Russian President Vladimir Putin extended warm congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the NDA's majority victory in the Lok Sabha elections. The Kremlin confirmed Putin's felicitations, emphasizing the strong ties between India and Russia. PM Modi reciprocated gratitude, affirming commitment to strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. As preparations for Modi's third term inauguration unfold, the BJP-led alliance's victory with 293 seats underscores their electoral success despite falling short of an individual majority. The congratulatory exchange highlights diplomatic camaraderie amidst India's political landscape.

Following Naveen Patnaik's resignation as Odisha's longest-serving Chief Minister, the BJP gears up to select his successor. Speculations abound as BJP leaders stress on an 'Odia son or daughter' to lead the state. Names in contention include Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and former IAS officer Girish Murmu. The party plans to nominate two deputy chief ministers to ensure regional and caste representation. A parliamentary board meeting is scheduled to discuss the issue, with the swearing-in of the new CM slated for June 10. Odisha anticipates the appointment amid a transition in leadership.

and Nifty50, rallied on Thursday as investors responded positively to the imminent formation of the NDA government. Sensex breached the 75,000 mark, while Nifty50 surpassed 22,800. Notable gainers included SBI, NTPC, and L&T, while HUL and Nestle India were among the top losers. Market sentiment improved post-election confirmation, with a focus on key cabinet portfolios. The market is expected to remain range-bound in the short term, with positive cues from Asian and US markets. FPIs were net sellers, while the rupee gained against the US dollar.              

Following the Lok Sabha election results, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu is set to demand Special Category Status for Andhra Pradesh, key Cabinet berths, and funds for the Amaravati capital project. TDP's strong performance, winning 16 of 17 contested seats, makes it a crucial NDA ally. Naidu, reaffirming his commitment to the NDA, seeks portfolios for his son Nara Lokesh and aims to restart Amaravati's development. Additionally, he will push for funds to complete the Polavaram project and request central investigations into alleged corruption by the previous state government led by Jagan Mohan Reddy.

With the BJP falling short of a majority, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is expected to demand at least four Cabinet berths, early state polls, and increased central funds for Bihar. The JD(U), with 12 MPs, has become crucial for the BJP-led NDA to form the government. Kumar aims for portfolios like railways, rural development, and water resources to boost state infrastructure projects. Additionally, he is pushing for early assembly polls within six months and higher central funds to support Bihar's socio-economic initiatives, including the Bihar Laghu Udhyami Yojana, to aid 9.4 million poor families.

Odisha's outgoing Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, leader of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), said the party should not be ashamed of its 24-year rule despite the recent election loss. Patnaik highlighted the progress made during his tenure, noting a significant reduction in poverty and improvements in education, health, and agriculture. The BJP won 78 of the 147 Assembly seats, ending BJD's long rule. Patnaik resigned after the results, and the BJP is set to form the state government for the first time.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hasten the government formation process following the Lok Sabha election results. During a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) meeting in Delhi, Kumar stressed the need for swift action, while both leaders emphasized the importance of rapid government establishment. The BJP-led NDA secured 292 seats, with Modi expected to be sworn in for a third term on June 8. The alliance partners unanimously endorsed Modi as their leader, formalizing the decision with a proposal signed by 21 NDA members.

Nine members of a 22-member trekking group died during a trek in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district due to adverse weather conditions. The group, comprising 18 trekkers from Karnataka, one from Maharashtra, and three local guides, lost their way on the Sahastra Tal trek. A joint rescue operation involving the Indian Air Force and disaster response teams saved 13 trekkers, with eight airlifted to Dehradun. The deceased trekkers have been identified, all from Bengaluru. Rescue operations continue to retrieve the remaining bodies. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is closely monitoring the situation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be sworn in for his third consecutive term this weekend. Modi has invited key regional leaders, including Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina, Nepal's Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Mauritius's Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Sri Lanka's Ranil Wickremesinghe, and Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, to attend the ceremony. Modi expressed gratitude for their congratulations on the NDA's electoral success. In separate calls and social media posts, he reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with these nations, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation and shared prosperity.

World leaders, including US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and French President Emmanuel Macron, congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the BJP-led NDA coalition's historic third-term victory. Biden praised the election's vast turnout and emphasized the growing friendship between the US and India. Sunak highlighted the strong UK-India ties, while Macron expressed a commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership with India. Leaders from Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan, China, and other nations also extended their congratulations, signaling robust global support for Modi's continued leadership.