The stock market experienced volatility today, with the Nifty dropping below the 24,000 level. The Sensex lost 166 points, influenced by selling pressure in banking and telecom stocks. This decline follows three consecutive days of losses, fueled by concerns surrounding the health of various sectors, as reflected in the Q1 financial results released by 132 companies, including major players like Tata Power, Raymond, NCC, and Bajaj Electricals. These reports are crucial indicators of market trends.
In a significant development, Bangladesh’s president dissolved parliament, paving the way for an interim government and new elections. This decision comes a day after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country following a violent crackdown on student-led protests. The president also announced the release of Begum Khaleda Zia, a former prime minister and leader of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, from house arrest. The student protesters had threatened further demonstrations if parliament remained undissolved.
On the international sports front, defending Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra secured his place in the men’s javelin throw final at the Paris Olympics 2024. He achieved a season-best throw of 89.34m in his very first attempt during the qualification round, surpassing the automatic qualifying mark of 84m. This impressive performance, the second best of his career, comes despite recent fitness concerns following an adductor injury. Chopra’s personal best remains at 89.94m, achieved in 2022.
In a significant political development in the United States, Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate in the upcoming presidential election. This strategic move aims to build an electoral coalition of coastal progressives and Midwest moderates to counter Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House. This ticket-balancing approach complements Harris’s background as a Californian and her ambition to become the first Black woman president in US history. Harris is expected to announce her running mate formally at a rally in Philadelphia later today. Other finalists for the position included Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona.
