Rain, gusty winds lash Noida and Delhi; IMD issues yellow alert

 

The weather changed abruptly across Delhi-NCR on Thursday as strong winds and rain swept through several parts of the region.

Heavy showers were reported from multiple locations in Delhi, while gusty winds lashed Noida, bringing relief from the prevailing heat.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for the national capital for June 4 and June 5, warning of rain, thunderstorms and strong surface winds.

In Noida, strong gusty winds swept as dark clouds gathered over the city.

According to the IMD forecast, a partly cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers is likely to continue in Noida and adjoining NCR areas until June 6.

The weather department has predicted intermittent rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across Delhi-NCR over the next two days.

The yellow alert indicates the possibility of weather-related disruptions and advises residents to remain cautious while travelling.

The ongoing spell of rain has led to a noticeable drop in temperatures across the region, offering respite from the intense summer conditions.

Weather officials expect cloudy skies and periodic showers to persist over parts of Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram in the coming days.

The sudden shift in weather across Delhi-NCR has brought a massive sigh of relief from the intense summer heatwave. A fresh Western Disturbance active over northwest India has broken the spell of extreme heat, bringing dramatic skies, lightning, and heavy downpours.

Here are the key details of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warnings and the immediate impact on the ground:

The IMD Alerts & Forecast

• The Alerts: While a Yellow Alert remains in place for consecutive days to keep residents cautious, the IMD escalated warnings to a severe Red Alert during the peak of the storm to warn of immediate intense thunderstorms.

• Wind Speeds: This isn’t just a gentle drizzle. Winds are clocking sustained speeds of 40 to 60 kmph, with some isolated areas experiencing furious gusts up to 70 kmph.

• Hail Warning: The weather office has also signaled a distinct possibility of hailstorms at isolated pockets across Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram.

• Timeline: Expect unstable, overcast conditions with one or two intense spells of rain or thundershowers to persist over the next 48 hours (stretching into June 5th and 6th), before skies begin to clear up around June 7th.

  
  
  

On-the-Ground Impact

• Traffic & Disruptions: The sudden onset of gusty winds has caused tree branches to snap, drastically reducing visibility on major commuter routes. Heavy rainfall has already triggered localized waterlogging in lower-lying parts of Noida and East Delhi, causing evening traffic to crawl.

• Temperature Drop: Before the storm hit, temperatures were hovering around a stifling 41°C. The rain has forced a sharp drop, bringing temporary but highly welcome relief, though high humidity is expected to linger.

• Monsoon Connection: While this specific severe spell is driven by a Western Disturbance, it coincides beautifully with the IMD's official announcement that the southwest monsoon has successfully made landfall on the Kerala coast today, officially kicking off India's four-month rainy season.

Safety Guidelines Issued

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority and local bodies have urged residents to take basic precautions during peak gusty hours:

• Avoid standing or parking vehicles under weak structures, old trees, or large signboards.

  
  
  

• Expect minor power disruptions as civic bodies temporarily cut power in heavily waterlogged areas to prevent accidents.

• Commuters are advised to check route updates, as flight operations at IGI Airport and local metro lines can occasionally face brief alignment delays during high-velocity winds.

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13 midcap stocks rally up to 55% in just 3 months. Do you own any?

 

The past three months painted two different pictures for the market. While the benchmark Nifty 50 declined nearly 6%, the Nifty Midcap 150 bucked the trend and gained around 3.5%.Amid this divergence, several midcap stocks delivered impressive gains. Nearly 40 stocks from the Nifty Midcap 150 delivered over double-digit returns in just three months. Even more striking, 13 midcap stocks emerged as standout performers, surging between 30% and 55% over the period. Their sharp rise highlights how selective opportunities in the midcap segment continued to shine despite broader market weakness, proving that strong winners can still emerge even when benchmark indices are under pressure. (Data Source: ACE Equity)

The stock has surged 55% so far in CY26, rising from Rs 262 to Rs 406. Its 52-week high stands at Rs 425.

