School Assembly News Headlines: 20 April 2025

National News

1. Aryabhata Satellite Marks 50 Years, Celebrating India’s Entry into Space Research with Focus on Solar Physics and X-ray Astronomy.

2. India Bats for Inclusive Agriculture at BRICS Meet, Stresses Small Farmer Empowerment and Women’s Socio-Economic and Political Upliftment.

3. India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor Praised by US and Italy as Landmark Project for Global Economic Growth and Connectivity.

4. India’s Pharma Exports Cross 30 Billion Dollar, US Key Market with Over 30% Share, 9% Annual Growth Achieved.

International News

1. Meta Faces Landmark Antitrust Trial in US, Accused by FTC of Illegally Creating Monopoly, Zuckerberg Rejected US$450 Million Settlement.

2. Pakistan Plans Stricter Refugee Controls as Deputy PM Ishaq Dar Visits Kabul to Reset Relations with Afghanistan’s Acting Leadership.

Sports News

1. Leeds and Burnley Edge Closer to Premier League Promotion, Level at 91 Points with Three Games Remaining in Championship Race.

2. Great Britain Cricket Teams Likely for LA 2028 Olympics as ECB and Cricket Scotland Begin Talks Ahead of Cricket’s Return.

Business News

1. India’s Forex Reserves Rise for Sixth Week, Climb by $1.567 Billion to $677.835 Billion, Nearing Record High Levels.

2. Finance Ministry Reshuffle: Arvind Shrivastava Named Revenue Secretary, Vumlunmang Vualnam to Head Department of Expenditure in Major Bureaucratic Move.

1. Aryabhata Completes 50 Years: Celebrating India’s First Historic Step into Space with Soviet Union’s Help
Aryabhata, India’s first satellite, was launched 50 years ago with Soviet support. Built by ISRO, it studied solar physics, aeronomy, and X-ray astronomy, marking India’s space science entry.

2. India Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture at 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting in Brazil
At the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ meeting, India emphasized empowering small farmers and women. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stressed inclusive, equitable agriculture as vital for global food security.

3. US and Italy Applaud India-Middle East-Europe Corridor as Historic Economic Connectivity Project of the Century
The US and Italy called the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor a landmark economic initiative. The project links India, Gulf, Israel, and Europe, fostering connectivity, integration, and global development opportunities.

4. India’s Pharmaceutical Exports Cross $30 Billion Mark, US Remains Major Market for Growing Industry
India’s pharmaceutical exports reached over $30 billion in FY 2024-25, up by 9%. The US remained the top importer, contributing over one-third, with March showing a significant 30% growth.

5. PM Modi to Visit Saudi Arabia from April 22-23 to Strengthen Strategic Bilateral Ties
PM Modi will visit Saudi Arabia from April 22-23 at Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s invitation. This third visit aims to enhance strategic cooperation and deepen India-Saudi bilateral relations.

6. Europe Becomes Diplomatic Priority as PM Modi Plans May Visit Including India-Nordic Summit
After US Vice President Vance’s visit, Europe becomes India’s diplomatic focus. PM Modi will visit Croatia, Netherlands, and Norway, attending the India-Nordic Summit in Oslo on May 15.

7. US Vice President JD Vance to Begin Four-Day India Visit with Cultural Stops and Political Engagements
US Vice President JD Vance, with family, will explore Jaipur and Agra before heading to Delhi for bilateral meetings. The visit blends cultural experiences with key political engagements.

8. India’s First Fast-Breeder Reactor in Kalpakkam Set for Commissioning Next Year, Advancing Nuclear Programme
India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) in Kalpakkam will be commissioned next year, marking stage two of India’s nuclear programme, using mixed oxide fuel and sodium coolant technology.

9. Few Appeals Filed Despite Opposition Allegations on Voter Roll Manipulations, Reveals Electoral Report
Despite opposition parties alleging voter roll issues, electoral data shows only 89 primary and one final appeal were filed post-Special Summary Roll publication before Maharashtra Assembly elections.

10. US Denies Targeting Indian Students in Visa Revocations Amid Diplomatic Concerns Ahead of JD Vance’s Visit
The US rejected claims of targeting Indian students after visa revocation reports. Around 50% affected were Indian, raising concerns as Vice President JD Vance arrives in Delhi.

1. Tamil Nadu CM Launches Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam, Rejects Centre’s PM Vishwakarma Scheme
CM M.K. Stalin launched Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam for artisans, promoting caste inclusivity. He rejected the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, citing discrimination, and emphasised equitable development for all communities.

2. NTT DATA, Neysa Networks, Telangana Govt to Invest ₹10,500 Crore in AI Data Centre in Hyderabad
NTT DATA, Neysa Networks, and Telangana government signed an agreement to establish a ₹10,500 crore AI data centre cluster in Hyderabad, aiming to boost innovation and digital infrastructure.

3. Char Dham Yatra 2025: Yamunotri and Gangotri to Open April 30, Kedarnath May 2, Badrinath May 4
Uttarakhand’s Char Dham Yatra begins April 30 with Yamunotri and Gangotri, followed by Kedarnath and Badrinath. Government assures smooth pilgrimage, highlighting economic and spiritual importance of the yatra.

4. Sukma’s Badesatti Village Becomes First Naxal-Free Panchayat in Bastar Division of Chhattisgarh
Badesatti village in Sukma district became Bastar’s first Naxal-free Panchayat after 11 Maoists surrendered. The achievement aligns with India’s mission to eliminate Naxalism by March 2026.

