The eclipse is expected to be visible as a partial solar eclipse across most of India, with the degree of obscuration varying by location. Northern and western India will experience a more pronounced eclipse, while southern regions will see a smaller fraction of the Sun covered. The event has generated widespread excitement among amateur astronomers, science enthusiasts, and the general public alike.

Timings and Visibility Across India

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and NASA’s eclipse prediction data, the partial solar eclipse will begin in India in the late morning hours, with the maximum eclipse occurring around midday. The exact timings vary by city — Delhi is expected to see the eclipse begin at approximately 11:15 AM IST, with maximum coverage around 12:45 PM. Mumbai will see it start slightly later, around 11:30 AM, while Kolkata can expect the eclipse from about 11:45 AM.

The eclipse’s path and the degree of solar coverage depend on the observer’s geographic location. Cities in northern India, including Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, and Chandigarh, will see a larger portion of the Sun covered — up to 60-70% in some areas. Central India, including Bhopal, Indore, and Nagpur, will see moderate coverage of around 40-50%. Southern cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad will experience a smaller partial eclipse, with 20-30% coverage.

The entire event is expected to last approximately two to three hours from first contact to last contact, though the period of maximum eclipse will be much shorter — typically around 30-45 minutes depending on location.

How to Watch Safely

Astronomers and eye specialists have issued strong warnings against viewing the solar eclipse with the naked eye. Looking directly at the Sun — even during an eclipse — can cause permanent retinal damage, a condition known as solar retinopathy. This damage can occur in seconds and is often irreversible.

The safest way to view the eclipse is through ISO 12312-2 certified solar eclipse glasses, which are specifically designed to filter out harmful ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation. Regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe substitutes. Welding glass of shade 14 or higher can also be used as an alternative.

For those without eclipse glasses, indirect viewing methods are recommended. A simple pinhole projector — made by poking a small hole in a piece of cardboard and projecting the Sun’s image onto a flat surface — is a safe and effective way to watch the eclipse. Many planetariums, science centres, and astronomical societies across India are organising public viewing events with telescopes equipped with proper solar filters.

The Nehru Planetarium in Delhi, the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium in Bangalore, and the Birla Planetarium in Kolkata have all announced special eclipse viewing programmes. Several universities and IITs are also hosting events, making this an educational opportunity for students and the public.

The Science Behind the Eclipse

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon’s orbit brings it directly between the Earth and the Sun. Despite the Sun being approximately 400 times larger than the Moon, it is also roughly 400 times farther away — a cosmic coincidence that allows the Moon to appear nearly the same size as the Sun in our sky. This is what makes total solar eclipses possible, though today’s event is a partial eclipse for Indian observers.

During a partial eclipse, the Moon covers only a portion of the Sun’s disc, creating a crescent-shaped Sun that is visible through proper filters. The temperature may drop slightly during the maximum phase, and observers may notice a subtle dimming of daylight, though the effect is less dramatic than during a total eclipse.

India’s space agency ISRO has positioned its Aditya-L1 solar observatory to capture data during the eclipse. Launched in September 2023, Aditya-L1 orbits the Sun-Earth Lagrange point L1 and will provide valuable scientific data about the Sun’s corona and solar activity during the eclipse event.

Cultural Significance in India

Solar eclipses hold deep cultural and religious significance in India. In Hindu tradition, eclipses are associated with the mythological demon Rahu, who is believed to swallow the Sun. Many temples across the country close their doors during the eclipse period and reopen after a purification ritual. Devotees often take ritual baths in sacred rivers, and pregnant women are traditionally advised to stay indoors.

While modern science has thoroughly explained the mechanics of eclipses, many Indians continue to observe traditional practices alongside scientific viewing. This blend of ancient tradition and modern astronomy is a uniquely Indian phenomenon, reflecting the country’s ability to hold multiple worldviews simultaneously.

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The next solar eclipse visible from India is not expected for several years, making today’s event a must-watch for anyone interested in astronomy. Whether you view it through eclipse glasses, a pinhole projector, or a live stream from one of the many observatories broadcasting the event, the Surya Grahan of June 11, 2026, promises to be a memorable celestial spectacle.

The post Solar Eclipse Today: Surya Grahan on June 11, 2026 Visible Across India — Timings, Where to Watch, and Safety Tips appeared first on Daily Tips.