The stock has gained 54% so far in CY26, climbing from Rs 3,103 to Rs 4,787. Its 52-week high stands at Rs 5,075.

The stock has rallied 53% so far in CY26, advancing from Rs 713 to Rs 1,088. Its 52-week high stands at Rs 1,136.

The stock has jumped 48% so far in CY26, moving up from Rs 1,213 to Rs 1,792. Its 52-week high stands at Rs 1,889.

The stock has risen 46% so far in CY26, increasing from Rs 6,853 to Rs 9,990. Its 52-week high stands at Rs 10,585.

The stock has rallied 46% so far in CY26, gaining from Rs 493 to Rs 717. Its 52-week high stands at Rs 860.

The stock has advanced 44% so far in CY26, moving from Rs 10 to Rs 15. Its 52-week high stands at Rs 15.

The stock has climbed 38% so far in CY26, rising from Rs 25,493 to Rs 35,213. Its 52-week high stands at Rs 38,785.

The stock has gained 37% so far in CY26, increasing from Rs 253 to Rs 346. Its 52-week high stands at Rs 388.

The stock has rallied 33% so far in CY26, advancing from Rs 41 to Rs 54. Its 52-week high stands at Rs 70.

The stock has risen 32% so far in CY26, moving up from Rs 2,612 to Rs 3,459. Its 52-week high stands at Rs 3,679.

The stock has gained 31% so far in CY26, climbing from Rs 3,772 to Rs 4,960. Its 52-week high stands at Rs 5,222.

The stock has advanced 31% so far in CY26, rising from Rs 1,065 to Rs 1,395. Its 52-week high stands at Rs 1,399.

As an AI, I don't have a personal investment portfolio, a demat account, or the capacity to own stocks—so my own holding is a flat 0%!

However, looking at the recent data from the Economic Times report, the Nifty Midcap 150 has remarkably bucked the trend, gaining around 3.5% over the past three months even as the benchmark Nifty 50 slipped by nearly 6%.

Among the midcaps, the top 13 standout performers that staged massive rallies (between 31% and 55%) include heavy hitters across the energy, manufacturing, and defense tech spaces:

• Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL): Led the pack with a massive 55% surge.

• Thermax: Right behind with a 54% gain.

• Premier Energies: Rallied 53% on strong green energy tailwinds.

• Lloyds Metals & Energy: Jumped 48%.

• Oracle Financial Services Software (OFSS) & Adani Total Gas: Both surged 46%.

• Vodafone Idea: Advanced 44% (moving from Rs 10 to Rs 15).

• Hitachi Energy India: Climbed 38%.

• NLC India: Gained 37%.

• Suzlon Energy: Continued its momentum, rallying 33% alongside a major strategy diversification into solar and battery storage.

• Radico Khaitan: Rose 32%.

• GE Vernova T&D India & Laurus Labs: Rounded out the top performers with a 31% gain each.

This divergence shows how powerful selective bottom-up stock picking can be, especially when broader indices are facing macro pressure or FII selling.

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Ashwagandha vs Shilajit: Which Is Better For Your Health?

 

Popular Ayurvedic herbs, Shilajit and Ashwagandha have different benefits, which aim at different health goals. Tap to know which one suits you better!

Shilajit helps in cognitive functioning and mental clarity. You can also take it to increase your metabolism.

Ashwagandha is known as the 'king of herbs'. It's a strong adaptogen that helps you manage stress as it is rich in antioxidants.

Ashwagandha holds the power of reducing high cortisol levels, which are stress hormones. Therefore, you can eat this to reduce stress.

If you want to enhance cognitive focus and increase physical endurance, then you can go for Shilajit. Ashwagandha can help you with stress management and balancing hormones.

Both Ashwagandha and Shilajit are heavyweights in Ayurvedic medicine, often classified as Rasayanas (rejuvenators). However, they work quite differently in the body. Choosing which one is "better" depends entirely on what your specific health goals are.

