Rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds lashed parts of Delhi-NCR, bringing relief from the intense summer heat, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for the next two days. The weather department has forecast more showers, thunderstorms and strong winds across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad.

According to IMD, cloudy skies, light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds may occur at several locations in Delhi-NCR. Wind speeds could reach 40-50 kmph and may gust up to 60 kmph during thunderstorm activity.

The weather department has advised residents to remain cautious during periods of strong winds and lightning. The expected rainfall is likely to keep temperatures lower than usual for early June, extending the relief from intense heat that the region witnessed in recent weeks.

Rain activity likely across NCR cities

The forecast indicates that Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad are also expected to receive spells of rain accompanied by thunderstorms over the coming days. Similar weather conditions have been predicted across much of the NCR region as atmospheric instability continues to influence northwestern India.

Recent spells of rain and dust storms have already brought down temperatures across Delhi-NCR, with weather officials predicting additional showers before conditions gradually improve later in the week.

Residents have been advised to monitor weather updates and avoid open areas during thunderstorms and lightning activity. Authorities also caution that strong winds may affect traffic movement and outdoor activities in some areas.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK chief Vijay has allotted the state’s lone vacant Rajya Sabha seat to alliance partner Congress, a move that further strengthens cooperation between the two parties after the formation of the new government. The decision comes ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for June 18.

The allocation is being seen as an important political gesture by Vijay towards Congress, which has emerged as a key ally of the ruling coalition in Tamil Nadu. Congress currently has five MLAs supporting the government and is also represented in the state cabinet.

Sources indicate that senior Congress leader and All India Congress Committee functionary Praveen Chakravarty is likely to be the party’s nominee for the Rajya Sabha seat. His nomination is expected to be filed in the coming days.

Move reinforces TVK-Congress partnership

The decision follows recent interactions between senior Congress leaders and the Tamil Nadu leadership, including a meeting between veteran Congress leader P. Chidambaram and Chief Minister Vijay. Political observers view the Rajya Sabha seat-sharing arrangement as another step towards consolidating the alliance ahead of future electoral contests.

Congress had reportedly sought the Rajya Sabha berth from its ally, and the allocation is expected to increase the party’s representation in the Upper House from Tamil Nadu. With the latest development, Congress is set to have two Rajya Sabha members from the state along with representation in the state government.

The Rajya Sabha bypoll had earlier been viewed as an opportunity for Vijay’s TVK to secure its first direct entry into Parliament. However, the party chose to back its ally, highlighting the importance it places on coalition politics and alliance management.

India is considering a set of measures aimed at attracting more foreign investment as the ongoing Iran war continues to create pressure on the country’s economy, according to reports citing government sources. One of the key proposals under discussion is the removal of capital gains tax on investments made by foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) in government securities.

The move comes at a time when geopolitical tensions in West Asia have pushed up global oil prices, weakened investor sentiment and increased pressure on the Indian rupee. India, which imports a significant share of its crude oil requirements, has been among the countries closely monitoring the economic fallout from the conflict.

Government exploring ways to boost capital inflows

Officials are reportedly evaluating tax-related incentives to make Indian debt markets more attractive to overseas investors. The proposed exemption on capital gains from government securities is aimed at encouraging foreign portfolio investment and supporting capital inflows during a period of heightened global uncertainty.

The government is seeking to counter the impact of foreign capital outflows that have intensified amid concerns over the Iran conflict and its implications for energy markets and global economic growth.

Rupee and markets under pressure

Recent weeks have seen increased volatility in financial markets, with foreign investors pulling money out of Indian equities. Analysts have linked part of the pressure on the rupee to rising oil prices and continued overseas investor withdrawals.

Market participants believe that measures aimed at attracting foreign investment into government securities could help improve investor confidence and provide support to the domestic currency.

Broader economic concerns

The Iran war has added to concerns about inflation, economic growth and India’s external sector. Higher energy prices can increase import costs and put pressure on inflation, while sustained foreign capital outflows may affect financial market stability.

While no final decision has been announced, discussions on easing tax rules for foreign investors reflect the government’s efforts to strengthen capital inflows and cushion the economy from external shocks.