Times of India

K Govindaraju has been removed from his position as Political Secretary to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, effective immediately. The state government issued a notification on Friday confirming the decision. Govindaraju, a well-known political figure in Karnataka and a close confidant of Siddaramaiah, had held the post since the Congress government assumed power.

Parle-G biscuits, an Indian staple, have become a costly luxury in war-torn Gaza, symbolising extreme scarcity. A Palestinian's social media post revealed he paid over Rs 2,300 for a pack usually costing less than Rs 5 in India. His post quickly went viral on social media with many Indian users tagging government officials and the Parle company for help.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has significantly reduced the repo rate by 50 basis points, bringing the total cut to 1% since February, a move set to lower home loan EMIs. Experts suggest this could push home loan rates closer to sub-8%, benefiting borrowers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated infrastructure projects worth Rs 44,000 crore in Jammu and Kashmir, including the Chenab and Anji bridges. He also flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains between Katra and Srinagar, significantly improving rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley. The USBRL project establishes all-weather rail connectivity, aiming to transform regional mobility and improve socio-economic integration.

A US court has temporarily blocked President Trump's proclamation that aimed to prevent international students from entering the US to study at Harvard University. Harvard filed a legal petition, arguing the directive was unlawful retribution for the university's opposition to White House requirements. The university's president, Alan M. Garber, stated the proclamation circumvents a previous court order.

RBI MPC Meeting: In a move to boost loan access, the RBI has slashed the repo rate by 50 basis points, bringing it down to 5.5%. This marks a cumulative 100 basis point reduction since February. While the RBI signals limited room for further cuts by shifting to a 'neutral' stance, this decision arrives amidst a backdrop of India's robust 7.

Indian banks will observe closures on June 6th and 7th, 2025, for Eid al-Adha, according to the RBI. Kerala banks will be closed on June 6th, while most banks nationwide will be closed on June 7th, except in a few cities. Despite the holiday, digital banking services will remain operational.

If the American republic is a reality show, then Donald Trump and Elon Musk were its breakout power couple. One sold steaks and slogans, the other sold flamethrowers and tunnels. For a moment, they were the tech-and-tantrum axis, the double helix of power and platform. But like all primetime pairings, their arc had a third-act twist—less redemption, more Game of Thrones firestorm.

The Indian stock market recovered on Friday following the Reserve Bank of India's rate cut. The BSE Sensex rose by 480.52 points to reach 81,922.56. The Nifty50 also surpassed the 24,900 level. Market experts foresee consolidation with an upward trend. Global factors and US-India trade talks are influencing the market. FIIs increased their net short positions.

The Indian cricket team has departed for England to participate in a five-match Test series, marking the beginning of a new era following the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket. Shubman Gill will lead the team, which includes both seasoned players and fresh talent.

As the Trump-Musk bromance dissolves faster than a Tesla on Autopilot in Washington traffic, one man watches the fireworks from a safe, well-lit distance—sipping Perrier, adjusting his campaign blazer, and thanking his stars he got out early, having clearly absorbed Sun Tzu’s timeless wisdom: “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”—Vivek Ramaswamy.

Eid-ul-Adha 2025 is approaching, a time for families and communities to unite in celebration of sacrifice, compassion, and faith. Sending heartfelt wishes and messages strengthens bonds and spreads the spirit of the occasion. This collection of Eid Mubarak greetings offers ways to express love and blessings to family and friends, fostering joy and togetherness during this significant Islamic festival.

Reigning World Champion Gukesh is challenging World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen at the Norway Chess tournament. Carlsen, with 15 points, is closely trailed by Gukesh at 14.5. Following a loss to Gukesh, a frustrated Carlsen expressed his disillusionment with classical chess, even hinting at quitting. Despite a win against Caruana, Carlsen admits the tournament's enjoyment diminished after the Gukesh game.

Following a tragic stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium that resulted in 11 fatalities and 75 injuries during victory celebrations, Bengaluru police have arrested RCB's marketing head Nikhil Sosale and three executives from DNA Entertainment Networks. The arrests, directed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, target those deemed responsible for the incident. Authorities are also searching for KSCA secretary Shankar A.

Shashi Tharoor said that US vice president JD Vance understands the impossibility of mediating between India and Pakistan, as it would imply an equivalence between a victim and a terrorist. Tharoor highlighted India's strong diplomatic outreach, noting more meetings at higher levels compared to the Pakistani delegation. He also emphasised the unity within India regarding the issue of terrorism.

The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) has released hall tickets for the Combined Civil Services Group 1A preliminary examination, scheduled for June 15, 2025. Registered candidates can download their admit cards from the official website, tnpsc.gov.in, using their login credentials. The hall ticket is a mandatory document for entry to the examination center.

Stock market recommendations:Bajaj Broking Research suggests a continued consolidation phase for benchmark indices, highlighting resilience in mid and small-cap segments. Nifty oscillates within 24,400-25,080 range, while Bank Nifty consolidates between 53,500-56,000. Idea Forge Technology and Avantel are recommended as top stock picks.

The Los Angeles Lakers, having acquired Luka Doncic, are now facing speculation about a potential trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. While some fans entertain the idea, analysts question the wisdom of trading the younger Doncic, emphasizing his long-term potential and Giannis's injury concerns. Ultimately, the Lakers' limited assets make a deal unlikely unless Giannis forces a trade.