New FASTag Pass: Unlimited Highway Travel in India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the 81st AGM of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) today in New Delhi. This significant aviation summit, hosted by IndiGo Airlines, returns to India after 42 years and features over 1,600 global aviation leaders. Modi's speech comes after IndiGo's major deal with international airlines to enhance India's air connectivity with North America and Europe. Meanwhile, the Northeast faces severe monsoon impacts, with landslides and floods causing distress. In the US, an incident at a pro-Israel event raises security concerns as the FBI investigates potential terrorism.

Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh has made headlines by defeating world champion Magnus Carlsen for the first time in a classical game during Norway Chess. Just days after facing a setback from Carlsen, the young champion, who recently turned 19, turned the tables in an intense match lasting over four hours. Gukesh's remarkable comeback not only secured him three points but also boosted his confidence, placing him third in the tournament with 8.5 points. His coach emphasized that this victory could inspire other Indian players to believe they can challenge top competitors like Carlsen.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has taken strict action against former IndusInd Bank CEO Sumant Kathpalia and four other executives for insider trading. They are banned from accessing securities markets and have had ₹19.78 crore seized due to trading on unpublished price-sensitive information. This case arose after a Reserve Bank of India directive impacted the bank's operations, with these officials allegedly trading on confidential insights. SEBI's interim order restricts them from any securities transactions until further notice, highlighting the seriousness of insider trading violations.

Foreign investors are showing renewed confidence in India's equity market, pouring in Rs 19,860 crore in May. This comes after a net investment of Rs 4,223 crore in April, bouncing back from previous withdrawals earlier in the year. Key factors driving this trend include easing global inflation, the prospect of US interest rate cuts, and India’s robust GDP growth and corporate earnings. As FPIs continue to invest in sectors like autos, telecom, and finance, experts suggest they might sell at higher valuations, but the overall outlook remains positive.

OpenAI is set to create a massive computing facility in the UAE as part of its "OpenAI for Countries" initiative. This collaboration will allow UAE residents to access advanced AI tools, including a nationwide deployment of ChatGPT. The facility, which will start operating in 2026, involves partnerships with major tech firms like Oracle and Nvidia. While there's excitement about free access to ChatGPT Plus, it remains a paid service. OpenAI aims to enhance various sectors in the UAE, fostering innovation and economic growth.

The Indian government is set to launch a new FASTag system that offers an annual pass for unlimited highway travel at ₹3,000. This option caters to frequent travelers, while a distance-based plan allows occasional users to pay ₹50 for every 100 kilometers. The initiative aims to enhance traffic flow by removing barriers at toll booths, improving fuel efficiency, and reducing congestion. Current FASTag accounts will remain valid, and users can easily transition to this new system. However, the previous long-term pass option will no longer be available.

Last week, the market valuation of four major Indian firms surged by Rs 1,01,369.5 crore, with LIC leading the way. Despite a general decline in the BSE index, LIC's valuation increased by Rs 59,233.61 crore, making it the top gainer among the ten most valued companies. Other winners included State Bank of India, Bharti Airtel, and HDFC Bank. However, several giants like Reliance Industries and TCS saw significant losses. This mixed performance highlights the volatility in India's equity market, showcasing both growth and decline among top firms.

Apple is set to open its third retail store in India, located in Bengaluru's Phoenix Mall of Asia. This new store, part of Apple's strategy to expand its presence in the Indian market, will enhance its footprint in a city where manufacturing partner Foxconn is also establishing a facility. The store covers nearly 8,000 square feet, with a 10-year lease agreement. Apple plans to open four more stores in major cities like Delhi and Pune, aiming to tap into India’s growing consumer market and strengthen its retail strategy.

Shubman Gill has dismissed rumors of a rift with Hardik Pandya after the Gujarat Titans' elimination from IPL 2025. Speculation arose when they exchanged tense looks during the toss and celebrated differently on the field. However, Gill clarified their strong bond with an Instagram post saying, “Nothing but love,” to which Hardik responded affectionately. On the field, Mumbai Indians dominated the match, scoring 228 runs, with Rohit Sharma's stellar performance. GT fell short at 208 despite a valiant effort from Sai Sudharsan. MI now prepares for a crucial Qualifier 2 match against Punjab Kings.

