School Assembly News Headlines: 20 June 2025

National News

1. India improves global standing in QS World Rankings 2026, showing strong progress in education, research, and youth-focused government initiatives.

2. UPSC launches Pratibha Setu to connect skilled but non-selected candidates with government and private sector job opportunities.

International News

1. MIT tops QS World Rankings 2026 for 14th year; Imperial, Stanford, Oxford, and Harvard also rank among global best.

2. NASA and ISRO to launch NISAR radar satellite from India in July to monitor Earth’s surface with high precision.

Sports News

1. Rishabh Pant confirms Shubman Gill to bat at number 4 in Test series against England, following Virat Kohli’s retirement.

2. England pacer Brydon Carse expects strong challenge from young Indian Test team despite Kohli and Rohit’s recent retirement.

Business News

1. Air India cuts 15 percent international widebody flights due to safety checks, global tensions, and curfews over multiple regions.

2. After Boeing 787 crash, Air India clears 26 planes for service; 7 aircraft still under safety inspection and review.

Weather News

1. Monsoon progresses over Bihar and Uttar Pradesh; heavy rains expected in Gujarat, Odisha, Bengal, northeast, and Delhi-NCR regions.

2. Monsoon arrives early in Rajasthan on June 18, first early arrival in three years, says India Meteorological Department.

1. India rises in QS World University Rankings 2026, reflecting strong progress in global education and research under government initiatives.
Prime Minister Modi praised India’s improved QS ranking, highlighting efforts to strengthen research and innovation for youth in higher education. The development shows India’s growing global academic recognition.

2. UPSC launches Pratibha Setu to link top exam talent with verified employers from central government and private sectors.
Pratibha Setu gives access to non-selected but qualified candidates from UPSC exams, helping employers connect with skilled individuals for suitable roles in government and private organisations.

3. Government steps up evacuation efforts as 110 Indian students return from Iran and more citizens expected to arrive today.
Over 350 evacuation requests from Indians in Iran have been received. Another flight carrying Indian mission staff is expected. The government continues ensuring safe returns during the crisis.

4. India and Croatia push for early conclusion of India-EU Free Trade Agreement to strengthen trade and economic cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi and Croatian Prime Minister discussed the India-EU FTA. Both leaders supported its early finalisation, aiming to boost bilateral trade, investment, and supply chain resilience across sectors.

5. India begins evacuation of citizens from Israel after Operation Sindhu, focusing on those willing to return amid rising regional tensions.
Following success in Iran, India is now evacuating willing nationals from Israel via land routes. The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv will manage coordination and arrange their return flights to India.

6. India ranks third globally in power generation growth over five years, following China and the United States, says IEA report.
According to the International Energy Agency, India has shown remarkable progress in expanding its power generation capacity, placing third worldwide. Only China and the U.S. reported higher growth during this period.

7. India records third-highest growth in power generation capacity globally in five years, after China and the United States: IEA report.
The International Energy Agency confirms India’s strong progress in expanding power generation capacity. Over the past five years, only China and the U.S. have achieved greater growth in this sector.

8. India and Croatia push for early India-EU Free Trade Agreement, highlighting mutual benefits and stronger trade partnership through FTA.
During talks in Zagreb, leaders from India and Croatia emphasised the need for an early India-EU FTA. They believe it will strengthen bilateral trade, improve supply chains, and benefit both regions.

9. Padma Shri awardee and environmentalist Maruti Chitampalli, known as ‘Aranya Rishi’, passes away at 93 in Maharashtra’s Solapur.
Maruti Chitampalli dedicated his life to wildlife and forest conservation. Serving 36 years in the Forest Department, he travelled extensively, documented nature, and engaged tribal communities using his knowledge of 13 languages.

10. Centre reports 4.5 times rise in Gender Budget. Allocation reaches ₹4.49 lakh crore for 2025–26 financial year.
Union Minister Annapurna Devi said Gender Budgeting began in 2005. It has grown steadily. The budget rose from ₹0.98 lakh crore in 2014–15 to ₹4.49 lakh crore in 2025–26.

1. Tripura CM concerned over low TET pass percentage, assures fairness in exam papers despite worrying results for job aspirants.
Only 5.56 percent cleared TET-I and 4.92 percent TET-II in Tripura. The Chief Minister highlighted no paper irregularities but acknowledged serious concern over candidates’ performance levels.

2. Jammu and Kashmir cabinet sub-committee submits reservation report, now under review by law department for further examination.
The report on reservation in education and jobs was submitted within deadline. It addresses student demands for rationalised policies and awaits legal scrutiny before any decision is made.

3. Telangana partners with Tony Blair Institute to implement ‘Telangana Rising’ vision, focusing on strategic development and global collaboration.
The Telangana government signed a letter of intent with the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change to support the ‘Telangana Rising’ initiative, aiming to turn strategic goals into impactful development programmes.

4. Forum for Good Governance flags illegal constructions near Osman Sagar Lake, urges Telangana CM to act on building norm violations.
The Forum for Good Governance reported unauthorised structures in Janwada village, near Osman Sagar Lake, violating building rules. It urged CM Revanth Reddy to investigate and take corrective action promptly.

5. Tamil Nadu CM accuses Centre of suppressing Keezhadi excavation findings, says delay shows disregard for Tamil cultural pride.
CM M.K. Stalin alleged the BJP government delayed publishing Keezhadi excavation findings. He claimed this showed neglect of Tamil heritage. Despite scientific evidence, no further report has been produced in two years.

1. MIT tops QS World University Rankings 2026, followed by Imperial College, Stanford, Oxford, and Harvard among top global institutes.
MIT retained its top rank for the 14th year. Imperial College London, Stanford, Oxford, and Harvard also feature among the best, showcasing excellence in global higher education.

