Indian equity markets opened sharply lower on June 8 as escalating Iran-Israel tensions, surging crude oil prices and weak global cues triggered broad-based selling. The Sensex fell over 800 points while the Nifty slipped more than 1% in early trade. Investor sentiment weakened after Iran launched missiles at Israel following Israeli strikes in Lebanon, pushing Brent crude above $96 per barrel and raising concerns over inflation, economic growth and India’s import bill. Additional pressure came from a sharp selloff in US technology stocks and expectations of prolonged higher US interest rates. Realty, IT, metal and auto stocks led losses, while Sun Pharma emerged as a rare gainer amid market volatility. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump abruptly ended an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press after a heated exchange with journalist Kristen Welker over his claims that the 2020 presidential election and California’s gubernatorial race were “rigged.” Trump repeatedly alleged election fraud without presenting evidence and accused NBC and the media of being “crooked.” The confrontation intensified when Welker pressed him on election claims and questioned whether individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack could receive benefits from his proposed “anti-weaponization” fund. Trump defended some rioters, rejected the questioning, removed his microphone, and ended the interview before its scheduled conclusion.

A powerful solar eruption from the Sun’s Active Region 4461 is expected to strike Earth on June 8, prompting warnings of a strong G3-class geomagnetic storm. The event was triggered by an M1.8-class solar flare on June 6, which launched a fast-moving coronal mass ejection (CME) and magnetic filament travelling at nearly 1,400 km per second. Scientists say the storm could generate vivid auroras across northern India’s mountainous regions, Europe and Australia. The impact will depend on the CME’s magnetic orientation, which could temporarily weaken Earth’s magnetosphere. While no direct threat to people is expected, satellite operations, GPS navigation, radio communications and power infrastructure could experience disruptions.

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced a proposed high-speed bullet train corridor linking New Delhi, Varanasi and Siliguri under the Union Budget 2026-27. The project aims to cut Delhi–Varanasi travel time on the 865-km route to about 3.5 hours from the current 8–11 hours, while Delhi–Siliguri journeys could be reduced to around six to seven hours. The proposed alignment will pass through Noida, Jewar Airport, Mathura, Agra, Etawah, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi and Patna before reaching Siliguri. Vaishnaw also highlighted increased railway investments in West Bengal, metro expansion plans and a proposed East-West Dedicated Freight Corridor.

Iran launched multiple missile barrages at Israel on June 7, marking the first major attack since last week's fragile ceasefire and raising fears of renewed regional escalation. Air raid sirens sounded across parts of Israel as defense systems intercepted incoming missiles, though authorities reported no immediate casualties or significant damage. Iranian Supreme Leader adviser Mohsen Rezaei appeared to claim responsibility, describing the strikes as retaliation and warning of harsher responses if Israel continued military operations. The attack followed Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs targeting Hezbollah. Iran's state media warned attacks would continue unless Israel halted operations in Lebanon. The developments threaten ongoing US-backed diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a broader ceasefire.

Indian travellers visiting Cambodia can now make payments using UPI-enabled QR codes at more than 4.5 million merchant locations across the country. The service was launched through a partnership between NPCI International Payments Limited and ACLEDA Bank. The move will allow Indian tourists to pay digitally without carrying large amounts of cash. Officials said the next phase will enable Cambodian travellers to use their local payment apps in India. Cambodia is now the ninth country to accept UPI payments, joining Singapore, the UAE, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan, Qatar and Sri Lanka in the growing UPI network. (PC: Pexels)

A powerful solar eruption is expected to reach Earth on Monday, prompting warnings of a strong geomagnetic storm. Space weather agencies have issued a G3 storm watch after a fast-moving cloud of charged particles was released from the Sun on June 6. The eruption is travelling at about 1,400 kilometres per second and could trigger bright auroras in parts of northern India, Europe and Australia. Scientists say the storm may briefly reach G4 levels if conditions intensify. While no major disruptions are expected, experts are closely monitoring the event as it approaches Earth. (PC: X/@aestheticspost)

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a £386 million ($518 million) six-month plan to fight the growing Ebola outbreak in Africa. The programme will run from June to November in partnership with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Uganda reported three new Ebola cases and one additional death on Friday, bringing its total cases to 19. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, more than 380 confirmed cases and at least 63 deaths have been recorded. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the outbreak can be contained with strong political support, funding and community cooperation. (PC: Reuters, AP)

Delhi is expected to witness another hot day on Monday, with the maximum temperature likely to reach 42 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The weather department has forecast clear skies and a minimum temperature of around 28 degrees Celsius. On Sunday, the city's maximum temperature settled at 41.6 degrees Celsius, above the seasonal average. A fresh heat spell is expected across parts of north and central India, with temperatures likely to peak around June 10 and 11. The IMD said a western disturbance may bring cooler weather and possible rain to Delhi around June 13. (PC: News18)

State-run oil companies have increased the price of domestic LPG cylinders by ₹29 from June 7. This is the second price hike since the start of the West Asia conflict. After the revision, a 14.2-kg LPG cylinder will cost ₹968 in Kolkata and ₹942 in Delhi. The government said global LPG prices have risen sharply due to disruptions in energy supplies and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Officials added that oil companies are still selling LPG below its actual cost. The price increase comes as LPG consumption in India has fallen to its lowest level since the pandemic. (PC: PTI)