Heavy Rain Alerts in Himachal and Northeast India

The celebration of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) winning their first IPL title turned tragic as a stampede outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium led to 11 fatalities. Fans flooded the streets of Bengaluru, gathering for the victory parade where players were honored by the chief minister. Despite the festive atmosphere, the excitement was overshadowed by the unfortunate incident. After years of disappointment in finals, RCB finally claimed the trophy, with players like Virat Kohli expressing deep emotions about this long-awaited victory, making it a bittersweet moment for the fans and the team.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the day lower at 42,427.74, marking a slight drop of 0.22%. This decrease of 91.90 points highlights the fluctuations in the stock market, with the index reaching a high of 42,645.00 and a low of 42,456.03 during the trading session. Such movements can greatly influence investor sentiment and market trends, emphasizing the importance of keeping an eye on these changes in the financial landscape.

A recent survey reveals that affluent Indian households are heavily invested in real estate, with dissatisfaction over investment returns despite a strong market. Many high net worth individuals feel unprepared for their financial goals, with 40% unhappy with returns and 30% lacking saving discipline. Most rely on external advisors but often find their advice lacking. The survey highlights a disconnect between aspirations like early retirement and actual savings habits, with a need for better understanding of investment strategies to balance risk and liquidity.

President Trump has raised tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from 25% to 50%, starting June 4. He claims this move is crucial for national security and will bolster domestic industries. The increased tariffs aim to protect U.S. manufacturers by reducing dependence on foreign imports. While the UK maintains its 25% tariff as negotiations continue, Trump's decision heightens trade tensions globally. Despite ongoing legal challenges to his tariffs, this action demonstrates his commitment to prioritizing American industries and ensuring they remain competitive.

The Income Tax Department is closely examining the spending habits of high net-worth individuals (HNIs) in India who may not be paying taxes proportional to their income. Despite around 7-8 lakh individuals earning over ₹1 crore annually, only 3 lakh file tax returns. The government is leveraging technology for a comprehensive assessment of HNI incomes by analyzing high-value transactions, foreign remittances, and spending on luxury goods. New measures like Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on luxury purchases aim to ensure HNIs contribute fairly to the tax system, promoting transparency and efficiency.

The Census in India, including caste data, is set to commence on March 1, 2027, as confirmed by sources. This nationwide count will occur in two phases, starting in snow-bound areas like Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh in October 2026. The inclusion of caste enumeration aims to promote social and economic empowerment, according to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Initially planned for 2026, the Census was postponed due to the pandemic, making the 2027 exercise the first in 16 years. This crucial data will aid in national progress and policy-making.

Apple is expanding its retail footprint in India with a new store in North Bengaluru’s Phoenix Mall of Asia, marking its third outlet in the country. This follows the flagship stores in Mumbai and Delhi. The lease for a spacious 7,997.8 square foot area has been signed for 10 years, starting with an annual rent of ₹2.09 crore. This store will strengthen Apple's presence in Bengaluru, where its manufacturing partner, Foxconn, is also setting up a facility. With plans for more stores in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru, Apple is betting big on the Indian market.

Tesla, owned by Elon Musk, is not planning to manufacture in India, focusing only on showroom expansion. Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy confirmed this, noting Tesla's lack of interest in local production. However, companies like Hyundai and Mercedes are eager to set up factories in India, thanks to new EV policies encouraging investment. These policies include reduced duties for significant investments and mandates for local sourcing of parts. As the application window for an electric car manufacturing scheme opens soon, India remains attractive for international automakers despite Tesla's hesitance.

Gold and silver prices have surged due to global uncertainties, including US-China trade tensions and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. As of June 5, gold is priced at ₹96,806 per 10 grams, while silver has crossed ₹1 lakh per kg. With gold providing impressive returns of 25% year-on-year and a strong recommendation for a 5-10% portfolio allocation in gold, investors are advised to view these precious metals as a hedge against inflation and market volatility. The article also lists specific prices across major Indian cities, highlighting the importance of checking local rates before investing.

