School Assembly News Headlines: 24 April 2025

National News

1. The World Bank revised India’s growth forecast to 6.3% for 2025-26, citing rising global uncertainty affecting economic performance.

2. Prime Minister Modi cut short his Saudi visit and returned to India after a tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir.

3. Sheikh Al-Issa condemned the Kashmir attack during his meeting with PM Modi, praising India’s values of tolerance and unity in diversity.

4. A terror attack in Pahalgam killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists, prompting increased security and major search operations in the South Kashmir region.

International News

1. President Zelenskiy stated Ukraine is open for talks with Russia once a ceasefire is established, aiming to end the war.

2. The IMF predicts a global economic slowdown as U.S. tariffs on trading partners begin to affect worldwide economic output.

Sports News

1. Koneru Humpy and Zhu Jiner both lead the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2024-25, scoring 6 points after the penultimate round.

2. The six-member Indian Aerobic Gymnastics team is on its way to Tokyo for the Suzuki World Cup from April 25-27.

Business News

1. India’s private sector growth reached an eight-month high in April, driven by strong demand and a rise in foreign orders.

2. US Vice President J.D. Vance emphasised deepening energy and defence ties with India and urged for greater market access for American businesses.

1. World Bank Revises India’s FY 2025-26 GDP Growth Forecast To 6.3% Amid Global Economic Uncertainty
The World Bank lowered India’s GDP growth forecast by 0.4%, citing global instability. The updated projection was published in the South Asia Development Update released on Wednesday.

2. Prime Minister Modi Cuts Short Saudi Visit And Returns To India After Pahalgam Terror Attack In Jammu & Kashmir
Following the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, PM Modi left Jeddah for New Delhi. MEA confirmed his early departure and conclusion of the official Saudi visit.

3. Muslim World League Secretary General Meets PM Modi In Jeddah And Condemns Terror Attack In Jammu & Kashmir
Sheikh Dr Al-Issa expressed condolences and denounced terrorism during his meeting with PM Modi. Both leaders emphasised unity, moderation, and India’s rich tradition of diverse cultural coexistence.

4. At Least 26 Tourists Killed In Pahalgam Terror Attack; Security Heightened Across Kashmir Valley Following Deadly Strike
The deadly attack in Anantnag district left 26 dead. Forces launched a joint combing operation. The Resistance Front claimed responsibility, but official confirmation from the government is still awaited.

5. Centre Accelerates ₹14,096 Crore Infrastructure Projects Across Four Northern States To Enhance Regional Connectivity And Development
Seventeen key infrastructure projects in UP, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttarakhand are under fast-track execution. DPIIT’s high-level meeting reviewed progress and resolved pending implementation challenges with relevant stakeholders.

1. Two-Day International Conclave on “Buddha Dharma and Culture of Northeast India” Concludes in Namsai
The conclave, organised by the Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation, gathered scholars and monks from India and several Asian countries to explore Buddha Dharma’s cultural impact in Northeast India.

2. Heat Wave Prevails in Bihar with Gaya Hitting 43°C, Highest in the State
Bihar witnesses severe heat wave conditions, with Gaya recording a state-high of 43°C. Other regions like Aurangabad and Gopalganj also experience soaring temperatures, raising concerns over public health.

3. Manipur Prepares for Khongjom Day Observance to Honour Heroes of 1891 Anglo-Manipuri War
Manipur commemorates Khongjom Day, a tribute to the brave heroes of the 1891 Anglo-Manipuri War. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla will grace the event, honouring the sacrifice and valour of the warriors.

4. Complete Bandh in Jammu as Protests Erupt Over Killings in Pahalgam Resort
Jammu division witnesses widespread protests following the terror attack in Pahalgam. Various organisations back the bandh call, demanding justice, as security forces are deployed to maintain law and order.

5. Raj Bhavan in Chennai Refutes Misleading Media Reports on Upcoming Conference of Educational Leaders
The Raj Bhavan in Chennai on Wednesday addressed “misleading media reports” regarding the upcoming annual conference of leaders from higher educational institutions, including Central, State, and private universities in Tamil Nadu. The Raj Bhavan clarified that these reports falsely depicted the event as “a power struggle” between the Raj Bhavan and the State government.

