School Assembly News Headlines: 15 May 2025

National News

1. India Condemns China’s Renaming Attempts in Arunachal Pradesh, Reaffirms State as Integral Part of India.

2. Ajay Kumar Appointed as New UPSC Chairman After Preeti Sudan’s Term Ends, President Approves Appointment.

3. India Officially Announces 23rd September as Ayurveda Day to Promote Holistic Healthcare and Address Logistical Issues.

4. Justice Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai Sworn In as 52nd Chief Justice of India by President Droupadi Murmu.

International News

1. President Donald Trump Promotes Business Deals in Saudi Arabia, Vows US Non-Interference in Middle East Affairs.

2. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmed Maroof, Takes Sudden Leave, Sparking Diplomatic Speculation.

Sports News

1. South African Players’ Availability for IPL Playoffs and WTC Final in Focus After IPL Suspension.

2. Eight South African Players Set to Leave IPL by May 25 Ahead of World Test Championship Final.

Business News

1. India’s Retail Inflation Drops to 69-Month Low of 3.16% in April, Marking Six Months of Decline.

2. AI Firm Perplexity Closing $500 Million Funding Round, Aims to Challenge Google’s Search Dominance.

1. India Strongly Condemns China’s Repeated Attempts to Rename Places in Arunachal Pradesh.
India called China’s renaming attempts in Arunachal Pradesh preposterous. The government said Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and permanent part of India. MEA issued a strong statement rejecting the claims.

2. Ajay Kumar Appointed as New UPSC Chairman After Preeti Sudan’s Tenure Ends on April 29.
Former defence secretary Ajay Kumar has been made the new chairman of UPSC. His appointment was approved by President Droupadi Murmu.

3. Government Officially Declares 23rd September as Ayurveda Day, Moving Away from Dhanteras Observance.
The Indian government has officially designated 23rd September as Ayurveda Day, according to a Gazette notification. This change aims to promote Ayurveda as a scientific and holistic healthcare system, addressing logistical challenges linked to observing the day on Dhanteras.

4. Justice Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai Sworn In as the 52nd Chief Justice of India by President Droupadi Murmu.
Justice Gavai became the new Chief Justice of India after Sanjiv Khanna. He took oath at Rashtrapati Bhavan and will serve till November 2025.

5. JNU Cancels MoU with Turkey’s Inonu University Citing National Security Amid Tensions Over Turkey’s Support to Pakistan.
Jawaharlal Nehru University cancelled its agreement with Inonu University. The decision was made over national security concerns. Turkey’s support for Pakistan amid tensions influenced the move. MoU has been suspended.

6.India’s Wholesale Inflation Falls to 13-Month Low of 0.85% in April, Driven by Decline in Food and Fuel Prices.
Wholesale inflation dropped to 0.85% in April. This marks the lowest point in 13 months. Falling food and fuel prices led to this decline. WPI also decreased month-over-month by 0.19%.

7. Government Approves Semiconductor Unit Near Jewar Airport Under India Semiconductor Mission with HCL-Foxconn JV.
A new semiconductor unit will be set up near Jewar airport. It’s a joint venture between HCL and Foxconn. The plant will produce 20,000 wafers monthly. ₹3,700 crore investment is expected.

8. India Blocks X Accounts of Global Times, Xinhua, TRT World for Spreading Alleged Pakistani Propaganda.
India has blocked the X accounts of Global Times, Xinhua, and TRT World. The action follows accusations of spreading false Pakistani propaganda. These platforms are linked to China and Turkiye’s media.

9. PM Modi Chairs First Cabinet Committee Meeting on Security After Ceasefire in India-Pakistan Conflict Post-Pahalgam Attack
Prime Minister Modi led a key security meeting. It followed the ceasefire after the Pahalgam attack. The discussion reviewed military talks held on May 10. Both nations aim to maintain peace.

10. Government to Release Monthly Employment Data via PLFS Starting April 2025, Including Separate Rural and Urban Figures
The National Statistics Office will publish monthly employment data from April 2025. Quarterly PLFS data will also include separate rural, urban, and combined statistics. The update aims to improve transparency.

1. Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu Urges Self-Reliance as Central Funds Drop by 26% in First 40 Days of FY 2025–26
Andhra Pradesh received ₹12,717 crore from the Centre so far this year. That’s 26% less than last year. CM Naidu emphasised better departmental performance to reduce dependency on central funding.

2. Uttar Pradesh Closes All Zoos for One Week After Tigress Dies of Bird Flu in Gorakhpur Zoo
Zoos across Uttar Pradesh are shut for a week after a tigress died of bird flu. Wildlife Department issued a high alert. Strict health protocols are in place statewide.

3. ‘Shourya Samman Yatra’ Held in Delhi to Honour Armed Forces After Operation Sindoor Victory
A Tiranga Yatra was organised in Delhi to celebrate Operation Sindoor. Leaders, ministers, and citizens joined from Kartavya Path to India Gate. The event honoured India’s Armed Forces’ bravery.