Bengaluru millionaire Paras Chopra has banned his AI lab team from engaging with Indian customers, reflecting a troubling trend in the startup ecosystem. This “Skip India Movement” highlights how founders feel overwhelmed by unpaid trials and low conversion rates. Investor Vaibhav Domkundwar pointed out that many AI startups struggle to gain paying customers in India, leading to frustration among founders. As a result, some are shifting focus to international markets. This situation raises questions about the Indian tech market's potential and the willingness of local buyers to invest in new technologies.

Heavy rains have battered northeastern India, causing landslides and flash floods, with the India Meteorological Department predicting more precipitation. A red alert is in effect for Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, expecting heavy rainfall until June 3. Other regions like sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Southern India are also under threat of severe weather, including thunderstorms and gusty winds. As rivers overflow and streets flood, the situation remains critical. Stay informed about the weather updates as the region braces for continued rain.

India is currently facing a rise in COVID-19 cases, with 3,395 active cases reported as of May 31, and 685 new infections in just one day. The country has seen a decrease in daily deaths, with four reported in the last 24 hours. States like Kerala, Delhi, and Maharashtra are among the hardest hit. In response, Karnataka has advised parents to keep children home if they show any symptoms of illness. Meanwhile, the Union Health Minister assured that the government is well-prepared to handle the situation, having strengthened health infrastructure during previous waves.

Shreyas Iyer displayed remarkable composure as he led his team to victory, securing a spot in the IPL Final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on June 3. This marks Iyer's third time guiding a franchise to the finals, and his confidence is high after last year's success with KKR. Despite the pressure, he remained focused, emphasizing the importance of staying calm on big occasions. Iyer's impressive innings of 87 runs from 41 balls showcased his talent. While celebrating the achievement with his teammates, he reminded himself that the job isn't finished yet.

In a thrilling IPL 2025 Eliminator, Mumbai Indians (MI) triumphed over Gujarat Titans (GT) by 20 runs, thanks to an explosive innings led by Rohit Sharma. MI set a formidable target of 228, with Rohit scoring a dazzling 81 off 50 balls and crossing 7000 IPL runs. Despite a valiant effort from Gujarat, who managed 206 runs, their journey in the tournament ended here. As MI moves on to face Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2, fans eagerly await the final showdown against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

COVID-19 cases are rising again in India, with active infections reaching 2,710 as of May 30, 2025. Kerala leads the country with 1,147 active cases, while Maharashtra, Delhi, and Gujarat follow with 424, 294, and 223 cases respectively. This resurgence highlights the need for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols to protect ourselves and our communities. As we navigate this situation, it's crucial to stay informed and proactive in our health measures.

Tata Starbucks reported a widened loss of ₹135.7 crore in FY25, despite a 5% revenue increase to ₹1,277 crore. This growth stems from opening 58 new stores, expanding its reach to 479 locations across 80 cities. While the QSR market remains soft, TCPL aims to establish 1,000 cafes by FY28, making Tata Starbucks the largest organized cafe operator in India. The company emphasizes long-term potential in the Indian market, despite short-term challenges, and has invested ₹125 crore to support its growth strategy.

The Indian stock market is poised for a breakout in June, driven by increased rollover activity and traders' confidence. Sudeep Shah from SBI Securities highlights bullish trends for Punjab National Bank and ITC Hotels, suggesting they are strong picks for the upcoming week. Despite a narrow trading range in May, the market showed resilience. Historical data indicates June often brings positive returns. With significant support and resistance levels identified, market participants are eager for potential gains in Midcap and Smallcap indices, indicating a vibrant trading environment ahead.

India’s GDP growth for FY25 stands strong at 6.5%, matching projections from key financial institutions. Q4 growth surged to 7.4%, driven by robust capital investments and a thriving external sector, particularly due to lower import costs. Despite global uncertainties and domestic challenges, rural demand helped maintain a healthy private consumption rate. The economic outlook for FY26 remains optimistic, with forecasts suggesting the same growth rate, supported by tax cuts and stable inflation. Investors are encouraged by India’s macroeconomic stability and strong corporate balance sheets, positioning the country as an attractive market amidst global uncertainties.