India News Today – May 4, 2025
Politics News in India Today
Key developments in Indian politics include actions on national security and governance. In response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, India has withheld the X (formerly Twitter) accounts of Pakistan Peoples Party chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and former Prime Minister Imran Khan0. Domestically, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posed three questions to Prime Minister Modi about changes in the policy on the caste census, seeking clarity on the reasons and timeline for the shift1.
- The government has blocked the social media accounts of PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto and ex-PM Imran Khan on X, citing national security concerns after the Pahalgam attack2.
- Congress has demanded answers on the caste census: leader Jairam Ramesh asked why the Modi government’s policy changed and asked for a commitment on when a caste census will be conducted3.
- Meanwhile, Congress MP Randeep Surjewala warned of a severe water shortage in Haryana, saying about 10 districts are facing an acute drinking water crisis amid hot weather4.
Sports Highlights – IPL 2025
Cricket dominates the sports headlines today as the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) continues. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) meet at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, with KKR (9 points) needing a win to bolster their playoff hopes56. Later in the day, Punjab Kings (PBKS) face Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Dharamsala; Punjab currently sits 4th with momentum from a big win, while Lucknow (6th place) has been inconsistent this season7.
- KKR vs RR (Eden Gardens, 3:30 PM): Kolkata Knight Riders must win to stay alive in the playoff race. The Knight Riders are locked at nine points, while Rajasthan Royals have been eliminated from contention89.
- PBKS vs LSG (Dharamsala, 7:30 PM): Punjab Kings, currently 4th in the table, face the Lucknow Super Giants. Punjab rode a victory over CSK into this game, whereas Lucknow has dropped three in a row and sits 6th10.
Technology & Startup News India
India’s tech sector shows signs of growth. Industry body Nasscom forecasts that IT and software revenues will reach $282.6 billion in fiscal 2025 (up 5.1%) and surpass $300 billion by FY202611. Software exports are expected to rise 4.6% to $224.4 billion, and the sector plans to add around 126,000 net new jobs this year12. This boom is fueled by the adoption of advanced technologies – notably artificial intelligence (AI) – and the expansion of global in-house centres in India1314.
- Industry growth: Nasscom projects 5.1% revenue growth to ~$283B in FY25, with over $300B expected by FY26, driven by engineering R&D and AI implementation15.
- Exports & jobs: IT exports will grow ~4.6% to $224B in FY25, and the tech workforce is set to reach 5.8 million as ~126,000 new jobs are added16.
- EV startup IPO: Ather Energy’s IPO raised ₹24.13 billion ($352M) and was oversubscribed by 1.43 times on final day of bidding, highlighting investor interest in green tech. Ather’s listing (scheduled May 6, 2025) is being seen as a test for India’s IPO market17.
- AI focus: Leading IT firms and entrepreneurs emphasize “agentic AI” and other next-gen AI models as transformative forces in 202518. Major companies like TCS and Infosys report early signs of improved client spending on new projects19.
Entertainment News – Bollywood at Met Gala
Indian film stars are making waves at New York’s Met Gala 2025. Fans are excited as several Bollywood personalities are set to walk the iconic red carpet. Popular singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has confirmed he will debut at the Met Gala by sharing a sneak-peek image of the event’s welcome package, a black-and-white-themed gift box2021. Major stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Kiara Advani, and Priyanka Chopra have already arrived in New York in preparation for the Gala on Monday, May 62223. There is buzz that Alia Bhatt may also attend, making 2025 a landmark year for Indian representation at this global fashion event24.
- Diljit Dosanjh hinted at his Met Gala debut by posting a preview of his welcome hamper (with “First Time” caption), joining stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Kiara Advani, and Priyanka Chopra on the guest list2526.
- Shah Rukh Khan and Kiara Advani arrived in NYC over the weekend; Priyanka Chopra is also expected, making this possibly the most high-profile Met Gala for India yet2728.
- Rumors of Alia Bhatt attending are circulating, indicating strong Bollywood presence at the Gala, which doubles as a major fashion fundraiser29.
Weather Forecast – India May 2025
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts above-normal heat for much of India in May. Most regions should see higher-than-usual temperatures, though frequent thunderstorms are expected to provide some relief30. Several northern and central states – including Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Bengal – are forecast to experience 1 to 4 extra heatwave days beyond the normal count31. Meanwhile, rainfall is expected to be near or above normal across the country, which will likely keep overall heat levels from matching last year’s extremes3233.
- Temperatures: Above-normal May heat is expected nationwide34, though frequent thunderstorms may help prevent temperatures from reaching last year’s record highs.
- Heatwave days: Several areas in north and central India will see more heatwave days than usual (1–4 days above normal in states like Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, MP, UP, etc.)35.
- Rainfall: Rainfall is forecast to be normal to above-normal over most parts of India3637, providing some cooling and moderating the peak temperatures.
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