Since Bihar's 2016 liquor ban, lightning fatalities have surged, possibly due to the felling of palm trees traditionally used for toddy. These trees acted as natural lightning rods, and their disappearance correlates with a dramatic increase in lightning strikes, disproportionately affecting rural populations.

Social media influencer Sharmishta Panoli's arrest for allegedly hurting religious sentiments has sparked controversy. Her advocate claims she's being denied basic rights and her health is deteriorating in custody. Despite deleting the video and apologizing, her arrest has drawn criticism from legal professionals and political figures, who deem it excessive and politically motivated, while police insist all procedures were followed.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed development projects in a virtual meeting with district magistrates. He inaugurated the Vatsalya Ganga Ashray in Haridwar with Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, praising Sadhvi Ritambhara's work for destitute daughters. Gupta lauded Dhami's developmental efforts as an inspiration for Delhi and pledged to clean the Yamuna River.

India anticipates a limited effect from President Trump's proposed steel and aluminium tariff increase due to relatively low export volumes to the US. While the steel minister downplayed concerns, Fitch Ratings suggests potential challenges for Indian steel producers if other nations redirect exports to India.

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers has strongly opposed Emirates' request for increased flying rights to Dubai, emphasizing the need for mutual agreement in bilateral agreements. His statement follows Emirates' president Tim Clark's claim of being restricted to 65,000 seats for over a decade despite growing demand.

India's Ministry of Heavy Industries has launched the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI) to attract EV manufacturing investments. The scheme offers reduced customs duties on imported EVs for approved applicants who meet minimum investment and localization targets.

Aadhaar cardholders can update their identity and address documents online for free until June 14, 2025, as announced by UIDAI. After this date, updates will require a visit to an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre with a fee of Rs 50. Updating PoI and PoA documents every 10 years ensures accurate records and avoids potential service disruptions.

Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL) shares are recovering remarkably. The stock rose 60.4% from its March low. It reached a high of Rs 1,680 on Monday.

BJP leader Agnimitra Paul has criticized the West Bengal government following the arrest of Instagram influencer Sharmishtha Panoli for allegedly making communal comments. Paul alleges a lack of free speech and unequal treatment of communities, accusing the Mamata Banerjee government of bias against Hindus.

Bharatiya Janata Party criticized Goa Congress. The reason was the omission of Mallikarjun Kharge's photo. The photo was absent from a Statehood Day poster. The event occurred in Panaji on May 30. BJP called it a deliberate snub to the Dalit leader. Congress defended it as unintentional. They cited other posters with Kharge's image.

Union Minister Chirag Paswan is considering a return to Bihar state politics, driven by his commitment to the state's development. Despite securing a third term as Lok Sabha MP, Paswan feels he can better serve Bihar by focusing on state-level issues.

A Jefferies report indicates that AI implementation may disproportionately affect entry-level white-collar positions, raising unemployment concerns for recent US university graduates. Sectors like sales, customer support, and software development are particularly vulnerable. While some companies report net employment gains, others acknowledge AI-led staff reductions impacting service quality, highlighting the need for proactive skill development and workplace adaptation.

GTRI advises India to address Trump's new steel and aluminium tariffs within the ongoing FTA talks with the US. This approach aims to persuade the US to reduce or eliminate these tariffs, leveraging the FTA negotiations for market access benefits.

India's engineering exports face significant headwinds as the US prepares to impose a 50% tariff on steel and aluminium imports, effective June 4, 2025. This move, doubling existing duties, threatens approximately $5 billion in annual exports, prompting concerns from the EEPC and AAI.

Maruti Suzuki reports that its production remains unaffected by China's rare earth magnet export restrictions, crucial for vehicle components. The company has applied for import permits and is engaging with the government to understand the new regulations' impact.

In London, Former Union Minister MJ Akbar likened Pakistan's support for terrorism to Hitler-era fascism, urging global recognition of this threat to honor terror victims. He highlighted Pakistan's violent origins and sustained use of terror as state policy.

