School Assembly News Headlines: 16 March 2025

1. NMDC and CIPET offer free skill training for 500 youths in Chhattisgarh to improve job opportunities in the region.

2. Jammu and Kashmir implements NEP 2020 in all government degree colleges to improve higher education across the Union Territory.

3. Andhra Pradesh starts EAMCET 2025 applications for engineering, agriculture, and pharmacy aspirants on the official APSCHE website.

4. India’s stock market regulator tightens rules against fake AI-generated financial news to prevent investor scams and stock manipulation.

5. Apple challenges British government’s order to weaken encrypted cloud storage, ensuring user data security amid legal disputes.

6. Elon Musk plans Starship’s first Mars mission by 2026, aiming for human landings between 2029 and 2031.

7. Moeen Ali questions hype around Pakistan’s pace trio, saying they lack consistency in major ICC tournaments.

8. Bahrain creates T20I history by failing to score in a Super Over against Hong Kong during Malaysia Tri-Nation series.

9. University of Sheffield offers international scholarships for Indian postgraduate students, providing financial aid for September 2025 admissions.

10. NEET MDS correction window opens; candidates can edit applications until March 17 before the final edit window in late March.

1. India Becomes One of Four Nations to Master Satellite Docking, Advancing Space Technology for Future Missions
ISRO successfully tested satellite docking and undocking through the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDEx). This achievement places India among four nations with this expertise, paving the way for future space stations and satellite repairs.

2. NCRTC to Launch Metro-Desk at Ghaziabad Namo Bharat Station, Offering Workspaces for Professionals and Businesses
NCRTC is introducing ‘Metro-Desk,’ a co-working space at Ghaziabad Namo Bharat Station. Located in the concourse area, it will provide office facilities, high-speed internet, and networking opportunities for professionals and entrepreneurs.

3. Election Commission to Discuss Aadhaar-Voter ID Linking with Officials to Improve Electoral System and Prevent Duplicate Registrations
The Election Commission will meet government officials to discuss Aadhaar-Voter ID linking. This voluntary process, enabled by a 2021 law, aims to eliminate duplicate registrations and improve the accuracy of electoral rolls in India.

4. Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs in Telangana Added to UNESCO Tentative List, Moving Closer to World Heritage Status
The 3,500–4,000-year-old Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs in Telangana’s Narayanpet district are now on UNESCO’s tentative list. If inscribed, they will become Telangana’s second World Heritage Site after Ramappa Temple.

5. Reserve Bank of India Wins Digital Transformation Award 2025 for Innovative Paperless Initiatives Pravaah and Sarthi
RBI received the Digital Transformation Award 2025 in London for Pravaah and Sarthi. These in-house digital platforms have streamlined internal and external processes, reducing paper-based submissions and enhancing operational efficiency.

6. India Reaffirms Commitment to Labour Welfare, Social Justice at International Labour Organisation Governing Body Meeting
At the 353rd ILO Governing Body Meeting in Geneva, India highlighted efforts to promote labour welfare, social justice, and quality employment. The Labour Ministry showcased achievements, policies, and future goals on a global stage.

7. CPI(M) Leader Prakash Karat Calls for Broader Secular Opposition Beyond INDIA Bloc for State Elections
CPI(M) leader Prakash Karat stated that the INDIA bloc was formed for Lok Sabha elections, not state polls. He urged secular opposition parties to unite beyond electoral politics for a stronger opposition.

8. India Strongly Condemns Pakistan’s Remarks on Jammu and Kashmir at the UN General Assembly
India criticised Pakistan for raising Jammu and Kashmir at the UN, calling it unjustified. India’s UN envoy stated such claims cannot legitimize Pakistan’s stance or excuse its involvement in cross-border terrorism.

9. Archie Comics Features Holi Celebration in New Edition, Showcasing India’s Festival of Colors
Archie and his friends explore Holi in ‘The World of Betty & Veronica Digest #38.’ Co-CEO Nancy Silberkleit highlighted India’s cultural beauty as inspiration for featuring the festival in the comic.

10. Blast Outside Amritsar Temple Causes Damage, First Such Attack on Religious Site in Recent Months
A motorcycle-borne attacker hurled an explosive at a temple in Amritsar, damaging walls and shattering windows. While no injuries were reported, the blast created panic among residents in Khandwala.

1. J&K Government Sets No Timeline for Panel Reviewing Reservation Policy Concerns
The Jammu and Kashmir government stated that no deadline is set for the cabinet sub-committee reviewing reservation grievances. Minister Sakeena Itoo shared this in response to a legislative query.

