India Urges

• Vote counting has begun for critical by-elections in three BJP-ruled states: Bihar (Bankipur), Madhya Pradesh (Datia), and Gujarat (Manjalpur). • The elections were triggered by a combination of political resignations, a legal conviction, and a death. • Early trends indicate that Prashant Kishor is surging ahead in his contest, while the Congress party is currently leading in Datia.

• The BSE Sensex surged over 600 points and the Nifty50 climbed above 23,900, reflecting a strong positive trend in the Indian stock market. • Market growth is being driven by a combination of quarterly earnings from heavyweight companies, banking stock performance, and shifts in large-cap valuations. • Investors are currently balancing these gains against risks including geopolitical developments, inflation concerns, and volatile oil prices affecting global trade routes.

• India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, P. Harish, urged the UN Security Council to clearly distinguish between armed aggression and territorial disputes to better maintain international peace. • India called for reforms to the UN Charter, specifically arguing that Chapter VI interventions lack "perpetual validity" and require periodic reviews to align with current geopolitical realities. • The move highlights India's frustration with global inaction and the perceived stagnation of the UN's conflict resolution mechanisms.

• Indian stock markets opened lower at the start of the week, pressured by rising oil prices and a weakening rupee. • Market sentiment is currently being driven by anticipation of upcoming quarterly corporate earnings and the performance of the Nifty Bank index. • Investors are closely monitoring global growth expectations, central bank policy signals, and geopolitical developments to gauge future stability.

• Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police after conducting an indefinite hunger strike for 21 days at Jantar Mantar. • The hospitalization occurred on medical advice and in compliance with Delhi High Court directions to ensure Wangchuk's health was regularly monitored. • Activist Anna Hazare has urged the Union government to initiate talks with Wangchuk, while the BJP accused the Opposition of attempting to turn the medical emergency into a "political spectacle."

• India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has urged all parties in West Asia to exercise restraint and de-escalate tensions following a surge in regional conflict. • The statement follows warnings from US President Donald Trump regarding potential strikes on Iran after he declared a ceasefire over due to Iranian attacks. • India emphasized the need to protect civilians and ensure the uninterrupted flow of global commerce and energy supplies, which are critical to regional stability.

• India has expressed deep concern regarding escalating tensions in West Asia, specifically citing recent attacks on commercial shipping as a threat to regional peace. • The Indian government is urging all involved parties to exercise restraint and return to diplomatic dialogue to resolve ongoing conflicts. • This stance emphasizes the critical need to safeguard civilian lives, maintain maritime security, and ensure the uninterrupted flow of global energy supply chains.