Security forces recovered over 2.5 tonnes of explosives looted by Maoists in Odisha's Sundergarh district during a joint operation in the Odisha-Jharkhand border region. The explosives, stolen on May 27th from K Balang area, were found buried and hidden under rocks in the Saranda forest. The search operation continues after an earlier recovery of explosives following a gun battle.

Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin praised the Chennai Mahila court's verdict after it awarded the life sentence for a minimum period of 30 years without remission and a fine of Rs 90,000 to the accused Gnanasekaran, who has been convicted of sexually harassing a student on the Anna University campus in December last year.

Congress leaders are criticizing the Modi government's handling of the severe flood situation in northeastern states. Mallikarjun Kharge urged PM Modi to utilize the PM CARES Fund for relief efforts, alleging a lack of audit transparency. Rahul Gandhi expressed grief over the loss of life and called for swift rescue operations.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday refrained from commenting on actor-politician Kamal Haasan's recent remarks regarding the Kannada language, urging that the issue should not be politicised and emphasising the importance of harmonious ties between neighbouring states.

BJP MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri expressed confidence that his party will secure a majority in the MCD Standing Committee elections, anticipating victory in 10 out of 12 zones. AAP's Saurabh Bharadwaj suggested the election would reveal the relationship between Congress and BJP. AAP has already begun preparations for the 2027 MCD elections, aiming for a significant majority.

Schloss Bangalore Ltd, owner of The Leela brand, had a weak stock market debut, listing below its IPO price. Shares opened at Rs 406 on NSE and Rs 406.50 on BSE, against an IPO price of Rs 435. Despite the brand's strength and expansion, investor caution prevailed. The IPO was subscribed 4.5 times.

Tesla, led by Elon Musk, is reportedly not planning to manufacture electric cars in India, but is interested in establishing showrooms. This comes as the Indian government finalizes guidelines to promote electric car manufacturing.

State Bank of India anticipates a significant 50 bps repo rate cut by the RBI in its June 6 policy meeting, potentially triggering a credit cycle revival. Surplus liquidity has already led to reduced deposit rates. Diminished concerns over liquidity and financial stability, coupled with a projected 3.5% CPI inflation for FY26, support prioritizing economic growth through monetary policy.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has launched a scathing critique of Jawaharlal Nehru's handling of the 1962 Indo-China war, citing Nehru's appeals for help as evidence of flawed foreign policy. Dubey's remarks followed Congress party's criticism of S Jaishankar.

A Zepto warehouse in Dharavi faced license suspension after an FDA inspection revealed unsanitary conditions, including fungal growth on food and expired products. The facility stored items near stagnant water and failed to maintain proper temperature controls.

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer is engaging with IndiGo and Air India to sell planes, establishing an Indian subsidiary in Delhi to explore local supply chain opportunities. Recruiting staff across various departments, Embraer aims to tap into India's growing aviation market, which includes commercial, business, and defense sectors.

India and the US are actively pursuing a bilateral trade agreement to boost market access for businesses, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced. Despite concerns over potential US tariff hikes on steel and aluminum, both nations are committed to resolving issues through bilateral talks.

Asia's factory activity experienced a decline in May, impacted by weak demand from China and the lingering effects of US tariffs. Manufacturing operations in Japan and South Korea continued to contract, while concerns over potential US automobile tariffs created uncertainty. China's manufacturing sector also showed contraction, signaling a broader economic slowdown in the region.

IATA forecasts airlines to achieve a combined profit of $36 billion in 2025, a rise from $32.4 billion in 2024. Director General Willie Walsh cautioned against geopolitical disputes affecting airspace and highlighted supply chain challenges. India hosted the AGM for the first time in 42 years, with the next one scheduled for Brazil in 2026.

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices are navigating a complex landscape influenced by geopolitical tensions, US-China trade uncertainties, and fluctuating economic data. Recent events, such as the postponement of US tariffs and ongoing conflicts, have contributed to market volatility.

