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Good Morning India 🇮🇳
First he was in, then out, now back in — yeh Babu Rao ka style hai.
Paresh Rawal has finally confirmed he’s rejoining Hera Pheri 3 to complete the iconic trio with Shyam and Raju. Real talk though: will the film actually live up to its meme-powered hype, or will Paresh Rawal’s flip-flopping be the only plot twist worth watching? Fingers crossed we’re not the ones screaming “utha le re baba” in the theatre.
Now, let’s get into the dispatch! 🚀
Today’s reading time in 5 mins.
MARKETS 🔔🐂🐻
As of 11.30pm, July 1
Market turned red on Monday, due to profit-booking, especially in banking. However, on the flip side experts are suggesting that India is benefiting big-time from global portfolio diversification.
ENTERTAINMENT 🗳️
Live concerts on the up!
Image credits: TheIndianMusicDiaries
What is happening?
India's live entertainment sector is experiencing significant growth, with a surge in large-scale music and comedy events.This boom is not only evident across major cities but also emerging cultural hubs like Shillong, where concerts and comedy shows are selling out, attracting both local and international audiences.
What’s driving the growth?
Expanding middle class and a strong demand for immersive experience (particularly among GenZ - gosh these kids! no savings only) is a primary driver of this growth. Additionally, with Bollywood in a major slump and only cricket catering to the “live” experience need - live events are stepping up to help you take out some of that money from your pocket.
So more concerts?
Hells yes. The organized live events sector is expected to grow ~30% every year to ₹20,000 crore revenue by 2027. This means more international musicians, more domestic artists and lots of comedy shows. Case in point - Mastercard and EVA Live have launched a plan to host over 20 live events between October and December this year, starting with unisex heartthrob Enrique in October.
All in all, with increasing international interest, more disposable incomes and a willing audience - India’s poised to become a major stop for live entertainment for all artists.
For all you nerds, here’s a report from EY and GOI on this (and more).
ELECTIONS 🗳️
Bihar Elections heats up, EC gives respite
Image credits: Guardian
Bihar is gearing up for elections, the campaigning is heating up. With entrants such as Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj and Aam Aadmi Party’s electoral foray into the state to challenge incumbent political parties, Bihar’s election sets the stage for a riveting battle.
Recently EC had decided to conduct a Special Intensive Revision exercise to ensure names of all eligible citizens are included in the electoral roll and no ineligible voter is included. This caused a huge debate.
In the latest on this, the ECI has decided to upload Bihar's 2003 Electoral Rolls online in a bid to streamline the process, and reduce the burden on citizens to prove their eligibility.
Election will be held in November this year.
INDUSTRIAL DISASTER 🕯️
14 dead, 35 injured in Hyderabad factory blast
Image credits: The Hindu
What Happened: A powerful blast ripped through chemicals factory (Sigachi Chemicals) in Hyderabad on Monday morning. The blast occurred during work hours, killing at least 14 workers—including a manager—and injuring 35 others.
Cause and rescue: Initial investigations suggest the explosion was caused by a sudden pressure build-up that led to a massive fire. Fire tenders and response teams arrived quickly, however, the intensity of the blast was such that the whole portion of the three-storey building was reduced to debris.
A 5 member committee has been set up to probe causes and hold accountability.
BUSINESS INDIA
DHANDA HAI YEH!
Zomato’s Deepinder Goyal enters the aviation space: Zomato co-founder Deepinder Goyal has launched LAT Aerospace, a new aviation startup targeting the regional air travel segment. As per reports, the startup has raised $50 million, of which $20 million is from Goyal.
Amul’s top spot: According to Brand Finance, Amul is India's top food brand with a $4.1 billion valuation. Mother Dairy is the second at $1.15 billion valuation, while Britannia, Nandini and Dabur booked third, fourth and fifth spots respectively.
Reliance building big: Reliance Jio is set to be the top global Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) provider. With 6.88 million 5G subscribers, the company surpassed US based T-Mobile in subscriber base. Additionally, Reliance Power is eyeing global expansion, bidding on a 1,500 MW gas-based power project overseas.
India’s luxury EV boom: India's ultra-rich are embracing EVs, with the luxury electric segment growing 66% in 2025; Mercedes, BMW, Audi lead, aided by new launches and better charging infra. They are targeting a higher EV share in their portfolios by 2025.
