Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced a record Rs 1.5 lakh crore ($17.5 billion) investment marking it's largest in Asia, during his meeting with PM Narendra Modi Wednesday evening, focused on developing India's AI infrastructure and capabilities. This follows Microsoft's earlier $3 billion commitment for Bengaluru's cloud and AI infrastructure, including upskilling and data centers. Modi responded: "When it comes to AI, the world is optimistic about India!" Microsoft's statement emphasized India's emergence as a "frontier AI nation" and catalyst for inclusive growth. The investment underscores India's value for global tech giants, joining Google's $15 billion five-year plan for its Visakhapatnam AI hub and Amazon's billions in data centers, positioning India as a crucial AI development market.

Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan said the 50% US tariffs on India were not about Russian oil, but India countering Trump’s claim of brokering the May ceasefire with Pakistan. Speaking at the University of Zurich, he added that Pakistan “played it right” and faced only 19% tariffs. Rajan said the tension was driven by Trump’s personality and India’s response to his claims. He clarified that he did not know all details but hoped “sanity prevails” in India-US relations. The tariffs followed a series of personal attacks by Trump’s aides and escalated trade tensions.

Ranveer Singh’s film Dhurandhar continues its strong run at the box office. On its fifth day, the spy thriller collected ₹15.92 crore, taking the total to ₹142.17 crore. The film is expected to cross ₹150 crore by the end of the day. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the movie stars Ranveer Singh, R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, and Sara Arjun. Dhurandhar opened with ₹28 crore and saw its highest single-day collection of ₹43 crore on Sunday. It has already surpassed the lifetime collections of Salman Khan’s Sikandar and Akshay Kumar’s Sky Force. (PC: X)

A drug bust in Madhya Pradesh has created a political controversy after 46 kg of cannabis was seized in Rampur Baghelan. Police arrested Pankaj Singh Baghel, who named Anil Bagri, brother of Urban Development Minister Pratima Bagri, as a supplier. The seizure, valued at nearly Rs 9.23 lakh, came after a tip-off. Minister Bagri said criminals will not be spared, regardless of relations. The opposition Congress criticized the BJP government, questioning law-and-order oversight. Bagri, one of the youngest ministers in Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s cabinet, faces scrutiny as the case unfolds and political pressure mounts. (PC: The Indian Express)

The government has directed IndiGo to reduce its daily flights by 10% following massive cancellations affecting over 2,000 flights in recent days. With around 2,200 flights daily, this cut will mean over 200 cancellations. The move aims to stabilize operations and reduce further disruption. IndiGo confirmed it will continue serving all destinations and complete refunds and baggage handovers promptly. The airline’s CEO, Pieter Elbers, met the Civil Aviation Ministry to update officials. The DGCA has issued showcause notices and is investigating. The ministry emphasized compliance with fare caps and passenger convenience measures. (PC: NDTV)

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced a USD 17.5 billion investment to boost AI in India, the company’s largest-ever investment in Asia. He shared the news after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. The funds will be used to build AI infrastructure, develop skills, and enhance sovereign capabilities. PM Modi called the meeting “productive” and said India’s youth can leverage AI for innovation. Nadella’s visit includes Bengaluru and Mumbai, focusing on cloud, AI, and workforce training. Microsoft plans to launch Microsoft 365 Copilot in India by the end of 2025, ensuring local data governance. (PC: India Today)

After a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck north-eastern Japan, authorities warned of the possibility of a future megaquake. Residents in seven prefectures, from Hokkaido to Chiba, were told to stay alert, check evacuation routes, secure furniture, and prepare emergency kits. Officials said a larger quake of magnitude 8 or higher could occur, but the chance is about one in 100. Japan’s Nankai Trough has produced major earthquakes roughly every 100 years, sometimes causing tsunamis. Experts say earthquakes cannot be predicted, and the warning is meant to help people prepare, not indicate an imminent quake.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition, raised three questions in Parliament during the debate on electoral rolls. He asked why the CJI was removed from the panel selecting election commissioners, why election commissioners were given legal immunity, and why CCTV footage of elections can be destroyed after 45 days. He said these steps threaten democracy. Gandhi also made four demands: 1) give machine-readable voter lists one month before elections, 2) stop destroying CCTV footage, 3) allow experts access to EVMs, and 4) change the law that lets election commissioners act without accountability.

Saudi Arabia has eased its strict alcohol ban for the first time in decades. The kingdom now allows high-income non-Muslim residents to buy alcohol at a store in Riyadh’s diplomatic area. Only those earning above $13,300 a month can shop there. The move follows the opening of a similar store for diplomats last year. New outlets are also planned for Jeddah and Dhahran. This policy shift is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to attract global businesses and tourists. The country has had a near-total ban on alcohol since 1952. (PC: India Today)

South Africa captain Aiden Markram won the toss and chose to bowl first in the 1st T20I in Cuttack. India left out Sanju Samson and Kuldeep Yadav, while Hardik Pandya returned to the XI, bringing balance to the side. India will rely on Suryakumar Yadav to lead the batting in the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma opened the innings. Ravi Shastri made headlines after stumbling twice during the toss. South Africa fielded a strong lineup with De Kock, Miller, and Nortje. Both teams aim to prepare for next year’s T20 World Cup.