School Assembly News Headlines: 23 April 2025 

National News

1. PM Modi Calls Saudi Crown Prince Key Partner in India-Saudi Strategic Ties, Praises Vision 2030 and Leadership Reforms.

2. Government Announces Three-Day State Mourning for Pope Francis; National Flag to Fly Half-Mast, No Official Events Allowed.

3. India Hosts ‘Save Earth Conclave’ on Earth Day; Focus on Bamboo’s Potential in Climate Change Mitigation and Green Economy.

4. Air India May Acquire Boeing Jets Meant for China as Trade Disputes Delay Deliveries; Tata Group Seeks Rapid Expansion.

International News

1. Putin Proposes Bilateral Talks; Ukraine Open to Dialogue on Ceasefire to End Civilian Strikes Amid Ongoing Conflict.

2. Vatican Begins Nine-Day Mourning; Four Indian Cardinals Among Electors to Choose the Next Pope in Upcoming Conclave.

Sports News

1. Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana Named World’s Top Cricketers in Wisden 2025 for Stellar Performances Across Formats.

2. Neeraj Chopra Invites Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem to Bengaluru for International Javelin Event, Promoting Sports Diplomacy.

Business News

1. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Discusses Bilateral Cooperation in Technology, AI, and Investment with US Business Leaders.

2. US Presses India for Greater Market Access for Amazon and Walmart in Ongoing Trade Talks Amid Tariff Negotiations.

1. PM Modi Praises Saudi Crown Prince as Visionary Leader and Strong Advocate of India-Saudi Ties
PM Modi lauded Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his visionary reforms under Vision 2030 and his unwavering support for strengthening India-Saudi relations, earning admiration from the Indian diaspora.

2. India Declares Three-Day State Mourning in Honour of Late Pope Francis
The Indian government has declared a three-day state mourning after Pope Francis’s passing. Flags will fly at half-mast, and no official entertainment will take place during this mourning period.

3. Earth Day 2025 Celebrated Globally with Focus on Environmental Protection; Save Earth Conclave Inaugurated by Amit Shah
Earth Day, celebrated worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection. The theme for the year was “Our Power, Our Planet.” Amit Shah inaugurated the ‘Save Earth Conclave’ at the NASC Complex in New Delhi and explored the potential of bamboo to mitigate climate change and drive economic growth.

4. Air India to Acquire Boeing Planes Rejected by Chinese Carriers Amid Trade War for Fleet Expansion
Air India plans to acquire Boeing planes initially intended for Chinese carriers. This move aims to help Air India grow its fleet while benefiting from the ongoing trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.

5. FHRAI Announces Harit Yoga Events to Promote Yoga and Wellness in Lead-up to International Day of Yoga 2025
In response to PM Modi’s vision, FHRAI will host Harit Yoga events, blending traditional yoga with sustainable living. Activities include wellness retreats, campus outreach, and an urban flagship event.

6. U.S. Vice President JD Vance Announces Plans to Expand Energy and Defence Equipment Sales to India
U.S. Vice President JD Vance highlighted the growing U.S.-India ties. He stated that cooperation between the two nations could lead to a prosperous and peaceful 21st century or a dark future.

7. ASI to Convene 38th Meeting of Central Advisory Board of Archaeology at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
The Archaeological Survey of India will host the 38th Central Advisory Board of Archaeology meeting at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event aims to promote collaboration on archaeological research with academic institutions.

8. US Vice President JD Vance Meets PM Modi, Discusses Progress on India-US Bilateral Trade Pact
US Vice President JD Vance met PM Modi to discuss progress on a new bilateral trade agreement. Both sides welcomed the advancements in negotiations amid President Trump’s paused tariff regime.

9. ISRO Successfully Demonstrates Second Space Docking Experiment with Autonomous Satellite Docking from 15 Metres
ISRO successfully conducted its second Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) on Sunday, where two satellites autonomously docked from 15 metres, following ground simulations and in-orbit trials after January’s manual docking attempt.

10. Parliament’s Joint Committee on ‘One Nation, One Election’ to Begin Study Tours in May and June
The joint parliamentary committee on simultaneous elections will begin its study tours on May 17. The committee will visit Maharashtra and Dehradun to gather opinions on two Bills related to the matter.

