Ashok Lavasa on EC Dissent: 'How did that happen, if at all it did?'

On the Business Today Show, host Sakshi Batra tracks Dalal Street closing action alongside key corporate developments. Top global rating agencies, including S&P, Fitch, ADB, and Moody's, have raised India's FY27 economic growth projections to around 7%, triggering a rally across domestic equities. Sensex and Nifty closed firmly higher, led by gains in metals, real estate, FMCG, and PSU banking stocks. Market expert Abhishek Basumallick discusses how global rating revisions impact sentiment, the influence of elevated crude oil prices hovering near 100 dollars a barrel, and investment opportunities in the metals and consumption sectors. Additionally, the broadcast reveals that no retail petrol or diesel price hikes are planned by the Indian government despite rising crude volatility. The report also highlights corporate updates, including Airtel Money's planned London Stock Exchange listing, Microsoft job cuts across Xbox teams, and significant single-day moves in shares of Whirlpool India and Optiemus Infracom ahead of the upcoming National Stock Exchange listing.

The Indian Youth Congress staged a protest outside its headquarters demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner following reports highlighting alleged internal divisions within the Election Commission of India. Protesters raised concerns over the centralisation of powers, the special intensive revision process, and the functioning of voter addition and deletion procedures. Heavy police and paramilitary forces were deployed to prevent the demonstration from marching towards Raisina Road, as opposition parties continued to question the government and the election body over the matter.

The Election Commission of India has issued a press note addressing media reports alleging internal rifts between the Chief Election Commissioner and the two Election Commissioners. Defending its working, the commission stated that its actions strictly follow statutory law and that all decisions taken over the past year have been unanimous. Clarifying the nature of internal communication, the poll body stated that differing views are normal and internal notes serve as checks and balances to improve the electoral process, rather than indicating conflict.

A horrific incident in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh claimed five lives after a man, identified as Arvind Singh, opened fire following an argument during a religious ritual at his home. Singh, who reportedly lost faith in rituals and opposed household prayers following his elder brother Sunil Singh's murder in 2018, confronted priests performing a Mahamrityunjay chant. After demanding identity proofs from the priests and facing opposition from his wife, Babita, Singh shot her and two priests dead. He subsequently locked himself inside a room, holding his three young children hostage. Senior police officials, including the DIG of Azamgarh and ADG Zone Varanasi, surrounded the residence during an intense eight-hour standoff. When gunfire was heard from inside, police used stun grenades and tear gas to breach the premises. Singh fired upon the team with his licensed revolver, prompting retaliatory police fire. Singh and his eldest son, Shaurya, were fatally wounded, while two young daughters were rescued and hospitalised.