China's economy shows sluggish consumption and weak investment in May, with new bank loans falling year-on-year. Despite regulatory efforts, demand remains weak, though the tech sector is a bright spot amid innovation drives.
Park Soo-hyun, elected governor of Chungnam, leverages his extensive experience in central politics and communication skills. His campaign focused on cooperation with the central government for regional development, contrasting with the incumbent's emphasis on continuity.
Former J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti urges Kashmiri political parties and civil society to unite for dialogue with the central government, inspired by Ladakh's successful talks. She seeks an all-party meeting to build consensus amid regional despair.
China's SAIC Motor plans to establish its first EU production facility in Spain's Galicia region, with an initial investment of around €200 million. The plant in Ferrol is expected to create 1,000 direct jobs and become operational in 2028, pending government approvals.
The Supreme Court expressed disappointment with the National Testing Agency (NTA) over repeated paper leaks, directing it to file an affidavit on compliance with court-appointed committee recommendations. Petitions seek overhaul of NTA for NEET UG.
Taipei City's Urban Development Bureau disputes the Ministry of the Interior's claim that 'escape rooms' were classified as D1 safety-reporting category in 2018. The bureau states the central government misrepresented meeting minutes, leading to regulatory gaps and potential safety risks.
Around 62,000 defence civilian employees, on deemed deputation in seven defence PSUs, are optimistic about retaining their central government employee status following a Cabinet Secretary's assurance. This status offers better job security, benefits, and pay revisions, especially with the upcoming 8th Pay Commission.
Police recommended charges against 77 individuals and organizations for the Grenfell Tower fire. Survivors express mixed relief, grief, and anger over the lengthy process, with trials unlikely before 2028. Campaigners criticize slow progress and weak corporate manslaughter laws.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to pay its highest-ever dividend to the Indian central government, providing a crucial fiscal cushion amid challenges from the Middle East crisis. The dividend amount will be decided in an upcoming board meeting this month, with the government expecting Rs 3.16 lakh crore in dividends and surpluses for 2026-27, aided by record profits from public sector banks.
C. Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, marking a significant political shift. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Vijay and assured continued central government support for the state's welfare. Vijay's party, TVK, secured victory in the 2026 elections, ending the dominance of Dravidian parties.
As Beijing increasingly sees the country as a chessboard, the central government is no longer simply asking every province to grow faster; it wants them to grow differently. Reporting on the end of the 14th five-year plan and preparation for the 15th five-year plan frames provinces and cities as specialised implementation units, reflecting a territorial division of labour. The central government wants provinces to find their rightful place in national development and act in accordance with their...
Union minister Chirag Paswan condemned the killing of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s aide, Chandranath Rath, calling it "politics of violence" that West Bengal voters rejected. Paswan alleged TMC goons were responsible and stated the central government will not tolerate such violence, asserting a BJP government will soon be formed in the state.
Beijing's decision to block Meta's US$2 billion acquisition of AI start-up Manus reflects China's new approach to US-China business ties, prioritising national security and technological self-reliance over commercial deals. The timing, ahead of the May 14-15 Xi-Trump summit in Beijing, signals Beijing's belief it holds a stronger negotiating position given US preoccupations with the Middle East and Trump's need for tangible wins ahead of midterm elections.
Beijing's top official on Hong Kong affairs has called on Tsinghua University alumni to help the city better serve national development through patriotism, pragmatism and their global networks. Liaison office director Zhou Ji outlined three expectations for graduates at the Tsinghua Alumni Association of Hong Kong's 70th Anniversary Summit, while Chief Executive John Lee expressed hope more alumni would assist Hong Kong become an international education hub.
The Election Commission has ordered a fresh poll in all 285 polling stations of Falta assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, citing severe electoral offences and subversion of democratic process. The repoll will be held on May 21 with counting on May 24. The BJP had alleged that party symbols on EVMs were taped over at several booths, preventing voters from selecting the BJP option. The move comes amid heightened political tensions between BJP and TMC, with CM Mamata Banerjee predicting a TMC victory with over 200 seats.
The Indian government has permitted 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the insurance sector under the automatic route. This policy, aligned with the 2025 Insurance Laws Act, requires IRDAI verification and mandates that key leadership roles remain held by resident Indians.
Trinamool Congress approached the Supreme Court challenging the Additional Chief Electoral Officer's mandate requiring at least one counting supervisor or assistant to be a central government or central PSU employee for West Bengal assembly election vote counting. The party argues the decision is arbitrary, discriminatory, and creates reasonable apprehension of bias since BJP, their political opponent, controls the central government. The petition claims the timing of the communication and its applicability only to Bengal (not other states with simultaneous elections) undermines free and fair election principles. The Supreme Court agreed to list the matter on Saturday, with a special bench of Justices P S Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi constituted.
Trinamool Congress has moved the Supreme Court, challenging a directive mandating central government employees as counting supervisors or assistants for Bengal's assembly election vote count. The party argues this is arbitrary, discriminatory, and creates bias, especially with the BJP at the Centre. They claim it unfairly alters the counting table composition, undermining a level playing field and free elections.
TMC moved Supreme Court against Calcutta HC order rejecting plea challenging deployment of only central government staff at counting centers for West Bengal elections. The party argued the EC's decision to appoint central and PSU employees as supervisors was discriminatory. HC ruled appointing counting supervisors is EC's prerogative and said TMC can file an election petition if central officers manipulated counting in favor of BJP. Matter listed for urgent hearing on Saturday before counting scheduled for May 4.
The Trinamool Congress has moved the Supreme Court against the Calcutta High Court's order rejecting its plea challenging the Election Commission's decision to deploy only central government and PSU employees as supervisors at vote counting centers in West Bengal on May 4. The High Court ruled that appointing counting supervisors is the EC's prerogative and that the party can file an election petition if central officers manipulate counting in favor of BJP. Senior advocate Kalyan Banerjee questioned why the EC distrusts state government employees when the entire election was conducted with state staff, also referencing the Pahalgam terror attack.
