School Assembly News Headlines: 21 May 2025

1. Fourteen arrested in North India for leaking sensitive information to Pakistan. NIA and IB question accused in multiple states.
Fourteen people were arrested across North India for spying. Four were caught in the last 24 hours. NIA, IB, and central agencies interrogated accused Jyoti Malhotra. Investigation is ongoing.

2. India urges stronger BRICS energy ties at Brazil meet. Manohar Lal highlights energy security and cooperation among Global South nations.
At the BRICS energy ministers’ meet, Manohar Lal led India’s delegation. He stressed energy equity, economic stability, and deeper Global South ties. He emphasised sustainable and secure energy development worldwide.

3. India backs sustainable energy at BRICS meet. Manohar Lal highlights energy equity, praises Brazil’s leadership on Global South cooperation.
Manohar Lal reaffirmed India’s support for inclusive energy growth. He stressed energy security as a global challenge. He praised Brazil’s presidency. BRICS was urged to enhance cooperation for sustainability.

4. WHO awards India for eliminating Trachoma. Nation achieves major public health milestone at 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
India received WHO certification for eliminating Trachoma. This reflects strong healthcare commitment. India joined Southeast Asia nations achieving this. Preventive efforts and public health strategies led to this recognition.

5. UP Government Plans to Amend Madrasa Act, Make Hindi and English Compulsory Up to Class 10
Yogi government to amend Madrasa Education Act. Hindi and English may become compulsory. NCERT and SCERT curricula likely for lower classes. Move aims to align madrasas with mainstream education.

6. Centre Asks SC to Limit Waqf Act Hearing to Three Core Issues Already Covered in Its Affidavit
Centre urges Supreme Court to focus on three specific issues in Waqf Act case. Solicitor General cites earlier affidavit. Court may limit proceedings as requested for interim decisions.

7. Veteran Nuclear Scientist M R Srinivasan Passes Away at 95; Nation Mourns Loss of Scientific Pioneer
M. R Srinivasan, Padma Vibhushan awardee and former AEC Chairman, dies at 95. He shaped India’s nuclear journey. Tributes poured in, with District Collector offering floral homage.

8. IMD Predicts Early Onset of Southwest Monsoon Over Kerala Before May 27, Ahead of Usual June 1 Date
The IMD announced favourable conditions for early monsoon arrival in Kerala. Normal onset is June 1. Countrywide coverage expected by mid-July, beginning a four-month rainfall season.

9. Beating Retreat Ceremony Resumes at Punjab Border JCPs; Public Entry Allowed from May 21 After 12-Day Suspension
The ceremony returns to Attari, Hussainiwala, and Sadqi posts. Media access starts today. Public can attend from May 21. Suspension followed India’s cross-border anti-terror operation earlier this month.

10. CERT-In SAMVAAD 2025 Cybersecurity Conference Opens in Tamil Nadu, Focuses on Strengthening India’s Audit and Security Ecosystem
Held in Mahabalipuram, the three-day summit gathers 300+ cybersecurity experts. The goal is enhancing India’s audit capabilities. Industry leaders and regulators will drive knowledge-sharing and collaboration efforts.

1. Chhagan Bhujbal sworn in as minister in Mahayuti-led Maharashtra government. Ceremony held at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai, with top leaders.
Senior NCP leader Bhujbal took oath. CM Fadnavis, Deputy CMs Shinde, Pawar, and Governor attended. Event marked a key political development in Maharashtra’s ruling alliance.

2. BSF to resume retreat ceremony at Punjab’s border posts. Media access today. Public access from tomorrow after earlier suspension.
BSF confirmed retreat ceremonies at Atari, Hussainiwala, and Sadqi to restart. Initially for media. Public viewing begins tomorrow. Suspension followed Operation Sindoor targeting terror infrastructure.

