on the performance of the major political alliances, particularly the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led INDIA bloc.

The results will not only determine the composition of the next Lok Sabha but also set the tone for the political landscape in India for the foreseeable future.

Anti-rabies Drive Vaccinates Over 450 Dogs in Arunachal’s Capital Complex


1. Over 450 stray and pet dogs were vaccinated across the capital complex, including 155 at Rajiv Gandhi University.
2. The previous vaccination drive covered Ganga Market, Vivek Vihar, Chandannagar, Itanagar Police Colony, Naharlagun, and the NERIST campus.
3. Dr. Tako Taram, the district’s animal husbandry and veterinary officer, oversees the vaccination initiative.


Itanagar, June 03: According to Papum Pare district’s animal husbandry and veterinary officer, Dr. Tako Taram, over 450 stray and pet dogs received vaccinations across various parts of the capital complex, with 155 dogs immunized at the Rajiv Gandhi University campus for anti-rabies drive.

The vaccination drive, which has been ongoing, previously covered areas like Ganga Market, Vivek Vihar, Chandannagar, Itanagar Police Colony, Naharlagun, and the NERIST campus.

This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, Itanagar Municipal Corporation, Doimukh Veterinary Clinic, Doimukh Hospital, the Lekhi-based NGO Dog & Cat Rescue, and veterinary interns from different colleges statewide.


Also Read: Manipur CM N Biren Singh Urges Northeast India Unity in Cyclone Remal Relief Efforts

Saturday’s event saw the presence of RGU’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Akin Tana Tara, Yupia Senior Veterinary Officer Dr. T.R. Nabam, Nodal Officer for Pet Registration and Control Dr. Thomas Doka, and Tarun Jomoh from Dog & Cat Rescue.

Dr. Taram stressed the importance of pet owners ensuring their dogs receive vaccinations and are provided with a nutritious diet.

Additionally, he urged individuals bitten by dogs to promptly seek treatment at rabies clinics like TRIHMS in Naharlagun, BPGH in Pasighat, and the General Hospital in Ziro, while also advising them to cleanse their wounds with running water.

Manipur CM N Biren Singh Urges Northeast India Unity in Cyclone Remal Relief Efforts


1. Cyclone Remal causes widespread devastation and casualties in Northeast India.
2. Manipur CM N Biren Singh highlights the dire situation on microblogging platform X.
3. Grim conditions extend beyond Manipur to neighboring regions, drawing attention to urgent relief efforts.


Imphal, June 03: Following the havoc wreaked by Cyclone Remal, Northeast India is facing widespread devastation and casualties.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh took to microblogging platform X to shed light on the grim situation in his state and neighboring regions.

Chief Minister Singh emphasized, “Not only in my state, my neighboring sister states are also suffering due to Cyclone Remal.”


Also Read: Sikkim’s ruling SKM party dismisses three leaders for engaging in anti-party activities

The cyclone’s impact has hit Assam particularly hard, with over six lakh families affected and 15 reported fatalities. In Mizoram, the toll exceeds 30 lives lost, with many families struggling in its aftermath.

In Manipur, nearly 1.5 lakh families have been affected, resulting in four reported casualties and one individual still missing.

The repercussions of the cyclone are also evident in Meghalaya and Nagaland, where numerous individuals are grappling with significant challenges.

Sikkim’s ruling SKM party dismisses three leaders for engaging in anti-party activities


1. The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), Sikkim’s ruling party, expels three leaders for anti-party activities.
2. Former minister and ex-advisor among those ousted.
3. Decision communicated by party’s general secretary on June 3.


Gangtok, June 03: The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), the ruling party in the state, has expelled three prominent leaders, including a former minister and an ex-advisor, citing their involvement in anti-party activities.

The decision, made on June 3, was communicated by the party’s general secretary, Pawan Gurung, under the direction of SKM president Prem Singh Tamang (Golay).


Also Read: Ahead of vote counting for the Assam Lok Sabha elections 2024, Kokrajhar imposes Section 144

Those affected by the expulsion include Karma Loday Bhutia, a former minister and Vice-President Incharge of the Culture Wing, Durga Prasad Pradhan, an ex-advisor who held the position of District Level Vice-President of the Chalak Morcha in Geyzing District, and Avinash Yakha, the General Secretary Press & Media of the Youth Wing.