Maruti Suzuki India Limited, the country’s largest passenger car manufacturer, has announced a price increase of up to Rs 30,000 across its entire model range, effective from June 2026. The revision marks the second time this year that the automaker has raised prices, following a similar hike announced in January, and reflects the persistent inflationary pressures that continue to impact the Indian automotive sector.

The company attributed the price increase to rising input costs, particularly for steel, aluminium, copper, and precious metals used in catalytic converters and electronic components. Global commodity prices have remained elevated throughout 2026, driven by supply chain constraints, the ongoing West Asia crisis, and strong demand from industrial sectors worldwide. For an automaker of Maruti Suzuki’s scale, which produces over 1.7 million vehicles annually across its Gurugram and Gujarat manufacturing facilities, even modest increases in per-unit material costs translate to significant financial pressure.

In a statement, Maruti Suzuki said that it had been absorbing a substantial portion of the increased input costs and that the price revision was necessary to maintain the financial health of the company and continue investing in new products, technologies, and manufacturing capacity. The company emphasised that the exact quantum of the increase would vary by model and variant, with detailed revised pricing to be announced closer to the implementation date.

Which Models Are Affected and By How Much

The price hike will apply across Maruti Suzuki’s entire portfolio, spanning entry-level hatchbacks, mass-market sedans, compact SUVs, and premium offerings. The Alto K10 and S-Presso, which currently start at Rs 3.70 lakh ex-showroom, will see relatively modest increases given their lower absolute price points. However, even an increase of Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 on these entry-level models can be significant for budget-conscious buyers who choose these vehicles precisely because of their affordability.

The mass-market segment, which includes the WagonR, Swift, Dzire, Baleno, and Celerio, is expected to see increases ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 depending on the variant. The Swift and WagonR are among the best-selling cars in India, consistently ranking in the top five across monthly sales charts, and any price increase on these models is felt broadly across the consumer market.

The SUV and crossover range, including the Brezza, Fronx, Grand Vitara, and Jimny, will bear the highest absolute increases, with some variants expected to see hikes approaching the Rs 30,000 ceiling. The Grand Vitara, which starts at approximately Rs 11.68 lakh, and the Invicto, Maruti’s most expensive offering at Rs 28.61 lakh, will see the largest rupee-value increases given their higher content of premium materials and electronic components.

Consumer and Industry Impact

The announcement has drawn mixed reactions from consumers and industry stakeholders. For prospective buyers who were planning to purchase a Maruti Suzuki vehicle in the coming months, the price hike adds to the already considerable financial burden of car ownership in India. When combined with high insurance premiums, registration charges, fuel costs, and maintenance expenses, even a Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000 increase in the vehicle’s sticker price can influence purchase decisions, particularly in the price-sensitive segments where Maruti dominates.

Automobile dealers have reported a surge in enquiries and bookings in the days following the announcement, as buyers rush to lock in current prices before the June revision takes effect. This front-loading of demand is a common pattern ahead of announced price hikes and typically results in a temporary sales spike followed by a period of relative softness as the market adjusts to new pricing levels.

Industry analysts note that Maruti Suzuki’s price increase is unlikely to be an isolated event. Competitors including Hyundai Motor India, Tata Motors, Mahindra and Mahindra, and Kia India face similar cost pressures and may follow with their own revisions in the coming weeks. The entire Indian auto industry has been navigating a challenging cost environment, and the ability to pass increased costs to consumers without destroying demand has become a critical strategic consideration for every manufacturer.

CNG and Hybrid Models Also Impacted

Notably, the price hike also extends to Maruti Suzuki’s growing range of CNG and hybrid vehicles, which have been gaining significant market share as consumers seek more fuel-efficient alternatives amid elevated petrol and diesel prices. The company’s CNG portfolio, which includes the WagonR, Swift, Dzire, Ertiga, and Baleno, has been a major growth driver, with CNG variants accounting for an increasing percentage of total sales.

The Grand Vitara and Invicto strong hybrid variants, which offer significantly better fuel economy than their petrol counterparts, will also see price adjustments. These hybrid models use complex powertrain technology that includes electric motors, battery packs, and sophisticated control electronics, all of which are subject to the same commodity cost pressures affecting conventional vehicles.

