budget 2025

Nawazuddin Siddiqui's upcoming film 'Main Actor Nahin Hoon', a Rs 1.5 crore project, is set for a wide release across nearly 100 theatres in major metropolitan cities on May 8. Directed by Aditya Kripalani, the film features a blend of new talent and explores the story of a retired banker pursuing his acting dreams, showcasing compelling storytelling despite budget constraints.

Government's net direct tax collections for FY26 reached over Rs 23.4 lakh crore, a 5.1% increase, though it fell short of the revised target. Corporate tax saw a healthy 11.4% rise, while non-corporate tax remained flat. Refunds saw a slight dip. These collections follow recent income tax cuts.

Global defence spending is soaring, exceeding $2.88 billion last year, with the US leading at $961 billion. Driven by conflicts and evolving warfare, nations are boosting military budgets, with Europe rearming and NATO members increasing commitments. This surge reflects economic power, national priorities, and the per-person cost of security, with Ukraine topping GDP allocation.

The Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries has urged the state government to reconsider the newly approved city tourist tax on hotel stays. The proposed levy, ranging from 2% to 10% for domestic and foreign tourists respectively, could significantly impact Jharkhand's tourism and hospitality sectors by increasing costs for travelers and potentially discouraging visitors.

Odisha's Water Corporation (Watco) has achieved 100% household water supply coverage across 29 urban bodies, serving over 4.9 million people. The 'Drink from Tap' initiative is expanding, with 24x7 potable water now in 11 ULBs. Significant budget utilization and smart meter installations highlight Watco's commitment to enhanced water infrastructure and management.

₹3,283 Crore Allocated

The landscape of global defence spending has reached unprecedented heights, crossing $2.88 trillion last year, spearheaded by the United States with a staggering $961 billion investment. The turmoil of ongoing conflicts and the rise of cyber warfare are prompting nations like China and Russia to enhance their military expenditures.

Get ready for a magical experience! The enchanting film 'Wicked,' starring the incredible Cynthia Erivo alongside Ariana Grande, will begin streaming on May 21st. This captivating adaptation of the acclaimed Broadway musical, which earned 10 Oscar nods and thrilled audiences worldwide with over $758 million in ticket sales, dives into the extraordinary friendship of Elphaba and Glinda.

Get ready for more time-loop action! A sequel to Tom Cruise's 'Edge of Tomorrow' is reportedly gearing up for production, with filming possibly starting this fall. Both Cruise and Emily Blunt are expected to return, with the script already complete. This sci-fi hit, a cult favorite, might be Cruise's next project after 'Top Gun 3'.

Uber is strategically slowing headcount expansion to channel more investment into artificial intelligence, according to CEO Dara Khosrowshahi. AI is proving to be a powerful accelerator, boosting engineer productivity by generating a significant portion of code changes. This shift aims to enhance efficiency across all company operations, making the AI investment highly compelling.

India ranked as the fifth largest military spender globally in 2025, with an 8.9% increase to $92.1 billion, influenced by the India-Pakistan conflict. Global military expenditure reached $2,887 billion, an 11th consecutive year of growth, driven by Europe and Asia, despite a US spending decrease.

A declining U.S. dollar, down approximately 10% since Donald Trump's return to the White House, is quietly increasing the cost of everyday life for Americans. This weakening currency shrinks purchasing power, making imported goods and foreign travel more expensive, while benefiting large multinational exporters.