School Assembly News Headlines: 15 April 2025 

National News

1. Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Leads ‘Jai Bhim Padyatra’ in Patna with 6,000 Youth Volunteers to Honour Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Legacy.

2. Nation Commemorates Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on 134th Birth Anniversary with Tributes from Key Political Leaders and Public Gatherings.

3. Kerala Declares Dharmadam Constituency as State’s First Extreme Poverty-Free Area; State to Achieve Full Poverty-Free Status by 2025.

4. Report Reveals One-Third of Digital Payments in 2024 Were Credit-Driven, Reflecting Growing Consumer Debt and Consumption Trends.

International News

1. Fugitive Diamond Trader Mehul Choksi Arrested in Belgium in Connection with PNB Loan Fraud, Confirms CBI Sources.

2. China’s Exports Surge by 12.4% in March, Surpassing Expectations Amid Rising Tensions in Sino-U.S. Trade War.

Sports News

1. Chennai Super Kings Hit Rock Bottom in IPL 2025 After Fifth Consecutive Loss and Injury Blow to Captain Gaikwad.

2. Manchester United Faces Worst Season Start After 4-1 Defeat by Newcastle, Sits 15th in League with Poor Recent Form.

Business News

1. Asian Markets Rally as US Excludes Phones and Laptops from High Tariffs; Traders Remain Cautious Amid Trade War Uncertainty.

2. India Avoids WTO Dispute on US Tariffs, Prefers Ongoing Talks Despite Steel and Aluminium Duty Concerns Between Two Nations.

1. AICTE Sets Up Expert Committee to Integrate AI and Applied AI into Non-CS Programs Across Indian Universities
AICTE forms a committee under Anand Deshpande to promote AI integration in various academic streams like BBA, BCA, and electrical engineering, aiming to revolutionize technical education in India.

2. India Marked Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s 134th Birth Anniversary with Tributes from National Leaders and Public Ceremonies Nationwide
India paid tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, marking his 134th birth anniversary. Key leaders, including President Murmu and PM Modi, honored the architect of the Constitution with functions across the country.

3. Government Releases Draft Rules Mandating Testing and Verification of Gas Meters Under Legal Metrology Framework
The Department of Consumer Affairs has issued draft rules requiring all domestic, commercial, and industrial gas meters to be tested, verified, and stamped, with mandatory periodic re-verification to ensure measurement accuracy.

4. Crisil Projects 6.5% GDP Growth for India in FY26, Warns of Risks from US Tariff Hikes and Global Headwinds
Crisil projects a 6.5% GDP growth for India in FY26, driven by RBI rate cuts, tax relief, easing inflation, and a normal monsoon. However, US tariff hikes pose a significant downside risk.

6. PM Modi Inaugurates New Terminal at Hisar Airport on Ambedkar Jayanti, Flags Off Flights to Ayodhya and Other Cities on Ambedkar Jayanti
PM Modi laid the foundation for a new terminal at Maharaja Agrasen Airport in Hisar. He also inaugurated flights connecting Hisar to Ayodhya, Jammu, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Chandigarh.

7. Home Minister Amit Shah Highlights Forensic Science Role in Strengthening India’s Justice System, Calls New Laws the Biggest Reforms of the Century
Amit Shah emphasised the importance of forensic science in improving India’s criminal justice system. He described the three new criminal laws as pivotal reforms, aiming to ensure timely and effective justice.

8. Telangana Implements SC Categorisation Act 2025, Dividing Scheduled Caste Communities for Equitable Reservation Distribution
On Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary, Telangana enacted the SC Categorisation of Reservations Act 2025, dividing 56 SC communities into three groups for fairer benefit distribution, following legislative approval.

9. Ruling and Opposition Parties Urge Government to Address Saudi Arabia’s Cancellation of 52,000 Hajj Slots for Indian Pilgrims
Ruling and opposition parties express concern over Saudi Arabia’s cancellation of 52,000 Hajj slots for Indian pilgrims. They urge the government to address the issue with Saudi authorities to resolve it promptly.

10. PM Modi to Dedicate Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link on April 19, Flag Off Trains on Key Routes
PM Modi will inaugurate the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link on April 19, featuring India’s longest transport tunnel. The 272 km route includes 36 tunnels, marking significant engineering milestones.

