School Assembly News Headlines: 17 March 2025

National News

1. Amit Shah reiterates zero-tolerance policy on drugs after ₹88 crore narcotics bust in Guwahati, Imphal; four arrested.

2. Parliamentary panel recommends single drug controller for AYUSH, aligning with Drugs and Cosmetics Act to streamline pharmacopoeial standards.

3. India, New Zealand begin Free Trade Agreement negotiations to boost trade, strengthen economic ties, surpassing $1 billion trade volume.

4. Osmania University bans protests on campus; clarifies decision is not a blanket ban amid widespread student outrage.

International News

1. US raises aluminium import tariffs from 10% to 25%, severely impacting Indian exporters and making aluminium products costlier.

2. Apple admits AI struggles as Siri delays prove ‘ugly and embarrassing,’ promising improvements to regain leadership in technology.

Sports News

1. India wins T20 World Cup 2024 with stellar performances, securing historic victory and sparking celebrations among cricket fans.

2. National Testing Agency releases CUET PG admit cards for exams till March 25, advising candidates to verify and download them.

Business News

1. IndusInd Bank remains financially strong despite speculation, with RBI oversight ensuring depositor security and banking system stability.

2. Railways panel proposes flexible AC class pricing while ensuring affordable fares for non-AC passengers to balance revenue, accessibility.

1. Amit Shah Reaffirms Zero-Tolerance Policy as NCB Cracks Down on International Drug Cartel in Northeast
Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised NCB’s ₹88 crore drug bust in Guwahati and Imphal, arresting four suspects. He emphasized the Modi government’s commitment to eliminating drug networks in India.

2. Parliamentary Panel Urges Single Independent Drug Controller for AYUSH Medicine Standards
A parliamentary committee recommended consolidating AYUSH drug regulations under one authority for efficiency. It urged the ministry to involve stakeholders in setting pharmacopoeial standards, ensuring uniformity under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

3. India and New Zealand Begin Talks for a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
Union Minister Piyush Goyal met New Zealand’s Trade Minister Todd McClay to initiate FTA negotiations, strengthening trade ties. Bilateral trade has already crossed $1 billion from April 2024 to January 2025.

4. Osmania University Bans Protests on Campus, Clarifies It’s Not a Blanket Ban
Osmania University prohibited protests in colleges and administrative buildings, citing a need for a peaceful learning environment. Amid backlash, officials clarified it’s not an absolute restriction on demonstrations.

5. India’s New Immigration Bill Proposes Seven-Year Jail, ₹10 Lakh Fine for Using Forged Passport or Visa
The new immigration Bill imposes up to seven years in jail and a ₹10 lakh fine for using forged passports or visas. It also mandates hotels, universities, and hospitals to report overstaying foreigners for better tracking and enforcement.

6. PM Modi Congratulates RBI for Winning Prestigious Digital Transformation Award 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised RBI for receiving Central Banking’s Digital Transformation Award 2025, emphasizing digital innovation’s role in empowering citizens and strengthening India’s digital economy.

7. India and Malaysia to Co-Chair ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus on Counter-Terrorism in New Delhi
New Delhi will host the 14th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus on March 19-20, focusing on counter-terrorism strategies. India and Malaysia will co-chair discussions on evolving threats and defence collaboration.

8. PM Modi Praises Donald Trump’s Dedication and Resilience in Interview with Lex Fridman
In an interview with AI researcher Lex Fridman, PM Modi lauded Donald Trump’s dedication to America and his resilience after surviving assassination attempts last year.

9. Centre Advises States to Reduce Cooking Oil in School Meals Under PM POSHAN Scheme
The government urged schools to cut cooking oil use by 10% to promote healthy eating and combat childhood obesity. Officials will raise awareness about reduced oil consumption benefits.

10. Parliamentary Panel Calls for Unified AYUSH Drug Regulator to Improve Standards and Efficiency
A parliamentary committee recommended a single independent drug controller for AYUSH medicines to ensure efficiency, stakeholder involvement, and uniform pharmacopoeial standards under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

1. NASA Astronauts, JAXA and Roscosmos Crew Enter ISS After SpaceX Dragon Docking
NASA astronauts Anne McClain, Nichole Ayers, JAXA’s Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos’ Kirill Peskov entered ISS at 11:05 AM IST, welcomed by Expedition 72 crew, including Sunita Williams.

2. SpaceX Dragon Successfully Docks with ISS, Elon Musk Confirms on Social Media
SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying NASA, JAXA, and Roscosmos astronauts docked with ISS. Elon Musk announced the successful docking on X, marking another milestone for SpaceX.

3. US Pledges $20 Million to Counter Extremism in Ivory Coast Border Villages
Ivory Coast’s Kimbirila-Nord, once a peaceful village, now receives U.S. funding to counter jihadi threats from Mali. The initiative aims to prevent extremist expansion in the region.

4. Chinar Bagh Bridge in Gilgit Baltistan Deteriorates, Posing Serious Safety Risks
The historic Chinar Bagh bridge in Gilgit Baltistan is in critical condition, endangering pedestrians. Locals urge authorities for immediate repairs, as vehicle bridges remain unsuitable for foot traffic.

5. New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon Arrives in India, to Attend Raisina Dialogue
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon landed in Delhi for an official visit. He will be the chief guest at the Raisina Dialogue, taking place from March 17-19.

1. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Extends Support to Meritorious Student Khushboo Kumari
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan helps Khushboo Kumari, a bright student from Patna, after her dream of studying science was hindered by financial constraints.

2. IGNOU Extends Registration Deadline for Distance Learning and Online Programmes Until March 31
IGNOU has extended the admission deadline for its online and distance learning programs, excluding certificate and semester courses, requiring a DEB ID for registration.

3. Andhra Pradesh SSC Board Exams Begin March 17, Strict Directives Issued for Smooth Conduct
With 6,19,275 students registered, officials impose strict measures, including restricted mobile usage, ensuring seamless conduct of exams across 3,450 centres.

4. University of Strathclyde Launches MSc in Statistics and Data Science for Career Transition
Aimed at students from diverse backgrounds, this new MSc program starting in September 2025 offers a pathway into data science and applied statistics.

5. CUET PG 2025 Admit Cards Released for Exams Until March 25, Download Available Online
NTA has released CUET PG admit cards at exams.nta.ac.in/CUET-PG. Candidates must verify details before the exam, which concludes on April 1.