India’s net direct tax collections declined marginally in the first quarter of FY 2025-26, reflecting a slowdown in advance tax inflows and muted corporate earnings. According to official figures released by the government, net direct tax receipts stood at Rs. 4.59 lakh crore as of June 19, 2025—representing a 1.39% year-on-year decrease. While gross collections posted modest growth, robust refund issuances and weaker corporate tax performance weighed on the net figures.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a corruption case implicating former officials of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), executives from Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE), and two international dredging contractors over alleged financial irregularities exceeding Rs. 800 crore. Following a three-year inquiry, the CBI has accused the involved parties of inflating estimates, manipulating tender processes to favour foreign firms, and sanctioning fraudulent payments during two phases of a channel-deepening project at India’s busiest container port.

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has directed Air India to relieve three senior executives — including a divisional vice president — from all duties related to crew scheduling and rostering. The directive, issued on June 20, 2025, stems from an ongoing investigation into violations of flight duty norms. The DGCA has also instructed the airline to initiate internal disciplinary proceedings against the individuals concerned.

Chennai-based infrastructure firm Vishnusurya Projects and Infra Ltd has secured a Rs. 23.57 crore contract from Gorantla Geosynthetics Ltd for critical engineering works at the Steel Authority of India's Bokaro unit. The 12-month project involves the replacement and construction of benzol-related facilities, a key component of SAIL’s by-product and environmental systems. With this addition, Vishnusurya's order book has swelled to Rs. 330 crore as of March 2025, underlining its strategic focus on high-margin, capital-efficient ventures in the solid waste management space.

India’s civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has issued a stern warning to Air India, threatening to suspend or revoke the airline’s operational license over persistent violations of pilot duty scheduling and oversight. The action follows systemic lapses in crew management, culminating in the removal of three senior officials. While not directly linked, the regulatory crackdown comes days after a catastrophic crash involving a London-bound Dreamliner that killed over 270 people.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas stepped back into the global spotlight as she promoted her upcoming action-comedy film Heads of State on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Clad in a sleek black bodycon leather dress and dazzling Bvlgari jewels, Chopra captivated both fashion critics and fans. During her appearance, she offered audiences a lighthearted moment teaching Fallon how to throw a punch—an on-brand teaser for her role as an elite MI6 agent in the film.

In India’s ultra-competitive sub-Rs. 2,000 wireless audio market, OnePlus is making a statement with its new Bullets Wireless Z3, priced at Rs. 1,699. Despite its modest price tag, the Z3 delivers an impressive package of audio performance, ergonomic design, and reliable battery life. Features such as BassWave technology, 3D Spatial Audio, IP55 water resistance, and rapid charging reinforce its value proposition. Through a week-long hands-on review—spanning workouts, travel, and long virtual meetings—the Z3 proved itself to be more than just another budget gadget.

Once on the cusp of becoming one of Bollywood’s most celebrated power couples, Karisma Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan stunned the nation when they called off their engagement in 2003. What was believed to be a union between two iconic film dynasties — the Kapoors and the Bachchans — dissolved quietly, leaving behind a trail of speculation, emotional trauma, and unspoken truths. In a rare reflection years later, Karisma acknowledged the pain of that period and credited her close-knit family for helping her heal.

The drama intensified in the fourth episode of Prime Video’s reality thriller The Traitors, released on June 19, as Maheep Kapoor became the latest contestant to be voted out of the show. Despite maintaining her innocence throughout the competition, Maheep failed to convince her peers and was eliminated—only to reveal she was not a traitor, leaving many in shock. Meanwhile, accusations and alliances shifted rapidly, culminating in explosive arguments between Uorfi Javed and Raftaar.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA), underscored the transformative impact of Rs. 7 lakh crore in infrastructure investments under the BJP-led Mahayuti government. Contrasting the current development trajectory with what he termed as a decade of neglect under the UPA regime, Shah credited projects like metro networks, expressways, ports, and irrigation schemes for revitalizing Mumbai and wider Maharashtra.