School Assembly News Headlines: 23 October 2025

National News

1. Neeraj Chopra receives honorary Lieutenant Colonel rank in Territorial Army; Defence Minister and Army Chief praise dedication.

2. Post-Diwali, New Delhi records world’s highest air pollution as PM 2.5 levels exceed WHO limits fortyfold.

3. India climbs to ninth globally in total forest area, highlighting progress in conservation and afforestation initiatives.

4. India launches SOAR programme under Skill India Mission to prepare students and teachers for AI-ready future.

International News

1. SpaceX disables over 2,500 Starlink devices at Myanmar centres, responding to surge in reported illicit usage.

2. Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate emphasizes good relations with all countries, including US, focusing on diplomacy and trade engagement.

Sports News 

1. BCCI invites bids for Women’s Premier League Official Partner Rights through detailed tender, requiring non-refundable fee.

2. Rohit Sharma participates in optional training ahead of India’s second ODI against Australia, focusing on pitch conditions.

Business News

1. Jaguar Land Rover cyberattack costs UK £1.9 billion, affecting over 5,000 organisations, report highlights potential further losses.

2. Meta updates WhatsApp Business API, ending support for general-purpose AI chatbots like ChatGPT from January 15, 2026.

1. Neeraj Chopra awarded honorary Lieutenant Colonel rank in Territorial Army, praised as national pride and perseverance symbol.
Olympic javelin champion Neeraj Chopra received honorary Lieutenant Colonel rank in Territorial Army. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded his dedication, while Army Chief and senior officials attended the ceremony in New Delhi.

2. New Delhi wakes to world’s most polluted air post-Diwali, PM 2.5 levels exceed WHO guidelines fortyfold.
Over 20 million residents in India’s capital face hazardous air quality after Diwali celebrations. Seasonal stubble burning and winter smog worsen pollution, making New Delhi one of the world’s most polluted cities.

3. Piyush Goyal to visit Berlin, engage with officials and business leaders, and speak at Berlin Global Dialogue.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal will visit Berlin from October 23, meeting senior officials, industry leaders, and associations. He will speak at the Berlin Global Dialogue, focusing on global economic and trade collaborations.

4. India rises to 9th globally in total forest area, reflecting progress in conservation and afforestation efforts.
According to the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025 by FAO, India has moved from 10th to 9th place globally in forest area. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav credits government policies and community initiatives for this achievement.

5. India launches SOAR programme under Skill India Mission to prepare students and teachers for AI-ready future.
The Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) programme, launched in July 2025, integrates AI learning into schools. Targeting classes 6–12 and educators, it promotes foundational AI, data literacy, and ethical technology use.

1. Ashok Gehlot confirms INDIA Bloc’s strong unity after meeting RJD leaders; Mahagathbandhan to hold press conference.
Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot highlighted the INDIA Bloc’s unity following discussions with RJD leaders Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav. Alliance strength will be showcased at the upcoming press briefing.

2. Navratri GST reforms bring relief to Ladakh, benefiting artisans, farmers, small enterprises, and supporting sustainable economic growth.
The recent GST rationalisation during Navratri reduces taxes on various products and services in Ladakh. These reforms aim to support artisans, farmers, and small businesses while promoting cultural preservation and economic growth.

3. Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel greeted citizens on Vikram Samvat 2082, urging support for local and self-reliant initiatives.
On the first day of Vikram Samvat 2082, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel extended greetings, wishing prosperity. He encouraged citizens to embrace ‘Har Ghar Swadeshi’ and ‘Vocal for Local’ for Atmanirbhar Bharat.

1. SpaceX disables over 2,500 Starlink devices at Myanmar scam centres amid AFP-reported illicit usage surge
Following a surge in illegal use, SpaceX cut service to more than 2,500 Starlink terminals at Myanmar scam centres. Authorities continued cracking down as people fled major fraud hubs like KK Park.

2. North Korea launches short-range missiles ahead of APEC summit; South Korea, U.S., and Japan enhance monitoring.
North Korea conducted multiple short-range missile launches from Junghwa, covering approximately 350 km. Ahead of the APEC summit in Seoul, South Korea is coordinating with the U.S. and Japan for enhanced monitoring.

3. France raises bird flu alert to high amid outbreaks in wild birds, commercial farms, and backyard flocks.
France increased its bird flu alert to high after outbreaks in wild birds, commercial poultry, and backyard flocks. Authorities are implementing stricter biosecurity, monitoring migratory birds, and controlling farm infections to prevent spread.

4. Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate emphasizes good relations with all nations, including the US, focusing on diplomacy and trade.
Zabihullah Mujahid stated that Afghanistan seeks constructive ties with the US and other countries, prioritizing diplomatic and economic engagement. He also suggested the US consider reopening its embassy in Kabul.

1. BCCI invites bids for Official Partner Rights of Women’s Premier League via a detailed tender process.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) opened quotations for Women’s Premier League Official Partner Rights. Interested entities can access the RFQ after paying a non-refundable fee of ₹1,00,000.

2. Rohit Sharma attends optional training ahead of India’s second ODI against Australia, showing focus after first match.
Ahead of India’s crucial second ODI versus Australia in Adelaide, Rohit Sharma participated in optional practice. Veteran opener and teammates, including KL Rahul and Mohd Siraj, prepared by assessing pitch conditions at the nets.

3. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi initiates advisory review to strengthen Pakistan women’s team performance in ongoing World Cup.
Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has directed a panel to review the women’s team strategies. The initiative aims to identify opportunities for growth and enhance performance in the ongoing Women’s World Cup.

1. Jaguar Land Rover hack cost UK £1.9 billion, impacting over 5,000 organisations, report says
The August cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover, owned by Tata Motors, caused £1.9 billion losses and disrupted over 5,000 UK organisations. Experts warn costs could rise if production recovery delays continue.

2. Meta updates WhatsApp Business API, discontinuing general-purpose AI chatbots like ChatGPT from January 15, 2026.
Starting January 15, 2026, WhatsApp Business API will no longer support general-purpose AI chatbots. ChatGPT, used by over 50 million users for communication and content creation, will comply with the updated policy.

3. Northern Trust beats Wall Street expectations with strong Q3 profit, aided by higher fees and rising market values.
Northern Trust reported higher-than-expected third-quarter profits as market rallies increased asset values and fees. Growth in AI stocks, lower interest rates, and easing trade concerns contributed to the positive performance.

4. Britain grants licence to work with two German subsidiaries of Rosneft, which are under German state control.
The UK issued a special licence allowing businesses to engage with two German subsidiaries of Rosneft. These subsidiaries are under German state control, despite broader sanctions imposed on Russia’s top oil firms.