School Assembly News Headlines: 18 April 2025

National News

1. India’s Economy to Grow at 6.5% in 2025, Remains World’s Fastest Growing Despite Slight Slowdown: UNCTAD Report.

2. Hindi Now Mandatory Third Language for Classes 1 to 5 in Maharashtra Under NEP 2020 New Curriculum.

3. Piyush Goyal Highlights IMEC as Visionary Project Boosting Global Connectivity, Economic Growth at High-Level Roundtable in Delhi.

4. Ministry of Mines Issues Guidelines to Establish Centres of Excellence Under National Critical Mineral Mission for Tech Research.

International News

1. Google Maps Reveals China’s Growing Naval Power with Six Nuclear Submarines at Strategic Qingdao Base on the Yellow Sea.

2. Time’s 2025 Influential People List Excludes Indians; Features Trump, Musk, Keir Starmer, and Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus.

Sports News

1. India’s 3-1 Border-Gavaskar Defeat Followed by Dressing Room Leak; Gambhir Allegedly Blames Sarfaraz Khan for Controversy.

2. ICC Pledges Funding for Exiled Afghan Women Cricketers, Offering Hope and Global Recognition Amid Taliban-Imposed Restrictions.

Business News

1. US Upland Cotton Exports to India Surge Amid Global Tariff Conflicts, Low Prices, and Rising Domestic Demand: USDA.

2. Retail Inflation Exceeds RBI Target in Kerala, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh Despite National CPI Easing to 3.34% in March.

1. Supreme Court Grants Centre More Time to Respond on Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 Petitions
The Supreme Court allowed the Centre extra time to reply to petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The Centre assured no appointments would be made to Waqf Boards until the next hearing.

2. India to Remain Fastest-Growing Economy in 2025 with 6.5% Growth Despite Slight Slowdown from 2024: UNCTAD Report
India is expected to grow at 6.5% in 2025. This growth is driven by strong public spending and monetary easing. It will remain the world’s fastest-growing major economy.

3. Hindi Made Mandatory as Third Language in Maharashtra Schools Under New NEP-Based Three-Language Formula Implementation
Maharashtra has made Hindi compulsory for classes 1 to 5. It will be taught as a third language. This aligns with the three-language policy under the National Education Policy 2020.

4. IMEC High-Level Roundtable Highlights India’s Strategic Role in Global Connectivity and Economic Growth, Says Minister Piyush Goyal
Piyush Goyal highlighted India’s leadership in the IMEC Roundtable. The corridor strengthens ties between India, the Middle East, and Europe. It aims to boost economic cooperation and connectivity among regions.

5. Ministry of Mines Issues CoE Guidelines Under NCMM to Boost Critical Mineral Research and Innovation for Strategic Sectors
The Ministry of Mines released guidelines to set up Centres of Excellence. These will enhance research in critical minerals. The initiative supports clean energy, electronics, defence, and mobility transitions.

6. PM Modi Pays Tribute to Chandra Shekhar, Hailing His Selfless Service and Commitment to Nation-Building on Birth Anniversary
Prime Minister Modi remembered Chandra Shekhar’s contributions to India. He praised his commitment to the nation. The former PM was known for his powerful speeches and dedication to public service.

7. Om Birla Outlines Roadmap for Achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047, Focuses on Sustainable, Inclusive Development
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla outlined a roadmap for India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. He emphasized a sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven model, highlighting the role of industry and commerce in achieving this goal.

8. India and IBCA Sign Headquarters Agreement, India to Host IBCA Secretariat
India and the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) signed the Headquarters Agreement in New Delhi, designating India as the host for IBCA’s Headquarters. The government will provide ₹150 crore for infrastructure and recurring expenses over five years.

9. India’s Smartphone Exports Reach Record ₹2 Lakh Crore, Become Largest Export, Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Announces
India’s smartphone exports hit a record ₹2 lakh crore, becoming the largest export in the first ten months of the last fiscal. The sector’s growth followed the 2020 production-linked incentive scheme.

10. IBCA Signs Agreement with Government, India to Host Headquarters for Global Big Cat Conservation
The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) formalised India as its headquarters and secretariat, two months after becoming a full-fledged intergovernmental organisation. The IBCA focuses on global conservation of seven big cats.

1. Fitch Ratings Cuts India’s GDP Growth Estimate to 6.4% Amid Global Trade War Concerns
Fitch Ratings lowered India’s GDP growth projection by 10 basis points, citing the escalation of the global trade war and its impact on business investments and exports. Uncertainty over US trade policy continues to affect the global economy.

2. Delhi Government to Launch ‘Ayushman Cards’ for Senior Citizens by April 2025
Delhi Chief Minister announces the launch of Ayushman Cards for people aged 70 and above. The initiative will offer health insurance coverage up to Rs 5 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, aiming to improve healthcare access for senior citizens.