Think of Ashwagandha as your ultimate stress-shield and Shilajit as your cellular power plant.

Here is a direct comparison to help you decide which fits your lifestyle best.

The Core Differences

Feature	Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)	Shilajit (Mineral Pitch)
What is it?	An herb (root extract).	A natural mineral resin exuded from Himalayan rocks.
Primary Driver	Withanolides (calming, anti-inflammatory compounds).	Fulvic acid and 84+ ionic minerals (energy and nutrient delivery).
Main Mechanism	Calms the nervous system; regulates cortisol (stress hormone).	Boosts mitochondrial function (ATP/cellular energy production).
Energetic Vibe	Grounding, calming, and restorative.	Revitalizing, warming, and stamina-boosting.

When Ashwagandha is Better

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that excels at helping your body manage mental and physical stress. It is the better choice if you experience:

• High Stress and Anxiety: It significantly lowers cortisol levels, helping quiet a racing mind and calm the sympathetic nervous system ("fight or flight" mode).

  
  
  

• Poor Sleep Quality: True to its botanical name somnifera (which translates to "sleep-inducing"), it promotes deeper, more restorative sleep without causing daytime drowsiness.

• Muscle Recovery and Strength: It is highly favored by fitness enthusiasts for reducing exercise-induced muscle damage and supporting healthy testosterone production in men.

• Brain Fog: It helps protect brain cells and improves memory, focus, and cognitive task performance under stress.

When Shilajit is Better

Shilajit is a nutrient-dense biomass formed over centuries from the decomposition of specific plants. It is the better choice if you are looking for:

• Chronic Fatigue or Low Energy: Shilajit works directly at the cellular level by enhancing the function of your mitochondria (the powerhouses of your cells), giving you a clean, non-jittery surge of physical stamina.

• Nutrient Deficiency & Immunity: Because it is incredibly rich in fulvic acid, it acts as a "biocarrier," drastically improving your body's ability to absorb vitamins and minerals from your food.

• Aging and Tissue Regeneration: Its dense antioxidant profile fights oxidative stress, promoting healthy aging, bone density, and joint health.

  
  
  

• Male Fertility and Vitality: Shilajit has strong clinical backing for significantly increasing total sperm count, motility, and boosting free testosterone levels.

Can You Take Both Together?

Yes. In fact, they are often paired together because their mechanisms are complementary. While Shilajit provides the raw cellular energy and mineral foundation, Ashwagandha ensures your nervous system stays calm and balanced, preventing you from feeling "wired."

Key Safety Precautions

⚠️ Quality Warning for Shilajit: Raw shilajit can contain heavy metals or harmful fungi. Only purchase purified, lab-tested, resin-form Shilajit from reputable brands. Avoid cheap, unverified powders.

⚠️ Medical Conditions:

• Avoid Ashwagandha if you have severe autoimmune diseases (like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis) as it can stimulate the immune system, or if you have thyroid conditions (it can raise thyroid hormone levels).

  
  
  

• Avoid Shilajit if you have active gout (it can raise uric acid levels) or high iron levels (hemochromatosis), as it contains a high amount of iron.

What specific health goal or symptom are you hoping to address? That can help pinpoint the ideal choice or formulation for you.

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Who should avoid fenugreek (methi) and why: Know key health precautions

 

Fenugreek, also known as methi, is a common ingredient in kitchens worldwide, valued for its flavour and versatility. While most people can enjoy it safely in everyday cooking, some should be cautious or limit their intake. Certain groups, such as pregnant women, people with allergies to legumes, or those taking specific medications, may need to avoid high amounts. Even small changes, like using it in supplements or concentrated forms, can affect the body differently. Using fenugreek in moderation as part of a balanced diet is generally safe, but awareness of personal health conditions is important.

