School Assembly News Headlines: 13 December 2025

National News

1. India clears 100% FDI in insurance sector to attract global capital, expand coverage, and strengthen growth in low-penetration markets.

2. Centre proposes renaming MGNREGS while increasing guaranteed rural employment days from 100 to 125 for nationwide implementation.

3. Nuclear Energy Bill approved to allow private participation by amending key acts shaping India’s civil nuclear power sector.

4. ₹11,718 crore sanctioned for first digital Census 2027 featuring caste enumeration and a two-phase nationwide data collection plan.

International News

1. Bank of Japan likely to introduce rare rate hike, signalling major shift from decades-long ultra-loose policy during December meeting.

2. Russia files lawsuit against Euroclear as EU readies summit effort to unlock frozen Russian assets earmarked for Ukraine support.

Sports News

1. Vinesh Phogat returns from retirement to pursue long-awaited Olympic medal at 2028 Los Angeles Games after Paris disqualification setback.

2. India falls to sixth in World Test Championship as New Zealand’s dominant win over West Indies significantly reshapes standings.

Business News

1. PLI scheme boosts manufacturing with rising investments, higher production output, expanding exports, and significant job creation across fourteen priority sectors nationwide.

2. Indian companies report strongest profit-to-capital performance since 2011 as new data highlights improved returns and better fund utilisation.

1. Union Cabinet Clears 100% FDI in Insurance Sector to Draw Global Capital and Strengthen India’s Insurance Coverage Nationwide.
The Union Cabinet approved full foreign investment in insurance. The amendment bill will be tabled on Monday. This reform aims to bring global expertise, expand coverage, and support growth in India’s low-penetration insurance sector.

2. Centre Proposes Renaming MGNREGS and Increasing Mandatory Guaranteed Rural Employment Days from 100 to 125 Nationwide.
The Centre plans to rename MGNREGS and extend guaranteed work to 125 days. Cabinet approval is reported. Current data shows households receive around 50 employment days yearly, indicating limited utilisation of the scheme’s mandate.

3. Union Cabinet Clears Nuclear Energy Bill to Enable Private Participation by Amending Key Acts Governing India’s Civil Nuclear Sector.
The Cabinet has approved a nuclear energy Bill aimed at opening civil nuclear power to private players. Proposed amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and CLND Act address barriers limiting technology suppliers and investors.

4. Union Cabinet Approves Budget for First Digital Census 2027 Including Caste Enumeration and Two-Phase Nationwide Data Collection Exercise.
The Cabinet cleared ₹11,718 crore for Census 2027. It will be India’s first digital census with caste enumeration. Data collection will occur in two phases, supported by 30 lakh field functionaries.

5. Cabinet Approves SHANTI Bill Allowing Private Participation to Support India’s Goal of Achieving 100 GW Nuclear Power by 2047.
The Cabinet cleared the SHANTI Bill to open civil nuclear power to private players. The legislation, expected next week, supports India’s ambition of reaching 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047.

6. Union Cabinet Approves India–Oman Free Trade Agreement Ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s Scheduled Visit to the Gulf Nation.
The Cabinet has approved a free trade agreement with Oman. Signing is expected during Prime Minister Modi’s December 17–18 visit. The CEPA negotiations began in 2023 and concluded earlier this year.

1. CAQM Forms Expert Committee Led by IIT Madras Professor to Develop Strategies for Reducing Vehicular Emission Pollution in Delhi-NCR.
CAQM has set up an expert committee chaired by IIT Madras professor Ashok Jhunjhunwala. The panel will design strategies to curb vehicular emissions and support urgent measures for improving air quality across Delhi-NCR.

2. Sikkim Assembly Approves Proposal Granting Scheduled Tribe Status to Twelve Communities, Advancing Social Security and Equal Opportunity Measures.
The Sikkim Legislative Assembly passed a unanimous proposal granting ST status to twelve communities. The decision follows a committee report and aims to extend official benefits, rights and improved social protection across the state.

