Eci

• Day 2 of the ASCO conference featured promising new data on lung cancer treatments and the introduction of new immunotherapies. • BioNTech and Pfizer presented positive results regarding their bispecific antibodies, while Kelun-Merck shared significant survival curve data. • FDA oncologist Rick Pazdur delivered "bold" remarks, highlighting the evolving landscape of cancer drug approvals and clinical standards.

• Specialist Risk Group (SRG) has appointed Zong Wen Lee as the head of its principal, credit and political risk division in Asia. • The appointment became effective on 6 July, bringing Lee's extensive market expertise and a professional track record from previous roles at JLT, Markel, and WTW. • This strategic hire allows SRG to strengthen its leadership and specialized brokerage capabilities within the Asian credit and political risk markets.

• Indian benchmark indices closed higher following a volatile session, with the Sensex gaining 382 points and the Nifty closing above 23,480. • Market sentiment was primarily lifted by late buying in heavyweight IT stocks, though investors remain cautious. • Key factors influencing upcoming stock action include monsoon progress, inflation trends, liquidity conditions, and the RBI's policy outlook.

• The benchmark Sensex and Nifty indices declined for a fourth consecutive session, driven by rising crude oil prices and geopolitical tensions. • Market breadth remained weak with bearish technical indicators, though specific stocks like Wockhardt and NMDC Steel bucked the trend to hit fresh highs. • This downward trend highlights persistent selling pressure across the broader market, impacting investor sentiment ahead of Tuesday's trading.

• Hungary has officially decided to remain a State Party to the Rome Statute, withdrawing its previous notification to leave the International Criminal Court (ICC). • The decision was formally communicated by the Hungarian Government to the Secretary-General of the United Nations on May 29, 2026, following a statement from the Assembly of States Parties on May 25, 2026. • This move is significant as it signals Hungary's renewed commitment to ending impunity for the most serious international crimes.

• Local elections scheduled for Wednesday in South Korea will determine the outcomes for individual candidates and the political futures of major party leaders. • The results are expected to have a significant impact on the leadership of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, including figures such as Rep. Jung Chung-rae. • These elections serve as a critical barometer of public sentiment and will likely shift the power dynamics within the National Assembly.

• SoftBank Group announced a landmark €75 billion ($87.5 billion) investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure across France on May 30, 2026. • The initiative is the largest single investment in AI computing capacity in Europe, focusing on the development of massive data centers. • The first phase of the project aims to deliver 3.1 gigawatts (GW) of data center capacity specifically within the Hauts-de-France region.

• Defense experts are warning that future military conflicts will be decided by the speed at which targeting data is generated to deliver long-range effects. • This shift emphasizes a move toward rapid, automated targeting cycles to maintain a competitive edge in high-intensity warfare. • The trend signals a critical need for defense infrastructure to integrate AI and real-time data processing to reduce the time between detection and engagement.

• Indian equity markets closed sharply lower on May 29, driven by broad-based selling, rising volatility, and MSCI-driven fund flows. • Technical indicators currently suggest a bearish bias for the markets, placing a critical focus on key support zones. • Investor sentiment for Monday's session will be heavily influenced by global cues, the current monsoon outlook, and overall market breadth.

• The FDA is expected to review several groundbreaking neurology drugs in 2026, focusing on expanding treatment options for various neurologic conditions. • A key anticipated decision involves the subcutaneous weekly dosing of lecanemab for Alzheimer's disease, which would allow for home administration. • This shift in delivery method matters as it could significantly improve patient adherence and provide greater flexibility compared to current clinic-based infusions.

• President Donald Trump held a White House Situation Room meeting on Friday as advisers pushed toward a “final determination” on Iran, according to live updates from U.S. outlets. • Trump said Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon and publicly tied any deal to reopening the Strait of Hormuz immediately, while Vice President JD Vance said the U.S. and Iran were “very close.” • The outcome matters because it could shape U.S. military posture, sanctions policy, and regional energy flows, with oil-market and security implications beyond the Middle East.

Kenneth Law expected to admit to sending products internationally in knowledge they would probably be used to end livesBereaved families whose loved ones were the victims of an online supplier of suicide kits say they feel insulted by a decision not to prosecute him in the UK.Kenneth Law was due to appear in court on Friday in Ontario, Canada, accused of selling 1,200 suicide packages across 40 countries, including the UK. Continue reading...

• Estonian top diplomat Jonatan Vseviov stated during a visit to Kirkenes that the outcome of the war in Ukraine will fundamentally shape the future of Europe. • Vseviov emphasized that the conflict's resolution will impact critical areas including regional sovereignty, general security, and the stability of the European Arctic and High North. • The diplomat urged international partners to provide stronger support for Ukraine and maintain consistent pressure on Russia to end the aggression.