1. Attorney General and Solicitor General Inform Supreme Court That Tamil Nadu Governor’s Judgment Does Not Apply to Kerala Case
Attorney General R Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Supreme Court that the Tamil Nadu Governor’s judgment doesn’t apply to Kerala’s Governor dispute over delayed Bill approvals.

2. Restoration of 15th-Century Muhammad Qutb Shah Tomb in Hyderabad to Revive Lost Craft of Intricate Tile Work
The restoration of Muhammad Qutb Shah’s tomb in Hyderabad offers a chance to revive 15th-century tile work, with over 2 lakh handmade tiles, intricate stucco, and long-term preservation efforts underway.

3. Relief Operations in Ramban District, Jammu & Kashmir Restore 1,486 Distribution Transformers, Work Continues on Remaining 286
Relief operations in Ramban district, Jammu & Kashmir are in full swing. 1,486 distribution transformers have been restored, while work continues on the remaining 286. Water supply schemes are also being restored.

4. Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy Promotes Investments in Multiple Sectors at World Expo in Osaka, Japan
Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy advocated for investments in sectors like circular economy, infrastructure, and technology during his speech at the World Expo in Osaka, Japan, focusing on projects like Musi Rejuvenation.

5. IMD Forecasts Heat Wave in Multiple States, Warns of Hot and Humid Weather Conditions Across India
The IMD has forecast heat wave conditions in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh over the next two days. Several other regions will experience hot and humid conditions today.

1. Canada’s National Election Heats Up as Prime Minister Mark Carney Leads in Polls, Focuses on US Tariff Threat
With elections on April 28, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party leads in polls. Carney aims to address US tariff threats and reform Canada’s economy to reduce reliance on America.

2. US President Donald Trump Faces Sharp Decline in Economic Approval Ratings, Economic Outlook Turns Pessimistic
US President Donald Trump’s economic approval ratings hit a record low. Discontent over tariffs, inflation, and spending has led to growing pessimism, with Americans predicting a worsening economy and stock market uncertainty.

3. PM Modi Receives Warm Welcome in Jeddah for Two-Day Visit to Saudi Arabia, Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Jeddah for his third visit to Saudi Arabia. His aircraft was escorted by the Royal Saudi Air Force, marking the strong bond between India and Saudi Arabia.

4. Russian President Vladimir Putin Proposes Bilateral Talks with Ukraine; Zelenskiy Expresses Willingness for Ceasefire Discussion
In a significant move, President Putin proposed talks with Ukraine for the first time since the war began. Zelenskiy responded, expressing readiness to discuss a ceasefire to halt attacks on civilians.

5. Vatican Enters Nine-Day Mourning for Pope’s Death, Prepares for Papal Conclave to Elect Next Pontiff
The Vatican begins a nine-day mourning period following the Pope’s death. During this time, preparations for the Papal conclave will start, with 135 cardinals, including four from India, eligible to vote.

1. Premier League Season Heads into Final Stretch with Promotion and Relegation Battles Heating Up
With only five games left in the Premier League season, two teams have already been relegated to the EFL Championship, while the race for promotion in the second tier continues to intensify.

2. Michael Slater Sentenced to Four Years in Prison After Pleading Guilty to Domestic Violence Charges
Former Australian batter Michael Slater was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to domestic violence charges. He will be released after serving over a year in custody.

3. Simranpreet Kaur Brar Wins Silver in Women’s 25m Pistol Event at ISSF World Cup in Lima, Peru
Simranpreet Kaur Brar earned her first senior international medal with a silver in the women’s 25m pistol event at the ISSF World Cup in Lima, Peru, finishing second to China’s Sun Yujie.

4. Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana Named World’s Leading Cricketers in Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack
Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana were named the world’s leading cricketers in the latest Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack edition, with Bumrah shining in 2024 and leading India to a T20 World Cup victory.

5. Neeraj Chopra Invites Arshad Nadeem to India for Javelin Event in Bengaluru
Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic javelin hero, has invited Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem to participate in a one-day javelin event in Bengaluru, scheduled for May 2024. The event, organised by JSW Sports, will feature top international throwers.