1. IMF Reports AI Economic Gains to Boost Global Output by 0.5% Annually from 2025-2030, Despite Rising Carbon Emissions
The IMF forecasts that economic benefits from artificial intelligence will increase global output by 0.5% annually between 2025-2030, although this will be offset by the rising carbon emissions from AI data centres.

2. U.S. Sanctions on Iran’s Energy Sector Signal Lack of Goodwill Ahead of Nuclear Talks
New U.S. sanctions targeting an Iranian liquefied petroleum gas magnate highlight Washington’s continued “maximum pressure” policy, casting doubts on the potential for meaningful dialogue during upcoming Iran-U.S. nuclear talks.

3. World Leaders Express Condolences and Solidarity Following Deadly Pahalgam Terror Attack in Jammu & Kashmir
International leaders, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, offering condolences to the victims’ families and expressing strong solidarity with India during this time of national grief.

4. President Zelenskiy Signals Willingness for Peace Talks with Russia After Ceasefire Agreement
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy stated that Ukraine is prepared for negotiations with Russia once a ceasefire is established, with both sides showing interest in resolving the ongoing conflict that has entered its fourth year.

5. IMF Warns of Global Economic Slowdown as U.S. Tariffs on Trade Partners Begin to Impact Markets
The IMF predicts a global economic slowdown as U.S. President Trump’s steep tariffs on nearly all trading partners start to take effect, while negotiations with 34 countries on tariff reductions continue.

1. Sri Lanka Announces 17-Member Women’s Squad for ODI Tri-Series Against India and South Africa Starting April 27
Sri Lanka names a 17-member squad for the ODI tri-series against India and South Africa. Chamari Athapaththu leads the team, making eight changes from their previous squad.

2. Indian Aerobic Gymnastics Team Leaves for Suzuki Aerobics Gymnastics World Cup 2025 in Tokyo from April 25-27
India’s six-member aerobic gymnastics team departs for the Suzuki Aerobics World Cup in Tokyo, accompanied by coaches and judges, from April 25-27, organised by FIG and the International Aerobics Federation.

3. India Finishes Third in ISSF World Cup Peru Leg, Winning Seven Medals Including Two Golds and Four Silvers
India claims third place in the ISSF World Cup in Peru, winning seven medals: two gold, four silver, and one bronze, with Simranpreet Kaur Brar winning her first-ever silver at the event.

4. Koneru Humpy and Zhu Jiner Lead FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2024-25 With 6 Points After 8th Round in Pune
Koneru Humpy and Zhu Jiner jointly lead the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2024-25 in Pune with 6 points after the 8th round, with Divya Deshmukh in third place with 5 points.

1. India’s Private Sector Growth Reaches Eight-Month High in April, Driven by Robust Foreign Orders for Manufactured Goods
India’s private sector growth rose to an eight-month high in April, fueled by strong demand and a surge in foreign orders, but business confidence showed signs of softening amidst global challenges.

2. US Vice President J.D. Vance Pushes for Stronger Energy and Defence Ties with India, Calls for Greater Market Access
On his four-day visit to India, US Vice President J.D. Vance advocated for deeper energy and defence ties and urged India to remove non-tariff barriers, enhancing market access for American businesses.

3. Centre Accelerates 17 Major Infrastructure Projects Across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttarakhand Worth ₹14,096 Crore
The Indian government is fast-tracking 17 major infrastructure projects worth ₹14,096 crore across key states, aiming to enhance development and overcome project execution challenges through strategic reviews.

4. Indian Stock Markets Extend Rally for Seventh Straight Session, IT Stocks Lead Surge Despite Banking Sector Weakness
Indian stock markets rallied for the seventh consecutive session, primarily driven by strong gains in IT stocks, while banking sector pressures briefly pulled back the Sensex, which ended with a significant gain.

5. Global Economic Growth Faces Slowdown as US Tariffs Impact Trade Partners, IMF Warns of Economic Slowdown Ahead
The IMF forecasts slower global economic output due to the effects of US President Trump’s steep tariffs, as trade negotiations intensify, with hopes of a trade deal to reduce tariffs and boost market confidence.