Points

• Singapore retailers are shifting away from traditional points-based loyalty systems toward real-time loyalty models that offer immediate rewards and personalized customer engagement. • The transition reflects changing consumer preferences for instant gratification and data-driven personalization, with retailers leveraging AI and mobile technology to enhance real-time interactions. • Industry analysts view this shift as critical for retail competitiveness in Southeast Asia, where digital adoption rates among consumers continue to accelerate.

Louise Arbour will serve as Canada’s representative of King Charles and carry out ceremonial and constitutional dutiesCanada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, has appointed a former supreme court justice and war crimes prosecutor as the country’s new governor general, saying her appointment would reflect the importance of global institutions.Louise Arbour, a celebrated jurist, served as United Nations commissioner and prosecuted war crimes in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, will serve as Canada’s representative of King Charles III. Continue reading...

• Indian benchmark indices ended positively on May 4, 2026, with Nifty 50 closing at 24,100 after gaining 122 points and Sensex up 356 points at 77,488 amid volatile trading. • Realty, metal, and healthcare sectors led broad-based gains, driven by falling crude oil prices and improved investor sentiment following state election results, while IT stocks lagged. • Top Nifty gainers included Adani Ports (up 5%), Adani Enterprises, Eicher Motors (up 3%), Hindustan Unilever, and Shriram Finance; laggards were Bharti Airtel, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Dr. Reddy's, ONGC, and TCS.

• Alpaca, a brokerage API platform, named Rohit Mulani as President of Southeast Asia and David Grant as CEO of Alpaca Singapore. • The leadership additions aim to accelerate growth in the region's fintech and trading sectors. • This move strengthens Alpaca's presence amid rising demand for embedded trading solutions in ASEAN markets.

• The Government of India appointed Rohit Jain as RBI Deputy Governor, filling a key monetary policy role. • Jain's tenure begins immediately, bringing expertise in banking regulation and financial stability. • The move strengthens RBI's leadership amid economic uncertainties and inflation management challenges.

• Cade Cunningham scored 32 points to lead the top-seeded Detroit Pistons to a stunning comeback victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night in Orlando, Florida. • The Pistons erased a 24-point deficit to win and force a decisive Game 7 in their first-round NBA playoff series. • This dramatic rally highlights Detroit's resilience and keeps their postseason hopes alive against a tough Magic squad.

Leo, who has criticized Trump’s hardline immigration policy, selected Evelio Menjivar-Ayala as state’s new bishopSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxPope Leo XIV has appointed a man who had once entered the United States as an undocumented immigrant, hidden in the trunk of a car, as the new bishop of West Virginia.The pope approved the resignation of Bishop Mark E Brennan of Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia, and selected Bishop Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, 55, of Washington to take his place, reported OSV News. Continue reading...