1. Karnataka Launched 33 Police Stations for SC/ST Atrocities Cases on Dr. Ambedkar’s Birth Anniversary
Karnataka launced 33 dedicated police stations to handle SC/ST atrocities cases, with one in each district and two in Bengaluru, costing Rs 73 crore annually, as announced by CM Siddaramaiah.

2. Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Leads ‘Jai Bhim Padyatra’ in Patna to Honour Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Legacy
Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya led the ‘Jai Bhim Padyatra’ in Patna, with 6,000 youth volunteers celebrating Dr. Ambedkar’s contributions to social justice and equality, while promoting youth engagement for a Viksit Bharat.

3. Kerala Celebrated Vishu, Marking the Traditional New Year with Rituals and Prosperity Offerings
Kerala celebrated Vishu, its traditional new year, with prayers and offerings symbolizing prosperity. The day started with Vishukkani, where devotees viewed Lord Krishna adorned with flowers, fruits, and gold. Major temples like Guruvayur and Sree Padmanabhaswamy hosted special rituals, drawing large crowds of devotees.

4. Odia New Year Celebrations Mark Maha Vishuba Sankranti and Pana Sankranti with Traditional Rituals
Odia New Year celebrations include vibrant rituals, cultural dances like ‘Danda Nacha,’ and sharing of ‘Pana’ across Odisha. The festival coincides with Hanuman Jayanti, adding spiritual significance to the occasion.

5. Nagaland Chief Minister Launches Solar Mission to Promote Rooftop Solar Power Systems Statewide
Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio launched the Nagaland Solar Mission to promote residential rooftop solar systems, with additional state subsidies supplementing the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana for increased access to clean energy.

1. Mehul Choksi Arrested in Belgium Over PNB Loan Fraud, Faces Multiple Arrest Warrants for His Role in the Scam
Mehul Choksi, a fugitive diamond trader wanted in the Punjab National Bank loan fraud case, was arrested in Belgium. He faces two arrest warrants issued in 2018 and 2021 by a Mumbai court.

2. China’s Exports Jump 12.4% in March Amid Rising U.S. Tariffs, Impacting Trade Relations Between Both Countries
China’s exports increased by 12.4% in March, exceeding analysts’ expectations. The rise in shipments occurred before the imposition of new U.S. tariffs, escalating tensions in the ongoing trade war between the two countries.

3. U.S. Implements Tougher Immigration Policies for Spouses of Citizens, Shifting Away from Former Biden-Era Relaxations
The U.S. has introduced stricter immigration policies for spouses of U.S. citizens and green card holders. This move contrasts with Biden-era policies, which sometimes waived interviews for immigrant spouses during the process.

4. Japan Faces Largest Population Decline in 14 Years, Contributing to Severe Labor Shortages and Aging Population
Japan’s population shrank by approximately 900,000, the largest drop in over a decade. The aging population and decreasing birth rates are causing labor shortages, impacting the economy and workforce dynamics.

5. Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa Wins Re-election with 55.85%, Vows Continued Action Against Drugs and Violence
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa secured a second term with 55.85% of the vote. He reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the country’s war on drugs, promising to strengthen measures against violence and crime.

1. Chennai Super Kings Coach Stephen Fleming Expresses Disappointment After Fifth Consecutive Defeat, Team Bottom of IPL 2025
Chennai Super Kings suffered their fifth consecutive defeat, leaving them at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table. Coach Stephen Fleming expressed the team’s hurt, especially after Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury sidelined him.

2. Manchester United Suffers Heavy 4-1 Defeat to Newcastle United, Worst Season Start in Club History
Manchester United was defeated 4-1 by Newcastle United at St. James’ Park, continuing their poor form. The result left United in 15th place, enduring their worst season start with just three wins in 10 matches.

3. Indian Women’s Hockey Team Announces Squad for Upcoming Australia Tour, Salima Tete to Lead
Hockey India revealed the 26-member squad for the Indian Women’s Hockey team’s tour of Australia from April 26 to May 4. The series includes five matches, with Salima Tete leading the team and Navneet Kaur as vice-captain.

4. India’s Dhiraj Bommadevara Wins Bronze in Archery World Cup 2025, Finishes with Four Medals for India
Dhiraj Bommadevara won a bronze medal at the Archery World Cup 2025 in Florida, USA. This victory brought India’s total to four medals in the competition, including one gold, one silver, and two bronze.