Shashi Tharoor, an Indian MP, voiced concern about the recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado. Six elderly people were injured at a pro-Israel rally. The Indian delegation is in Brazil for global outreach after the Pahalgam attack. They will visit the US next. Mohamed Sabry Soliman is charged with the attack. He shouted Free Palestine before throwing incendiary devices.

Asian stocks plummeted following US President Donald Trump's renewed trade war threats, including increased tariffs on China and accusations of breached agreements. This overshadowed positive US inflation data, fueling concerns about the economic impact of tariffs. Hong Kong's market was particularly affected by property sector worries, while oil prices surged.

Stock market crash today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmark indices, opened in deep red on Monday. While Nifty50 went below 24,550, BSE Sensex tanked over 750 points.

The European Central Bank is expected to announce its seventh consecutive interest rate cut amidst a struggling eurozone economy. Concerns over economic performance outweigh inflation worries, exacerbated by US President Trump's fluctuating trade policies. HSBC anticipates the rate reduction following recent US tariff announcements. While a quarter-point decrease is expected, analysts suggest a pause in July to evaluate economic trends.

China has refuted US accusations of violating a trade tariff reduction agreement reached in Geneva, dismissing them as ogus charges and unreasonable allegations. Beijing insists it is committed to the consensus, while criticizing the US for imposing discriminatory restrictions, including AI chip export limits and student visa cancellations.

In a tragic incident near Itagi Cross in Kittur taluk, three labourers from Kalaburagi, Ramanna, Mahesh, and Ramachandra, died instantly when an oil tanker ran over them during road construction on the Pune-Bengaluru NH. Three other workers sustained injuries and were hospitalized. The tanker overturned on the service road, leaving the driver in critical condition.

A 75-year-old woman with diabetes from Kolhapur's Pachgaon village died from Covid-19 complications at CPR Hospital after four days of treatment. While reports emerged about crematorium workers refusing to handle the body, a health official denied the claims, stating that the last rites were performed following safety protocols.

A political row has erupted over the arrest of social media influencer Sharmishta Panoli for a controversial video. BJP MP Kangana Ranaut cautioned the Bengal government against turning the state into North Korea. Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan criticized the selective outrage, questioning the lack of action against TMC members who allegedly mocked Sanatan Dharma.

Stock market recommendations: Motilal Oswal Financial Services recommends Radico Khaitan and JK Cement as top stock picks for the week starting June 2, 2025. Radico Khaitan, a leading IMFL manufacturer, is projected to experience robust growth driven by premiumization. JK Cement reported strong fourth-quarter results and aims for significant volume growth and cost savings, making it a preferred pick in the cement sector.

India is considering Prime Minister Modi's visit to the Maldives in July, potentially on their Independence Day, following an invitation from President Muizzu. This visit signals a renewed effort to strengthen bilateral ties amidst regional concerns. Discussions will encompass development, security, trade, and a potential free trade agreement, reinforcing the partnership in the Indian Ocean region.

After facing setbacks due to Income Tax notices that disrupted its initial crowdfunding efforts, Congress is set to relaunch its resource mobilization program with a district-level focus. The revamped plan involves dedicated pages for each district on the party's website, inviting local residents to contribute.

In a tragic incident in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, a mother and daughter from Ludhiana lost their lives when a Deodar tree fell on them near Kasol. Adding to the sorrow, five individuals from Punjab died in Mandi district after their speeding pickup truck plunged into a deep gorge, highlighting the dangers faced by travelers in the region.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections in India surged by 16.4% to 2.01 lakh crore in May, marking the fastest expansion since October 2022, propelled by a significant increase in import taxes. Collections from imports rose by 25.2%, while domestic sources saw a 13.7% increase. However, state-wise collections varied widely, with some states experiencing declines.

Bank lending to NBFCs experienced a sharp slowdown in April, contributing to an overall moderation in bank credit growth. While lending to large industries also cooled, housing loans gained prominence. Personal loan growth eased, reflecting a broader deceleration in credit expansion across various sectors, including agriculture and services.