For consumers who were considering a switch to CNG or hybrid to reduce their running costs, the increased purchase price slightly lengthens the payback period for the fuel savings. However, analysts note that the total cost of ownership for CNG and hybrid vehicles remains substantially lower than petrol equivalents over a typical five-year ownership period, particularly given current fuel prices that have been elevated by the West Asia crisis.

Broader Economic Context

Maruti Suzuki’s price hike should be viewed in the context of broader inflationary trends in the Indian economy. The Reserve Bank of India’s recent monetary policy decision to hold the repo rate steady at 5.25 per cent reflects the central bank’s assessment that inflation remains within manageable bounds but requires continued vigilance. Rising commodity costs, elevated oil prices, and the weakening rupee all contribute to an inflationary environment that is squeezing margins across manufacturing sectors.

The global business landscape is characterised by uncertainty, with trade tensions, geopolitical conflicts, and supply chain realignments creating a volatile cost environment for manufacturers worldwide. Indian automakers, who import a significant proportion of their components and raw materials, are particularly exposed to exchange rate fluctuations and international commodity price movements.

Despite the price increase, Maruti Suzuki remains the most affordable mainstream car brand in India, with an entry price point that is significantly lower than most competitors. The company’s dominant market share of approximately 42 per cent in the passenger vehicle segment reflects its ability to offer value across price points and its extensive sales and service network that spans even the smallest towns in the country. Whether the latest price hike dents that dominance remains to be seen, but history suggests that Maruti’s brand strength and product range will continue to attract buyers even at marginally higher price levels.

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The Election Commission of India on 22 May 2026 announced that elections to 24 seats in the Rajya Sabha, India’s upper house of Parliament, will be held on 18 June 2026. The seats span 10 states and represent the latest phase of the routine six-year cycle that determines the composition of the 245-member chamber. The notification for the elections is expected to be issued by the end of May, with the last date for filing nominations, scrutiny, and withdrawal to follow in the first two weeks of June.

The 24 seats up for grabs are spread across states including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. The distribution of seats varies by state, with Uttar Pradesh accounting for the largest share given its position as India’s most populous state and its correspondingly large contingent of Rajya Sabha members.

Members of state legislative assemblies will serve as the electorate for these elections, as mandated by the Indian Constitution. Unlike general elections where the public votes directly, Rajya Sabha polls involve elected state legislators casting their ballots using a single transferable vote system with proportional representation. This indirect election method means that the outcome is heavily influenced by the party composition of each state assembly.

Stakes for BJP and Opposition in the Upper House

The June elections carry significant political implications for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition bloc. The BJP has been steadily increasing its presence in the Rajya Sabha over the past decade, buoyed by its dominant performance in successive state assembly elections across northern and western India. However, the party still does not command a standalone majority in the upper house, frequently requiring support from allies and friendly parties to pass legislation.

A strong showing in the June polls could bring the BJP closer to that elusive majority, particularly given its recent victories in state elections that have expanded the pool of friendly legislators who will vote in these Rajya Sabha contests. Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat all have BJP-led governments or assemblies with strong BJP representation, which should translate into comfortable wins for the party’s nominees in those states.

The opposition, led by the Congress party and its allies in the INDIA bloc, will look to defend its existing seats and potentially pick up additional representation in states where it has a strong legislative presence. West Bengal, where the Trinamool Congress holds a commanding majority in the state assembly, is expected to deliver wins for TMC-backed candidates. Tamil Nadu, governed by the DMK-led alliance, and Karnataka will also be closely watched for signals about the opposition’s strength in the upper house.

Key Contests and Cross-Voting Concerns

While many of the 24 seats are expected to be decided along party lines based on each party’s strength in the respective state assemblies, several contests could produce surprises. Cross-voting, where legislators vote against their party’s official candidate, has been a recurring feature of Rajya Sabha elections in India and has occasionally produced dramatic upsets.

The BJP has historically been effective at managing cross-voting in its favour, using a combination of party discipline and strategic outreach to opposition legislators. The party’s success in winning Rajya Sabha seats even in states where it does not hold a majority has been a hallmark of its political strategy under the current leadership. This approach has gradually tilted the upper house in its favour even when the numbers on paper suggest otherwise.

