Indian Indices Rise on U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Prospects The benchmark BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty surged in early trading on Friday, May 29, 2026, driven by a decline in global crude oil prices and optimism surrounding a potential extension of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire. The 30-share Sensex gained 352.22 points to 76,220.02, while the 50-share Nifty climbed 95.65 points to 24,002.80. The rally followed reports that the United States and Iran had reached an agreement to renew a 60-day truce, pending final approval from U.S. President Donald Trump. The positive sentiment was further bolstered by strong performance in the information technology sector and a broader uptick in global markets. Leading gains in the Sensex included shares of Infosys, Trent, HCL Tech, Tata Consultancy Services, and Maruti. Conversely, Bharti Airtel, ITC, Bharat Electronics, and InterGlobe Aviation underperformed. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, fell 1.12% to $92.66 per barrel, reflecting market confidence in the potential deal. V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Investments Limited, highlighted the significance of the oil price drop, stating, "Brent crude declining to below $93 is a big positive. This has happened on the expectations of a deal between the U.S. and Iran. Therefore, if a deal happens, crude can decline further, thereby improving India’s macros, which have been under pressure from the energy crisis." Asian markets mirrored the positive trend, with South Korea’s Kospi, Japan’s Nikkei 225, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index rising. However, China’s Shanghai Composite index fell, contrasting the regional sentiment. U.S. markets closed higher on Thursday, May 28, 2026, further reinforcing global optimism. The U.S.-Iran deal was confirmed by R.#donald_trump #geojit_investments #bse_sensex #nse_nifty #eid_ul_azha
CM Directs Heightened Vigilance During Eid-ul-Azha; Reviews Security in Sensitive U.P. Districts Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on May 24, 2026, issued directives to officials ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha festival, emphasizing strict security measures and administrative protocols to ensure public safety and order. The directives were announced during a review meeting with district magistrates and police chiefs in sensitive districts such as Aligarh, Bijnor, Saharanpur, Rampur, and Sambhal. Adityanath highlighted the need for heightened vigilance to prevent disruptions during the festival, which is observed on May 25, 2026. The Chief Minister instructed that ritual animal sacrifices, a central aspect of Eid-ul-Azha, must be conducted only at pre-designated sites and not in public spaces. He reiterated a ban on the sacrifice of prohibited animals and emphasized that no new practices should be encouraged. Additionally, Adityanath directed that prayers (namaz) be offered exclusively at traditional venues, with strict prohibitions against granting permission for prayers that involve blocking roads. To manage the logistical challenges of the festival, Adityanath mandated a well-planned system for waste disposal following animal sacrifices in every district. He also prohibited the open sale of meat and ordered the closure of illegal slaughterhouses. Within licensed facilities, the number of animals kept at any time was to be strictly limited to prescribed capacities. The CM further instructed officials to ensure uninterrupted power supply, sanitation, and security arrangements during the festive period. He directed that flag marches be conducted in sensitive areas prior to the festival, with continuous foot patrolling by police forces around religious sites.#uttar_pradesh #yogi_adityanath #eid_ul_azha #ganga_dussehra #ayush_policy
Ajmer Sharif Cleric Calls for Cow to Be National Animal and Nationwide Slaughter Ban Ajmer Sharif cleric Syed Sarwar Chishti on Friday, May 22, 2026, urged the Indian government to declare the cow as the national animal and impose a nationwide ban on its slaughter and sale for religious sacrifices. His appeal came days ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, which is scheduled for May 28. Chishti emphasized the cow’s deep religious significance for the Hindu community, stating it deserves respect and constitutional protection. He called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convene a special session of Parliament to draft legislation formally recognizing the cow as the national animal. Chishti argued that the issue should transcend political considerations and be viewed through the lens of communal harmony and cultural respect. He asserted that Muslims would support such a move, framing it as a step toward preserving shared cultural values. The cleric also criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for failing to introduce stricter cow protection laws despite being in power at the Centre for over a decade. In addition to advocating for the cow’s legal status, Chishti raised concerns about the treatment of cattle in rural areas. He condemned the practice of abandoning cows on roads after their lactation period ends, noting that these animals often consume plastic and garbage, leading to their suffering. He called for stringent penalties against individuals who neglect their livestock, arguing that such negligence undermines animal welfare. The cleric also addressed incidents of Muslims being targeted for suspected cow slaughter, describing these acts as violations of communal peace. He demanded a nationwide ban on beef exports, citing the need to prevent the exploitation of cattle for commercial purposes.#bharatiya_janata_party #narendra_moddi #eid_ul_azha #ajmer_sharif #syed_sarwar_chishti
SBI Bank Holidays: 6 Days of Closure from May 23 to 28, 2026 The State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest bank, is set to remain closed for six consecutive days from May 23 to May 28, 2026. During this period, all bank branches across the country will be fully operational, and no offline transactions will be conducted. Customers are advised to complete any pending tasks at SBI branches before May 23 to avoid disruptions. Online services, including internet banking, ATM withdrawals, mobile banking, and other digital platforms, will remain functional throughout the closure. This ensures that customers can manage their accounts and conduct transactions remotely. However, in-person services at physical branches will be unavailable during the specified dates. The extended closure is attributed to a combination of factors. The first two days, May 23 and 24, will coincide with weekends, as May 23 is the fourth Saturday of the month and May 24 is a Sunday. Additionally, a proposed two-day strike by SBI staff, scheduled for May 25 and 26, will further contribute to the closure. The strike is linked to ongoing discussions regarding issues such as outsourcing of staff, equity in career progression, and the management of the National Pension System (NPS) funds. Another key reason for the closure is the observance of Eid-ul-Azha, a significant Islamic holiday. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a two-day holiday for the occasion. In most parts of India, the holiday will be observed on May 27, while in other regions, it will fall on May 28. In Jammu and Kashmir, the holiday will be celebrated on both May 27 and 28, resulting in a two-day break for banks in the region.#reserve_bank_of_india #state_bank_of_india #national_pension_system #all_india_state_bank_staff_federation #eid_ul_azha
