Govt

• HDFC Bank's stock has experienced a significant decline of 25% in calendar year 2026, dropping from Rs 992 to Rs 743. • As of the June 2026 quarter, the Government of Singapore Portfolio maintains a 2.17% stake in the bank, valued at approximately Rs 21,542 crore. • This downturn occurs despite a broader trend where seven other stocks within the Singapore government's India portfolio have rallied by up to 135% in CY26.

• The Government of Singapore completely exited its stakes in six companies, including Ashok Leyland Ltd, Eicher Motors Ltd, and Triveni Turbine Ltd, during Q1 FY27. • This total divestment across these holdings signals a significant portfolio reshuffling by the sovereign investor. • The move is critical for market watchers as large-scale exits by government entities can influence stock volatility and investor sentiment.

• Sonam Wangchuk and the CJP are scheduled for a third round of talks with the government to address ongoing protest demands. • Wangchuk clarified that no formal deal has been reached yet, emphasizing that his primary goal is protecting protesting students from legal action and violence. • The situation remains tense as protests continue, with reports that individual Dipke has been diagnosed with typhoid during the demonstrations.

• The deadlock between the CJP and the government has intensified, leading to the announcement of nationwide protests scheduled for tomorrow. • Protesters have rejected a government offer to hold talks at the health minister's residence, while authorities suspended mobile internet services around Jantar Mantar. • In other news, Donald Trump has vowed to punish Iran for Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, contributing to oil prices surging over $100.

• Activist Sonam Wangchuk has signaled a potential end to the protests against the NEET-UG paper leak at Jantar Mantar by softening his stance. • Wangchuk has dropped his key demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, providing the Modi government with a strategic "off-ramp." • This shift is significant as it removes a primary political obstacle, potentially paving the way for a resolution between the protesters and the administration.

• Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day indefinite hunger strike on Friday after receiving formal assurances from the Indian government. • The strike was launched to support students protesting against alleged irregularities in examinations, demanding fair processes and accountability. • The government guaranteed that key demands would be addressed and explicitly stated that no cases would be filed against peaceful protesters.

• INDIA bloc MPs, including Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav, are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET controversy. • The government has stated that the Opposition can decide the date for the NEET discussion, while accusing them of politicizing student protests. • Opposition leaders, led by Mallikarjun Kharge, are seeking a discussion on paper leaks under Rule 267 to override the House's scheduled business.