School Assembly News Headlines: 17 May 2025

National News

1. Operations Sindoor may prompt Rs. 50,000 crore defense boost, pushing total allocation beyond Rs. 7 lakh this year.

2. S.Jaishankar speaks wtih Taliban’s Muttaqi after Pahalgam terror attack condemned by unrecognised Taliban government in Afghanistan.

3. India-UK bilateral trade expected to grow 15% annually by 2030, post-FTA, boosting manufacturing and economic growth.

4. Rajnath Singh visited Bhuj air force base; Army to lower alertness after May 10 India-Pakistan ceasefire understanding.

International News

1. Nuclear leak rumours in Pakistan spark alarm across South Asia after Operation Sindoor, but no confirmed evidence of incident found.

2. London High Court rejects Nirav Modi’s 10th bail plea; CBI and CPS strongly contest release of fugitive businessman.

Sports News

1. Josh Hazlewood likely to rejoin RCB for IPL 2025 as franchise receives boost amid India-Pakistan conflict delays.

2. Praggnanandhaa leads Superbet Classic after defeating Wesley So; Gukesh ends winless run by beating Aronian.

Business News

1. Engineering, agriculture, pharma, and electronics lead India’s merchandise exports, contributing over 50% in FY 2024–25, government data reveals.

2. UK plans new investor visa to attract wealthy foreigners for economic recovery, focusing on critical sectors amid tax reforms.

1. India’s defence budget likely to rise by ₹50,000 crore after Operation Sindoor, pushing total allocation beyond ₹7 lakh crore mark.
The supplementary budget may increase India’s defence spending significantly. This boost follows Operation Sindoor. It surpasses February’s ₹6.81 lakh crore defence allocation announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

2. S Jaishankar speaks with Taliban’s Muttaqi after Pahalgam attack; Taliban condemned terror strike that killed 26 civilians in Kashmir.
India’s External Affairs Minister contacted the Taliban foreign minister. The Taliban condemned the Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 tourists in a religiously motivated terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir.

3. India–UK bilateral trade projected to grow 15% annually by 2030 after signing free-trade agreement concluded on May 6.
The FTA is expected to boost trade. It will support Indian companies in the UK. It also aims to enhance manufacturing and deepen overall bilateral economic cooperation by 2030.

4. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to visited Bhuj Air Force Station targeted by Pakistan; Army to lower alertness per ceasefire pact.
Rajnath Singh will inspect Bhuj base hit by Pakistan. The Indian Army plans confidence-building steps. These follow a mutual agreement on May 10 to reduce hostilities and alert levels.

5. Adani-run airports terminate agreements with Çelebi after Centre revokes Turkey firm’s security clearance over national safety concerns.
Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports cut ties with Çelebi. The Turkish firm must vacate all facilities. This action ensures uninterrupted airport operations following government’s decision on security clearance revocation.

6. India’s Q4 economic growth projected at 6.8–7%, driven by agriculture; FY25 GDP expected between 6.2–6.4%, says BoB.
Bank of Baroda report predicts Q4 growth at 6.8–7%. Agriculture leads the surge. India’s FY25 GDP growth remains strong due to robust macroeconomic stability and global outperformance.

7. President Murmu confers Jnanpith Award 2023 on Jagadguru Rambhadracharya; Gulzar also named for contribution to Urdu literature.
Jagadguru Rambhadracharya receives the 58th Jnanpith Award for Sanskrit literature. Gulzar, known poet and lyricist, also selected for his exceptional work in Urdu literature and poetry.

8. India to send multi-party delegations abroad post-Operation Sindoor to counter Pakistan-sponsored terrorism through global diplomatic efforts.
Government plans global delegations with MPs from all parties. Aim is to present India’s case against terrorism. Congress confirms discussions with Parliamentary Affairs Minister on participation.

9. Aadhaar authentication transactions cross 150 billion mark, showcasing UIDAI’s digital reach and growing role in India’s digital economy.
UIDAI has achieved 150 billion Aadhaar authentication transactions by April 2025. This milestone reflects Aadhaar’s wide usage and the significant expansion of India’s digital identity infrastructure and services.

10. India, US to begin Bilateral Trade Agreement talks in Washington D.C. from May 17 to enhance economic cooperation.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will lead India’s delegation. High-level trade talks aim to strengthen economic ties. Discussions may pave way for a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement between both nations.

1. Uttar Pradesh cabinet approves key AMRUT proposals to boost urban infrastructure and support financially strained civic bodies.
The Uttar Pradesh cabinet has cleared two proposals under the AMRUT scheme. These aim to improve urban infrastructure and help financially weak civic bodies fast-track ongoing development across the state.

2. UP government approves five seed parks named after Chaudhary Charan Singh, first to be built in Lucknow.
Uttar Pradesh will establish five modern seed parks in honour of Chaudhary Charan Singh. The first, in Lucknow, will have advanced seed units, hybrid labs, and speed breeding systems.

3. CSJMU terminates MoU with Istanbul University over Turkiye’s perceived anti-India stance on sovereignty and territorial matters.
Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University has cancelled its MoU with Istanbul University. Officials cited Turkiye’s alignment with countries hostile to India’s sovereignty as the reason for this move.

4. Rajon Ki Baoli stepwell in Delhi restored by ASI, World Monuments Fund India, and TCS Foundation.
The 16th-century Rajon Ki Baoli in Mehrauli has been restored. The work included desilting, structural repair, and water quality improvement using traditional materials and climate-resilient techniques.