WORLD: HIGHLIGHT STORY
Europe's Summer Meltdown
A massive heat dome has settled over Southern Europe, trapping hot air and pushing temperatures into the extreme zone. Countries like Spain, Italy, Greece, and parts of the Balkans are seeing temperatures of 40° Celsius (don’t roll your eyes). This intense heat is drying out vegetation, turning forests into tinderboxes, and increasing wildfires, especially in popular tourist areas.
Why is this happening? This kind of hot summer is not normal in European countries, but it is happening this time. Some reasons behind it are:
Heat Dome: A natural phenomenon where a strong high-pressure system acts like a lid, preventing cooler air from entering the region and trapping the hot air underneath.
Climate Change: Scientists are increasingly linking the frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events to global warming, making these heat waves more common and severe.
Atmospheric Patterns: Specific wind patterns are also contributing, drawing hot air up from North Africa.
The Crisis: Several governments from different European countries have issued widespread health alerts. There are many significant wildfire outbreaks from Spain to Turkey posing threats to human and animal livelihood. Nations are restricting outdoor work and opening public cooling centres and urging residents to stay hydrated and indoors during peak hours.
So all of you planning a European summer, keep track.
WORLD: BUSINESS AND GEOPOLITICS 🌍
KYA CHAL RAHA HAI?
Pak and China collaboration: Pakistan and China are collaborating to establish a new regional bloc aimed to replace the now-defunct SAARC. According to reports, India will be invited to join the forum.
EU’s aid backfired: The EU’s aid for Turkey's membership was allegedly diverted by Erdogan's government to fund spying in Europe. Hundreds of millions of euros from the €10 billion intended for Turkey’s reforms were used covertly against the EU.
Canada’s tax reversal: Canada has dropped its planned 3% digital services tax on US tech giants like Google and Amazon. This decision follows President Trump's earlier cancellation of discussions with Ottawa in response to the levy. Both parties have agreed to resume negotiations, targeting a deal by July 21, 2025.
Israel bombards Gaza: Israel has intensified its bombardment of Gaza, killing at least 60 people on Monday, ahead of White House talks aimed at securing a ceasefire. This escalation comes amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts for peace.
Aur Batao: News from across India 📰
Surveillance boost: In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, India has decided to fast-track the launch of 52 military surveillance satellites by 2029 to enhance surveillance over Pakistan, China and the Indian Ocean.
Telangana's new law for gig workers: In a recent move, Telangana has become India’s 3rd state to propose legislation for gig workers. The law aims to tackle unpredictable wages and a lack of social security. It also aims to register 4.2 lakh workers and create a welfare fund.
Droves of Myanmar refugees in Manipur return home: Over 5,000 Myanmar refugees taking shelter in Manipur fearing air raids carried out by the Myanmar military, have been returned home. India has stopped entry drawing some criticism from global humanitarian organisations.
Horrific Kolkata rape case details: Police believe that the three of the four arrested in the Kolkata college rape had "premeditated," the act with the victim targeted from day one. A 9-member SIT is probing the matter with the three accused, Monojit Mishra, Pratim Mukherjee and Zaid Ahmed, being involved in sexually harassing female students earlier.
Infiltration foiled: The Indian Army foiled an infiltration bid in J&K, arresting a Pakistani man, Mohammed Arif, guiding Jaish terrorists inside Indian territory. The terrorists managed to escape into Pakistan territory, however, the guide's interrogation continues for crucial intel.
India explores new trade route: To counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative, India is exploring the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), with Kazakhstan as a central hub. This middle corridor offers faster, stable access to Europe.
Sports and Entertainment
India shines at the US Open: Indian badminton player Ayush Shetty clinched his maiden BWF World Tour title at the US Open, defeating Brian Yang (21-18, 21-13). In the women’s single, teenage sensation Tanvi Sharma, playing her first World Tour Final, bagged the runner up spot after losing to top seed Beiwen Zhang.
Kabaddi goes global: The inaugural World Super Kabaddi League is kicking off in Dubai, tentatively in February-March next year. The inaugural season will have a franchise model featuring 8 teams.
McLaren driver Lando Norris narrowly held off teammate Oscar Piastri to win the Austrian Grand Prix, boosting his title hopes. However, Piastri still tops the leaderboard with a 15-point advantage over Norris.
CARTOON OF THE DAY
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