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India Today

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Satellite image showing Cyclone Asani approaching the eastern coast of India (Source: IMD)

BREAKING: Cyclone Asani intensifies in Bay of Bengal, expected to make landfall in Odisha by Friday

Top Stories

Government Announces New Economic Stimulus Package

In a surprise move today, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a ₹1.25 lakh crore stimulus package aimed at reviving small businesses and the manufacturing sector. The package includes:

• Interest-free loans for MSMEs for technology upgradation
• Tax incentives for domestic manufacturing
• Special provisions for startups in tier-2 and tier-3 cities
• Extended credit guarantee schemes

"This package is carefully calibrated to boost employment-intensive sectors while maintaining fiscal prudence. We expect it to add at least 1.2% to GDP growth this fiscal year."

- Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister

Supreme Court of India building where electoral bonds case is being heard

Supreme Court Begins Hearing on Electoral Bonds Case

The Supreme Court today commenced final hearings on a batch of petitions challenging the electoral bonds scheme. A constitution bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud will examine whether the anonymous funding mechanism violates citizens' right to information about political funding.

Legal experts suggest the court may refer the matter to a larger bench given the constitutional questions involved. The hearing is expected to continue for two weeks.

Politics

Opposition leaders finalizing seat-sharing agreement for Bihar elections

Opposition Alliance Finalizes Seat-Sharing for Bihar Elections

After weeks of negotiations, the INDIA alliance has finalized its seat-sharing formula for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. According to sources:

• RJD will contest 144 seats
• Congress gets 70 seats
• Left parties to fight on 26 seats
• Remaining 40 seats allocated to smaller allies

BJP Announces New State Presidents in Organizational Reshuffle

The BJP today appointed new state unit presidents in five states as part of its organizational overhaul ahead of the 2026 general elections. The most significant change comes in Uttar Pradesh where MP Sanjeev Balyan replaces the incumbent.

Economy & Business

Rupee Hits 6-Month High Against Dollar

The Indian rupee strengthened to 81.23 against the US dollar, its highest level since November 2024, boosted by strong FPI inflows and falling crude oil prices.

India's Manufacturing PMI at 11-Month Peak

The HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 56.7 in April from 54.9 in March, indicating robust expansion in factory activity.

Tata Group Announces New Semiconductor Plant

Tata Electronics will invest ₹45,000 crore to set up a semiconductor fabrication unit in Gujarat, creating 15,000 direct jobs.

International

Indian and Chinese military delegates meet at border talks

India-China Border Talks Make Limited Progress

The 21st round of Corps Commander-level talks between India and China concluded today with both sides agreeing to maintain peace along the LAC but making no breakthrough on remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh.

PM Modi to Visit Japan for Quad Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Tokyo next week for the Quad leaders' summit, where discussions are expected to focus on maritime security, critical technologies, and infrastructure partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.

Technology

Illustration of AI technology that will be developed under National AI Mission

India's AI Mission Gets ₹10,000 Crore Boost

The Cabinet today approved the National AI Mission with an initial outlay of ₹10,372 crore over five years to develop indigenous AI capabilities and infrastructure.

The mission will establish three centers of excellence in academic institutions, support AI startups, and develop India's own foundational AI models in local languages.

5G User Base Crosses 250 Million Mark

India's 5G subscriber base has crossed 250 million, according to data from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), making it one of the fastest 5G adoptions globally.

Sports

IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians Qualify for Playoffs

Mumbai Indians became the third team to qualify for the IPL 2025 playoffs after defeating Punjab Kings by 28 runs in today's match. Hardik Pandya's all-round performance (68 runs and 2 wickets) earned him player of the match.

Paris Olympics 2024: Indian Contingent Finalized

The Indian Olympic Association announced a 125-member contingent for the Paris Olympics, with high hopes in shooting, badminton, wrestling, and boxing.

Weather

IMD heatwave warning for northwest India with temperatures expected to reach 45°C

Heatwave Conditions to Continue in Northwest India

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that heatwave conditions will persist over Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, and parts of Uttar Pradesh for the next 4-5 days, with temperatures likely to touch 45°C in some areas.

IMD RED ALERT: Cyclone Asani developing into severe cyclonic storm, evacuation plans being prepared for coastal Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

Editor's Pick

Traditional kirana stores are adapting to compete with quick commerce platforms

The Changing Face of Indian Retail: From Kiranas to Quick Commerce

As India's retail sector crosses the $2 trillion mark, our special report examines how traditional kirana stores are adapting to compete with quick commerce platforms while maintaining their neighborhood advantage.

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