School Assembly News Headlines: 18 March 2025

National News

1. PMAY-U delivers 90.60 lakh houses to improve urban housing as 6.54 crore people from 1.39 crore households live in slums.

2. India, and New Zealand discuss the Khalistan issue in bilateral talks, focusing on counter-terrorism cooperation and security concerns.

3. Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust pays ₹400 crore in taxes, highlighting religious tourism’s economic impact in India.

4. Delhi High Court urges Centre to consider replacing ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’ or ‘Hindustan,’ following Supreme Court order.

International News

1. US Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard raises concerns over religious minority persecution in Bangladesh, highlighting President Trump’s serious stance.

2. Dwayne Johnson tops Forbes’ highest-paid actors list after Moana 2 and Red One’s success, with Jerry Seinfeld ranking.

Sports News

1. Mirra Andreeva wins Indian Wells Open, claiming her second consecutive WTA 1000 title after Dubai Tennis Championships victory.

2. Indian Grandmaster R Vaishali urges abolishing women’s chess titles, supporting Judit Polgar’s view for stronger competition.

Business News

1. Indian stock markets fall as global uncertainty outweighs positive domestic data, with Sensex dropping 504 points and Nifty50 down 155 points.

2. EPFO processes record 2.16 crore auto claims, increasing advance claim limit to ₹1 lakh for key personal expenses.

1. Over 6.54 Crore People Live in Slums; 90.60 Lakh Houses Delivered Under PMAY-U, Says Government Report
As of March 3, 6.54 crore people from 1.39 crore households reside in slums nationwide. The government has completed 90.60 lakh houses under PMAY-U. This initiative aims to provide better housing.

2. India and New Zealand Discuss Khalistan Issue During Bilateral Talks in New Delhi, Stress on Counter-Terrorism Efforts
During a meeting in New Delhi, India and New Zealand discussed concerns about Khalistan. India informed New Zealand about anti-India activities in their country. The discussion emphasized cooperation on counter-terrorism efforts.

3. Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust Pays ₹400 Crore in Taxes Amid Rising Religious Tourism, ₹270 Crore Paid as GST
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust paid ₹400 crore in taxes over five years. This includes ₹270 crore in GST. The payments highlight the economic impact of religious tourism.

4. Delhi High Court Asks Centre to Expedite Consideration of Replacing ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’ or ‘Hindustan’
The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre to act swiftly on the Supreme Court’s order regarding amending the Constitution. The petitioner has withdrawn his plea and will pursue the matter with ministries.

5. Railways Created 5 Lakh Jobs in 10 Years, Focus on Safety and Comfort, Says Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the government has taken multiple steps to enhance rail infrastructure. He highlighted job creation and a continued focus on reducing rail accidents.

6. China Appreciates PM Modi’s ‘Positive’ Remarks on Sino-Indian Ties, Emphasizes Cooperation Over Conflict
China welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on strengthening Sino-Indian ties through dialogue. The Foreign Ministry emphasized mutual success as the only viable choice for both nations.

7. Islamist Terrorism a Major Threat to US and India, Says US Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard highlighted the impact of Islamist terrorism on the US, India, and the Middle East. She emphasized Modi and Trump’s joint efforts to combat global terrorism.

8. EPFO Settles Record 21.6 Million Claims via Auto Mode, More Than Double Last Year’s Figures
The EPFO processed 21.6 million claims this fiscal year, surpassing last year’s 8.95 million. Minister Shobha Karandlaje stated that 60% of advance claims are now settled through an autonomous process.

9. India Hosts Quad Workshop on Pandemic Preparedness to Strengthen Indo-Pacific Health Security
Union Minister Anupriya Singh Patel inaugurated a three-day Quad Workshop on Pandemic Preparedness. The event aims to enhance global health resilience and emergency response frameworks in the Indo-Pacific region.

10. DoT Launches 5G Innovation Hackathon 2025 to Develop Advanced Solutions for Industry and Society
The Department of Telecommunications has announced a six-month 5G Innovation Hackathon. Open to students, startups, and professionals, it offers mentorship, funding, and access to over 100 5G Use Case Labs.

