School Assembly News Headlines: 25 July  2025

1. Modi, Starmer to sign India-UK FTA and Vision 2035, signal strategic shift in trade, defence and innovation ties
India and UK will sign an FTA and Vision 2035 to boost defence, trade, and innovation. The deal offers duty-free access to Indian goods and unlocks $23 billion in opportunities, marking a major diplomatic milestone.

2. Supreme Court stays use of 7/11 blast acquittal as precedent in MCOCA trials, pending final verdict
The Supreme Court stayed the Bombay High Court’s acquittal of 12 accused in the 2006 Mumbai train blasts from being used as precedent in other MCOCA trials. Maharashtra sought interim protection, citing ongoing cases.

3. India plans bullet train expansion beyond Mumbai-Ahmedabad, NHSRCL begins work on Detailed Project Reports
The NHSRCL has started preparing DPRs to expand India’s bullet train network beyond the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed active plans to extend high-speed rail projects across multiple corridors nationwide.

4. India achieves 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025, five years early, saving ₹1.36 lakh crore in crude imports
Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced India met its 20% ethanol blending target in 2025, ahead of the 2030 goal. This shift has improved energy security, saved ₹1.36 lakh crore in imports, and boosted clean energy.

5. India resumes tourist visas for Chinese nationals after five years, applications open via online process and in-person submission
India has restarted issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens after five years. Applicants must apply online, book appointments, and submit documents at visa centres in Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou.

1. Tejashwi Yadav hints at possible poll boycott over electoral roll discrepancies, says issue to be discussed with INDIA bloc allies
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav raised concerns over errors in Bihar’s electoral rolls, suggesting a possible boycott of upcoming polls. He said discussions will be held with allies and the public.

2. Manipur issues alert on illegal immigrant influx, follows Nagaland’s lead amid regional evictions and cross-border concerns
Manipur has issued a vigilance memo over illegal immigrant influx, citing unrest in neighbouring countries, following Nagaland’s similar order linked to Assam’s ongoing eviction drives and displacement fears.

3. Telangana districts hit by extreme rainfall, DDRF on alert as flooding disrupts roads and daily life
Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall lashed Telangana, flooding roads and streams. Mulugu and Asifabad districts were worst hit, with over 230 mm rainfall. Authorities issued alerts and enforced emergency response measures.

4. Karkadaka Vavu Bali rituals begin in Kerala, devotees offer prayers to ancestors at rivers and coastal sites
Kerala observes Karkadaka Vavu Bali today, a sacred ritual honoring ancestors. Devotees gather at rivers and beaches like Aluva, Varkala, and Shangumukham to perform mass offerings on the Amavasya day.

5. 22nd batch of 3,500 Amarnath pilgrims leaves Jammu under tight security for holy cave shrine
Amid high security, the 22nd batch of 3,500 pilgrims departed from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar base camp in 140 vehicles to reach the Amarnath Cave Shrine in Kashmir valley early this morning.

1. Russian passenger plane with 49 on board crashes near Tynda in Amur region, all passengers including children feared dead
A Siberia-based Angara airline plane crashed near Tynda in Russia’s Amur region, carrying 49 people including five children. The aircraft vanished from radar; all onboard are feared dead, officials confirmed.

2. UAE Central Bank to end SMS and email OTPs by March 2026, mandates stronger digital authentication for financial transactions
CBUAE has directed all financial institutions to stop using SMS and email OTPs by March 2026, shifting to biometric and secure mobile-based authentication to strengthen digital banking safety.

3. Thailand launches airstrikes on Cambodia amid escalating border tensions, both nations downgrade diplomatic ties
Thailand conducted airstrikes on Cambodian military positions after border clashes and a Thai soldier’s injury. Cambodia vowed a firm response as both nations downgraded ties, marking a serious regional escalation.

4. Iran to receive IAEA technical team in 2–3 weeks, indirect US-Iran nuclear talks remain a possibility
Iran will receive an IAEA technical delegation in 2–3 weeks to assess nuclear site damages. Deputy FM Gharibabadi confirmed future US-Iran nuclear negotiations, if any, will be held indirectly.

