School Assembly News Headlines: 17 April 2025 

1. Government e-Marketplace Expands Insurance and Manpower Services Across Departments Since 2022 Launch
GeM facilitated insurance for 1.3 crore individuals and hired 1 million personnel. Launched in 2022, its insurance category aims for transparent, cost-effective procurement aligned with regulatory standards.

2. Cargo Movement on National Waterways Hits 145.5 MMT in FY 2024–25, Marking Record Growth for IWAI
The Inland Waterways Authority of India achieved a record 145.5 MMT cargo movement. Operational waterways increased to 29, reflecting a CAGR of 20.86% since FY 2013–14.

3. Supreme Court Reserves Order on Pleas Challenging Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025’s Constitutional Validity
The Supreme Court heard multiple petitions questioning the Waqf Act 2025. Petitioners included leaders from AIMIM, AAP, TMC, and others. The court also raised questions to the Centre.

4. Lok Sabha Panel Reviews New Income-Tax Bill 2025, Report Expected in Monsoon Session
A 31-member Select Committee led by MP Baijayant Panda is reviewing the Income-Tax Bill 2025 to consolidate and amend existing tax laws. Report due in Monsoon Session.

5. Indian Railways Launches First Onboard ATM on Panchvati Express as Trial Run Begins
Indian Railways installed a mobile ATM in Panchvati Express, Maharashtra, marking its ATM on Wheels trial. The initiative aims to enhance passenger convenience and increase non-fare revenue.

7. Supreme Court Suggests No De-Notification of Waqf Properties Amid Legal Challenge to Waqf Amendment Act 2025
The Supreme Court proposed waqf properties remain notified during hearings on the Waqf Amendment Act 2025. The Centre opposed the suggestion, prompting further legal discussions and clarification.

8. India Aims to Add 300 Million Users to UPI, Promote Global Expansion of Digital Payments Platform
NPCI plans to onboard millions more onto UPI, including children and household staff, while promoting India’s real-time payments platform for international adoption, according to CEO Dilip Asbe.

9. Congress Protests ED Chargesheet in National Herald Case; Party Calls It Political Vendetta
Congress staged protests in Delhi against ED’s chargesheet naming Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. The party claimed political targeting, and several workers were detained during the demonstrations.

10. Amarnath Yatra 2025 Registration Begins Across 533 Bank Branches Nationwide
Registration for Amarnath Yatra 2025 started across India. Pilgrims can register through banks like SBI and PNB, with large turnouts expected and preparations underway for a smooth pilgrimage.

1. Karad Achieves 100% Sanitary Waste Management, Empowering Women and Promoting Hygiene
Karad city in Maharashtra has achieved complete segregation and processing of sanitary waste. Women-led initiatives, public awareness, and infrastructure upgrades like vending machines have driven this sanitation success.

2. India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK-6 Begins in Pune with JAT Regiment and Air Force Participation
The 6th edition of Exercise DUSTLIK began in Pune with military contingents from India and Uzbekistan. It enhances mutual cooperation and military readiness through annual joint training sessions.

3. Maharashtra Approves Property Tax Amnesty and Manhole Cleaning Robots to Modernise Urban Sanitation
The Maharashtra Cabinet approved tax relief and the procurement of 100 robots for manhole cleaning, aiming to reduce manual scavenging and improve public sanitation infrastructure across the state.

4. Delhi Hikes Minimum Wage to ₹18,456 for Unskilled Workers Starting April 2025
The Delhi government increased the minimum wage to ₹18,456 for unskilled workers, effective April 2025, to support low-income families and address rising living costs with fair labor standards.

5. Karnataka CET 2025 Scheduled for April 16–17 to Facilitate Professional Course Admissions
Karnataka CET 2025 will be held on April 16–17 for admissions to engineering and medical courses, reinforcing the state’s commitment to accessible and competitive higher education pathways.

1. US Imposes 245% Tariffs on Chinese Imports Amid Escalating Trade War and Mineral Security Concerns
The United States has imposed 245% tariffs on Chinese imports. This follows concerns over reliance on Chinese minerals like cobalt and lithium, used in smartphones, EVs, and military equipment.

2. Nepal Supreme Court Orders Closure of Brick Kilns in Panchkhal to Combat Severe Air Pollution
The Supreme Court of Nepal has ordered the shutdown of brick kilns in Panchkhal. The decision follows rising health concerns and air pollution levels in the Kathmandu Valley region.

3. OpenAI Develops Prototype Social Network to Rival X and Meta with ChatGPT-Powered Features
OpenAI is building a new social media platform. The internal prototype includes a ChatGPT-powered image feed. CEO Sam Altman is consulting experts before deciding on its public release.

4. US Students Flock to Canada’s UBC After Trump Cuts University Funding Over Campus Speech Issues
Due to President Trump’s education policies, more US students are applying to Canadian universities. The University of British Columbia reported a 27% increase in applications from American citizens.

5. Maldives Bans Entry for Israeli Passport Holders Amid Gaza Conflict, Allows Entry with Dual Citizenship
The Maldives has banned Israeli passport holders from entering. The move is in protest against the Gaza war. Dual passport holders from other nations can still enter the country.

1. ICC Funding Brings Hope for Exiled Afghan Women Cricketers in Australia
The ICC has pledged funding to support exiled Afghan women cricketers. Most now live in Australia after fleeing Taliban rule, hoping to gain international recognition and revive their cricket careers.

2. Australian Politicians Received A$245,000 in Sports Tickets Amid Anti-Gambling Ad Lobbying
Australian politicians accepted sports tickets worth A$245,000 over two years. The gifts came from sporting leagues opposing a proposed ban on online gambling ads, revealing lobbying influence through entertainment perks.