Methi side effects: Risks for pregnant women, allergies, and medications

1. Pregnant women

Fenugreek may cause uterine contractions and increase the risk of miscarriage when taken in medicinal or supplemental doses. Small amounts as a spice are usually considered safe. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that fenugreek extracts could adversely affect pregnancy outcomes in animal models, indicating caution during pregnancy.

2. People with diabetes or on blood-sugar-lowering medication

Fenugreek can lower blood glucose, which may cause hypoglycaemia when combined with insulin or oral diabetic drugs. A study published in the PMC found that people with type 2 diabetes demonstrated that fenugreek seed extract reduced fasting and post‑prandial glucose levels, underscoring the need for caution in those taking glucose-lowering medications.

3. Individuals with bleeding disorders or on anticoagulant therapy

Fenugreek may slow blood clotting and could increase the risk of bleeding, especially for people taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications. Even small amounts in supplements or concentrated forms might affect how your blood clots. People with bleeding disorders or those preparing for surgery should be particularly cautious. Using fenugreek in normal cooking amounts is usually safe, but it’s best to consult a doctor before using it in higher doses or as a supplement.

4. People with legume or peanut allergies

Fenugreek belongs to the legume family, and cross‑reactivity with peanuts, chickpeas, or soybeans may trigger allergic reactions. A study published in the PubMed indicates that individuals with legume allergies may experience reactions to fenugreek.

5. Breastfeeding mothers using high‑dose fenugreek

Fenugreek is sometimes used to boost milk supply, but high doses may cause side effects in mothers and infants. A Delphi study among lactation experts cautions that the safety of fenugreek supplements for breastfeeding mothers is not fully established.

6. People with thyroid or hormone-sensitive conditions

Fenugreek may have mild hormone-modulating effects, which could interfere with thyroid function or hormone-sensitive conditions, potentially worsening symptoms or affecting medication effectiveness in some individuals.

7. Children using supplemental doses

Safety data for children consuming fenugreek supplements is limited, though culinary use is generally safe. The NCCIH notes insufficient information on the safety of high-dose fenugreek in children.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, medication, or lifestyle.

While fenugreek (methi) is a highly revered superfood known for managing blood sugar, boosting digestion, and reducing inflammation, it isn't universally safe. Because it contains potent bioactive compounds, certain individuals should exercise caution or avoid it entirely.

Here is a breakdown of who should avoid fenugreek and the science-backed reasons why:

1. Pregnant Women

• The Why: Fenugreek is a known uterine stimulant. It contains compounds that can trigger uterine contractions, which may lead to premature labor or miscarriage.

• The Precaution: While small amounts used normally in cooking (like a pinch in a tadka) are generally safe, medicinal doses—such as fenugreek supplements, concentrated powders, or drinking methi water daily—should be strictly avoided during pregnancy.

  
  
  

2. Individuals with Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

• The Why: Fenugreek is exceptionally good at lowering blood glucose levels by improving insulin sensitivity. However, if your blood sugar is already low, or if you are taking strong diabetes medications (like insulin or sulfonylureas), fenugreek can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

• The Precaution: If you are diabetic and want to include methi in your routine, monitor your blood sugar levels closely and consult your physician to adjust your medication dosages if necessary.

3. People on Blood Thinners or with Bleeding Disorders

• The Why: Fenugreek contains coumarin, a natural compound that acts as a mild blood thinner. It can slow down blood clotting and increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

• The Precaution: If you are taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications (such as Warfarin, Aspirin, or Clopidogrel), or if you have a bleeding disorder, avoid large doses of fenugreek.

⚠️ Surgery Notice: Because it affects blood clotting and blood sugar, stop taking medicinal amounts of fenugreek at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery.

4. Those with Hormone-Sensitive Conditions

• The Why: Fenugreek can mimic the behavior of the hormone estrogen. For individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions—such as certain types of breast cancer, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis—this hormonal stimulation can potentially worsen the condition.