3. Calcutta High Court Orders SSC to Interview Over-Aged Candidates Who Cleared 2025 Re-Exam After Being Waitlisted in 2016.
The Calcutta High Court directed the SSC to interview over-aged candidates from the 2016 waitlist who cleared the 2025 re-exam. The ruling follows petitions seeking fair opportunity in the recruitment process.

4. Sikkim Assembly approves proposal granting Scheduled Tribe status to twelve communities, marking significant progress toward inclusion and social security.
The Sikkim Legislative Assembly unanimously supported granting ST status to twelve communities. The approval follows a high-level committee’s report and aims to provide equitable opportunities, official benefits, and stronger social protection across the state.

1. Bank of Japan expected to announce rare rate hike, signalling major shift from decades of ultra-loose monetary policy in December meeting.
Markets anticipate a 25-basis-point rate hike as the Bank of Japan prepares its most significant policy change in nearly 30 years. The move could take rates to 0.75 per cent.

2. Russia’s central bank sues Euroclear in Moscow as EU prepares summit push to unlock frozen Russian assets for Ukraine aid.
Russia’s central bank has filed a lawsuit against Euroclear over frozen assets. The action precedes an EU summit where leaders aim to urge Belgium to release funds supporting a major financial package for Ukraine.

3. US FDA plans strongest black box safety warning for Covid-19 vaccines, highlighting serious potential risks requiring careful medical consideration.
The US FDA is preparing to add a black box warning to Covid-19 vaccines, signalling rare but serious risks. The alert underscores the need to balance benefits and may guide use in specific groups.

4. Iran arrests Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi during memorial event, raising concerns about continued detention and treatment of human rights defenders.
Narges Mohammadi was detained at a memorial for a late human rights lawyer, her supporters said. Authorities have not commented, and it remains unclear whether she will be returned to prison to complete her sentence.

1. Vinesh Phogat announces return from retirement, aiming for long-awaited Olympic medal at 2028 Los Angeles Games after Paris setback.
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat will resume her career to target an Olympic medal in 2028. She retired after her Paris Games disqualification but says her passion remained strong despite exhaustion and pressure.

2. India drops to sixth in World Test Championship standings as New Zealand’s dominant win over West Indies reshapes table.
India slipped to sixth place after New Zealand’s nine-wicket victory pushed them to third. India, already struggling after a 2-0 defeat to South Africa, saw the standings shift sharply following the Wellington Test.

3. Lionel Messi to begin three-day GOAT Tour in India, covering four major cities in one of the nation’s biggest sporting visits.
Lionel Messi arrives in India for a three-day tour across Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. Flying in from Miami via Dubai, he begins his packed schedule early on December 13.

1. PLI Programme Drives Manufacturing Growth with Significant Investments, Rising Production Output and Job Creation Across Fourteen Priority Sectors Nationwide.
Government data shows PLI schemes attracting nearly ₹2 lakh crore investment across 14 sectors. This support has boosted production, exports and sales, while creating more than 12.6 lakh direct and indirect jobs nationwide.

2. Indian Companies Record Highest Profit-to-Capital Performance Since 2011 as New Data Shows Stronger Returns on Deployed Funds.
CMIE data shows profit after tax relative to capital employed rising to 10.47 per cent in September. The analysis covers 3,307 non-financial firms, indicating stronger fund utilisation and improved operational efficiency nationwide.

3. Rupee Hits New Low Amid Delayed US Trade Deal Concerns as RBI Expected to Intervene to Limit Volatility.
The rupee weakened to 90.56 per dollar before closing at 90.42. Negative sentiment over the delayed US trade deal persists, and dealers expect RBI dollar sales to manage market volatility.

4. Asian stocks rise after Wall Street gains, though Oracle’s slump stirs tech jitters amid shifting Fed outlook and AI worries.
Asian markets opened higher, reflecting strong U.S. performance, even as Oracle’s renewed decline unsettled tech sentiment. Investors navigated a calmer outlook after the Fed’s rate cut, while AI bubble concerns added pressure.