India

• Indian companies have been pushed out of the top 10 of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index as global capital shifts toward AI-driven stocks. • The index is now dominated by semiconductor chipmakers from Taiwan and South Korea, leading to a decline in the global rankings of Indian giants like Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank. • This shift is significant as India's overall market weight in the index has plummeted to a six-year low, reflecting a pivot in investor preference toward AI infrastructure.

• For the first time in 26 years, Indian companies have fallen out of the top 10 holdings of the MSCI Emerging Markets (EM) index. • The shift is driven by a surge in AI-related stocks, with Taiwan, South Korea, and China now accounting for approximately 70% of the benchmark. • AI beneficiaries TSMC, Samsung Electronics, and SK Hynix have seen massive growth, collectively making up nearly 30% of the index.

• Investor Manishi Raychaudhuri views the recent sharp sell-off in Asian tech stocks, particularly in Korean and Taiwanese markets, as a strategic buying opportunity. • He argues that the downturn is driven by temporary sentiment rather than fundamentals, as AI capital expenditure demand and semiconductor prices remain strong. • Conversely, Raychaudhuri warns that India faces a more critical issue with declining corporate earnings growth that must be addressed.

• Akshat secured a victory in the Senior Max category of the Meco Meritus Cup during the sports events of June 8. • At the IGPL Bharath Classic, Kochhar finished in ninth place, recording 16 birdies throughout the week. • These results highlight the ongoing competitive performance of Indian athletes across diverse sporting disciplines.

• India is currently dominating the 2023 Asia Cup Final against Sri Lanka, reaching 51/0 after 6.1 overs. • Openers Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan have provided a strong start, scoring 27 runs off 19 balls and 23 runs off 18 balls, respectively. • The match follows a critical performance by bowler Mohammed Siraj, whose ability to move the ball in the air and off the pitch decimated the Sri Lankan lineup for a total of 50.

• Indian stock indices, Sensex and Nifty, are expected to open lower due to rising crude oil prices triggered by escalating conflict in West Asia. • Market sentiment is further strained by persistent Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) outflows and growing concerns regarding U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate decisions. • Regional risk aversion is evident as the MSCI Asia ex-Japan index fell 3.4%, with South Korea's KOSPI plunging 6.9% and Japan's Nikkei dropping 4.4%.

• Indian equities are facing a challenging period as investors seek to determine if the market can reverse a negative narrative of systemic decline. • While valuations are becoming more attractive, the recovery is currently hindered by significant geopolitical stress and a lack of earnings credibility. • This shift is critical for investors as they weigh the potential for a rebound against the risks of prolonged economic instability.

• The BSE Sensex and Nifty50 are expected to open lower today, as indicated by GIFT Nifty trends. • This negative outlook is driven by escalating geopolitical tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which have also caused crude oil prices to rise. • Market volatility is anticipated throughout the week as equities react to a combination of domestic developments and overseas factors.

• India A and Bangladesh A faced off in the 1st Semi-Final of the ACC Men's Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025. • India A set a target of 194/6 in their 20 overs, which Bangladesh A matched, reaching 194/6 in their own innings. • Key individual performances for the chasing side included Nehal Wadhera, who scored 32 runs off 29 balls, and Harsh Dubey.

• India and Afghanistan are facing off in the 1st ODI of Afghanistan's 2026 tour of India. • The match is being broadcast and tracked via Cricbuzz, providing live scores, ball-by-ball commentary, and video highlights for viewers in the USA and Canada. • This series marks a significant international encounter between the two nations, testing Afghanistan's growth against a powerhouse Indian side.

Sunil Sharma disappeared in Punjab province on 22 May, with police arresting four people, including his brotherFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAn Australian teacher who went missing in India for two weeks was allegedly murdered by his brother over a property dispute, police say.Melbourne maths teacher Sunil Sharma disappeared on 22 May after he travelled to Amritsar, in India’s north-western Punjab province. Continue reading...

Cockroach Janta party began as online joke but is growing into one of the most unexpected challenges to country’s rightwing governmentThe call out to the youth of India was simple: “Get ready to swarm the streets of Delhi with peaceful and loving dissent.” They came in their thousands.The weekend marked the first public protest of the Cockroach Janta party (CJP), a movement that began as an online joke, but which has swiftly grown into one of the most unexpected challenges to the indomitable power of the country’s rightwing Narendra Modi government – driven by millions of discontented and disillusioned young people. Continue reading...

• Indian benchmark indices closed marginally lower on Friday following a volatile trading session driven by global developments and continued selling by foreign institutional investors (FIIs). • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) opted to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% while maintaining a neutral monetary policy stance. • This stability in interest rates comes as investors digest the RBI's decision and assess its impact on market liquidity and economic growth.