2. West Bengal Government Suspends Internet in Five Gram Panchayat Areas to Curb Rumors
Internet and VoIP services in five Gram Panchayat areas of Sainthia, Birbhum, were suspended from March 14 to 17. Authorities aim to prevent misinformation and unlawful activities during this period.

3. Panthic Congregation Rejects Newly Appointed Jathedars, Urges SGPC to Revoke Decision
At the Panthic congregation in Anandpur Sahib, Sikh leaders rejected new Takht Jathedars and demanded the SGPC withdraw its appointments, asserting concerns over the selection process.

4. Ladakh Administration to Celebrate International Year of Cooperatives with Revitalization Initiatives
Ladakh will observe the International Year of Cooperatives with activities to revive the cooperative sector. Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal launched the event’s official annual calendar.

5. BJP Opposes Karnataka Government’s 4% Minority Reservation in Contracts, Calls It Unconstitutional
BJP criticised Karnataka’s decision to reserve 4% of government contracts for certain minorities. Ravi Shankar Prasad argued that religion-based reservations violate the Indian Constitution.

1. Trump Urges Putin to Spare Ukrainian Troops, Putin Agrees on Condition of Surrender
Donald Trump urged Vladimir Putin to spare Ukrainian troops being pushed out of Russia’s Kursk region. Putin agreed but insisted they must surrender to ensure their safety.

2. Indian PhD Student at Columbia Self-Deports After US Visa Revoked for Alleged Hamas Support
Indian PhD student Ranjani Srinivasan left the US after her visa was revoked for allegedly supporting Hamas. The Department of Homeland Security stated she advocated violence.

3. Russia and Ukraine Exchange Over 100 Drone Attacks Amid US Push for 30-Day Ceasefire
Russia and Ukraine launched over 100 drones overnight, intensifying hostilities. The escalation followed discussions between Putin and US envoy Steve Witkoff on a proposed ceasefire.

4. China Condemns G7 Accusations on Maritime Safety, Calls Statement ‘Arrogant and Prejudiced’
China strongly criticised the G7’s claims about maritime safety, calling them biased and malicious. The unusually sharp response, issued Saturday, stopped short of threatening retaliation.

5. Indian and Sri Lankan Communities Celebrate Holi in Colombo, Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The Indian diaspora and Sri Lankans celebrated Holi at Mount Lavinia Beach in Colombo. The event saw participation from diplomats, officials, and Sri Lanka’s Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe.

1. RBI Confirms IndusInd Bank’s Financial Stability, Dismisses Speculation
The RBI assured depositors that IndusInd Bank remains financially stable and well-capitalized. It urged depositors not to react to speculative reports and confirmed close monitoring of the bank’s health.

2. Gold ETFs Witness 95% Growth as Gold Prices Surge in India
Gold ETF assets under management nearly doubled in a year, reaching ₹55,677 crore in February 2025. This marks a 95% rise from ₹28,529 crore last year, according to AMFI data.

3. India Sees Record $7.2 Billion in M&A and Private Equity Deals in February 2025
India recorded 226 M&A and private equity deals worth $7.2 billion in February 2025. This marks a 67% rise in volumes and a 5.4-fold value increase over February 2024.

4. Intel’s New CEO Lip-Bu Tan to Receive $69 Million Compensation Package
Intel’s newly appointed CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, will receive $69 million, including a $1 million salary, 200% performance-based bonus, $66 million in stock options, equity awards, and additional appointment incentives.

1. OpenAI and Elon Musk Agree to Fast-Track Trial Over Dispute on OpenAI’s For-Profit Transition
Elon Musk and OpenAI will expedite their lawsuit over OpenAI’s shift to a for-profit model. A trial is proposed for December, pending a decision on judge or jury involvement.

2. Elon Musk Confirms Starship’s Mars Mission for Late 2025, Human Landings Likely by 2029
Elon Musk announced that Starship will launch for Mars by late 2025, carrying Tesla’s Optimus bot. Human landings could start in 2029, but 2031 remains a more likely timeline.

3. Apple Secretly Appeals UK Government Order to Enable Access to Encrypted Cloud Data
A London court held a secret hearing on Apple’s appeal against a UK order mandating a “backdoor” for encrypted data access. Apple had removed advanced encryption for UK users.

4. China’s Securities Regulator to Strengthen Oversight on AI-Generated Fake Stock Market News
China’s securities watchdog, with police and cyberspace regulators, will crack down on AI-driven fake stock market news used to manipulate investors and artificially inflate stock prices.

5. Swedish Fintech Klarna Reports 24% Revenue Growth in 2024, Revives U.S. IPO Plans
Klarna, a leader in buy now, pay later services, saw a 24% revenue increase in 2024. Improving market conditions have encouraged the company to revive its U.S. stock market listing.