Andhra Pradesh presents a particularly interesting contest. The state’s political landscape has been reshaped by recent developments, and the composition of the state assembly will determine whether the ruling party can sweep its allotted seats or whether the opposition can mount a credible challenge. The Telugu Desam Party, which is part of the NDA alliance at the national level, controls the state government and is expected to deliver seats for the ruling coalition.

In Maharashtra, the complex alliance dynamics between the BJP, Shiv Sena factions, and the NCP add layers of intrigue. The state has historically been a battleground for Rajya Sabha seats, with coalition partners jostling for their share of nominations. How the ruling Mahayuti alliance distributes tickets among its constituent parties could determine whether all alliance candidates sail through or whether internal tensions create openings for the opposition.

Constitutional Role of the Rajya Sabha

The Rajya Sabha plays a crucial role in India’s parliamentary democracy as the Council of States. While it cannot initiate or reject money bills, it has the power to delay and amend ordinary legislation, review constitutional amendments, and participate in joint sessions when disagreements arise between the two houses. Several landmark legislations in recent years have required careful floor management in the Rajya Sabha, where the government’s majority is thinner than in the Lok Sabha.

The upper house also serves as a forum for experienced parliamentarians, domain experts, and public figures who are nominated or elected to bring diverse perspectives to the legislative process. The 12 members nominated by the President, in addition to the 233 elected members, add another dimension to the chamber’s composition and deliberations.

The upcoming elections will also determine the composition of several important parliamentary committees that derive their membership from both houses. These committees play an essential role in scrutinising government policy, examining budgets, and holding the executive accountable between parliamentary sessions.

Timeline and Process Ahead

The formal notification for the Rajya Sabha elections is expected within days. Candidates will then have approximately two weeks to file their nominations, which must be supported by at least ten members of the state legislative assembly or one-tenth of the total assembly members, whichever is less. The scrutiny of nominations and the window for withdrawals will follow in quick succession, with the final list of contesting candidates confirmed about a week before polling day.

On polling day, members of each state legislature will vote using a preferential ballot system where they rank candidates in order of preference. A candidate must secure a specified quota of votes to win, calculated based on the number of seats being filled and the total number of valid votes cast. If no candidate meets the quota in the first round of counting, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed based on second preferences.

The results are expected to be declared on the same day as polling, given the relatively small electorate and straightforward counting process. The newly elected members will assume their seats in the Rajya Sabha starting in July 2026, coinciding with the monsoon session of Parliament. Their tenure will run for six years, until 2032, continuing the staggered rotation that ensures the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body that is never fully dissolved.

Political analysts note that these elections come at a critical juncture, with major policy initiatives including the education reform agenda and economic legislation requiring upper house approval. The composition of the new Rajya Sabha could determine the pace and scope of legislative action in the coming years.

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India has confirmed the fixtures for the highly anticipated India versus Afghanistan cricket tour, scheduled to take place from 6 to 20 June 2026. The tour, which forms part of India’s 2026 home international season, will feature one Test match and three One Day International matches, offering both teams valuable opportunities in the context of the World Test Championship and ODI Super League cycles. Shubman Gill will lead the Indian squad for the series, continuing his tenure as captain following the recent transition in Indian cricket leadership.

The tour represents only the second time Afghanistan has played a Test match on Indian soil, making it a historic occasion for a nation whose cricketing journey from war-torn obscurity to Test status has been one of sport’s most inspiring stories. The series also carries significance for India’s home record and its pursuit of World Test Championship qualification points ahead of the next WTC Final.

Full Tour Schedule

The tour opens with the lone Test match, expected to be played at a major Indian venue — likely one of the established Test centres such as Bengaluru, Mumbai or Delhi. The Test, scheduled from 6 to 10 June, gives both teams five days to contest what will be an important fixture in the WTC points table. Following the Test, the three ODIs are scheduled for 14, 17 and 20 June, providing a white-ball phase that will test the depth and versatility of both squads.

The BCCI confirmed the fixtures in March 2026, and the scheduling reflects a desire to fit the tour within a window that avoids conflict with the IPL season, which concludes on 31 May. The two-week gap between the IPL final and the first day of the Test gives players selected from IPL squads a brief but necessary period of rest and preparation before transitioning to the demands of international red-ball cricket.

