Sonia Gandhi expressed optimism that the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections will differ from the exit polls predicting a BJP-led NDA victory. Speaking on Monday, she urged patience until the official results are announced on June 4. Most exit polls suggest a significant majority for the NDA, with some forecasting over 350 seats. However, Congress and the INDIA bloc have dismissed these predictions as "fantasy." Rahul Gandhi also criticized the exit polls, labeling them as biased. The official results will determine whether these predictions hold true or if Congress's hopes are realized.            

A gunfight erupted in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday as security forces engaged with terrorists. Two top commanders of The Resistance Front, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Rayees Ahmad and Reyaz Ahmad Dar, were trapped in a house used as a hideout. The confrontation began following intelligence on the hideout in the Nehama area. As forces launched a search operation, the terrorists opened fire, igniting the battle. Visuals showed the house on fire with smoke billowing. The exchange of gunfire continues, with no casualties reported so far. Further updates are awaited from the authorities.              

Media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, 93, married his 67-year-old girlfriend, Elena Zhukova, at his California estate. This marks Murdoch’s fifth marriage. Zhukova, a retired molecular biologist, emigrated from Russia to the U.S. Murdoch’s previous marriages include Patricia Booker, Anna Torv, Wendi Deng, and model Jerry Hall. Murdoch, with a net worth of over $20 billion, controls a vast media empire, including The Wall Street Journal and Fox News. He recently transferred control to his son Lachlan, taking on an emeritus role. Murdoch and Zhukova's relationship began after his engagement to Ann Lesley Smith ended in April 2023.

A 17-year-old in Pune, accused of causing a fatal crash while driving a Porsche, claims he was too drunk to remember the incident. The crash killed two engineers and led to multiple FIRs against the teen and his family. The boy's parents and grandfather are accused of attempting a cover-up, including switching blood samples and intimidating witnesses. Two doctors from Sassoon Hospital were also arrested for allegedly tampering with evidence. The teen, initially granted bail, is now in an observation home as the Juvenile Justice Board considers trying him as an adult.

An early monsoon onset over Kerala, progressing rapidly northward, promises relief from severe heat conditions in India. Meteorologists predict the monsoon will reach Pune and Nagpur by June 8. Currently, Maharashtra is experiencing increased moisture, signaling imminent rains. This contrasts sharply with last year when the monsoon had not yet reached Kerala by June 8. Pune's temperatures, soaring above 35°C, are expected to drop as pre-monsoon rains commence. Northern India, currently under a severe heat wave, anticipates cooler conditions as the monsoon advances.              

Mother Dairy has increased milk prices by ₹2 per litre in Delhi-NCR and other markets, effective from June 3. The price hike applies to all milk variants, with full cream milk now costing ₹68 per litre, toned and double-toned milk at ₹56 and ₹50 per litre, respectively. Buffalo and cow milk prices have risen to ₹72 and ₹58 per litre, respectively. The company cited increased production costs and heat stress affecting milk production as reasons for the hike. This follows Amul's recent price increase, ahead of the Lok Sabha election results.

Nitheesha Kandula, a 23-year-old Indian student at California State University, San Bernardino, has gone missing since May 28. She was last seen in Los Angeles and reported missing on May 30. Police have launched an investigation and are seeking public assistance in locating her. Kandula is described as 5'6" tall, 160 pounds, with black hair and eyes. She may be driving a 2021 Toyota Corolla with a California license plate. Anyone with information is urged to contact the university police at (909) 537-5165. This incident adds to the growing concern of missing students in the US.

Indian share market hit record highs on Monday, buoyed by exit polls suggesting a third term for PM Narendra Modi and the BJP-led NDA. The BSE Sensex soared 2,178 points (2.94%) to 76,139, while the Nifty50 climbed 579 points (2.57%) to 23,109 by 9:17 am. By 10:20 am, the Sensex was up 2,118.84 points at 76,080.15, and the Nifty50 rose 665.60 points to 23,196.30. Investor optimism was driven by expectations of continued infrastructure and manufacturing investments under Modi's leadership. Key sectors, including PSU banks, energy, realty, and financial services, saw gains of 3-5%, boosting the BSE market capitalization by over Rs 11 lakh crore.

A Delhi-Mumbai Akasa Air flight carrying over 180 passengers, including an infant, was diverted to Ahmedabad on Monday due to a security alert. The plane landed safely at Ahmedabad airport, and all passengers were evacuated. The swift action ensured the safety of everyone on board. Details of the security alert are yet to be disclosed. The incident highlights the airlines' and airport authorities' preparedness in handling such situations. An investigation into the matter is likely to follow.

The IWM Buzz Digital Awards in Mumbai brought together several celebrities on Sunday evening. Kajol and Sushmita Sen were among the attendees, and a heartwarming moment between the two actors was caught on camera. The duo was seen hugging and congratulating each other, with Kajol expressing her gratitude and remarking that it had been a long time since they last met. The event also saw other stars like Ankita Lokhande, Vicky Jain, and Priyanka Chahar Choudhary in attendance. The evening was filled with glamour and celebration, with the stars posing for photos and enjoying each other's company.