3. 20 Schools Under Investigation for Enrolling Students Without Attending Classes
The Delhi District Magistrate led an inspection of 20 schools engaged in dummy schooling, where students are enrolled but do not attend classes. This practice is a concern as it affects genuine education while focusing on competitive exam coaching.

4. Wheat Procurement Starts in Punjab, Over 3.20 LMT Procured Amid Weather Challenges
Wheat procurement in Punjab has begun, with over 4 Lakh Metric Tons (LMT) arriving in mandis. Despite expecting a bumper crop of 124 LMT, rain and gusty winds have caused issues with wet grains.

5. Telangana Secures ₹29,000 Crore Investment for Clean and Green Energy Projects, Aims for 20,000 MW by 2030
Telangana Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka announced that the state secured ₹29,000 crore in MoUs with private renewable energy companies. The projects support the goal of generating 20,000 MW of green energy by 2030.

1. Satellite Images Reveal China’s Growing Submarine Power: Six Nuclear Submarines Discovered at Strategic Qingdao Navy Base
New satellite images show at least six nuclear-powered submarines at China’s First Submarine Base near Qingdao. This base’s strategic location in the Yellow Sea provides China quick access to vital maritime regions like the East China Sea and Sea of Japan.

2. Time’s 2025 List of Most Influential People Omisses Indian Citizens: Trump, Musk, Starmer Headline the List
Time’s 2025 list of the world’s 100 Most Influential People includes global leaders and cultural icons. Notably, this year marks the absence of any Indian figures, with prominent individuals like Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer leading the list.

3. Israel’s Defence Minister Confirms Gaza Annexation: Troops to Remain in Lebanon and Syria Security Zones Indefinitely
Israel’s Defence Minister affirms the annexation of Gaza as a military strategy, with troops remaining in security zones in Lebanon and Syria. The UN reported a significant rise in Palestinian children suffering from acute malnutrition, highlighting the humanitarian crisis.

4. World Art Dubai Opens at Dubai World Trade Centre, Showcasing Over 10,000 Artworks from 65+ Countries
The 11th edition of World Art Dubai opened today, featuring over 10,000 artworks from more than 400 galleries and artists worldwide. The event runs until April 20th, strengthening Dubai’s status as a global cultural hub.

5. Jerome Powell Warns of Inflation Risks from Trump’s Reciprocal Tariff Policy, Expects Slower Growth
US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell warned that President Trump’s reciprocal tariff policy could lead to higher inflation and slower economic growth, despite promises to lower prices, citing larger-than-expected tariff hikes.

1. Indian Cricket Team Faces Disappointment After Border Gavaskar Trophy Loss: Leaked Dressing Room News Surfaces
After India’s 3-1 series loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia, leaked dressing room news took over the headlines. Reports surfaced about a player desiring to be interim captain, while coach Gautam Gambhir allegedly blamed Sarfaraz Khan for the leaks.

2. ICC Funding Pledge Gives Hope to Afghanistan’s Exiled Women Cricketers, Offering International Stage Amid Taliban Rule
The ICC has pledged funding to support Afghanistan’s exiled women cricketers, most of whom fled to Australia after the Taliban’s rise in 2021. This offers them a chance to play internationally, despite facing difficult circumstances under Taliban rule.

3. 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament Kicks Off with Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks vs. Sacramento Kings
The 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament begins on April 17, featuring Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls and Dallas Mavericks vs. Sacramento Kings. Winners advance as No. 7 seeds, while losers vie for No. 8 seeds on April 18.

4. Arsenal Upsets Real Madrid in UEFA Champions League, Advances to Next Round
Arsenal stunned Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, securing a spot in the next round. This unexpected result has become a major topic in European football, raising anticipation for upcoming matches.

5. Indian Pair Wins Gold in ISSF World Cup 2025, Manu Bhakar and Ravinder Singh Miss Out on Bronze
Inder Singh Suruchi and Saurabh Chaudhary won gold in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event at the ISSF World Cup 2025, defeating China’s Qianxun Yao and Kai Hu 17-9. Manu Bhakar and Ravinder Singh missed the bronze after losing to China’s Qianke Ma and Yifan Zhang.

1. US Upland Cotton Exports to India Surge Amid Global Tariff Conflicts and Declining American Prices
US upland cotton exports to India have soared from February to April, reaching 155,260 bales. This increase is attributed to global tariff conflicts, falling American prices, and rising demand in India, reaching a 2.5-year high in exports.

2. Retail Inflation Above RBI Target in Several States: Kerala, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh See Higher Inflation Rates
In March, retail inflation in Kerala, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh exceeded the RBI’s target of 4%. Kerala recorded 6.59%, while Karnataka and Chhattisgarh posted 4.44% and 4.25% inflation, respectively, even as national inflation eased to 3.34%.

