Monday, 1 June 2026

The Election Commission of India has revised the schedule for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls in Punjab, with the draft publication now set for August 3 (instead of July 31) and the period for filing claims and objections revised to August 3 to September 2.[1][1] Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed District Magistrates (DMs) to monitor and regularly report demographic changes in border districts, emphasizing security coordination among various agencies.[2][2] The Supreme Court directed the Rajasthan government to pay ₹11 lakh compensation to a convict, Daudayal, who was detained 24 days beyond his parole order, emphasizing that court orders must be followed unless stayed by a superior court.[3][3] The Central Government has launched an AI-enabled chatbot 'Samadhan Didi' to help citizens file complaints against government departments online in their native languages.[4][4] Haryana is implementing the One-Time Settlement Scheme (OTS)-2026 from June 1 to September 28 to facilitate the settlement of long-pending tax dues under seven different tax acts for traders.[5][5]

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) withdrew ₹32,963 crore from Indian equities in May 2026, bringing the total outflow for the year to ₹2.25 lakh crore, driven by weak earnings growth and rupee depreciation.[1][1] India's export growth is being driven by diesel-electric locomotives, electronic circuit boards, and wireless speakers, indicating a shift towards higher-value manufacturing and technology-driven exports.[2][2] The India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) takes effect on June 1, granting India 100% duty-free market access to Oman for over 99% of its exports, valued at approximately $3.64 billion, benefiting sectors like minerals, gems, textiles, plastics, and machinery.[3][3] The government has cut export duties on petrol to ₹1.5/litre, diesel to ₹13.5/litre, and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) to ₹9.5/litre, effective June 1.[4][4] Maharashtra has approved Adani Group's ₹70,000 crore coal gasification project near Nagpur to convert coal into syngas, hydrogen, ammonia, and other industrial products, aligning with India's energy security goals.[5][5] India may soon allow consumers to choose between multiple ethanol-blended petrol variants like E20, E22, E25, E27, and E30, offering greater flexibility and promoting biofuel adoption.[6][6] The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority has fixed the retail prices of 30 drug formulations, including Vitamin D3 Oral Solution, Calcium, Vitamin D3, and Methylcobalamin.[7][7]

Delhi experienced its cleanest air since October 8, 2025, with the AQI falling to 85 due to gusty winds and rain, while the maximum temperature reached 37.2°C, over three degrees below normal.[1][1] Bengaluru lost around 949 trees and 2,066 branches due to heavy rain and strong winds in the past month, requiring authorities to deploy teams for clearing fallen trees.[2][2] A herd of wild elephants damaged an agricultural farm in Kadaba taluk, Karnataka, destroying over 60 arecanut trees and causing losses exceeding ₹1 lakh, highlighting the increasing human-wildlife conflict.[3][3]

A massive dust storm hit Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, turning the skies red, following similar conditions in other parts of the state due to a western disturbance.[1][1] The IMD has issued heavy rainfall, thundersquall, and dust storm warnings for several states and UTs, including Assam, Meghalaya, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh.[2][2] The IMD issued a yellow alert for Delhi with light rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds expected, due to a weakening western disturbance.[3][3] Himachal Pradesh is under a yellow alert for heavy rain, hailstorm, and thunderstorm in districts including Shimla, Kullu, Solan, Mandi, Sirmour, Kinnaur, and Lahaul and Spiti.[4][4] Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, is experiencing a surge in visitors amid the northern India heatwave, with 25,000 to 27,000 vehicles entering the district.[5][5] A State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) team rescued over 50 pilgrims stranded in a swollen river during the annual Jod Mela at the Sri Reetha Sahib Gurdwara in Uttarakhand's Champawat due to sudden rainfall.[6][6] Mumbai recorded its driest May in three years, with minimal rainfall until May 30, followed by moderate showers on May 31.[7][7] The Mysuru region in Karnataka has recorded a major pre-monsoon rainfall deficit, raising concerns over water storage levels in major reservoirs.[8][8] At least four people died and ten were injured after a five-story building collapsed in Delhi's Mehrauli; rescue operations are ongoing.[9][9]

EAM S Jaishankar met with Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing in Delhi to discuss bilateral cooperation.[1][1] France has requested an emergency UN Security Council meeting over Israel's military advancements into southern Lebanon.[2][2] Ukraine has denied attacking the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, dismissing Russia's claims as propaganda.[3][3] Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu ordered troops to move further into Lebanon after Israeli troops seized the 900-year-old Beaufort Castle, stating they have broken the barrier of fear and aim to expand their grip on Hezbollah-controlled areas.[4][4]

Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi indicated that India is prepared for 'Operation Sindoor 2.0' if it takes place, while noting that there is a temporary cessation of hostilities.[1][1] General NS Raja Subramani, after taking charge as India's third Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), emphasized the commitment to implementing the Prime Minister's 'JAI' vision: Jointness, Atma Nirbharta, and Innovation.[2][2][3][3] OpenAI announced the launch of Rosalind Biodefense, an initiative aimed at helping trusted developers build biodefense capabilities and helping scientists detect biological threats.[4][4] A video shows Russian troops purportedly using a handheld electronic warfare device, the Yolka system, to neutralize Ukrainian drones by disrupting their communication and navigation signals.[5][5] A meteor exploded over the northeastern United States with a blast equivalent to 300 tons of TNT, shaking buildings and traveling at over 1,20,000 kmph at an altitude of around 64 km.[6][6]

The Ministry of Culture shared a picture of a 4,500-year-old terracotta dice from the Indus Valley Civilisation, calling it a 'powerful reminder of India’s living heritage'.[1][1] Sri Lanka celebrated Vesak Poya on a rare Blue Moon Day, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Buddha, with week-long celebrations inaugurated by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.[2][2] Ahilyabai Holkar Jayanti celebrates the legacy of the visionary Malwa Queen, known for her wisdom, justice, and dedication to public welfare through temple construction, trade promotion, and strengthening administration.[3][3] Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Harami Nala, a strategically significant tidal channel in Gujarat’s Sir Creek region known for its deceptive waterways and use by smugglers.[4][4]

The latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) 2023-24 shows a decline in spousal violence in Punjab, from 11.6% in NFHS-5 (2019-21) to 8.7%.[1][1] NCP MP Supriya Sule criticized the Maharashtra government, citing a report that around 80 lakh names were allegedly removed from the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana.[2][2]