  
  
  

• The Precaution: Avoid concentrated fenugreek extracts or supplements if you have a history of hormone-driven health issues.

5. People with Peanut or Chickpea Allergies

• The Why: Fenugreek belongs to the Fabaceae (legume) family. It shares cross-reactive allergens with other legumes. If you are severely allergic to peanuts, chickpeas, or green peas, your immune system might react similarly to fenugreek.

• The Precaution: Introduce it with extreme caution, or avoid it altogether if you have a history of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to legumes.

6. Individuals with Prone to Gastrointestinal Issues

• The Why: When consumed in high amounts, the high fiber and distinct oil composition of fenugreek can cause stomach upset, abdominal cramps, bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

• The Precaution: Always start with very small quantities (e.g., half a teaspoon of seeds) to assess your digestive tolerance.

A Quirky (But Harmless) Side Effect

If you consume a lot of fenugreek, you might notice your sweat or urine starts to smell distinctly like maple syrup. This is caused by a compound called sotolon passing through your body. While it's completely harmless, it's a helpful sign that your intake is quite high!

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Market correction nearing its end; bet on banking, pharma: Rohit Srivastava

 

After a sharp correction over the last few trading sessions, investors are grappling with questions about whether the market has further downside ahead or if the current weakness is creating fresh buying opportunities. According to Rohit Srivastava, Founder, Strike Money Analytics & Indiacharts the ongoing correction may be closer to its conclusion than many fear, with select sectors showing encouraging signs of strength.

Nifty Approaching a Key Support Zone

While benchmark indices have witnessed pressure in recent days, Srivastava believes the market is approaching an important technical support area that could potentially mark the end of the current correction phase.

"So, from the bottom that we made in April, which was at 22,182, and then we peaked in April near the end at around 24,601, and we take a 61% retracement of that, we get a level closer to 23,077. So, that, I think, becomes the final major support for this dip that is going on, so that leaves around 80 to 100 points still on the downside. But that also means that the risk may be limited when we think of how much more downside there is. We should, of course, wait before we actually can make some kind of entry point. But what we are looking at is the potential for a possible turn in the market from down to up once we are done with this selling. So, patience, but we are getting to the end of this correction."

The assessment suggests that while some near-term weakness cannot be ruled out, the broader risk-reward equation may gradually begin shifting in favour of investors willing to wait for confirmation of a market turnaround.

Banking Emerges as a Preferred Bet

Among sectors, banking appears to be one of the strongest candidates for fresh investment ideas during the current market decline. Srivastava highlighted a notable divergence between the benchmark Nifty and Bank Nifty, suggesting relative resilience in financial stocks.

"As a sector, it is something we have been avoiding for most of the year, and I have not exactly been positive on it for a long time. So, IT is not a sector I recommend at any point in time till the worst is very, very certainly over. I do think banking is a good place. In fact, there is an interesting divergence between banking and Nifty, where the Bank Nifty has not broken the lows that it made in May, whereas Nifty has already done so. So, there is some kind of a positive divergence between the two. So, banking comes across as one segment where we would want to very definitely find ideas to buy into in this dip."

The comments indicate that investors looking for relative strength amid market volatility may find banking stocks better positioned than several other sectors.

Apart from financials, Srivastava sees merit in sectors that have been benefiting from improving commodity trends and stronger underlying demand dynamics.

"The other areas that could be of interest could be going back to the energy sector, which was performing pretty well, and also metals. People often may miss out that you are seeing a strong rally in metals, but also metal prices. Like overnight, you have seen gains in copper, zinc, nickel, everything, and that could result in extended gains in the metal sector as well."

The rise in industrial metal prices globally has strengthened the outlook for metal producers, potentially extending the sector's recent outperformance.

Autos Still in Consolidation Mode

While the automobile sector remains an important part of the broader market story, Srivastava believes the segment may require more time before a decisive uptrend emerges.

