School Assembly News Headlines: 17 June 2025 

National News

1. PM Modi Honoured with Cyprus’ Highest Award, Grand Cross; Dedicates Civilian Honour to India’s 1.4 Billion Citizens.

2. India Expands Nuclear Arsenal to 180 Warheads in 2025, Enhances Strategic Capability with Canisterised Missile Systems: SIPRI.

3. SIPRI Report Confirms India’s Growing Nuclear Edge Over Pakistan with Advanced Missiles, Strategic Warhead Expansion to 180.

4. ISRO, Axiom Space Coordinate to Refresh Experiments for Rescheduled Ax-4 Mission to ISS on June 19, 2025. 

International News

1. Iranian General Warns Pakistan Will Launch Nuclear Strike If Israel Attacks Iran with Nukes Amid Rising Regional Tensions.

2. Indian Embassy Relocates Students from Tehran Universities to Safer Areas Amid Escalating Israel-Iran Conflict and Bombing Threats

Sports News

1. India to Play Pakistan on October 5 in ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 Clash at Colombo’s Premadasa Stadium.

2. Young Archers Earn World Cup Spots as Verma and Das Exit; Gatha Khadake, 15, Joins Women’s Recurve Team.

Business News

1. Meta Names Arun Srinivas as India Managing Director to Lead Strategic Growth in AI, Reels, and Messaging Initiatives

2. Government Considers Relief Package for Vodafone Idea, May Extend AGR Dues to 20 Years Without Increasing Stake.

1. PM Modi Receives Cyprus’ Highest Civilian Honour, Dedicates Award to 1.4 Billion Indians
Cyprus awarded PM Narendra Modi the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, its highest civilian honour. Modi expressed gratitude and dedicated the recognition to all 1.4 billion Indian citizens.

2. India Expands Nuclear Arsenal to 180 Warheads, Advances Delivery Systems: SIPRI Report
According to SIPRI’s 2025 report, India has increased its nuclear warheads to 180 and developed canisterised missiles, enhancing its strategic readiness by allowing safer transport and possible deployment during peacetime.

3. India Boosts Nuclear Arsenal, Enhances Missile Capabilities, Maintains Strategic Edge Over Pakistan: SIPRI
SIPRI reports India has increased its nuclear warheads to 180 in 2025. Advanced ‘canisterised’ missile systems enhance safety, mobility, and readiness, keeping India ahead of Pakistan in nuclear capabilities.

4. Amitabh Kant Resigns as G20 Sherpa, Plans to Support Start-ups and Academic Institutions
After successfully steering India’s G20 consensus-building efforts, Amitabh Kant resigned as Sherpa. He now aims to contribute to India’s development through private enterprise, innovation ecosystems, think tanks, and academia.

5. Government Notifies Census 2027, Sets March 1 as Reference Date Across Most of India
The central government has officially announced Census 2027 under the Census Act. The reference date is March 1, 2027, applicable nationwide except for snow-bound and difficult-to-access areas.

6. ISRO Coordinates with Axiom Space to Refresh Experiments Ahead of Rescheduled Ax-4 Mission
ISRO is working with Axiom Space to update time-sensitive experiments as the Ax-4 mission to the ISS, involving Indian research, is rescheduled for June 19 by NASA and SpaceX.

7. India’s WPI Inflation Drops to 0.39% in May, Hits 14-Month Low Due to Falling Food and Fuel Prices
India’s WPI inflation dropped to 0.39% in May, the lowest in 14 months. The decline was driven by falling prices of food items and fuels, continuing the downward inflation trend.

8. TRAI and RBI launch pilot project with banks to build digital consent system to curb spam calls and messages effectively.
TRAI, in collaboration with RBI and selected banks, has initiated a pilot project. It aims to implement a digital consent system under TCCCPR 2018 to reduce spam communications.

9. India’s NIHSAD Bhopal designated as Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility by WOAH and FAO for global animal health.
India’s NIHSAD in Bhopal receives Category A RHF status from WOAH and FAO. This global recognition affirms India’s leadership and commitment to international animal disease control and biosecurity.

10. India’s unemployment rate rises to 5.6% in May, with a sharper increase seen among females: PLFS report shows.
According to the latest PLFS report, India’s unemployment rose to 5.6% in May. Female unemployment saw an 80 bps rise, while male unemployment increased from 5.2% to 5.6%.

1. Namma Metro’s Yellow Line to Begin Partial Operations by June 2025, Eases Bengaluru’s Traffic with Seven Stations
Bengaluru’s Yellow Line Metro from R.V. Road to Bommasandra will start partial services by June 2025, opening seven stations to reduce traffic congestion and improve public transport access.

2. Tamil Nadu’s Cool Roof Initiative Gains UN Recognition for Climate Impact, Now Considered for Delhi Implementation
Tamil Nadu’s Cool Roof project, recognised by a UN report, reduces urban heat. The model used in Chennai may be replicated in Delhi under global climate change mitigation efforts.

3. Karnataka Bans Bike Taxis; Rapido Halts Services After High Court Refuses to Stay Government’s Directive
Karnataka’s ban on bike taxis began June 16, forcing Rapido to pause operations statewide until the government introduces a proper regulatory framework, following a High Court decision.

4. Jammu and Kashmir to Reopen 16 Tourist Spots After Shutdown Triggered by Terror Attack Near Pahalgam
Authorities will reopen 16 tourist locations in Jammu and Kashmir to boost tourism, over seven weeks after a deadly terror attack near Pahalgam disrupted economic activity and safety perceptions.