5. Karun Nair Shines in IPL 2025 Return with 89-Run Knock, But Delhi Capitals Fall Short Against Mumbai Indians
Karun Nair returned to the IPL with a stellar 40-ball 89 for Delhi Capitals. Despite his performance, Delhi fell short by 12 runs in their chase against Mumbai Indians, ending with 193 in 19 overs.

1. Growth in Diesel Demand Slows to Lowest Level Since Pandemic Amid Economic Slowdown and Shift to Cleaner Fuels
Diesel consumption growth in India fell to its lowest since the pandemic in FY 2024-25, growing by just 2%. Economic slowdown and a shift to cleaner fuels contributed to the decline.

2. Lodha Brothers Settle Brand Dispute Amicably After Years of Allegations and Mediation Efforts by Bombay High Court
Abhishek and Abhinandan Lodha have settled their long-standing disputes over the use of the ‘Lodha’ brand. The settlement followed years of allegations and a failed mediation by retired justice RV Raveendran.

3. Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Initiates Major Downsizing to Cut Workforce Costs by 25%, Senior Executives Among Those Asked to Resign
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories is downsizing its workforce by 25%, with several senior executives, including high-earning employees, being asked to resign. This move is part of a strategy to reduce workforce-related expenses.

4. Asian Markets Rally as Trade Tensions Ease Following US President Trump’s Decision on Import Duties for Electronics
Asian markets saw a positive trend as tensions over trade eased, following US President Trump’s statement that electronics like phones and laptops won’t face high import duties. US futures also advanced.

5. India Likely to Avoid WTO Dispute with US Over Tariffs as Both Nations Engage in Trade Negotiations
India is unlikely to pursue a WTO dispute against the US over reciprocal tariffs, despite seeking consultations on the 25% import duties on steel and aluminium. Both nations are engaged in ongoing trade talks.

1. AI Investment Surge: Alphabet and Nvidia Pour Funds into Startups Amid Regulatory Debate
Alphabet and Nvidia are ramping up investments in AI startups led by former OpenAI researchers. By mid-April, billion-dollar AI deals may surface, but calls for stricter regulation are growing amid safety concerns.

2. Quantum Networking Advances with QNodeOS, Paving Way for Secure Data Transfer
Quantum technology progresses with QNodeOS development, signaling the approach of practical quantum networks. A small-scale quantum test could be unveiled by April 15, marking a significant milestone, though scalability remains a concern.

3. US Exempts Electronics from Chinese Tariffs, Tech Giants Report Short-Term Gains
The U.S. recently exempted electronics like smartphones from tariffs on Chinese goods. Tech giants like Apple and Nvidia could see short-term stock gains by April 15, but the looming retaliatory tariffs could still impact supply chains.

4. SpaceX’s Lunar Mission: New Tech Deployed for Exploration, Critics Raise Concerns
SpaceX’s lunar lander Athena could provide early results and imagery by mid-April. New tech like resource-mapping sensors will be highlighted, but critics argue the mission distracts from urgent Earth-bound challenges like climate change.

5. Green Hydrogen Breakthrough: Solar-Powered Seawater Electrolysis to Cut Carbon Emissions
A pilot project using solar-powered seawater electrolysis to produce carbon-free hydrogen could be announced by April 15. While hailed as a potential game-changer for green energy, challenges like high costs and infrastructure remain.

1. Northwest India (Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan)
Heatwave conditions are expected to intensify. Delhi could experience temperatures around 39-41°C with clear skies, and West Rajasthan may witness even hotter temperatures between 42-44°C. Dust storms are likely in some parts.

2. Central and West India (Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra)
Temperatures are set to rise, reaching 38-42°C in areas like Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Humid conditions will persist along the coastlines of Gujarat and Maharashtra, making it feel warmer than actual temperatures.

3. East India (West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand)
Scattered thunderstorms and moderate rain are possible, particularly in coastal Odisha, West Bengal, and Bihar. Temperatures will be around 32-36°C with lightning and gusty winds (40-60 km/h) in some areas.

4. South India (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh)
Expect scattered showers and thunderstorms, especially in Kerala, coastal Tamil Nadu, and north coastal Andhra Pradesh. Temperatures will range between 30-34°C with humid conditions.

5. Northeast India (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya)
Rainfall is likely in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya, with cloudy skies and temperatures ranging from 28-32°C. Isolated heavy showers may occur in sub-Himalayan regions.