School Assembly News Headlines: 16 October 2025

1. Supreme Court allows sale of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR with strict time limits before Diwali
The Supreme Court approved sale of NEERI and PESO-certified green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR. Their use is allowed only on October 19-20, during morning and evening time slots.

2. Kirti Vardhan Singh leads Indian delegation at NAM Ministerial in Uganda to strengthen cooperation among developing nations
Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh reached Kampala to represent India at the 19th NAM Ministerial Meeting. The gathering focuses on reinforcing unity and shared global affluence among developing countries this week.

3. Indian Air Force conducts joint exercise with UK Carrier Strike Group over Indian Ocean to boost strategic cooperation
The Indian Air Force and the UK’s Carrier Strike Group held a high-intensity exercise over the Indian Ocean. It featured Sukhoi-30s, Jaguars, AWACS, AEW&C, and F-35B fighter jets.

5. Supreme Court to decide on referring judicial promotion issues to larger Bench amid concerns over stagnation
A Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai will examine limited promotion avenues for entry-level judges. The plea by All India Judges Association seeks fair career progression.

6. Prime Minister Modi pays tribute to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, calling him a visionary who inspired young India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi honoured Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary. He praised him as a visionary leader who inspired youth. Modi urged citizens to build Kalam’s envisioned India.

7. ISRO chief highlights surge in India’s private space startups, credits IN-SPACe for fostering rapid sectoral growth
ISRO chairman V. Narayanan noted India now has over 300 space startups. He credited IN-SPACe for integrating private players into satellite manufacturing, launch services, and space data analytics.

8. Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, celebrated for his role as Karna in Mahabharat, passes away at 68
Actor Pankaj Dheer, known for portraying Karna in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat, passed away at 68. He battled cancer and also founded Visage Studioz and Abbhinnay Acting Academy in Mumbai.

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands record major post-Covid tourism boom with sharp rise in domestic and international arrivals
Lieutenant Governor Admiral D. K. Joshi said Andaman and Nicobar Islands saw tourism soar post-Covid. Domestic arrivals rose 200 percent, while international tourists increased 157 percent since 2022.

2. Maharashtra CM Fadnavis hails Gadchiroli Naxal surrender as beginning of Maoism eradication after four decades
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Gadchiroli began its journey toward ending Maoism. Naxal commander Mallojula Venugopal Rao and 60 others surrendered, marking a major breakthrough in the region’s peace efforts.

3. Protesters gather outside Baksa Jail as accused in Zubeen Garg case sent to judicial custody
Crowds assembled outside Baksa Jail after five accused in Zubeen Garg’s case were sent to custody. Assam Police managed the situation and enhanced security to maintain peace around the jail.

4. Bombay High Court rules CIDCO’s 22.5% developed land return scheme for landowners is optional
The Bombay High Court clarified that CIDCO’s 22.5% developed land return policy is not mandatory. The ruling has major implications for ongoing and future land acquisition cases in Navi Mumbai.

1. Afghan and Pakistani forces clash along border; temporary 48-hour ceasefire agreed to ease tensions
Fresh clashes erupted between Afghan Taliban and Pakistani forces along the Chaman-Spin Boldak border. Both sides agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire and will pursue dialogue to resolve the situation peacefully.

2. UN reports record-high carbon dioxide levels, warning of accelerating climate change and rising extreme weather events
The World Meteorological Organisation stated that CO₂ levels reached new highs last year. Human emissions and wildfires are intensifying greenhouse effects, driving extreme weather and accelerating global climate change.

2. EU fines Gucci, Chloé, and Loewe €157 million for anti-competitive pricing practices affecting independent retailers
The European Commission imposed fines on luxury brands Gucci, Chloé, and Loewe for fixing resale prices. The ruling emphasizes fair competition and consumer protection across the EU market.

3. Pakistan reaches staff-level agreement with IMF to access $1.2 billion under EFF and RSF programmes
Pakistan and the IMF finalized a staff-level agreement on loan programmes. The country will receive $1 billion via EFF and $200 million through RSF, pending approval from the IMF board.

4. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Aamarasuriya to visit India for talks and educational, technological collaborations
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Aamarasuriya will visit India for three days. She will meet political leaders, address summits, visit IIT Delhi and NITI Aayog, and engage in business events.

1. Donald Trump threatens to move 2026 World Cup matches from Boston citing unrest and local leadership concerns
Former President Donald Trump suggested relocating World Cup matches from Foxborough, near Boston. He commented on local unrest and criticized Boston’s leadership while acknowledging Mayor Michelle Wu’s intelligence but calling her radical left.

2. DP World India Championships sees top golfers, including Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald, testing Delhi Golf Club
Ahead of the DP World India Championships, players like Rory McIlroy and Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald familiarized themselves with Delhi Golf Club. Indian professionals also prepared for competition on home soil.

3. Speculations over Virat Kohli’s potential IPL exit spark social media buzz despite limited substance
Rumours emerged about Virat Kohli leaving his IPL franchise after reportedly declining a commercial contract. Fans reacted online, but there is little evidence supporting an actual exit from the team.

4. BCCI mixes up names of Mumbai siblings Sarfaraz and Musheer Khan in Ranji Trophy opening match
During Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy opener against Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar, scorers confused brothers Sarfaraz and Musheer Khan. The mix-up was visible to fans and drew attention across Indian cricket circles.

1. Adani Group builds 12.9 km ropeway to Kedarnath, reducing pilgrimage time from nine hours to 36 minutes
The Adani Group is constructing a ropeway connecting Sonprayag to Kedarnath Dham. The Rs 4,081 crore project will make the pilgrimage safer and reduce travel time from nine hours to 36 minutes.

2. India’s overseas direct investment drops to $1 billion in August amid global uncertainties and US tariffs
India’s ODI fell nearly 50 percent in August to $1 billion, affected by global uncertainty and US tariffs. April–August FY2026 outflows rose 29 percent year-on-year, showing a strong fiscal start.

3. India’s unemployment rate rises slightly to 5.2 percent in September, according to latest government survey
The Periodic Labour Force Survey by MoSPI showed India’s unemployment rate edged up to 5.2 percent in September. August recorded 5.1 percent, reflecting minor fluctuations over recent months.

4. India’s exports rise 6.74 percent to $36.38 billion in September while imports jump 16.6 percent
India’s exports reached $36.38 billion in September despite global challenges. Imports surged to $68.53 billion, driven by gold, silver, fertilisers, and electronics, leaving a trade deficit of $32.1 billion.

5. China files WTO complaint against India’s EV and battery subsidies, citing unfair advantage to domestic manufacturers
China challenged India’s electric vehicle and battery subsidies at the WTO, claiming they favor domestic producers. India offers high subsidies, such as 46 percent for Tata Nexon EVs, raising trade tensions.