School Assembly News Headlines: 17 October 2025

National News

1. India refutes Trump’s statement on Modi agreeing to halt Russian oil, ongoing discussions continue over energy trade.

2. India secures seventh term on UN Human Rights Council for 2026-28, reflecting strong international support.

3. India proposes Akash missile supply to Brazil as Rajnath Singh and Alckmin advance defence cooperation.

4. Ahmedabad recommended as host for 2030 Commonwealth Games, final approval expected at November 26 General Assembly.

International News

1. Japan’s LDP chief Takaichi holds coalition talks with Innovation Party, raising prospects for first woman prime minister.

2. India elected Co-Chair of UN Global Geospatial Committee for Asia-Pacific, highlighting leadership in innovation and regional collaboration.

Sports News 

1. Abhishek Sharma and Smriti Mandhana named ICC Players of the Month after outstanding performances in September.

2. Indian shooter Zoravar Singh Sandhu ranks fifth after day one of men’s trap qualification in Athens.

Business News

1. Ministry of Mines releases State Mining Readiness Index, ranking states on reforms, efficiency, and sustainable mining practices.

2. India and Brazil plan to expand preferential trade agreement, targeting $20 billion bilateral trade by 2030.

1. India disputes Trump’s claim on Modi agreeing to halt Russian oil imports amid ongoing US discussions.
India’s government said it was unaware of any call between Modi and Trump regarding Russian oil. Discussions with the US over energy trade remain ongoing amid global geopolitical pressure.

2. India elected to UN Human Rights Council for 2026-28 term, marking its seventh tenure on Geneva body.
India secures a three-year term on the UNHRC starting January 2026. The election highlights strong international support, with India’s UN representative thanking delegations for endorsing its human rights role.

3. India proposes Akash missile supply to Brazil as Rajnath Singh, Alckmin discuss defence cooperation and technology.
India offered its indigenous Akash surface-to-air missile system to Brazil. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Vice President Alckmin discussed strategic partnership, focusing on defence manufacturing, technology, and deeper bilateral cooperation.

4. Ahmedabad recommended to host 2030 Commonwealth Games; final approval awaited at November 26 General Assembly.
Commonwealth Sport’s Executive Board proposed Ahmedabad as the host city for the 2030 Games. The decision follows evaluations of Ahmedabad and Abuja, with final approval expected at the Glasgow General Assembly.

5. Rajnath Singh thanks Brazil for Pahalgam attack solidarity, advances bilateral defence cooperation with Brazilian leaders.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed gratitude to Brazil for supporting India after the Pahalgam terror attack. He met Vice President Alckmin and Defence Minister Filho to strengthen defence ties.

6. India-South Korea hold inaugural naval exercise at Busan, boosting strategic partnership and navy-to-navy cooperation.
INS Sahyadri reached Busan to participate in the first India-South Korea naval exercise. The ceremonial welcome highlighted growing operational cooperation, reinforcing strategic ties and mutual maritime security interests.

1. Japan’s LDP chief Takaichi holds coalition talks, eyes prime ministerial vote, boosting market optimism for policy revival.
Sanae Takaichi, newly elected head of Japan’s ruling party, met Innovation Party leaders to discuss a coalition. Markets reacted positively, anticipating her as Japan’s first woman premier and policy stimulus.

2. India elected Co-Chair of UN Global Geospatial Committee for Asia-Pacific, reflecting leadership in innovation and collaboration.
India will serve as Co-Chair of UN-GGIM-AP for three years until 2028. The Ministry of Science and Technology highlighted the nation’s growing role in geospatial innovation and regional cooperation.

3. French PM Lecornu survives two no-confidence votes, secures brief reprieve, delaying pension reform until 2027 elections.
Sebastien Lecornu retained office after two no-confidence motions failed, with Socialist Party support. This allows the government to proceed with the 2026 budget while postponing controversial pension reforms until post-2027 elections.

4. Norway pledges 2 billion kroner to NATO-led Ukraine aid package, strengthening European military assistance coordination.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store announced a 2-billion-kroner contribution to NATO’s Ukraine aid program. The package ensures defence equipment delivery, coordinated with European allies and the US under PURL initiative.

1. Abhishek Sharma and Smriti Mandhana named ICC Players of the Month for September after stellar performances.
Abhishek Sharma scored 314 runs in seven matches with a record T20I rating. Smriti Mandhana excelled in the women’s ODI series against Australia, earning ICC Player of the Month honors.

2. Indian shooter Zoravar Singh Sandhu ranks fifth after day one of men’s trap qualification in Athens.
Zoravar Singh Sandhu hit 49 targets on the first day of ISSF World Championship Shotgun 2025. His consistent performance keeps him in contention among 133 competitors at Malakasa Shooting Range.

3. Virat Kohli hints at comeback ahead of ODI series against Australia after long international hiatus.
Star batter Virat Kohli shared a cryptic message on social media before the upcoming ODI series. He last played in March 2025 and has retired from Tests and T20Is.

1. Ministry of Mines releases State Mining Readiness Index, ranking states to promote reforms and sustainable mining.
The SMRI evaluates states on auction performance, early mine operationalisation, exploration focus, and sustainable practices. It marks a major step in implementing mining reforms and boosting sector efficiency nationwide.

2. India and Brazil aim to expand preferential trade agreement, targeting $20 billion bilateral trade by 2030.
India and Brazil plan to broaden their existing limited PTA under Mercosur. Discussions during PM Modi’s visit explored raising bilateral trade from $12 billion in 2024 to $20 billion by 2030.

3. Razorpay posts Rs 3,783 crore revenue in FY25, despite Rs 1,209 crore post-ESOP losses
Fintech firm Razorpay achieved 65% revenue growth in FY25 following redomiciling from the US to India. Losses arose from reverse flipping costs, restructuring expenses, and tax obligations despite strong topline performance.