4. 600 New Bunkers to Be Built in Hiranagar for Border Residents, Announces Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh
Dr Jitendra Singh announced 600 new bunkers in Hiranagar. Over 2,000 bunkers already built. Advanced siren systems will also be installed to alert villagers during emergencies.

5. Union Home Minister Amit Shah Reviews New Criminal Laws Implementation in Puducherry
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the progress of new criminal laws in Puducherry today. He praised the efforts and stressed on their early and effective implementation.

1. South African Players’ Availability for IPL Playoffs and WTC Final in Focus After IPL Suspension
Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad has stressed that players must return by May 26, following the IPL’s suspension due to the India-Pakistan conflict. The South African squad is set for a warm-up match against Zimbabwe ahead of the World Test Championship final against Australia.

2. Eight South African Players Set to Leave IPL by May 25 Ahead of World Test Championship Final
The eight South African players participating in both IPL 2025 and the World Test Championship final will depart India by May 25. They will return to South Africa before traveling to the UK on May 30 for the WTC final against Australia.

3. Khelo India Youth Games Conclude in Delhi with Gymnastics Finals at Indira Gandhi Stadium.
New Delhi hosted Gymnastics, Shooting, and Cycling events. Gymnastics finals saw top performances by Harschit D from Uttar Pradesh and Nishika Aggarwal from Telangana on the last day.

4. India Tops Group B in SAFF U-19 Championship with 4-0 Victory Over Nepal in Arunachal Pradesh.
India defeated Nepal 4-0 in Yupia. Rohen Singh scored twice, while Omang Dodum and Danny Meitei added goals. India topped Group B with six points and +12 goal difference.

5. Maharashtra Crosses 100 Medals, Leads Khelo India Youth Games Medal Tally on Day 10.
Maharashtra leads with 120 medals, including 46 gold and 38 silver. Rajasthan follows with 42 medals. Maharashtra gained more medals in new events on the 10th day.

1. India’s Retail Inflation Drops to 69-Month Low of 3.16% in April, Marking Six Months of Decline
India’s retail inflation fell to a 69-month low of 3.16% in April, driven by lower food prices. This marks the third consecutive month below the RBI’s target band of 4±2%.

2. AI Firm Perplexity Closing $500 Million Funding Round, Aims to Challenge Google’s Search Dominance
Generative AI company Perplexity is set to close a $500 million funding round, pushing its valuation above $14 billion. The firm plans to launch Comet, a browser designed to compete with Google Chrome, with strong backing from investors like Nvidia, SoftBank, Jeff Bezos, and others.

3. IMF Begins Virtual Talks on Pakistan’s Budget Amid Security Concerns; Mission Visit Delayed but Expected Over Weekend.
IMF started virtual discussions on Pakistan’s 2025–26 budget after delaying its visit to Islamabad. Talks run till May 16. A new mission chief has been appointed.

4. India-Turkey, Azerbaijan Trade Ties Strained After Support to Pakistan; Travel Platforms Advise Against Visiting.
Turkey and Azerbaijan backed Pakistan after India’s anti-terror strikes. In response, Indian travel sites like EaseMyTrip and Ixigo warned users against visiting these countries. Trade tensions may rise.

5. India’s Coal Imports Decline by 9.2% Between April 2024 and February 2025.
India’s coal imports dropped to 220.3 million tonnes between April 2024 and February 2025, a 9.2% decline. However, FY24 imports were 7.7% higher at 268.24 million tonnes.

1. IMD Issues Thunderstorm Alert for Telangana with Rain, Gusty Winds, and Lightning Expected in 33 Districts
The IMD has issued a thunderstorm alert for all 33 districts in Telangana. Hyderabad will experience rain, gusty winds, and lightning, with an orange alert in select areas.

2. Bengaluru and Karnataka Under Yellow Alert for Thunderstorms, Heavy Rain, and Strong Winds Till May 15
IMD has issued a yellow alert for Bengaluru and Karnataka, forecasting thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and strong winds until May 15. Residents should stay cautious and prepared for sudden weather changes.

3. Uttarakhand Faces Heatwave Conditions with Temperatures Reaching 40°C in Plains and Dry Weather Expected
Uttarakhand is under a heatwave alert until May 15. Temperatures in the plains have risen sharply, causing discomfort. Residents are advised to stay hydrated and avoid direct sunlight.

4. Heatwave to Continue in Rajasthan, Bihar, Odisha, and Other States With Temperatures Above 40°C Until May 15
Heatwave conditions persist in Rajasthan, Bihar, Odisha, and other states. Temperatures exceed 40°C in many areas, with high heat expected to continue, especially in Bihar and West Bengal.

5. IMD Forecasts Thunderstorms, Lightning, and Rain for South Peninsular India Including Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka
The IMD has forecasted thunderstorms, lightning, and rainfall across South Peninsular India, including Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Isolated heavy rainfall is expected for the next few days.