Effective immediately, the expulsion nullifies their primary membership and all positions within the party, as per the memo issued on June 3, 2024.

Ahead of vote counting for the Assam Lok Sabha elections 2024, Kokrajhar imposes Section 144


1. Kokrajhar district enforces Section 144 around the vote counting center at the Basic Training Center.
2. Measure taken to maintain law and order.
3. Precautionary step ahead of vote counting day.


Guwahati, June 03: Ahead of the vote counting day, the Kokrajhar district administration has enforced Section 144 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in a 100-meter radius around the strong room at Basic Training Center Kokrajhar.

This precautionary measure is aimed at upholding law and order.

Under Section 144, the opening of shops or commercial establishments in the designated area is prohibited to prevent any potential disturbances.

Pradeep Kumar Dwivedi, IAS, District Magistrate of Kokrajhar, has invoked his authority under Section 144 of the CrPC to forbid the operation of any shops or commercial establishments within 100 meters of the Counting Centre at Basic Training Centre, Kokrajhar.

This directive is effective immediately and will continue until the results of the Lok Sabha Election 2024 are officially declared.

The order has been issued unilaterally to ensure tranquillity and orderliness in the district, facilitating the smooth conduct of the vote-counting process.

Vote counting for the General Election to the House of People is scheduled for June 4, 2024.


Also Read: PM Narendra Modi Proud of Bharat’s Development Trajectory

Simultaneously, in Tinsukia district, District Magistrate Swapneel Paul has implemented prohibitory measures under Area 144 CrPC to maintain peace and thwart disturbances by anti-social elements.

These measures include a ban on processions and slogans within the counting center premises until the completion of vote counting and result declaration, prohibition of PA systems and loudspeakers, restriction on carrying sticks, lathis, firearms, and assembly of more than five persons within a 1 km radius of the counting center.

PM Narendra Modi Proud of Bharat’s Development Trajectory


1. PM Modi reflects on his Kanniyakumari meditation, praising Bharat’s development trajectory.
2. Expresses a sense of boundless energy and spiritual rejuvenation from the experience.
3. Highlights the significance of the 45-hour meditation in shaping his perspective and vision.


New Delhi, June 03: In a heartfelt letter addressed to the people of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflected on his recent 45-hour meditation in Kanniyakumari, expressing that the “development trajectory of Bharat fills us with pride and glory”.

“The biggest festival of democracy, the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, are concluding today in our nation, the Mother of Democracy. After a three-day spiritual journey in Kanniyakumari, I have just boarded the plane for Delhi. Throughout the day, Kashi and numerous other seats have been in the midst of voting. My mind is filled with so many experiences and emotions,” he wrote.

The Prime Minister shared that he feels a “boundless flow of energy within myself”. He mentioned how, upon concluding his poll campaign, his meditation in Kanniyakumari led to the “humbling experience” of political debates and tensions dissipating.

“The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are the first in the Amrit Kaal. I began my campaign a few months ago from Meerut, the land of the First War of Independence of 1857. Since then, I have traversed across the length and breadth of our great nation. The final rally of these elections took me to Hoshiarpur in Punjab, the land of the great Gurus and a land associated with Sant Ravidas Ji. After that, I came to Kanniyakumari, at the feet of Maa Bharti. It is natural that the fervour of the elections was echoing in my heart and mind. The multitude of faces seen at rallies and road shows came in front of my eyes. The blessings from our Nari Shakti (women’s power), the trust, the affection, and all of this were very humbling experiences. My eyes were getting moist…I entered into a sadhana (meditative state). And then, the heated political debates, the attacks and counterattacks, the voices and words of accusations which are so characteristic of an election…they all vanished into a void,” PM Modi’s letter read.

The Prime Minister praised the meditation in Kanniyakumari, where he experienced a “sense of detachment” and felt removed from the external world.