• Sri Lanka A and India A are facing off in the first match of the Tri Nation A Series held in Sri Lanka in 2026. • The event is being broadcast and tracked via Cricbuzz, providing live scores, ball-by-ball commentary, and video highlights for viewers in the USA and Canada. • This series serves as a critical competitive platform for "A" team players to showcase their skills and vie for spots in their respective senior national squads.

• Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the "Cockroach" party, held a protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. • In sports news, India has included teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in its most recent T20 squad. • A statement from a prominent Hindu nationalist has raised hopes for renewed diplomatic dialogue between India and its neighbors.

• CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke arrived in India on Saturday to lead a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. • The organization has issued a 7-day deadline for the government to take action, specifically demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. • This movement signals a potential escalation, as Dipke threatened to launch a pan-India agitation if their demands are not met.

• Hundreds of young Indians gathered in New Delhi for the first street protest organized by the "Cockroach Janata Party." • The movement originated from a viral meme last month and has evolved into a satirical political vehicle for youth expression. • The demonstrations highlight widespread frustration among the younger generation regarding systemic issues with education, employment, and politics.

• India's largest online youth movement, known as the "cockroach" movement, has transitioned from digital platforms to physical protests on the streets of Delhi. • The demonstrators are specifically demanding the immediate resignation of the country's education minister. • This escalation marks a significant shift for the movement, moving from viral social media activism to direct public confrontation.

• The leader of the "Cockroach Party" has returned to India to organize and lead their first protest in New Delhi. • The event marks a significant escalation in the group's activities, moving from external advocacy to direct on-the-ground action within the capital. • This move is intended to draw public attention to the party's platform and challenge existing political structures through public demonstration.

• The Cockroach Janata Party held its first physical protest in New Delhi after its founder traveled from the United States to lead the demonstration. • The group, which has gained viral attention on social media, was granted official permission by authorities to hold the event despite previous government actions. • The movement faces opposition from the Modi government, which has already blocked several of the party's social media accounts.

• The Cockroach Janta Party, a mock political movement with over 15 million Instagram followers, held its first physical protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. • The group serves as a massive online expression of dissent against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, primarily attracting support from young Indians. • This event marks a significant transition for the movement as it moves from dominating social media feeds and news headlines into active street politics.

• The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical Gen-Z political movement, has launched a protest and issued a formal ultimatum to Pradhan. • The CJP is demanding a resignation within seven days, citing a lack of government response to their ongoing demonstrations. • The movement highlights the growing influence of digital platforms and meme-based campaigning in shaping youth political engagement.

• The Cockroach Janta Party, a social media movement that began as a parody, held its first official protest in New Delhi led by its founder. • The demonstration marks a transition for the group from a "tiny joke" into a focused political revolution aimed at challenging the status quo. • This shift reflects a broader regional trend where youth-led, digitally native movements have fueled significant anti-government unrest in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

• Thousands of Gen-Z protesters gathered in India's capital to support the "Cockroach Janta Party," a movement that evolved from an internet joke into a serious political statement. • The protests serve as a vehicle for young Indians to express deep-seated frustration with the current systemic failures and political landscape. • This movement highlights a growing trend of digital-first activism where viral social media trends translate into large-scale physical demonstrations.

• Youth protesters marched in New Delhi, referring to themselves as "cockroaches" to symbolize their feeling of being overlooked and crushed by the system. • The demonstrators are demanding the resignation of India's education minister and calling for greater transparency and fairness in competitive entrance exams. • This movement highlights growing frustration among India's youth regarding systemic corruption and the high-pressure nature of academic qualification processes.

• The AI competition between the US and China has shifted from a struggle over microchips to a strategic battle for top artificial intelligence talent. • Major US tech firms, including Apple, Google, OpenAI, and Microsoft, are facing challenges as tightening US immigration policies discourage foreign experts. • This policy shift is prompting brilliant Chinese scientists to leave Silicon Valley and return to Beijing, potentially transferring critical AI knowledge and visions.

• India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reaffirmed its position that dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable methods to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. • This statement follows an open letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Vladimir Putin, in which Zelenskyy proposed direct peace negotiations. • The move underscores India's consistent diplomatic strategy of neutrality and its push for a peaceful resolution to the war.

• Minister Jitin Prasada emphasized technology self-reliance and innovation-led growth during the STPI's 35th Foundation Day, identifying AI, semiconductors, and startups as critical pillars for the "Viksit Bharat@2047" vision. • STPI signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Wadhwani Foundation to strengthen skill development, entrepreneurship, and innovation initiatives across the country. • The event marked the launch of Sayuj, an AI-powered mobile application created to unify the startup ecosystem by connecting innovators, mentors, and incubators on a single digital platform.