3. Fitch Lowers Global Growth Forecast to Below 2%, Cites Trade Tensions and Economic Uncertainties
Fitch Ratings has downgraded its global economic growth forecast to under 2%, the weakest since 2009, citing increased trade tensions and ongoing economic uncertainties affecting global markets.

4. India to Remain Fastest-Growing Major Economy in 2025, UNCTAD Report Projects 6.5% Growth
According to the UNCTAD report, India is projected to be the fastest-growing major economy in 2025, with a 6.5% growth rate, driven by higher government expenditure and monetary policy stimulus, while global growth faces a recessionary shift.

5. WTO Predicts Global Trade Decline in 2025-2026 Due to US-China Trade Tensions and Tariffs
The WTO’s Trade Forecast for 2025-2026 predicts a global trade decline, citing US tariffs and the worrying China-US decoupling. WTO estimates a significant drop in merchandise trade between the two economies.

1. NEET PG 2025 Application Process Opens, Website Faces Technical Issues
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) opened the NEET PG 2025 application process on April 17 at 3 p.m., but applicants faced delays due to website technical issues. The exam will follow a two-shift, computer-based format.

2. NTA Releases JEE Main 2025 Session 2 Paper 1 Results, AIR and JEE Advanced Cut-off Announced
The National Testing Agency (NTA) released the JEE Main 2025 Session 2 Paper 1 results on April 17, including the All India Rank (AIR) and JEE Advanced 2025 cut-off. Paper 2 results are expected soon.

3. KVS Releases First Provisional Merit List for Balvatika-2 and Classes 2 to 12 for 2025-26 Academic Year
Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) published the first provisional merit list for Balvatika-2 and Classes 2 to 12 (excluding Class 11) on April 17. The list is available on kvssangathan.nic.in.

4. WBJEE 2025 Admit Cards Released, Available for Download Until April 27
The West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination Board has released the admit cards for WBJEE 2025, available for download from April 17 to April 27 on wbjeeb.nic.in. The exam is scheduled for April 27.

5. GSEB Clarifies HSC Result 2025 Release Date, Refutes April 17 Rumours
The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSEB) debunked rumors about the Class 12 (Science Stream) and GUJCET 2025 results being released on April 17, advising students to check gseb.org for official updates.

1. Eli Lilly Completes Successful Phase 3 Trials for Orforglipron, Oral GLP-1 Drug for Diabetes and Weight Loss
Eli Lilly announced the successful Phase 3 trials for orforglipron, an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist, showing significant reductions in A1C levels and weight loss, leading to an 11% surge in stock price.

2. G3 Geomagnetic Storm Brings Northern Lights to 17 U.S. States After Solar Eruptions on April 12-13
A G3 geomagnetic storm, caused by two solar eruptions, allowed the northern lights to be visible across 17 U.S. states on April 15-16, extending to the northern U.S. due to magnetic field disturbances.

3. Panasonic Launches Smart Home Experience Centre in India, Highlighting Wellness, Security, and AI Integration
Panasonic’s new Smart Home Experience Centre in India offers connected home solutions, featuring AI-powered appliances and security systems, aiming to revolutionise modern living with sustainable technology.

4. NASA’s Europa Clipper Mission Update: On Track for Jupiter’s Moon Europa by 2030
NASA’s Europa Clipper mission, launched in October 2024, is progressing toward its 2030 arrival at Jupiter’s moon Europa, with confirmed functionality of its instruments to study signs of habitability.

5. Google Removes 2.9 Million Ad Accounts to Combat Misinformation During India’s 2024 Lok Sabha Election
In 2024, Google took action by removing 2.9 million ad accounts during India’s Lok Sabha elections, using AI and cybersecurity measures to maintain platform integrity and reduce misinformation.

1. Heatwave Peaks in Delhi-NCR on April 18
Delhi-NCR is expected to experience peak heatwave conditions with temperatures reaching 40–41°C, a 3–4°C rise from previous days, before cooling down on April 19.

2. Severe Heatwave to Continue in Rajasthan and Gujarat
Rajasthan’s Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Bikaner will experience temperatures up to 42–44°C, while Gujarat remains under a red alert for extreme heat and dust storms through April 18.

3. Thunderstorms and Rain Expected in West Bengal on April 18
West Bengal is forecast to face thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds on April 18, caused by moisture from the Bay of Bengal, with potential disruptions.

4. Severe Weather Threat for U.S. South and Midwest
The U.S. Plains, South, and Midwest face an escalating severe weather threat, including tornado risks, starting April 18, continuing through the Easter weekend.

5. UK Faces Cloudy and Rainy Good Friday on April 18
London will experience cloudy skies with a 50% chance of light rain on Good Friday, signaling a wet start to the Easter weekend with highs of 16°C.