Also Read: Highways Authority Raises Toll Rates by 5% Nationwide, Including 9 Locations in Assam, Day After Polls


“A sense of detachment came to grow within me…my mind became completely detached from the external world. Meditation becomes challenging amidst such huge responsibilities, but the land of Kanniyakumari and the inspiration of Swami Vivekananda made it effortless. As a candidate myself, I left my campaign in the hands of my beloved people of Kashi and came here. I am also grateful to God for instilling me with these values from birth which I have cherished and tried to live up to,” he wrote.

“I was also thinking about what Swami Vivekananda must have experienced during his meditation at this very place in Kanniyakumari. A part of my meditation was spent in a similar stream of thoughts. Amidst this detachment, amidst the peace and silence, my mind was constantly thinking about the bright future of Bharat, the goals of Bharat. The rising sun at Kanniyakumari gave new heights to my thoughts, the vastness of the ocean expanded my ideas, and the expanse of the horizon continuously made me realize the unity, the oneness, embedded in the depths of the universe. It seemed as if the observations and experiences undertaken in the lap of the Himalayas decades ago were being revived,” the Prime Minister further wrote in the letter.

PM Modi expressed his closeness to Kanniyakumari, highlighting its significance in his personal and spiritual journey.

“The Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari was built under the leadership of Shri Eknath Ranade ji. I had the opportunity to travel extensively with Eknath ji. During the construction of this Memorial, I had the opportunity to spend some time in Kanniyakumari as well. From Kashmir to Kanniyakumari…this is a common identity that is deeply ingrained in the heart of every citizen of the country. This is the Shakti Peeth (seat of Shakti) where Maa Shakti incarnated as Kanya Kumari. At this southern tip, Maa Shakti performed penance and waited for Lord Shiva, who was residing in the Himalayas at the northernmost parts of Bharat,” he wrote.

PM Modi reflected on the unity and convergence of ideologies in Kanniyakumari, symbolized by the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar, Gandhi Mandapam, and Kamarajar Mani Mandapam. He emphasized the message of unity and inspiration for nation-building inherent in these landmarks.

Remembering Hindu monk and philosopher Swami Vivekananda, PM Modi wrote that the latter once said, “Every nation has a message to deliver, a mission to fulfill, a destiny to reach”. He emphasized Bharat’s historical and contemporary role as a cradle of ideas and a beacon of progress, urging citizens to remember their responsibilities and contribute to the nation’s journey towards excellence.

He reiterated the importance of reform, performance, and transformation, urging a multidimensional approach to reform that aligns with the aspirations of a developed India by 2047.

PM Modi emphasized the need for excellence and adherence to standards in all endeavors, highlighting India’s strength as a youthful nation and its potential to lead global progress.

The Prime Minister concluded his letter with a call to dedicate the next 25 years solely to the nation, envisioning a future where India’s progress benefits the world.

He expressed confidence in India’s capabilities and urged citizens to work towards realizing their collective aspirations, echoing Swami Vivekananda’s vision of a nation driven by purpose and service.

PM Modi wrote the letter during his flight back to Delhi from Kanniyakumari, reflecting on his visit to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the spiritual insights gained during his time there.

Highways Authority Raises Toll Rates by 5% Nationwide, Including 9 Locations in Assam, Day After Polls


1. NHAI announces a 5% toll hike on expressways across India starting June 3.
2. Nine toll gates in Assam to implement new rates.
3. Increases range from Rs 5 to Rs 35 for vehicle owners.


Guwahati, June 03: Motorists using expressways across India will face a toll hike starting Monday, June 3, as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced an average increase of 5 percent in toll rates.

In Assam, nine toll gates will implement new rates, with increases ranging from Rs 5 to Rs 35 for vehicle owners.

This toll rate adjustment was initially scheduled for April 1 but was delayed due to the Lok Sabha elections, pushing the implementation to June 3, 2024.

The annual revision of the highway user fee, a routine adjustment by the NHAI, was postponed to avoid influencing the election process.


Also Read: IMD Guwahati Predicts Moderate Rain and Thunderstorms in Assam

With the elections now concluded, the revised toll rates are set to take effect, affecting drivers on expressways across the country.

The toll increase is intended to cover maintenance costs and improvements to the national highway infrastructure, ensuring better service and safety for road users.