5. Thunderstorms, Heavy Rain Disrupt Life in Hyderabad, Lead to Temperature Drop
Severe thunderstorms and rain hit Hyderabad, affecting areas like Nanakaramguda and Alwal. Gusty winds disrupted normal life and significantly dropped temperatures across the city on Saturday evening.

1. India, US Finalise 19 Focus Areas to Start Bilateral Trade Agreement Negotiations Soon
India and the US have agreed on 19 core chapters for a bilateral trade agreement, including goods, services, and customs. Indian officials will visit Washington soon to resolve pending issues.

2. Israeli Strikes in Gaza Kill Over 90 as Pressure Mounts on Hamas to Release Hostages
Over 90 people, including women and children, have died in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza over 48 hours. The strikes are part of efforts to pressure Hamas for hostages’ release and disarmament.

3. Supreme Court Stops Deportation of Venezuelans Held Under 1798 Law Amid Legal Challenge by ACLU
The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily blocked deportations of Venezuelans detained under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, responding to an ACLU appeal that highlighted immigration law misuse and constitutional rights violations.

4. Meta Faces Landmark Antitrust Lawsuit in U.S. Over Monopoly Allegations in Global Social Media Market
Meta is in a landmark legal battle with the FTC, accused of creating an illegal monopoly. The outcome could drastically change the operation and regulation of social media platforms worldwide.

5. Pakistan Tightens Afghan Refugee Policy as Deputy PM Visits Kabul for Talks on Diplomatic Ties
Pakistan’s Deputy PM Ishaq Dar is visiting Kabul to discuss tightening controls on Afghan refugees and improving diplomatic ties. The visit highlights efforts to manage refugee policies and regional cooperation.

1. Punjab Kings Defeat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 5 Wickets in Rain-affected IPL Match
Punjab Kings won by 5 wickets against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a rain-shortened 14-over match. Chasing a target of 96, Punjab reached the target with 11 balls to spare.

2. Neeraj Chopra to Begin 2025 Season at Doha Diamond League, Not in South Africa
Olympic javelin champion Neeraj Chopra will start his 2025 season at the Doha Diamond League on May 16, after recovering from injury. His next event will be the Neeraj Chopra Classic.

3. Humanoid Robots Race Alongside Runners at Beijing’s Yizhuang Half-Marathon
In a first, 21 humanoid robots participated in the Yizhuang half-marathon in Beijing, racing alongside human runners. These robots came in various sizes and even featured human-like features like smiling and winking.

4. Leeds United and Burnley Edge Closer to Premier League Promotion After Key Wins
Leeds United and Burnley moved closer to Premier League promotion after tight victories in the Championship. Both teams have 91 points with three matches left, with Leeds ahead on goal difference.

5. Cricket’s Return to LA Olympics Spurs Talks for Great Britain Teams with ECB and Cricket Scotland
Following the announcement of cricket’s return to the LA Olympics in 2028, the ECB and Cricket Scotland are discussing forming Great Britain teams for the men’s and women’s events in the Games.

1. Adani Group Surpasses ₹5 Trillion Market Cap with Strong Performance in Energy and Infrastructure
The Adani Group’s listed companies surpassed ₹5 trillion in market capitalisation on April 19, 2025, marking a significant milestone driven by robust growth in energy and infrastructure sectors despite regulatory challenges.

2. India-US Trade Agreement Finalised with 19 Chapters; High-Level Talks Set for April 23, 2025
The terms for a 19-chapter India-US trade agreement have been finalised, with talks scheduled to begin on April 23, 2025. This agreement aims to strengthen economic ties and boost exports.

3. Gold Prices in India Continue Record Rise; Experts Predict ₹1 Lakh per 10 Grams by 2026
Gold prices in India continue to surge, driven by geopolitical tensions and strong demand from India and China. Experts forecast MCX Gold could reach ₹1,00,000 per 10 grams by 2026.

4. India’s Forex Reserves Rise by $1.567 Billion, Reaching $677.835 Billion in April 2025
India’s forex reserves increased by $1.567 billion to $677.835 billion for the week ending April 11, marking the sixth consecutive rise and signalling strong economic stability in the country.

5. Bureaucratic Reshuffle in Ministry of Finance with New Secretaries Appointed
The Ministry of Finance saw major appointments, with Arvind Shrivastava named Secretary of Revenue, Vumlunmang Vualnam as Secretary of Expenditure, and Anuradha Thakur as Secretary-designate of Economic Affairs.

1. IMD Forecasts Varied Weather Across India on April 19, 2025, with Rain, Snow, and Heatwave Warnings
The IMD predicts light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms across West Bengal, Odisha, Kerala, and South Karnataka. Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand may experience snow and rain, along with a heatwave warning for Northwest and Central India.

2. Clear Weather Expected for IPL 2025 Match Between Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants in Jaipur
The weather forecast for the IPL 2025 match between Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants in Jaipur on April 19 indicates clear skies with no rain threats, ensuring an uninterrupted match for players and spectators.

3. Hyderabad Faces Possible Rain or Thunderstorms on April 19, 2025, as Dark Clouds Gather
Visuals from Hyderabad on April 19 show dark clouds, signalling potential rain or thunderstorms in the region. This coincides with the IMD’s forecast of scattered weather activity in South and Central India.