5. Trump unveils AI action plan to boost US dominance, signs orders to ease rules and promote AI exports
President Trump launched a major AI strategy. He signed executive orders to cut regulations, speed up supercomputer projects, and push US-made AI technologies globally. The goal is to lead in AI innovation.

1. IOA ends feud, ratifies CEO Raghuram Iyer’s appointment and forms anti-doping panel amid 2036 Olympic bid push
The Indian Olympic Association ratified CEO Raghuram Iyer’s appointment, ending internal dispute. It also set up a panel to address doping concerns raised by the IOC during India’s 2036 Olympic bid discussions.

2. Rishabh Pant becomes first wicketkeeper to score 1,000+ Test runs in an away country, injured during fourth England Test
Rishabh Pant made history in Manchester by crossing 1,000 Test runs abroad, a first for a wicketkeeper. He retired hurt after scoring 37*, following a foot injury that required a scan.

3. India’s sports market projected to grow at 10–12% CAGR till 2030, currently valued at USD 52 billion
CareEdge Ratings reports India’s sports market is worth USD 52 billion. Core sectors contribute USD 31 billion. Growth to 2030 will be driven by government support and rising fitness interest.

4. Divya Deshmukh beats ex-world champion, becomes first Indian woman to reach Candidates’ tournament in FIDE World Chess Cup
Divya Deshmukh defeated China’s Zhongyi Tan 1.5-0.5 in the semifinals of the FIDE Women’s World Chess Cup, making history as the first Indian woman to enter the Candidates’ tournament.

5. FIDE allows Russian team in 2025 Women’s World Team Championship under neutral flag, sparks global debate
FIDE approved Russian athletes’ participation under its flag, without national symbols, for the 2025 Women’s World Team Championship. The move, taken at its July 18 council meeting, has triggered controversy.

1. ED raids 35+ locations linked to Anil Ambani in money laundering probe against Reliance Anil Ambani Group companies
The ED searched over 35 premises in Mumbai tied to Anil Ambani in a money laundering case. Based on CBI FIRs, ED suspects a planned scheme to siphon public funds.

2. India rejects EU proposal on capital flow controls in FTA talks, cites concerns over economic sovereignty during crises
India has opposed an EU proposal in ongoing FTA talks that would allow the bloc a say in capital flow decisions. Officials say it could restrict India’s crisis-time financial autonomy.

3. Income Tax Department uses AI to track taxpayer behaviour and flag suspicious claims, says CBDT Chairman
CBDT Chairman Ravi Agrawal said AI is now monitoring taxpayer activity, high-value transactions, and suspicious PANs to build a 360-degree financial profile and detect inconsistencies in tax filings.

4. Trump announces 15–50% baseline tariffs on all imports, targets nations with strained US ties
At an AI summit in Washington, Trump declared new tariffs ranging from 15% to 50% on all imports. Higher rates will apply to countries with poor diplomatic relations with the US.

5. UK minister says FTA and Vision 2035 will boost defence and innovation ties between India and UK
UK Cabinet Minister David Lammy told PTI that the upcoming FTA and Vision 2035 will open new opportunities to enhance defence cooperation and drive innovation between India and the UK.

1. Sikkim Faces 29% Rainfall Deficit This Season, IMD Data Shows
The Indian Meteorological Department reported that Sikkim received 561.3 mm of rainfall from June 1, marking a 29% shortfall compared to the seasonal average. IMD data shows Gyalshing received only 453.5 mm rainfall, 44% below normal. Gangtok also saw a 35% deficit, receiving 691.6 mm.

2. Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Forecast for New Zealand’s Northland and Tasman Districts
MetService has issued alerts for flood-prone areas in New Zealand, warning of heavy rain and strong winds from early next week, especially on July 29. Meteorologist Devlin Lynden said the recent cold spell with frost and snow will shift to warmer, unstable weather starting this weekend.