This annual revision is part of NHAI’s ongoing efforts to manage and upgrade India’s extensive road network effectively.

Motorists should prepare for the new rates as they plan their travels, with the changes becoming operational from Monday.

The NHAI has communicated that this hike is part of its standard annual adjustment to address inflation and rising maintenance expenses.

IMD Guwahati Predicts Moderate Rain and Thunderstorms in Assam


1. IMD Guwahati forecasts moderate rain, thunderstorms, and lightning in several Assam districts.
2. Affected areas include Darrang, Goalpara, Kamrup, Kamrup Metropolitan, Marigaon, and Udalguri.
3. ASDMA issued the advisory to alert the public and ensure their safety.


Guwahati, June 03: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Guwahati has forecasted moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning in several locations, including Darrang, Goalpara, Kamrup, Kamrup Metropolitan, Marigaon, and Udalguri over the next three hours.

This advisory, issued by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), aims to alert the public and ensure their safety.

The flood situation in Assam remains critical, with more than six lakh people across ten districts suffering from the effects of the floodwaters, officials reported on Sunday.

Heavy rainfall in various parts of the state has led to the rising water levels of rivers, compelling many residents to evacuate to safer areas.

The rivers Kopili, Barak, and Kushiyara are currently flowing above the danger level.


Also Read: Report: RBI Transfers 1 Lakh Kilograms of Gold from UK to Indian Vaults

A total of 6,01,642 people in the districts of Hailakandi, Hojai, Morigaon, Karimganj, Nagaon, Cachar, Dibrugarh, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong West, and Dima Hasao are affected by the floods. According to officials, the death toll from floods and storms since May 28 has reached 15.

Nagaon is the worst-hit district, with over 2.79 lakh people affected, Hojai with 1,26,813 affected residents and Cachar with 1,12,265 people impacted. More than 40,000 displaced individuals are seeking refuge in relief camps scattered across various districts.

Rescue and relief efforts are being conducted by multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local administration, and community volunteers.

Transportation infrastructure has also been severely impacted, with road and rail communications disrupted in several areas of the state.

The damage to the railway track between New Haflong’s Chandranathpur section and waterlogging at Silchar station of the Lumding division has led to the cancellation of at least ten trains scheduled to run from Saturday to Monday, according to a spokesperson from the Northeast Frontier Railway.

Report: RBI Transfers 1 Lakh Kilograms of Gold from UK to Indian Vaults


1. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) moves 100 tonnes of gold from the UK to Indian vaults, the first since 1991.
2. Over half of RBI’s gold reserves are held overseas.
3. Bank of England and Bank of International Settlements provide secure custody.


New Delhi, May 31: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has relocated approximately 100 tonnes (1 lakh kilograms) of gold from the United Kingdom to its vaults in India. This marks the first large-scale transfer of gold reserves since 1991.

Over half of the RBI’s gold reserves are currently held overseas, with secure custody provided by the Bank of England and the Bank of International Settlements. However, about a third of these reserves will now be stored domestically.

The move is expected to help the RBI reduce storage costs associated with keeping gold reserves abroad.

As of March 31, 2024, the central bank held 822.10 tonnes of gold as part of its foreign exchange reserves, compared to 794.63 tonnes at the same time last year.

Economist Sanjeev Sanyal highlighted the significance of this transfer, noting that it signifies a departure from past failures such as the gold shipment out of India during the 1991 balance of payments crisis.


Also Read: Heatwave Claims 54 Lives in India, Duststorm Expected in Delhi Today

In 1991, India pledged gold to raise funds during a severe balance of payments crisis. This history underscores the symbolic importance of repatriating gold reserves back to India.

Over the years, the RBI has consistently increased its gold reserves, diversifying its assets and hedging against inflation and foreign currency risks.

The strategy of holding gold is part of the central bank’s broader aim to diversify its foreign currency assets and manage risks effectively.

The majority of India’s gold reserves are stored domestically in vaults located on Mumbai’s Mint Road and Nagpur.

Global central banks hold about 17% of all the gold ever mined, with reserves reaching 36,699 metric tons by the end of 2023.

Central banks have been net buyers of gold since 2010, with significant acquisitions occurring over the last 14 years.

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