2. NASA and ISRO to launch NISAR, world’s first dual-frequency radar satellite, from India in July for Earth observation.
NISAR aims to monitor Earth’s surface changes with unmatched precision. This mission will track climate, agriculture, and disasters using advanced radar technology in all weather conditions.

3. SpaceX Starship Ship 36 explodes during fueling ahead of static fire test at Starbase facility in Texas, halting flight plans.
During fuel loading with liquid oxygen and methane, Starship Ship 36 exploded at Starbase, Texas. The test was meant to check engine performance before the rocket’s upcoming tenth flight mission.

4. Russia’s economy nearing recession, says Economy Minister Reshetnikov at St Petersburg Forum amid signs of business slowdown.
At the St Petersburg Economic Forum, Minister Reshetnikov warned of a likely recession. He cited economic indicators and business sentiment, suggesting Russia is close to entering an economic downturn this year.

5. US Federal Reserve keeps interest rates unchanged for fourth time, maintains 4.25%–4.5% range amid inflation and global uncertainties.
In its latest meeting, the Fed held rates steady, citing solid economic growth and low unemployment. However, inflation concerns and global tensions continue to influence its cautious monetary policy stance.

1. Rishabh Pant confirms Shubman Gill to bat at number 4 in upcoming Test series against England after Kohli’s retirement.
With Virat Kohli’s retirement, Shubman Gill will take the number 4 spot. Pant will follow at number 5, while discussions continue for the number 3 position.

2. England pacer Brydon Carse praises India’s depth, expects tough competition despite retirement of Kohli and Rohit from Test cricket.
Carse believes the new Indian Test team remains strong. With Gill as captain, India’s young talent is expected to challenge England in the upcoming five-match Test series.

3. India-England Test series renamed Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy to honour cricket legends, replacing Pataudi and Anthony De Mello Trophies.
A new Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has been launched for future India-England Test series. This change honours their Test achievements and replaces the Pataudi and Anthony De Mello Trophies from previous series formats.

4. Gennaro Gattuso confident Italy will qualify for World Cup after replacing Spalletti amid poor start to campaign.
New Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso expressed strong belief in World Cup qualification despite a shaky start. Italy trail Group I leaders Norway by nine points, leading to Spalletti’s dismissal as coach.

5. Jemimah Rodrigues returns to WBBL, retained by Brisbane Heat for second season through international player draft retention pick.
Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues will play her second WBBL season with Brisbane Heat, who used their retention pick after Melbourne Stars showed interest. She aims to help the team win the title.

1. Air India to cut 15 percent international flights on widebody aircraft due to safety checks, global tensions, and night curfews.
Air India reduced long-haul operations temporarily due to safety inspections, DGCA surveillance, and airspace curfews across Europe and Asia, ensuring safer travel amid rising global aviation challenges.

2. Following Boeing 787 crash, Air India reduces operations as safety inspections continue; 26 aircraft cleared, 7 still under review.
After the deadly AI171 crash, Air India confirmed that 26 out of 33 Boeing 787 planes are safe for service. Inspections continue for the remaining aircraft to ensure safety.

3. SEBI allows Investment Advisers and Research Analysts to use liquid and overnight mutual funds for regulatory deposit compliance.
SEBI now permits IAs and RAs to use liquid and overnight mutual funds, along with bank deposits, to meet mandatory deposit requirements. This move aims to ease business operations.

4. L&T may raise funds again through ESG bonds after successful premium issue under SEBI’s new sustainability bond framework.
Larsen and Toubro, India’s first corporate to use SEBI’s ESG bond rules, plans another round of fundraising. The earlier ESG bond issue was successful and received strong investor interest.

5. Tata Sons Chairman skips TCS AGM amid Air India crash crisis, marking second absence from key shareholder meetings.
N Chandrasekaran missed the TCS AGM following a tragic Air India crash with over 270 casualties. He also skipped Tata Consumer Products’ AGM, reflecting the group’s ongoing crisis response.

1. Monsoon advances over Bihar, Uttar Pradesh; heavy rainfall expected across Gujarat, Odisha, Bengal, and northeastern states in coming days.
IMD forecasts intense rain in multiple states, including Jharkhand and Delhi-NCR. Heavy downpours will affect northeastern India throughout the week due to the strengthening southwest monsoon.

2. Monsoon arrives early in Rajasthan on June 18, marking first early onset in three years, says IMD officials.
Rajasthan received monsoon rains seven days early. The last early arrival was in 2021. This shift reflects changing weather patterns and may influence agricultural planning in the region.

1. What is the Sanskrit term for the physical postures practiced in yoga?

Answer: Asana
Asana refers to the physical poses used in yoga. Regular practice improves flexibility, posture, and focus. It also builds strength and helps students maintain a balanced mind and healthy body.

2. Which ancient text is regarded as the foundational guide to classical yoga?

Answer: Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Written over 2,000 years ago, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali outline the eightfold path of yoga. These principles guide individuals in achieving discipline, self-awareness, and inner peace.

3. What is the main purpose of practising Pranayama in yoga?

Answer: Breath control
Pranayama involves controlling the breath to improve mental clarity and emotional balance. It reduces stress, increases oxygen flow, and helps students develop better focus during study and classroom activities.

4. What does the term Namaste express in the context of yoga practice?

Answer: I bow to the divine in you
Namaste is a respectful greeting symbolising peace and unity. In yoga, it expresses gratitude and humility, promoting a sense of connectedness between the instructor, students, and self.

5. On which date is International Day of Yoga celebrated every year?

Answer: 21st June
The United Nations declared 21st June as International Day of Yoga to promote global awareness about the benefits of yoga in improving physical health, emotional strength, and social harmony.