1. RBI Allows Minors Above 10 to Open and Operate Bank Accounts Independently, With Additional Banking Facilities.
The Reserve Bank of India has permitted minors aged 10 and above to open and manage savings and term deposit accounts. This includes options for debit cards and internet banking, based on bank policies.

2. India Actively Engaging with US on Bilateral Trade Agreement, Aiming for Completion by Fall 2025.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that India is actively engaging with the new US administration. The first phase of the bilateral trade agreement is expected to be completed by fall this year.

3. Railways Working on Speed, Track Renewals, and Animal Fences to Enhance Railway Infrastructure under Mission Raftaar.
The Ministry of Railways is focusing on removing speed limits, renewing tracks, and installing animal fences along railway lines. These initiatives aim to boost train speeds and improve safety under the ongoing Mission Raftaar.

4. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Discusses Bilateral Cooperation with US Executives on Technology, AI, Energy, and Infrastructure.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met senior executives in San Francisco, discussing bilateral cooperation in technology, artificial intelligence, energy, and digital infrastructure. She also emphasized investment collaboration during her 11-day trip to the US and Peru.

5. US Presses India for Expanded Access to E-commerce Sector for Amazon and Walmart Amid Ongoing Trade Talks.
The US government is urging India to grant retail giants Amazon and Walmart expanded access to its $125 billion ecommerce sector. This comes amid trade negotiations following a temporary halt on retaliatory tariffs.

1. IIT Kanpur Activates JEE Advanced Mock Test Link Ahead of May 18 Exam; Registration for 2025 Starts April 23
IIT Kanpur has activated the link for JEE Advanced mock tests, helping candidates prepare for the May 18 exam. Online registration for JEE (Advanced) 2025 will open on April 23 and close on May 2, 2025.

2. UNESCO Report Reveals Concerns Over Global Student Health, With Only 60% Countries Regulating School Food and Beverages
UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring (GEM) report highlights that only 60% of countries regulate food and beverages in schools, raising concerns over global efforts to ensure student health and well-being.

3. International Education Experts Urge India’s Education Minister to Retain B.El.Ed Programme for Teacher Education
Eminent education professors worldwide, including Michael Apple and William Pinar, have appealed to India’s Education Minister to cancel plans to discontinue the B.El.Ed programme, citing its importance for teacher education.

4. Global Education Experts Urge India to Retain B.El.Ed Programme, Calling the Move Counter-productive.
Prominent professors, including Michael Apple and William Pinar, have appealed to India’s Education Minister to cancel plans to discontinue the B.El.Ed programme, citing its importance for elementary teacher education.

5.UPSC Announces Final Results for Civil Services Exam 2024; Shakti Dubey Tops with 1009 Candidates Recommended.
UPSC has declared the final results for the Civil Services Exam 2024, recommending 1009 candidates. Shakti Dubey secured the top position, with 11 women and 14 men in the top 25.

1. US Vice President JD Vance and PM Modi Discuss Critical Technologies in US-India Trade Talks.
Discussions between JD Vance and PM Modi focused on critical technologies, emphasising AI and tech innovations as essential elements in trade negotiations between the US and India.

2. Samsung and Apple Set to Revolutionise Mobile Tech with Foldable Devices and AI Features in 2025.
Leading tech giants Samsung and Apple are preparing to launch foldable devices and integrate AI-enhanced features, with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Apple’s iPhone 17 pushing boundaries in mobile innovation.

3. US Military Commander Warns of China’s Growing Influence, Urges Strong Cybersecurity Measures in 2025.
In response to growing global cybersecurity concerns, a US military commander highlighted China’s expanding influence and stressed the importance of secure tech supply chains and innovative cyber defences.

4. BMW Considers Additional Shifts at Spartanburg Plant, Signalling Investment in Automation and Smart Manufacturing.
BMW’s potential addition of shifts at its Spartanburg plant, as of April 2025, highlights the company’s focus on increasing production capacity through automation, boosting output by 80,000 units to meet demand.

5. Google Explores Manufacturing Pixel Smartphones in India to Diversify Supply Chains Amid Geopolitical Tensions.
Google’s consideration of manufacturing Pixel smartphones in India, reported on April 22, 2025, aims to tap into India’s tech ecosystem and reduce reliance on China amid growing geopolitical uncertainties.