India's unemployment rate edged up to 5.6% in May 2025 from 5.1% in April, driven largely by seasonal factors, rural sector shifts, and rising temperatures that hampered outdoor labor. Government data from the newly launched monthly Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) highlights a decline in both labour force participation rate (LFPR) and worker population ratio (WPR), particularly among rural women. The jobless rate among youth aged 15–29 rose sharply, with significant gender and urban-rural disparities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada—his first visit to the country in nearly a decade—marking a pivotal moment for India-Canada relations. Invited by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Modi’s presence underscores New Delhi’s renewed engagement with key global powers, especially amid complex geopolitical dynamics. The summit, focused on global security, technology, and energy cooperation, also serves as a platform for bilateral talks following months of strained ties between India and Canada.

Meta has taken a definitive step toward monetizing WhatsApp by introducing advertisements within its Status feature—mirroring Instagram Stories and Facebook Stories. The ads, which appear in the "Updates" tab, mark a notable shift in WhatsApp’s user experience, particularly since its original founders opposed any form of advertising. In addition, Meta will start displaying promoted channels under the Explore section, allowing users to subscribe for exclusive updates.

Fuel consumption in India slowed in the first half of June 2025, largely due to the early onset of monsoon rains, which suppressed agricultural irrigation needs and reduced transport activity. Diesel sales, in particular, saw a 4.8% drop, reversing recent positive trends. Petrol demand also moderated to a 2.3% increase after robust growth in May. While jet fuel consumption maintained a modest rise and LPG sales continued on a strong growth trajectory—buoyed by rural schemes—the overall picture reflects a short-term slowdown tied to seasonal disruptions.

Reliance Industries, led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, has further pared its stake in Asian Paints, selling 85 lakh shares for Rs. 1,875.95 crore in an open market transaction. This follows the recent divestment of a 3.64% stake in the paint major just days earlier. The shares were offloaded via its affiliate Siddhant Commercials Pvt Ltd at an average price of Rs. 2,207 per share. The buyer, ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, increased its holding in Asian Paints to 2.12%. Despite the sizeable transaction, Asian Paints’ stock rose 1.21%, closing at Rs. 2,241 on the NSE.

Amitabh Kant, one of India's most influential bureaucrats and policy architects, has formally stepped down from his role as G20 Sherpa, concluding a distinguished 45-year career in public service. Kant, a 1980-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, was appointed to the Sherpa role in July 2022, ahead of India’s G20 presidency. In a reflective farewell message posted on LinkedIn, Kant expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and outlined his intent to pursue new opportunities beyond government.

Godrej Properties Ltd has entered into a joint development agreement to construct a premium residential township on a 14-acre plot in Hoskote, East Bengaluru. The project, expected to yield approximately 1.5 million square feet of saleable area, carries an estimated revenue potential of Rs. 1,500 crore. This strategic move complements Godrej’s broader expansion strategy across high-growth urban corridors, including recent acquisitions in Pune and other Indian metros.

In a significant equity transaction, Samayat Services LLP, the promoter entity of Vishal Mega Mart, is poised to divest a 10% stake in the retail chain through a block deal scheduled for Tuesday. Valued at approximately Rs. 5,057 crore, the shares are expected to be offered at a floor price of Rs. 110 apiece—representing a 12% discount to the last traded price. The move signals a strategic rebalancing of holdings by the promoter, which currently controls a 74.55% stake in the company.

After weeks of emotional upheaval following actor Dipika Kakar’s diagnosis with stage 2 liver cancer and a prolonged 14-hour surgery, her husband, Shoaib Ibrahim, opened up about their journey of resilience, emotional healing, and rediscovered joy. Through a recent video log, Shoaib shared candid glimpses of their life post-hospital discharge, offering viewers a portrait of hope and familial bonding. From shopping for toys and sharing laughter to quietly supporting Dipika’s recovery, Shoaib's narrative encapsulates the quiet strength that defines modern fatherhood and caregiving.

Seventeen years after its original conclusion and nearly 25 years since its historic debut, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is making a highly anticipated comeback to Indian television. The reboot features Smriti Irani and Amar Upadhyay reprising their iconic roles as Tulsi and Mihir Virani. This revival not only marks Irani’s return to acting after 15 years but also captures a wave of nostalgia across generations.