School Assembly News Headlines: 14 March 2025

1. RBI Considers Public Sector Banker for IndusInd Bank’s CEO Role Amid Financial and Regulatory Issues
The Reserve Bank of India may choose a public sector banker to replace IndusInd Bank’s chief, Sumant Kathpalia. His reappointment for only a year follows financial discrepancies, regulatory concerns, and microfinance asset quality issues.

2. India Approves Oilfield Amendment Bill 2024 to Attract Investment and Improve Energy Security
Parliament approved the Oilfield Amendment Bill 2024 to modernize regulations and attract investments in oil and gas. The reforms aim to improve energy access, affordability, and security, supporting India’s long-term economic growth vision.

3. Tamil Nadu Removes ₹ Symbol from Budget 2025, Uses Tamil Script, Strengthening Its Opposition to NEP and Alleged Hindi Imposition
Tamil Nadu’s government replaced the ₹ symbol with Tamil script in Budget 2025, reinforcing its resistance to NEP and Hindi imposition. The state opposes the three-language policy, leading the Centre to withhold ₹573 crore in education funds under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.

4. Holi Brought Joy Across India with Colors, Music, and Rituals Celebrating Good’s Triumph Over Evil
Holi celebrations took place across India, with people gathering for colors, music, and rituals. Holika Dahan symbolized devotion’s victory, while Mathura and Vrindavan hosted traditional festivities like Lathmar Holi, drawing thousands of devotees.

5. Yoga Mahotsav 2025 Launched to Mark 100-Day Countdown to International Yoga Day
Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav inaugurated Yoga Mahotsav 2025 in New Delhi. He announced ten major events nationwide, including Yoga Bandhan, an exchange program with ten partner countries, and Yoga Sangam at 10,000 locations.

6. ISRO Achieves Successful De-Docking of SpaDEx Satellites with Advanced Separation Process
ISRO completed the de-docking of SpaDEx satellites using an extended arm mechanism and released capture levers. The agency confirmed the success on X, marking another achievement in India’s space technology advancements.

7. Renowned Dalit Writer K K Kochu Dies at 76, Leaves Legacy with First Malayalam Dalit Autobiography
Prominent Dalit writer and thinker K K Kochu, 76, died in Kottayam after battling cancer. He authored Dalithan, the first Malayalam Dalit autobiography, offering deep insights into Dalit lives and Kerala’s caste politics. He was under palliative care at a Kottayam medical college before his passing.

8. India’s Retail Inflation Falls to 7-Month Low of 3.61% in February, Easing RBI’s Policy Decisions
Retail inflation dropped to a seven-month low of 3.61% in February, falling 65 basis points from January. The decline, driven by slower price increases in vegetables and protein-rich items, gives the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) room for a potential interest rate cut next month, the government announced on Wednesday.

9. Urban Development Spending at 51% of Budget Estimate, Revised Due to Fund Flow Changes
The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs revised urban development spending downward after states made fewer claims and the Finance Ministry changed fund flow guidelines, reaching 51% of the 2024-25 Budget Estimate.

10. India to Share Digital Public Infrastructure Expertise Globally to Bridge Gender Digital Divide and Boost Women-Led Development
India aims to share its expertise in digital public infrastructure to bridge the gender digital divide. Union Minister Annapurna Devi highlighted the country’s progress in digital financial inclusion and women-led development.

1. MIT Tops QS World University Rankings 2025 for 13th Consecutive Year, Imperial College Rises to Second Place
Massachusetts Institute of Technology has retained the top position in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Imperial College London moved to second, followed by the University of Oxford, Harvard University, and the University of Cambridge.

2. Putin Orders Russian Forces to Defeat Ukraine in Kursk After Rejecting US Ceasefire Proposal
Russian President Vladimir Putin, in military fatigues, directed commanders to defeat Ukrainian forces in Kursk. Ukrainian troops crossed the Russian border on August 6, seizing territory to divert Moscow’s focus from eastern Ukraine.

3. H-1B Visa Applications from Hyderabad Drop Due to Rising Costs and Stricter US Filing Rules
H-1B visa applications from Hyderabad have significantly declined, with consultancies blaming increased fees and new restrictions. The US government’s fee hike and limitations on multiple applications have deterred many applicants this year.

4. SpaceX Delays Astronaut Mission to ISS Due to Technical Issues with Launchpad
SpaceX postponed a flight to the International Space Station due to a launchpad issue. The mission was set to bring back US astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who have been stranded in space for nine months.

5. 27th ASEAN-India Senior Officials’ Meeting Strengthens Regional Ties in Manila
The ASEAN-India Senior Officials’ Meeting took place in Manila, co-chaired by India’s Jaideep Mazumdar and Philippine leader MA. Theresa P. Lazaro. Officials from all ASEAN nations, Timor Leste, and ASEAN’s Deputy Secretary-General attended.

1. Congress Criticizes Government Over NEET-PG Admission Delays Despite Results Being Declared in August Last Year
Congress slammed the government for delaying NEET-PG admissions, calling it unacceptable. The party questioned Union Health Minister JP Nadda over the prolonged and unresolved issue.

2. Government Extends Duty-Free Import of Urad Dal Until March 2026 to Stabilize Domestic Market Prices
India extended duty-free Urad imports until March 2026. The decision aims to control prices, with Myanmar remaining the primary exporter of Urad to India.

3. Carlos Alcaraz Dominates Denis Shapovalov to Stay on Track for Indian Wells ‘Three-Peat’
Carlos Alcaraz cruised past Denis Shapovalov with a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory, showcasing aggressive play and precision. The Spaniard, eyeing his third straight title, effortlessly advanced to the fourth round.

4. Michael Vaughan Assembles India’s ‘Alternate XI,’ Claims It Could Reach Champions Trophy Final
Former England captain Michael Vaughan suggested an alternative Indian playing XI, featuring stars like Jaiswal, Pant, and Bumrah. He believes this squad is strong enough to make the final.

5. Hans Niemann Warns U.S. Chess Could Decline, Compares It to India’s Growing Chess Ecosystem
Grandmaster Hans Niemann criticized American chess, stating it lacks India’s structured ecosystem. He warned that without reforms, U.S. chess may struggle to remain relevant on the global stage.