President Donald Trump has announced a ban on visas for foreign students planning to attend Harvard University, citing national security concerns. This decision, seen as part of a broader crackdown on higher education, suggests that Harvard has become "unsuitable" for international students due to its non-compliance with federal demands. The order follows a previous court ruling that blocked the Department of Homeland Security's attempt to restrict international students. As tensions rise between the government and the prestigious university, the implications for foreign scholars and the academic community are significant.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned U.S. President Donald Trump of a potential response to Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia's nuclear bombers. Despite ongoing peace talks described as “useful,” the war in Ukraine escalates as both nations exchange accusations. Trump highlighted a lengthy phone call with Putin discussing these tensions and the need for peace, while Putin criticized Ukraine's leadership for not seeking negotiations. The situation remains precarious, with fears of further military escalation as both sides prepare for potential responses.

In a thrilling IPL 2025 final, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) triumphed over Punjab Kings (PBKS) by just six runs, securing their first title at the Narendra Modi Stadium. RCB set a challenging target of 190 runs, thanks to Jitesh Sharma's explosive 24 off 10 balls. Despite a strong start, PBKS fell short, managing 184 runs in their innings. RCB's bowlers, led by Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, effectively contained the chase, while Shashank Singh's unbeaten 61 gave hope. This victory marked a historic moment for RCB fans, celebrating their long-awaited success.

Ola Electric Mobility Ltd faced a setback as its shares dropped over 7% following a major block deal worth ₹731 crore on June 3. Approximately 14.22 crore shares changed hands at ₹51.4 each, reflecting a discount from the previous closing price. Hyundai Motor India is believed to be the seller in this deal. The company reported a significant net loss of ₹870 crore for Q4 FY25, a stark contrast to the ₹416 crore loss the previous year. Despite declining sales and increased losses, Ola aims for profitability by enhancing revenue and operational efficiency, focusing on sustainable growth in India's EV market.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced a new automated process that simplifies how brokers can invoke pledges and sell shares of defaulted clients. This change aims to enhance business efficiency and protect investor interests. Previously, brokers faced challenges with unsold pledged shares, leading to complications in managing clients' securities. The new system will streamline the sale process and ensure that brokers can quickly recover funds. This significant update will take effect on September 5, 2025, with further guidelines to be released by July 1, 2025.

Pakistan is under pressure from the IMF and has announced a reduced development budget for the upcoming fiscal year while planning to increase defense spending. This move raises questions about the country’s priorities amid economic struggles, as the government grapples with debt and strict IMF conditions. Despite a significant budget allocation for defense, other sectors like infrastructure and social services face severe cuts. The budget presentation has been delayed due to disagreements with the IMF, highlighting the ongoing fiscal challenges. As Pakistan balances defense needs with economic realities, its future remains uncertain.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has greenlit IPO drafts for six companies, including HDB Financial Services and Vikram Solar. HDB plans to raise ₹12,500 crore, making it the largest among them. Vikram Solar aims for ₹1,500 crore to expand its manufacturing in Tamil Nadu, while Dorf-Ketal Chemicals targets ₹5,000 crore for debt repayment and growth. Other companies like Shanti Gold International and Shreeji Shipping Global are also gearing up for their market debuts. These approvals mark a significant step for businesses looking to access capital for expansion.

Virat Kohli's cricket journey has been a thrilling saga, especially in the last year. After winning the T20 World Cup and facing ups and downs, he finally led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their first IPL trophy after 18 years. This emotional victory came with a price, as Kohli retired from Test cricket, a format he deeply loves. Celebrating this long-awaited win, he expressed how much he has invested in RCB. Now, with every major title in hand, Kohli is set to seek new challenges, proving that the spirit of a champion never rests.

Elon Musk recently criticized President Trump's tax and spending bill, calling it a "disgusting abomination." This sharp rebuke followed a farewell meeting in the Oval Office, where Musk had previously supported Trump with substantial funding. He expressed frustration over the bill's impact on government efficiency and suggested that voters should “fire” politicians who betray the public. While Musk vowed to reduce his political spending, he remains open to future involvement if needed. The White House dismissed his comments, reaffirming support for the bill.