"Well, autos seem to be consolidating. The real big kick for autos will come only when we can actually get a turn in the interest-rate cycle. They may still do well. There have been outperformances in certain segments of the two-wheeler pack, like you saw a very strong rally in between in Tata Motors passenger vehicles, so that kind of thing is happening. But it is still not across the board. So, give it a while for the other stocks to consolidate and pick up. So, we will be a little slower in picking up on the auto side."

The view suggests that although pockets of strength exist, investors may need to be selective rather than expecting a broad-based rally across the entire auto universe.

Pharma's Long-Term Breakout Remains Intact

One of the most constructive sectoral outlooks offered by Srivastava was for pharmaceuticals. He pointed to a significant technical breakout in the Nifty Pharma index that could support sustained gains over the medium to long term.

"Yes, the pharma index is on a pretty strong footing if I take a slightly longer-term view. We broke beyond 23,500 on the Nifty Pharma index; that was a breakout of a two-year consolidation. Now, it is only pulling back to take support there, and once it is done, then we should be headed towards possibly 30,000-plus on the pharma index in a one-, one-and-a-half-year kind of time horizon."

As markets navigate a period of correction and uncertainty, Srivastava's outlook suggests that the bulk of the downside may already be behind investors. While caution remains warranted in the near term, sectors such as banking, metals, energy, and pharmaceuticals appear better positioned for the next phase of market leadership. At the same time, IT remains a sector to avoid until clearer signs of recovery emerge, while autos may require more patience before delivering broad-based returns.

This headline highlights technical analyst Rohit Srivastava's (Founder of Strike Money Analytics & Indiacharts) perspective on the market cycle. According to his technical framework, the broader market correction is nearing its exhaustion point, and a few resilient sectors are presenting high-quality risk-reward setups.

Here is a breakdown of his key observations and technical levels for navigating this phase:

1. Nifty's Correction Is Approaching a "Floor"

• The Technical Support Zone: Srivastava notes that after the recent peak, a 61.8% Fibonacci retracement from a previous swing low establishes a critical final support line around 23,077.

• Limited Downside: Even if the market experiences minor additional volatility, the remaining downside risk from current levels is relatively tight, meaning the risk-reward equation is gradually shifting back in favor of buyers.

• The Strategy: He counsels patience rather than jumping the gun blindly. Investors should look for clear signs of confirmation or a definitive "turn" around these primary support zones before committing major capital.

2. Sectoral Focus: Banking & Pharma

🏦 Banking (The Standout Divergence)

• Relative Strength: Banking has emerged as one of Srivastava's preferred accumulation sectors during this market dip.

• Positive Price Divergence: While the benchmark Nifty has recently slid to break its previous multi-week lows, the Bank Nifty has held firm and refused to break its respective lows. This under-the-surface strength signals institutional accumulation and a defensive buffer.

• Change in Stance: This marks a tactical pivot for his outlook, as he noted avoiding financials for a significant portion of the preceding year.

  
  
  

💊 Pharma & Other Resilient Pockets

• Pharma as a Defensive Anchor: Alongside banking, the Pharmaceutical sector stands out as a structurally resilient pocket. When broader market momentum cools off, pharma serves as a reliable, earnings-backed shelter against global macro turbulence.

• Energy & Metals: Beyond banking and pharma, industrial commodities—such as copper, zinc, and nickel—are showing renewed overnight momentum, making selective energy and metals producers highly appealing on dips.

⚠️ What to Avoid: Information Technology (IT)

Despite some short-term bounces fueled by currency fluctuations (rupee depreciation), Srivastava strictly advises avoiding the IT sector for now. From a pure momentum and trend standpoint, he indicates that it's safer to wait until the absolute worst is entirely behind the sector before treating IT as a viable buy.

🛠️ Key Takeaway for Market Participants

The primary takeaway is not to panic look for systemic damage, but rather look for relative strength. If you are looking to deploy capital, focus heavily on sectors like Banking that are exhibiting positive divergence against the benchmark Nifty index.

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