5. Southwest monsoon likely to advance into East Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and nearby regions in the next 2–3 days: IMD.
IMD reports favourable conditions for monsoon advancement into East Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and northwest Bay of Bengal within the coming days.

1. Iranian General Claims Pakistan Will Retaliate with Nuclear Strike If Israel Attacks Iran with Nuclear Weapons
General Mohsen Rezae stated Pakistan would launch a nuclear attack on Israel if Israel used nuclear weapons on Iran. His remarks came amid ongoing missile exchanges between Israel and Iran.

2. Indian Embassy in Tehran Relocates Students Amid Rising Tensions and Heavy Bombing in Israel-Iran Conflict
The Indian embassy, in coordination with Iranian authorities, is moving students to safer zones from Tehran universities following escalating missile attacks and safety concerns in the Israel-Iran conflict.

3. Blaise Metreweli Becomes First Woman to Head UK’s MI6 in 116-Year History, Succeeding Sir Richard Moore
Blaise Metreweli, currently Director General ‘Q,’ will become MI6’s first female chief, leading the UK’s foreign intelligence service and overseeing critical innovations in surveillance and agent protection technologies.

4. Vraie Cally Balthazar Elected Colombo Mayor, Wins Majority in 117-Member Council Representing National People’s Power Party
Vraie Cally Balthazar of National People’s Power won 61 votes in a secret ballot, becoming Mayor of Colombo. She defeated opposition candidate Riza Zarook during the inaugural council session.

5. India Closely Monitors Iran-Israel Conflict, Relocates Students in Iran to Safer Areas, Says MEA Spokesperson
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that India is closely watching the Iran-Israel conflict, relocating students within Iran, and exploring other safety measures to protect Indian nationals amid rising tensions.

1. India to Face Pakistan in ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 on October 5 in Colombo
India will take on Pakistan in a marquee clash at R Premadasa Stadium during the Women’s ODI World Cup. Pakistan’s matches will follow a hybrid model due to political sensitivities.

2. Young Archers Shine as Verma and Das Miss Out in World Cup and Championship Selection Trials
Abhishek Verma and Atanu Das failed to qualify in the trials, while uncapped talents like 15-year-old Gatha Khadake impressed, earning spots alongside Deepika Kumari and Ankita Bhakat in recurve team.

3. Indian Boxer Nishant Dev Wins Second Pro Bout, Defeats Josue Silva 60-54 at Madison Square Garden
Nishant Dev secured a unanimous decision victory over Josue Silva in New York. The 24-year-old boxer, who debuted professionally in January, gained recognition during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

4. U Mumba Clinch First Ultimate Table Tennis Title, Defeat Jaipur Patriots 8-4 in Season 6 Final
U Mumba claimed their maiden Ultimate Table Tennis championship. Key performances by Szocs, Bardet, and teenager Abhinandh PB led to a dominant 8-4 win over the Jaipur Patriots.

5. Steve Smith to Miss First West Indies Test, Likely Out for Entire Series Due to Finger Injury
Steve Smith sustained a compound finger dislocation during the WTC final. Captain Pat Cummins confirmed he’ll miss Australia’s first Test against West Indies and possibly the entire three-match series.

1. Meta Appoints Arun Srinivas as India Managing Director, Focuses on AI, Reels, and Messaging for Growth
Arun Srinivas, previously head of Meta India’s ads business, becomes managing director. He will drive strategic growth in AI, Reels, and Messaging across all Meta platforms in India.

2. Government Plans Relief Package for Vodafone Idea, May Extend AGR Dues Timeline to 20 Years
The government may offer Vodafone Idea relief by extending AGR payment tenure. However, no equity conversion is planned to avoid increasing the government’s 49% stake in the struggling telecom firm.

3. Nvidia CEO Promotes ‘Sovereign AI’ in Europe, Announces New Partnerships to Address AI Infrastructure Gaps
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang advocates for region-specific AI development in Europe, launching projects in London, Paris, and Berlin to tackle infrastructure challenges and promote national ownership of AI capabilities.

4. India’s exports fall 2.17% in May; trade deficit narrows to $21.88 billion despite 17% export rise to US.
India’s exports dipped to $38.73 billion in May. Imports also declined, narrowing the trade deficit. Despite the drop, exports to the US rose by nearly 17%, showing strong demand.

5. Coal Ministry opens 12th round bids; 41 bids received for 11 coal blocks, excluding six underground mines.
The Coal Ministry opened bids for the 12th commercial coal auction round. 41 bids were received for 11 blocks. Three additional bids came under the second attempt of the 11th round.

1. IMD Predicts Moderate Rain in Nilgiris, Coimbatore, and Tiruppur; Warns of Waterlogging and Slippery Roads
IMD forecasts moderate rain in parts of Tamil Nadu, including Nilgiris and Coimbatore. Residents are advised to stay cautious due to possible waterlogging and slippery roads in affected districts.

2. Guwahati to See Cloudy Weather and Heavy Rainfall for Next Two Days, Warns IMD
The IMD predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall over Guwahati for the next 2–3 days. Authorities advise residents to remain alert and prepared for weather-related disruptions.

3. Delhi Air Quality Improves After Rains, GRAP Stage-I Measures Withdrawn by CAQM
Early Sunday showers in Delhi improved air quality significantly. In response, CAQM’s GRAP Sub-Committee revoked Stage-I restrictions aimed at controlling pollution levels in the region

4. Delhi AQI Improves to 140, Remains in ‘Moderate’ Category Due to Favourable Weather Conditions
Delhi’s AQI reached 140 on June 15, marking improvement in air quality. CPCB and CAQM credit favourable weather, with forecasts indicating continued ‘Moderate’ air quality in coming days.