1. Indian Men’s and Women’s Teams Set to Defend Titles at Kabaddi World Cup 2025
The Kabaddi World Cup 2025 begins Monday in England, with matches across four cities. India’s men’s team starts their title defense against Italy, competing in Group B alongside Scotland, Wales, and Hong Kong.

2. Sourav Ganguly Criticizes India’s Struggles in Test Cricket After Poor Season
Sourav Ganguly is disappointed with India’s recent Test cricket struggles, winning only three of 10 matches against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia. He called the team’s red-ball form a growing concern.

3. Mirra Andreeva Wins Indian Wells Open, Secures Second Consecutive WTA 1000 Title
Mirra Andreeva claimed her second straight WTA 1000 title at Indian Wells after winning the Dubai Tennis Championships. She became the third-youngest champion after Martina Hingis and Serena Williams.

4. Indian Grandmaster R Vaishali Calls for Abolishing Women’s Titles in Chess
Indian Grandmaster R Vaishali sparked debate by supporting the abolition of women’s titles in chess. She echoed Judit Polgar’s long-standing view, citing the need for stronger competition in the sport.

5. Kylian Mbappe Nears Cristiano Ronaldo’s Debut Season Goal Record at Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe is just three goals away from surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s 33-goal debut season record at Real Madrid. The French star has already netted 31 goals in his first season.

1. Indian Stock Markets Decline Amid Global Uncertainty Despite Positive Domestic Data
After strong previous-week gains, Indian markets fell due to weak global cues. Sensex dropped 504 points (0.67%), and Nifty50 declined 155 points (0.68%) amid industrial production and inflation data.

2. EPFO Processes Record 2.16 Crore Auto Claims, Raises Advance Claim Limit
EPFO processed 2.16 crore auto claims this fiscal year, up from 89.52 lakh in 2023-24, with advance claims now capped at ₹1 lakh for housing, education, marriage, and medical expenses.

3. India’s Trade Deficit Could Widen by 10-22% if US Trade Surplus Disappears
India’s trade surplus with the US grew from $17.27 billion in 2019-20 to $35.32 billion in 2023-24. If eliminated, India’s trade deficit could expand by 10.7-22.14%.

4. Brazil to Host COP30 Amid US Exit and Global Climate Concerns
Brazil will host COP30 under the shadow of the US exiting the forum, renewed fossil fuel push, and tariff threats. However, Brazil remains optimistic about global participation in climate action.

5. India’s Net Direct Tax Collection Surges 13.13% to Over ₹21.26 Trillion in FY25
India’s net direct tax collection grew by 13.13% to ₹21.26 trillion, driven by a 14.62% rise in advance tax collections, which reached ₹10.44 trillion compared to ₹9.11 trillion last fiscal. The final advance tax installment was due on March 15, 2025.

1. Parliamentary Panel Calls for Periodic Review of Scholarships to Counter Inflation
A parliamentary committee has recommended revising scholarship amounts regularly to match rising education costs. It urged the Department of Social Justice to collaborate with the Ministry of Education.

2. IIT Madras Launches Professional Certificate Courses with Coding Ninjas for Tech Upskilling
IIT Madras’ Pravartak Technologies Foundation, in partnership with Coding Ninjas, has introduced professional certification courses to help graduates and professionals enhance their technical skills, starting with Full-Stack Web Programming.

3. College Board Transitions SAT and AP Exams to Digital Format from May 2025
The College Board has announced a shift to digital exams starting May 2025. AP English, AP Psychology, and AP Computer Science will be fully digital, while 12 exams, including AP Biology and AP Chemistry, will follow a hybrid format.

4. ISRO Inaugurates Shri S Ramakrishnan Centre of Excellence at IIT Madras
On March 17, 2025, ISRO inaugurated the Shri S Ramakrishnan Centre of Excellence in Fluid and Thermal Science Research at IIT Madras. The centre, based in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, aims to advance research in spacecraft and launch vehicle thermal management.

5. IIM Ahmedabad Partners with FPSB India to Launch Executive Programme in Financial Planning
The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) has collaborated with FPSB India to introduce an executive programme in financial planning and investment advisory services. Designed for mid-to-senior-level finance professionals, this one-year course aims to enhance structured financial planning education in India.