School Assembly News Headlines: 18 October 2025

National News

1. India to modernize railway infrastructure, build 7,000km high-speed corridors, enabling trains to run at 350km/hr nationwide.

2. FSSAI directs food businesses to stop using ‘ORS’ in product names, labels, and advertisements to prevent consumer confusion.

3. Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel reshuffles cabinet, inducts 19 MLAs, elevates Harsh Sanghavi as Deputy Chief Minister.

4. JEE Main 2025 registration opens soon; NTA introduces six key changes affecting exam format, eligibility, and preparation.

International News

1. USCIS imposes $1,000 parole fee for certain migrants seeking temporary entry or legal stay in the United States.

2. Kremlin confirms a second summit between Putin and Trump may occur within weeks amid Ukraine conflict discussions.

Sports News 

1. Asia Cup hosting to bring BCCI net surplus over ₹100 crore; annual budget projects Rs 6,700 crore.

2. Swiss Gambling Authority files criminal complaint against FIFA over NFT trading platform linked to World Cup tickets.

Business News

1. Toshiba to invest 55 billion yen by FY2027, doubling output capacity at key Japan and India facilities.

2. Cryptocurrency worth Rs 2,385 crore attached under PMLA; Spanish OctaFX scam mastermind arrested by Enforcement Directorate.

1. India plans to modernise railway infrastructure, build 7,000km high-speed corridors, enabling trains up to 350km/hr speeds.
Government aims to upgrade railway tracks nationwide for high-speed trains. Seven thousand kilometers of corridors will allow trains running at 350km/hr, enhancing travel comfort and reducing journey time significantly.

2. MEA reaffirms India’s support for Afghanistan sovereignty, condemns Pakistan blaming neighbors, and calls for peace initiatives.
India stands firmly with Afghanistan in protecting its sovereignty. MEA highlighted Pakistan’s tendency to blame neighbors. India continues supporting peace, stability, and development efforts in Afghanistan amid regional tensions.

3. FSSAI directs food businesses to stop using ‘ORS’ in labels and ads, citing misleading practices to consumers.
Food regulator FSSAI prohibits use of ‘ORS’ in product names, trademarks, or labels. The directive aims to prevent consumer confusion and ensure compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

4. Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel reshuffles cabinet, inducts 19 MLAs, appoints Harsh Sanghavi as Deputy Chief Minister.
The cabinet strength rises to 26 after Gujarat CM inducts 19 new ministers. Governor Acharya Devvrat administered oaths, elevating MoS with independent charges and appointing Harsh Sanghavi as Deputy Chief Minister.

5. NTA to open JEE Main 2025 registration, introduces six key changes affecting exam format, eligibility, and preparation.
The National Testing Agency will soon start JEE Main 2025 registrations. Six major changes have been announced, impacting exam structure, eligibility criteria, and strategies for aspirants seeking admission to top technical institutes.

6. PM Modi discusses development, education, fishermen welfare, and cooperation with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.
During the official meeting, PM Modi and Sri Lankan PM Amarasuriya covered education, women’s empowerment, innovation, development cooperation, and welfare of fishermen. Discussions aim to strengthen bilateral relations and collaboration

1. Amit Shah meets Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, remains non-committal on declaring him NDA chief ministerial candidate.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah met JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar in Patna. No confirmation was given regarding Nitish as NDA’s chief ministerial face for upcoming elections.

2. 8th National Nutrition Mission concludes in Dehradun; Union Minister Savitri Thakur attends as chief guest.
The mission, launched in 2018, has conducted over 140 crore activities, including 20 crore during Nutrition Month. It strengthens India’s goal of Suposhit Bharat – Swasth Bharat.

3. C permits green crackers in Delhi-NCR; study predicts 40 percent increase in families bursting fireworks this Diwali.
LocalCircles study of 38,000 residents shows 34 percent families likely to use crackers, with half possibly burning regular fireworks too. Concerns rise over environmental and safety impact.

4. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, UP CM Yogi Adityanath flag off first batch of BrahMos missiles in Lucknow.
Missiles manufactured at Lucknow’s BrahMos Aerospace mark a milestone for UP Defense Industrial Corridor. Initiative strengthens India’s defense self-reliance and boosts regional industrial growth in advanced weaponry production.

1. USCIS introduces $1,000 immigration parole fee for certain migrants seeking temporary entry or stay in the country.
Parole allows temporary legal stay in the US without a visa. The new $1,000 fee applies to select migrants, covering humanitarian or public interest cases but does not grant immigration status.

2. Kremlin says Putin-Trump summit could occur within weeks; details still being finalized amid Ukraine war discussions.
After an August Alaska meeting failed to yield results, Putin and Trump agreed on a second summit, provisionally in Budapest. Key issues, including Ukraine conflict, require detailed planning before confirmation.

3. California, Pennsylvania, Connecticut officially recognize Diwali as state holiday, marking growing celebration of Festival of Lights in US.
Ahead of October 20, 2025, Diwali gains official state holiday status in three states. Recognition highlights cultural inclusivity and increasing awareness of Hindu traditions across the United States.

4. World Bank President Ajay Banga Calls for Greater Transparency in Debt Restructuring Among G20 Economies
World Bank President Ajay Banga emphasised enhancing transparency in debt restructuring for G20 economies. Collaboration with IMF aims to accelerate debt treatment, support domestic revenue reforms, financing, and effective liability management globally.

1. Asia Cup hosting to bring BCCI net surplus over ₹100 crore; annual budget projects Rs 6,700 crore.
Despite India not receiving the Asia Cup trophy, hosting the tournament boosts revenue. BCCI anticipates Rs 6,700 crore surplus for 2025–26, amid challenges from declining IPL valuations and market pressures.

2. Swiss Gambling Authority files criminal complaint against FIFA over NFT trading platform linked to World Cup tickets.
The platform allows users to trade blockchain-based digital collectibles for special access to FIFA World Cup tickets. Swiss authorities allege potential gambling violations, prompting legal scrutiny of FIFA’s NFT initiative.

3. Australian opener Travis Head expects Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma to continue leading India till 2027 ODI World Cup.
Speculation surrounds Kohli and Rohit’s future in ODI cricket. Head expressed confidence in the duo, citing their performance and importance, ahead of the upcoming series in Australia starting Sunday.

4. Ronaldo leads Forbes 2025-26 highest-paid footballers list; joins three top 10 players in Saudi Arabia.
Cristiano Ronaldo becomes football’s first billionaire and tops Forbes list for the sixth time in a decade. His earnings highlight lucrative contracts and commercial deals, particularly in the Saudi football league.

1. Toshiba to invest 55 billion yen by FY2027, doubling output capacity at key Japan and India facilities.
Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions announces major expansion in power transmission and distribution business. Investment aims to meet rising global electricity demand by enhancing production capabilities in Japan and India.

2. Cryptocurrency worth Rs 2,385 crore attached under PMLA; Spanish OctaFX scam mastermind arrested by Enforcement Directorate.
Investigation targets alleged Ponzi scheme on OctaFX forex platform. ED issues provisional order under anti-money laundering law, attaching crypto assets and pursuing legal action against those involved in investor fraud.

3. Jio Platforms posts 12.8% rise in net profit to Rs 7,379 crore; revenue grows 14.6% in September quarter.
Consolidated net profit of Jio Platforms increases due to higher ARPU and growth in JioAirFiber services. Revenue from operations reaches Rs 36,332 crore, reflecting strong performance in telecom and digital segments.

4. India-Japan Fund invests ₹500 crore in Eka Mobility to boost EV manufacturing, R&D, and supply chain growth.
NIIF-managed India-Japan Fund supports Eka Mobility, a commercial EV maker, with capital infusion. Investment aims to expand production, advance research, strengthen supply chains, and enhance domestic and international market presence.