India’s Squad and Key Players

The squad selection meeting held in Guwahati has set the stage for several interesting storylines within the Indian squad. Shubman Gill captains the side, having taken over the leadership role in the post-Rohit Sharma era. His appointment reflected the selectors’ faith in his tactical acumen and the maturity he has shown in leading Gujarat Titans in the IPL.

KL Rahul has been named vice-captain, providing experienced support to Gill. The selection of the broader squad was closely watched for clues about the futures of senior players including the decisions regarding Test specialists and the balance between youth and experience. The bowling attack is expected to feature a strong spin contingent, given that the matches will be played on Indian surfaces where spinners traditionally dominate.

The batting order, anchored by Gill at the top, has the depth to be formidable against Afghanistan’s attack. Players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been in outstanding form in IPL and international cricket, Rishabh Pant behind the stumps, and the experienced middle order including Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul give India multiple match-winners across the batting lineup.

Afghanistan’s Challenge and Strengths

Afghanistan’s cricket team, despite being a relatively recent entrant to Test cricket, possesses genuine match-winning capabilities that India cannot afford to take lightly. Their spin attack, led by the brilliant Rashid Khan, is world-class and capable of taking wickets against any batting lineup in the world. Rashid’s leg-spin, combined with the left-arm spin options available to Afghanistan, makes them a particularly dangerous proposition on Indian pitches that offer turn.

The batting, while more fragile than the bowling, has shown improvement in recent years. Players like Rahmat Shah and Ibrahim Zadran have demonstrated the ability to construct substantial innings against quality attacks, and the young talent emerging from Afghanistan’s domestic system suggests a bright future. The challenge for the Afghan batters will be playing extended innings on Indian pitches, where the combination of pace and spin can be relentless.

Afghanistan’s performance in the IPL has also raised their profile and competitiveness. Several Afghan players have gained valuable experience competing against and alongside the best cricketers in the world in the IPL, and this exposure translates to greater confidence and technical preparedness when facing Indian players in international matches.

World Test Championship Context

The Test match carries additional weight due to its significance in the World Test Championship standings. India, perennial contenders for the WTC Final, needs to maximise points from home series to maintain their position in the table. A comprehensive victory over Afghanistan, ideally with bonus points for an innings victory, would strengthen India’s WTC qualification bid.

For Afghanistan, simply competing effectively against India in a Test match on Indian soil would be a statement of progress. A competitive drawn match or, ambitiously, a result in their favour would represent one of the biggest upsets in recent Test cricket history and would add valuable WTC points to Afghanistan’s tally.

ODI Series Significance

The three-match ODI series offers different stakes. While ODIs do not carry WTC points, the series contributes to the ICC ODI Super League, which determines qualification for the next ODI World Cup. Both India and Afghanistan have strong interests in performing well in the Super League, with qualification spots being closely contested among the competing nations.

The ODI format also provides an opportunity for India to blood young talent in international cricket. With the senior player transition ongoing, the selectors may use the Afghanistan series to give game time to promising white-ball specialists who have impressed in domestic cricket and the IPL. This dual purpose — winning the series while developing the next generation — has been a hallmark of India’s approach to home series against lower-ranked opponents.

From a cricketing perspective, the ODIs promise entertaining cricket. Afghanistan’s aggressive batting approach and their world-class spin bowling make them capable of causing upsets in the shorter formats, as they have demonstrated repeatedly in recent ICC tournaments and bilateral series. India will need to be at their best to avoid complacency against an opponent that has earned the respect of every cricketing nation.

Fan Anticipation and Broadcast Details

Indian cricket fans, fresh from the excitement of the IPL 2026 season, are eagerly anticipating the return of international cricket. The India-Afghanistan series offers a chance to see the national team in action in both formats, with the added intrigue of evaluating the post-transition squad under Gill’s captaincy.

Television and digital broadcast rights for the series are held by the BCCI’s official broadcast partners, ensuring comprehensive coverage across India and internationally. The combination of accessible pricing, widespread broadcast availability and the novelty of watching Afghanistan compete in India means that the series is expected to attract strong viewership numbers across all four matches.

As the IPL winds down and attention shifts to international cricket, the India versus Afghanistan tour represents the next chapter in Indian cricket’s packed 2026 calendar. For players, fans and the sport itself, it promises to be a compelling contest between established excellence and rising ambition.

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