Bengaluru, once lauded for its idyllic weather and cosmopolitan spirit, is now facing scrutiny from its own residents over its declining air quality. A young couple, Aswin and Aparna, recently made headlines with their decision to leave the city after two years, citing severe health issues triggered by polluted air. Despite their professional success and deep affection for the city’s culture, they prioritized well-being over urban convenience.

Shah Rukh Khan has once again captured public attention—not through a blockbuster release or a red-carpet appearance, but during an ordinary Sunday drive through Mumbai. The actor was spotted cruising in his Rolls-Royce with his pet dog perched on his lap, delighting fans and paparazzi alike. Dressed in a casual ensemble, SRK rolled down his window briefly before pulling away, leaving behind a flurry of camera flashes and adoration.

India's Sanchar Saathi platform, a key digital initiative by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has successfully helped trace more than 20 lakh lost or stolen mobile devices, reinforcing the government’s commitment to securing its digital infrastructure. Minister of State for Telecommunications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani highlighted the platform’s achievements during a recent review meeting, revealing that over 33.5 lakh phones have been blocked through the system, with nearly 4.64 lakh returned to their rightful owners.

Accenture reported a robust 8% year-over-year increase in revenue, reaching USD 17.7 billion in the March–May 2025 quarter, buoyed by strong demand for artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions. The global consulting and IT services giant, which maintains a large workforce in India, also raised its full-year revenue guidance, reflecting confidence in sustained client investment in digital transformation and generative AI. Notably, bookings crossed USD 19.7 billion this quarter, with USD 1.5 billion attributed to Gen-AI services.

Following the fatal crash of Air India Flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad, the national carrier is experiencing a sharp drop in passenger bookings across both domestic and international routes. Industry leaders report a 15–20% decline in demand alongside a corresponding 8–15% drop in ticket prices. Tour operators cite heightened cancellation rates among business and premium leisure travelers, though experts suggest the disruption may be temporary as consumer confidence gradually returns.

Biocon Ltd., India’s pioneering biopharmaceutical firm, has successfully concluded a Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP) worth Rs. 4,500 crore—its first equity fundraise since going public in 2004. The offering, which drew significant interest from both domestic and global institutional investors, reinforces the market’s confidence in Biocon’s strategic direction and global ambitions.

In a significant development for India’s microfinance sector, K Paul Thomas, Managing Director and CEO of ESAF Small Finance Bank, has been elected as the new Chairman of Sa-Dhan, a Reserve Bank of India-recognized self-regulatory organization (SRO) for microfinance and impact finance institutions. The appointment was confirmed at Sa-Dhan’s annual general meeting, which included participation from approximately 100 member institutions.

In a major strategic divestment move, asset management firm 360 ONE offloaded a 12.02% stake in Northern Arc Capital for Rs. 382 crore via open market transactions. The Mumbai-based firm reduced its shareholding from 16.4% to 4.38% after selling approximately 1.94 crore shares across a price range of Rs. 195.71 to Rs. 198.74 per share. The transaction attracted global buyers, with BNP Paribas and Abu Dhabi’s Cohesion Asset Management jointly acquiring a 1.16% stake.

Global and domestic institutional investors made significant equity moves in Indian markets on Friday, spotlighting a trend of strategic accumulation amidst promoter stake dilution and sectoral rebalancing. U.S.-based Vanguard Group acquired a 1.1% stake in Vishal Mega Mart for Rs. 655 crore, while HDFC Mutual Fund picked up nearly 0.92% of Westlife Foodworld for Rs. 99.65 crore. Separately, Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund acquired a 0.66% stake in India Cements, investing Rs. 63.19 crore.

In a deeply unsettling incident that has raised fresh concerns about women’s safety in public transport, a 28-year-old woman airline pilot was allegedly sexually harassed during an Uber ride in Mumbai. The case, registered with the Ghatkopar police, involves three men—including the cab driver—who have been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for sexual harassment, criminal intimidation, and shared criminal intent. The incident reportedly occurred late at night when the driver deviated from the original route and allowed two unknown men into the cab.