3. Astrophysicist Dr Jayant Narlikar passes away at 86 in Pune. CM Fadnavis pays tribute to scientific legacy and contributions.
Renowned astrophysicist Dr Narlikar passed away. CM Fadnavis highlighted his role in shaping Indian astronomy. Nation mourns the loss of a true scientific pioneer and thinker.

4. Centre Reaches Out to Uddhav Thackeray Ahead of Delegation Talks; Shiv Sena (UBT) Questions Intelligence and Diplomatic Handling
Before all-party delegation talks, Centre approached Uddhav. Shiv Sena (UBT) insists on accountability over Pahalgam incident. Party questions Centre’s handling of intelligence and Pakistan diplomacy.

5. Massive Tiranga Yatra Held in Amritsar Honouring Armed Forces Post Operation Sindoor; 100 Feet Long Tricolour Carried
People marched with a huge flag through Amritsar bazaars. The yatra concluded at Lahori Gate. Participants chanted slogans, honouring Indian armed forces after Pahalgam terror response.

1. Manohar Lal Leads Indian Delegation at BRICS Energy Meet in Brazil, Stresses Need for Deeper South-South Cooperation
Union Minister Manohar Lal emphasised energy security. He urged BRICS nations to ensure fair energy access. India reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability and cooperation. Brazil’s presidency was appreciated.

2. Taiwan President Downplays US Tariff Move as ‘Friction Between Friends’ Amid Ongoing Trade Negotiations
Taiwan’s leader remained optimistic despite US tariffs. She called it friendly friction during talks. Trump imposed 32% tariffs on Taiwan amid broader trade actions.

3. Putin, After Two-Hour Call with Trump, Agrees to Draft Peace Memorandum with Ukraine; Credits US for Renewed Talks
Russian President Vladimir Putin, after a detailed phone call with US President Donald Trump, agreed to collaborate on a peace memorandum with Ukraine and acknowledged US efforts in restarting direct negotiations.

4. EU Approves New Russia Sanctions Targeting Shadow Fleet of 189 Ships and Officials Evading Oil Trade Restrictions
EU sanctions 189 shadow fleet ships. Imposes asset freezes and travel bans on Russian officials and companies over Ukraine war.

5. Taiwan Alarmed as Chinese Citizens Cross Strait in Dinghies Amid Ongoing Tensions and Maritime Provocations
Taiwan reports five crossings. Thirty-eight Chinese citizens used dinghies to enter, raising new concerns across the Taiwan Strait.

1. India Tightens Gold, Silver Import Rules Under CEPA; Only Select Entities Allowed to Import Precious Metals
Gold and silver imports now restricted. Only nominated agencies, qualified jewellers, and valid TRQ holders under India–UAE CEPA can import. Rules cover unwrought, semi-manufactured, and powdered forms of metals.

2. Sixteenth Finance Commission to Submit Final Report by October 31, Says Chairman Dr. Arvind Panagariya in Uttarakhand
Dr. Panagariya confirmed October 31 deadline. He appreciated Uttarakhand’s development. Commission to explore solutions for challenges faced by hill states through broader discussions, keeping terrain difficulties in focus.

3. PUMA India Partners as Official Sportswear Sponsor for Mumbai and Bengaluru Marathons
PUMA India strengthens its role in running events by partnering with NEB Sports for the Mumbai Half Marathon and Wipro Bengaluru Marathon, supporting runners from training to recovery.

4. India Tightens Gold and Silver Imports, Restricting Entry to Approved Agencies and Jewellers
The government limits gold and silver imports to nominated agencies, qualified jewellers, and valid TRQ holders under India-UAE CEPA, affecting unwrought, semi-manufactured, and powdered forms.

5. India Proposes Licence-Free Use of 6GHz Spectrum, Boosting WiFi for Sony, Apple, and Meta Devices
The government plans to open part of the 6GHz spectrum for licence-free use, enabling faster WiFi and supporting devices like Sony PlayStation Pro and Apple, Meta virtual reality gear.