School Assembly News Headlines: 12 April 2025

1. Tahawwur Rana Extradited to India from US, Sent to 18-Day NIA Custody for Further Investigation in Terror Case
After being extradited from the US, Tahawwur Rana was taken into NIA custody in Delhi for 18 days for detailed investigation into his alleged role in a terror-related case involving Indian authorities.

2. President Droupadi Murmu Addresses Slovakia-India Business Forum, Highlights Strong Bilateral Ties and Calls for Economic Cooperation Growth
During her visit to Slovakia, President Murmu stressed the strong bond between both nations and encouraged exploring new trade opportunities in technology, innovation, and business sectors to further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation.

3. India and Pakistan Hold Brigade-Level Flag Meeting at LoC in Poonch to Discuss Peace and Border Coordination Measures
In an effort to maintain calm at the LoC, military officials from India and Pakistan met in Poonch. The objective here wast to improve coordination, address border issues, and reduce recent tensions caused by infiltration incidents.

4. Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Defends Data Protection Law, Says It Supports Both Privacy Rights and Public Transparency in Governance
Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the new Digital Personal Data Protection Act protects privacy while maintaining transparency. Denying claims that it weakens the RTI Act or hampers investigative journalism efforts.

5. PM Modi Launches Development Projects Worth ₹3,880 Crore in Varanasi, Focuses on Roads, Education, Energy, and Cultural Heritage
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated infrastructure and public service projects in Varanasi, including flyovers, a bridge, and an underpass. Aiming to boost connectivity, education, and cultural preservation in the historic city.

6. Jefferies Rates India ‘Overweight’, Predicts Stronger Performance Compared to Emerging Market Peers Amid Global Economic Slowdown
Jefferies praised India’s economic resilience and low trade dependence on the US and China. Predicting that India could outperform other emerging markets despite global economic uncertainties and ongoing trade tensions.

7. Piyush Goyal Highlights India’s Role in EU Market, Aims to Finalize Free Trade Agreement and Boost Manufacturing Opportunities
Piyush Goyal said India is working to finalize a free trade agreement with the EU. He emphasized manufacturing potential and cooperation through the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029.

8. Quantique Metadata Achieves SOC 2 Compliance, Strengthens Data Security and Privacy Standards Across Its Products and Services
Quantique Metadata completed SOC 2 compliance with a CPA-certified report. It confirmed strong controls in security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy for all Quantique products and services.

9. Centre Launches New Aadhaar App for Digital ID Sharing, Improves User Convenience and Boosts Privacy in Online Verification
The Centre launched a new Aadhaar app allowing digital sharing and verification of Aadhaar. It removes the need for physical cards or photocopies, ensuring a faster and more secure experience.

10. S. Jaishankar Says India Will Respond Urgently to US Global Strategy Shift, Trade Deals Becoming More Complex Than Before
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar said India is ready for urgent action as the US changes global engagement. Trade deals are now more complex due to shifting international dynamics and ambitions.

1. ABAI Hosts VFX Challenge for South Zone, Finalists to Compete at Mumbai WAVES Summit with 1500+ Entries Received
ABAI conducted an eight-hour marathon under WAVES to shortlist VFX finalists. One winner and runner-up from each category will compete in the Mumbai summit. Over 1500 entries were received.

2. MK Stalin Removes Ponmudi from DMK Post After Controversial Video Draws Criticism, Including From Party MP Kanimozhi
Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin removed Ponmudi as DMK Deputy General Secretary. The action followed backlash over a viral video where Ponmudi made derogatory remarks about women, drawing public criticism.

3. Thiruvananthapuram Airport Halts Flights for ‘Arattu’ Procession of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Continuing Decades-Old Religious Tradition
Thiruvananthapuram Airport suspended flights for five hours to allow the Arattu procession. The festival marks the ceremonial bath of temple idols at Shanghumugham Beach, a tradition continuing for several decades.

