PM Modi wrapped up a 45-hour meditation stint at Tamil Nadu's Vivekananda Rock Memorial, pondering spirituality and India's future amid the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. His meditation spanned May 30 to June 1, with a letter penned afterward to share his reflections. As the elections draw to a close today, PM Modi heads back to Delhi after his spiritual sojourn. Beginning his campaign in Meerut months ago, he's covered vast stretches of the country, including Kashi. Expressing his feelings, he describes a surge of energy and emotions amid this significant electoral phase for India.

Indian stocks hit record highs on exit polls favoring Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government for a third term. The NSE Nifty 50 jumped 2.65% to 23,129.35 points, and the S&P BSE Sensex rose 2.62% to 75,903.97 points by 9:33 a.m. IST, with both indices opening over 3.5% higher. Financials and public sector banks led gains, up 3% and 4.4% respectively, while energy and oil & gas sectors also surged around 4%. Small- and mid-cap stocks, focused on domestic markets, saw a 3% rise each. Analysts believe the market's optimism stems from expectations of policy continuity and economic growth under the current government.

The Election Commission has ordered repolling at one polling station each in Barasat and Mathurapur Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal, set for Monday, a day before vote counting. The affected polling stations are 61 Kadambagachi Saradar Pada FP School, Room No. 2 in the 120-Deganga Assembly Constituency of Barasat, and 26 Aaddir Mahal Srichaitanya Bidyapith FP School in the 131-Kakdwip Assembly Constituency of Mathurapur (SC). The decision follows reports from election officials and observers about irregularities during the June 1 poll. The repolling is scheduled for June 3, 2024, under Section 58 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughters, Misa Bharti and Rohini Acharya, contested from Bihar. Misa Bharti is vying for a third term in Pataliputra against BJP's Ram Kripal Yadav, while Rohini Acharya is challenging BJP's Rajiv Pratap Rudy in Saran. Exit polls by India Today Axis My India suggest Misa Bharti has an edge, while Rohini Acharya trails. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised for a third term, with BJP-led NDA expected to win 350 seats. In Bihar, NDA is projected to perform strongly, securing 22-26 of the 40 seats.

A gunbattle broke out between terrorists and security forces in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday, a day before the Lok Sabha election vote count. The encounter began when security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the Nehama area, acting on a tip about a terror hideout. Terrorists fired upon the forces, triggering the gunfight. No casualties have been reported so far. The exchange of fire is ongoing, with police and security forces on the job. This comes after two terrorists were killed in a similar encounter in Kulgam on May 7.

The stock market surged dramatically after exit polls predicted a significant victory for the BJP in the upcoming elections. The Sensex opened over 2,000 points higher in pre-market trade, reaching a record level. Investors reacted positively to the anticipated political stability, driving the market to new heights. The rally reflects optimism about continued economic reforms and growth prospects under a BJP-led government. This sharp rise underscores the market’s sensitivity to political outcomes and their potential impact on the business environment.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal surrendered at Tihar Jail on Sunday after his interim bail in the excise policy case expired. Before surrendering, Kejriwal addressed AAP leaders and supporters, accusing the BJP of orchestrating "fake" exit polls predicting a BJP win, particularly in Rajasthan. He suggested these polls were influenced and warned of potential EVM manipulation on counting day, urging polling agents to remain vigilant. Kejriwal's statements came amid intensified political tensions and his ongoing legal troubles.

The Axis My India exit poll forecasts a tight race in Odisha's 147-seat Legislative Assembly, with both the BJP and BJD expected to secure 62-80 seats each. If accurate, this would be a significant setback for Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's BJD, potentially leading to a hung assembly for the first time since 2004. The BJP's vote share is projected to rise to 42%, equal to the BJD's, while Congress is expected to gain 5-8 seats. The simultaneous Lok Sabha elections predict BJP dominance with 18-20 seats, overshadowing the BJD's potential 0-2 seats.            

At least one person was killed and 24 others injured in a mass shooting in Akron, Ohio, early Sunday. The shooting occurred just after midnight near Kelly Street and 8th Avenue. Police found dozens of bullet casings and a gun at the scene. No arrests have been made, and an investigation is ongoing. Akron's Mayor Shammas Malik and Police Chief Brian Harding assured the public they will seek justice and urged anyone with information to come forward, promising anonymity. "Our city is reeling from this senseless violence," they stated.

Two days before the election results, BJP and Congress have approached the Election Commission to ensure strict adherence to counting day guidelines. Both parties emphasized the importance of counting postal ballots first. Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi and CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury stressed transparency in handling EVMs. Union Minister Piyush Goyal accused the opposition of undermining India's electoral process. The BJP delegation, led by Nirmala Sitharaman, requested thorough training for officials, safety measures, and action against those questioning the electoral integrity. Both parties want to ensure a fair and transparent vote-counting process.