By-elections to five legislative assembly constituencies in Gujarat, Kerala, West Bengal, and Punjab commenced on Thursday, June 19, with polling underway from 7 a.m. under tight security and logistical arrangements. Though limited in number, these contests are being closely watched for their implications on the broader power balance between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition INDIA bloc.

Sunjay Kapur, prominent businessman and former husband of Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor, died unexpectedly in England on June 12 after reportedly suffering a heart attack, allegedly triggered by an allergic reaction to swallowing a bee. While the official cause of death has yet to be confirmed, his passing has drawn public attention due to its sudden nature and the high-profile individuals connected to him. Kapur's last rites are scheduled for June 19 at the Lodhi Road Cremation Ground in New Delhi, with a prayer meeting planned on June 22 at the Taj Palace Hotel.

In a teaser that’s already turning heads, Bollywood titan Salman Khan brings candid humor and unfiltered charm to The Great Indian Kapil Show, where he playfully teases his long-time friend and fellow actor Aamir Khan over his ongoing search for love at the age of 60. In classic Salman style, he blends banter with self-deprecation, even poking fun at the underperformance of his own film Sikandar.

Yashvardhan Ahuja, son of 90s Bollywood icon Govinda, is gearing up for his much-anticipated debut in the Hindi film industry. Backed by both industry exposure and familial insight, Yashvardhan has spent the last few years honing his skills behind the scenes before stepping into the limelight. According to his mother, Sunita Ahuja, he’s preparing diligently, consciously carving out his own identity rather than leaning on his father's legacy. His debut film, directed by National Award-winner Sai Rajesh, is a Hindi adaptation of the Telugu hit Baby.

Netflix is set to kick off the third season of its Hindi-language variety hit, The Great Indian Kapil Show, with Bollywood icon Salman Khan as the premiere guest. A new promotional clip reveals the actor embracing his comedic side, interacting with celebrity impersonators—including one of himself—and poking fun at his latest film, Sikandar. Despite the movie’s underwhelming critical reception, it earned a respectable Rs. 121 crore at the box office.

As Shubman Gill prepares to lead India into the first Test against England at Headingley, scrutiny over his overseas batting record looms large. The 25-year-old’s transition from prodigy to captain comes with the burden of performance, particularly in foreign conditions where his red-ball returns have been underwhelming. Gill averages just 25.40 outside Asia and has yet to score a century abroad in Test cricket. His past outings in England are especially concerning.

In a moment of profound personal loss, actor Mannara Chopra mourned the death of her father, Raman Rai Handa, who passed away at the age of 72 on June 16, 2025. The cremation ceremony, held in Mumbai on Thursday, witnessed emotional scenes as Mannara and her sister, Mitali Handa, tearfully bid farewell. Raman Rai Handa, a senior lawyer with the Delhi High Court, was known for being the cornerstone of the family. He is survived by his wife, Kamini Chopra Handa, and daughters Mannara and Mitali. Condolences poured in from family members, including global star Priyanka Chopra.

In a move that underscores its commitment to financial innovation and customer-centric solutions, Bank of Maharashtra has partnered with SBI Card to roll out a suite of co-branded credit cards. This strategic alliance aims to offer value-driven financial tools to customers, combining the bank’s strong regional presence and loyal customer base with SBI Card’s digital capabilities and product depth.

In a bold move signaling the rising prospects of North Chennai's real estate landscape, G Square Realtors Pvt Ltd has acquired 62.38 acres to develop 1,091 premium villa plots across the Red Hills, Puzhal, and Karanodai regions. Backed by a Rs. 230 crore investment, the project aims to transform the perception of North Chennai from an industrial periphery to a thriving residential hub.

Hero MotoCorp is set to unveil a subscription-based Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model for its VIDA electric scooters starting July 2025, aiming to lower the barrier to EV adoption. The new offering will enable customers to decouple battery ownership from the vehicle itself, significantly reducing upfront purchase costs. This pay-as-you-go system will offer flexible financing options, including separate loans for the chassis and battery, allowing users to manage expenses through tailored monthly plans.