4. Odisha Launches Unified Health Scheme Integrating Ayushman Bharat, Gopabandhu, and Vayo-Vandana for Wider Healthcare Coverage
Odisha introduced a unified health scheme integrating Ayushman Bharat, Gopabandhu, and Vayo-Vandana Yojana. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda launched it in Cuttack to expand healthcare access, especially for senior citizens.

5. Telangana Government Launches AI Rising Grand Challenge to Address Public Sector Issues with High-Quality Unified Data Exchange
Telangana launched the AI Rising Grand Challenge to solve public sector issues. The platform enables AI testing using structured datasets from departments and partners, ensuring secure access and real-world solution development.

1. Mauritius Becomes First African Nation to Sign Country Partnership Framework with International Solar Alliance for Clean Energy Growth
Mauritius signed the Country Partnership Framework with ISA. The agreement supports solar energy collaboration aligned with national priorities and aims to accelerate clean energy transition through structured joint solar energy projects.

2. Trump Threatens Reciprocal Tariffs from July 9 if Trade Agreements with Partner Countries Are Not Finalized by Deadline
President Donald Trump warned of reinstating tariffs if deals aren’t reached by July 9. The pause in tariffs was meant for partners not retaliating against U.S. goods during the 90-day window.

3. Chinese President Xi Jinping to Visit Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia to Boost Regional Ties Amid Intensifying Trade War with U.S.
Xi Jinping will tour Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia from April 14 to 18. The visit comes after the U.S. imposed steep tariffs, intensifying the trade conflict between Washington and Beijing.

China Raises Tariffs on US Goods to 125 Percent Amid Escalating Trade War with Washington and Recent US Tariff Hike
Beijing announced 125 percent tariffs on US goods starting Saturday. This follows Washington’s 145 percent tariff on Chinese exports, escalating tensions despite a 90-day tariff pause granted to other countries by the US.

5. Dubai’s DP World Begins Bharat Mart Construction to Boost India-UAE Trade with Women-Led Business Zone and Global Market Access
DP World launched Bharat Mart’s construction in JAFZA. The marketplace will span 2.7 million square feet. It includes 1,500 showrooms, warehousing, and a dedicated space for Indian women-led enterprises. Opening is slated for 2026.

1. Robin Uthappa Stars in SportsBaazi’s New Campaign Promoting Strategic Sports Trading During IPL 2025
SportsBaazi launched a new campaign, “Ye Dil. Dimag. Data Ka Game Hai,” featuring Robin Uthappa to redefine sports trading. It highlights strategy, discipline, and data-driven decisions, encouraging fans to participate actively during live matches.

2. Indian Women’s Hockey Team to Face Australia in High-Stakes Five-Match Series Starting April 26
The Indian women’s hockey team will play a five-match series in Perth from April 26 to May 4, including intense matchups against Australia A and the world-ranked Hockeyroos. The tour promises thrilling action.

3. Indian Recurve Men’s Team Enters Final of Archery World Cup Stage 1 in Florida
Archers Dhiraj Bommadevara, Atanu Das, and Tarundeep Rai reached the finals after defeating Spain 6–2 in the semi-final. They will compete against China for gold this Sunday. Earlier, they beat Indonesia 6–2.

4. Virat Kohli Becomes First Player to Smash 1000 IPL Boundaries in Tournament History
RCB’s Virat Kohli achieved a historic IPL milestone, recording 1000 boundaries, 721 fours and 279 sixes. He reached the landmark against Delhi Capitals, marking another record in his illustrious 18-season IPL career.

5. RCB Captain Rajat Patidar Slams Team’s Batting Collapse After Defeat to Delhi Capitals
RCB skipper Rajat Patidar criticized the team’s batting collapse in their home loss to DC. Despite being in control, RCB fell apart under pressure. KL Rahul’s unbeaten 93 and DC’s spinners sealed the win.