• Indian equity benchmarks closed marginally lower for the second straight session, as declines in the energy, IT, and financial sectors outweighed gains in auto stocks. • Technical analysts, including Vatsal Bhuva of LKP Securities, note that the Nifty 50 recently broke out above the 23,800 congestion zone, suggesting improving market momentum. • Market experts expect the Nifty to remain range-bound for Friday's session, identifying immediate support at 23,800 and resistance between 24,000 and 24,100.

• The Supreme Court issued the SIR verdict, which reaffirms the constitutional authority of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure electoral integrity. • The ruling separates constitutional principles from political theater, emphasizing that the ECI's powers are not unchecked. • To maintain accountability, the Court specified that the Commission remains subject to judicial review, statutory limitations, and the requirement to provide recorded reasons for its actions.

• The Supreme Court has upheld the Election Commission of India's (ECI) authority to conduct special intensive voter revisions to verify citizenship and eligibility. • The ruling specifies that the ECI may remove ineligible names to maintain accurate electoral rolls, but must re-include individuals once their citizenship is confirmed. • This decision is significant for residents of Bihar, as those whose names were erroneously deleted due to absence or routine applications maintain the right to seek judicial review.

• The Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that the Election Commission of India (ECI) did not exceed its statutory powers while conducting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. • The court rejected arguments that the SIR was "ultra vires," stating that the process is legal even if it differs from the ordinary revision procedure. • This ruling validates the ECI's authority to implement specialized voter list updates across several states, including Bihar and West Bengal.

• The Supreme Court, in a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, upheld the Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise for voter rolls. • The court ruled that the SIR is constitutional and cannot be termed "ultra vires" or illegal simply because it employs a process distinct from routine statutory voter revisions. • This decision validates the ECI's authority to implement a more rigorous rehaul of electoral rolls to ensure accuracy and legitimacy in the voting process.

• The Supreme Court of India ruled on Wednesday that the Special Summary Revision (SIR) exercise conducted by the Election Commission supports the constitutional requirement for free and fair elections. • Petitioner Yogendra Yadav criticized the verdict, claiming that such powers could allow the BJP to decide who is eligible to vote. • The ruling is significant as it validates the Election Commission's processes for updating voter rolls, which critics argue can be manipulated to disenfranchise specific groups.

• The Council of Europe is urging for increased political support to establish a special tribunal dedicated to prosecuting Russian crimes of aggression in Ukraine. • Officials state that preparations for the tribunal are progressing rapidly, though there remains significant uncertainty regarding the level of support from the United States. • The initiative is critical because current international legal frameworks often lack the jurisdiction to prosecute the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

• Hungarian MPs have voted to remain members of the International Criminal Court (ICC), overturning a previous decision to withdraw from the organization. • The reversal follows a landslide election victory last month for new Prime Minister Péter Magyar, who vowed to undo the exit process before it took effect on June 2. • The original withdrawal was initiated in April last year by former leader Viktor Orbán, who labeled the ICC a "political court" while hosting Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

There will be ‘no cherrypicking’ of policies, EU says, after Starmer says he hopes to negotiate single market for goodsEurope live – latest updatesThe UK will get no special treatment in its future economic relationship with the EU, European ministers have said, in a further blow to Keir Starmer’s hopes of negotiating a single market for goods.The EU’s ministers for Europe, who met on Tuesday, said they wanted deeper cooperation with the UK, but this had to be in line with fundamental principles, including no cherrypicking of EU policies, according to three diplomatic sources, who spoke about the private discussions. Continue reading...

Since Péter Magyar’s election victory he has vowed to reverse withdrawal from court before it took effectLawmakers in Hungary have voted overwhelmingly for the country to remain a member of the international criminal court, reversing a decision made by the previous government of Viktor Orbán.Wednesday’s vote came days before the country was poised to become the only EU member state not to recognise the jurisdiction of the global tribunal, which aims to prosecute those accused of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity. Continue reading...

• The BBC's upcoming Doctor Who Christmas special is reportedly "hanging in the balance" and may not air as scheduled. • The production crisis follows the sudden exit of lead actor Ncuti Gatwa, leaving the network without a primary star for the festive episode. • This development is significant as the Christmas special is a cornerstone of the series' annual tradition and a major viewership driver for the BBC.

• Indian equity benchmarks ended lower on Tuesday, ending a three-session rally due to profit booking in the consumer, realty, and financial sectors. • Market analysts suggest that the Nifty may maintain a positive outlook as long as it remains above key support levels, despite current near-term weakness. • Broader market sentiment remains mixed, characterized by selective buying interest across various stocks.

• Real Madrid and Olympiacos Piraeus faced off in a highly competitive 2026 EuroLeague final described as an "instant classic." • The game ended in controversy as several crucial officiating calls during the fourth quarter sparked significant outrage from the Spanish side. • Spanish media and Real Madrid players have heavily criticized the referees, claiming the decisions unfairly impacted the outcome of the decisive moments.