3. India Dominates ISSF World Cup Lima; Suruchi Singh Wins Gold in 10m Air Pistol
India kicked off the ISSF World Cup in Lima with a medal sweep. Suruchi Singh won gold, Manu Bhaker claimed silver, and India also bagged bronze on the opening day.

4. PSG Advances to Champions League Semifinals Despite 3-2 Loss to Aston Villa
Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the Champions League semifinals with a 5-4 aggregate. Despite losing 3-2 to Aston Villa, first-leg dominance and early goals sealed their quarterfinal victory.

5. Yuzvendra Chahal Equals IPL Record with Four-Wicket Haul Against KKR
Yuzvendra Chahal matched Sunil Narine’s IPL record for most four-wicket hauls. His spell of 4/28 helped Punjab Kings defeat KKR by 16 runs after defending just 111 runs.

1. India’s Exports Rise 5.5% to $820.93 Billion in FY 2024–25
India’s exports rose 5.5% to $820.93 billion in FY 2024–25. March saw exports at $73.61 billion, while imports increased 4.9% to $77.23 billion, widening the monthly trade gap.

2. Labour Ministry Signs MoU with Swiggy to Boost Gig Job Opportunities
The Labour Ministry signed an MoU with Swiggy via the NCS portal to enhance job access in gig and logistics sectors, aiming to benefit youth in urban and semi-urban areas.

3. Moody’s Lowers India’s 2025 GDP Forecast to 5.5–6.5% Amid Global Tariffs
Moody’s revised India’s 2025 GDP growth to 5.5–6.5%, citing US tariffs impacting global trade. The slowdown may hurt regional exports, investment sentiment, and business confidence across Asia-Pacific economies.

4. India May Remove Import Taxes on US Ethane and LPG Amid Trade Talks
India may eliminate import duties on US ethane and LPG to reduce trade surplus and tariffs. The plan includes reviewing taxes on US LNG to support cleaner fuel imports.

5. India’s Trade Deficit with China Hits $99.2 Billion in FY 2024–25
India’s trade deficit with China reached $99.2 billion in FY 2024–25, driven by rising imports of electronics and consumer goods. US tariff pauses may shift Chinese exports to India.

1. NEET PG 2025 Notification to Be Released on April 17
NEET PG 2025 notification releases April 17. Applications close May 7. The computer-based exam is scheduled for June 15. Results will be announced on July 15 by NBEMS.

2. ICAI Releases Admit Cards for CA May 2025 Exams
ICAI has released admit cards for CA Intermediate and Final May 2025 exams. Students can download them from the eServices portal. Exams begin on May 2 and continue till May 14.

3. Bihar Police Constable 2025 Application Deadline Extended to April 25
CSBC has extended the Bihar Police Constable Recruitment 2025 application deadline to April 25. The extension accommodates public holidays and banking issues. A total of 19,838 vacancies will be filled.

4. NCERT Justifies Naming Textbooks After Musical Instruments, Ragas
NCERT named textbooks after musical instruments and ragas to reflect India’s shared cultural heritage. This comes after criticism from Kerala’s Education Minister about using Hindi titles for English books.

5. Over 2.27 Lakh Students Registered for Karnataka PUC Exam 2
KSEAB announced 2.27 lakh students have registered for Karnataka PUC Exam 2. 1.57 lakh are retaking failed subjects, while 70,000 are reappearing to improve scores between April 24–May 8.

1. PhonePe Launches UPI Circle to Enhance Payment Security 
PhonePe introduces UPI Circle, a feature that improves payment authorization security and offers enhanced flexibility, supporting India’s push towards a cashless, secure digital payment ecosystem.

2. NTT Data Establishes IT Hub in India to Secure $100M Contracts 
NTT Data opens a hub in India, aiming to secure high-value contracts worth over $100 million, boosting the country’s IT industry and generating significant economic growth and job opportunities.

3. ARAI Investigates Discrepancies in Ola Electric’s Sales Data 
The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has been directed to probe discrepancies in Ola Electric’s reported sales and vehicle registrations, addressing rising concerns and regulatory challenges in India’s EV sector.

4. “India Inc On The Move 2025” Integrates AI for Sustainable Manufacturing 
The “India Inc On The Move 2025” initiative introduces AI-driven smart manufacturing, enhancing efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and positioning India as a leader in sustainable, AI-powered industrial processes.

5. NTT Data Expands Operations in India with Major Contracts 
NTT Data’s expansion into India involves securing contracts worth over $100 million, underscoring India’s growing role as a global technology hub while creating new jobs in the IT sector.

1. IMD Issues Heatwave Alert for Several States, Severe Conditions Expected on April 17 The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of a heatwave affecting Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh on April 17, with temperatures reaching 42°C in Delhi-NCR.

2. Thunderstorms and Rain Forecasted in Southern and Eastern States on April 17
IMD predicts scattered to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and coastal Andhra Pradesh on April 17, extending to Bihar, Jharkhand, and Northeast India.

3. IMD Yellow Alert Issued for Thunderstorms in Himachal Pradesh 
The IMD issues a yellow alert for Chamba, Kangra, and Kullu districts in Himachal Pradesh, expecting thunderstorms with lightning and winds of 40–50 km/h on April 17 due to a western disturbance.

4. Severe Heatwave Expected in Delhi-NCR with 42°C Temperatures on April 17 
Delhi-NCR braces for extreme heat on April 17, with temperatures soaring to 42°C. IMD advises residents to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours.

5. Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds to Affect Southern and Eastern India on April 17 
IMD forecasts thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and other southern regions on April 17, along with light to moderate rain in Eastern states like Bihar and West Bengal.