5. Election Commissioner Vivek Joshi visits Bihar to review preparations for upcoming assembly elections.
Dr. Vivek Joshi is on a four-day visit to Bihar. He will assess voter facilities and election security arrangements. He arrived in Patna on Wednesday evening to begin the review.

1. India’s exports dominated by agriculture, pharma, electronics, and engineering goods, accounting for over half of merchandise exports in 2024-25.
Agriculture, pharma, electronics, and engineering contributed more than 50% of India’s merchandise exports. Engineering goods led with 26.67%. Total exports reached USD 437.42 billion in 2024-25, government data shows.

2. UK plans new visa to attract wealthy foreign investors for critical sectors amid economic recovery and work permit restrictions.
The UK government is considering a visa for wealthy foreign nationals investing in key sectors. This aims to support economic recovery and balance recent tax increases and work permit limits.

3. India, US to begin high-level talks on Bilateral Trade Agreement from May 17 in Washington D.C.
India and the US will hold key discussions on a Bilateral Trade Agreement. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will lead India’s delegation. Meetings will involve top trade officials from both sides.

4. India’s forex reserves rise by $4.553 billion to $690.617 billion due to surge in gold assets.
India’s foreign exchange reserves rose to $690.617 billion in the week ending May 9. RBI credited the jump to increased gold asset value, reversing the previous week’s decline.

5. CEPC urges tariffs on Turkish carpets after Turkey supports Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.
The Carpet Export Promotion Council has asked the Centre to impose tariffs on Turkish machine-made carpets. This follows Turkey’s support for Pakistan and aims to protect Indian carpet makers.

1. Josh Hazlewood set to rejoin RCB in May for IPL 2025 after earlier injury concerns and military conflict delays.
Josh Hazlewood has confirmed his return to RCB later in May. The IPL season has been extended to June 3. Earlier injury worries had ruled him out temporarily.

2. Praggnanandhaa takes sole lead in Superbet Classic Chess after beating Wesley So; Gukesh ends winless streak against Aronian.
Praggnanandhaa secured a crucial win over Wesley So, breaking his draw streak. Gukesh also registered a much-needed victory against Aronian, boosting Indian hopes in the tournament.

3. Neeraj Chopra begins 2025 Diamond League season in Doha, marking first appearance since winning World Championship title.
Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic and World Champion in javelin throw, is set to start his 2025 Diamond League campaign. His first event will be held in Doha, Qatar.

4. Mitchell Starc, Donovan Ferreira skip IPL return; Will Jacks rejoins Mumbai Indians for final league matches.
Mitchell Starc and Donovan Ferreira won’t return to IPL 2025, Delhi Capitals confirmed. Will Jacks, however, will rejoin Mumbai Indians for their last two matches in the league.

5. Cristiano Ronaldo tops Forbes’ highest-paid athletes list again, with $275 million earnings and huge social media influence.
Cristiano Ronaldo earned an estimated $275 million this year, topping Forbes’ list again. His income includes massive sponsorship deals, fueled by 939 million social media followers as of May.

1. Singtel earns S$1.4 billion selling 1.2% Bharti Airtel stake via Pastel at discounted price of ₹1,814.
Singapore’s Singtel has sold a 1.2% stake in Bharti Airtel, earning S$1.4 billion profit. The deal involved 71 million shares sold at ₹1,814 each through its unit, Pastel.

2. UK plans visa for wealthy foreigners investing in key sectors to support recovery and tackle tax hikes, permit limits.
The UK is considering a new visa policy for rich foreign nationals investing in key sectors. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government aims to support economic revival and offset recent tax hikes.

3. India, US expedite trade deal; Piyush Goyal to lead talks in Washington, aiming for early July agreement conclusion.
A high-level delegation led by Piyush Goyal will visit Washington soon for trade talks. This marks a shift from the initial plan of a broader agreement later this year.

4. NCLT issues notice to Gensol Engineering in IREDA’s insolvency plea; hearing scheduled for June 3.
NCLT Ahmedabad has issued notice to Gensol Engineering Limited in response to IREDA’s insolvency plea. The tribunal has listed the matter for hearing on June 3 using all service modes.

5. RBI to meet lenders next week to discuss financial system liquidity and policy transmission effectiveness.
The Reserve Bank of India will meet lenders to explore changes in managing liquidity. The move aims to ensure RBI’s interest rate decisions effectively impact the broader Indian economy.

1. Delhi to see light rain from May 17 to May 22 after dust storm relief.
The IMD forecasts light rain in Delhi starting May 17, following a dust storm on May 16 that helped cool down temperatures. Cloudy skies will prevail throughout the week.

2. Rain may disrupt RCB vs KKR IPL match in Bengaluru on May 17, warns IMD.
Light to moderate rain is expected across Karnataka, including Bengaluru, on May 17. This may affect the IPL match at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Temperatures will range between 23°C and 32°C.

3. Heavy rain, thunderstorms expected in Northeast on May 17; IMD issues warning for Assam, Meghalaya.
The IMD predicts heavy rain with gusty winds (50–60 kmph) over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya. Very heavy rainfall is likely in some areas of Assam and Meghalaya.

4. Southwest Monsoon to bring heavy rain to Tamil Nadu and Kerala on May 17.
A low-pressure area over the Southwest Bay of Bengal will intensify rainfall in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The IMD forecasts moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms linked to early monsoon onset.

5. East Rajasthan to experience thunderstorms, gusty winds, and rain on May 17–18, says IMD.
The IMD forecasts lightning, isolated rainfall, and gusty winds (30–50 kmph) in East Rajasthan on May 17 and 18. This is part of broader weather changes in Northwest India.