School Assembly News Headlines: 26 May 2025

National News

1. Lalu Prasad expels son Tej Pratap from RJD for six years, citing irresponsible behaviour amid family value controversies.

2. India surpasses Japan to become world’s fourth-largest economy; aims to overtake Germany within three years, says NITI Aayog.

3. India to join BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting in Brazil to enhance cultural cooperation and heritage preservation initiatives.

4. India Sees Spike in Covid-19 Cases; INSACOG Confirms Detection of New Variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 in May

International News

1. US report reveals Pakistan modernising nuclear arsenal with China’s support, maintaining India as key threat amid border tensions.

2. Russia and Ukraine finalise major prisoner swap despite intense Russian drone attacks on Kyiv, signalling fragile wartime cooperation.

Sports News

1. India’s junior women’s hockey team opens Four Nations Tournament with thrilling 2-1 win over Chile in Rosario, Argentina.

2. French Open 2024 begins in Paris; Indian doubles players Bopanna, Bhambri, Balaji, and Rithvik set for intense competition.

Business News

1. Government to audit legal aid schemes ending in 2026, focusing on effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability for continued justice access.

2. Report reveals 74% of employees prefer lower salaries with stronger long-term benefits amid rising living costs and workforce shifts.

1. Lalu Prasad Expels Son Tej Pratap from RJD for Six Years over Irresponsible Behaviour and Family Value Violation
Lalu Prasad Yadav expelled his elder son Tej Pratap Yadav from RJD for six years. He cited irresponsible behaviour. Tej Pratap claimed his controversial Facebook post was due to hacking.

2. India Becomes Fourth-Largest Economy, Surpassing Japan; Set to Overtake Germany Within Three Years: NITI Aayog
India has overtaken Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy. It now aims to surpass Germany within three years. NITI Aayog confirmed India’s economy stands at USD 4 trillion.

3. India to Join BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting in Brazil to Strengthen Cultural Ties and Heritage Preservation Initiatives
India will participate in the BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting in Brazil. Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will represent India. The event promotes cultural cooperation, joint projects, and heritage preservation among BRICS nations.

4. Container Ship MSC Elsa 3 Sinks Off Kochi Coast Despite Rescue Efforts; Coast Guard Begins Oil Spill Containment
The MSC Elsa 3 sank off Kochi coast despite joint rescue efforts. It carried hazardous cargo. Coast Guard launched operations to prevent an oil spill after the ship’s dangerous tilt.

5. Shashi Tharoor-Led Delegation Visits 9/11 Memorial, Pays Tribute and Stresses Global Unity Against Terrorism
An Indian all-party delegation visited the 9/11 Memorial. Led by Shashi Tharoor, they paid tribute and emphasised the need for global unity against terrorism. The visit was deeply emotional.

6. Covid-19 Cases Surge Across India as New Variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 Detected, Health Authorities Urge Caution
Covid-19 cases are rising in India, with two new variants—NB.1.8.1 in Tamil Nadu and LF.7 in multiple states—raising concerns, according to data from INSACOG.

1. PM Modi Praises Andhra’s ‘YogAndhraAbhiyan’ and Confirms Participation in International Yoga Day in Visakhapatnam
PM Modi praised Andhra Pradesh’s yoga initiative during Mann Ki Baat. He confirmed attending International Yoga Day in Visakhapatnam. The campaign aims to build a yoga-practicing community of 10 lakh people.

2. Amit Shah’s Maharashtra Visit Boosts BJP-Led MahaYuti Ahead of Local Polls Amid Supreme Court’s Four-Month Directive
Union Minister Amit Shah’s three-day visit boosts BJP-led MahaYuti’s poll preparations. Supreme Court directed local body elections in four months. State Election Commission is yet to declare the schedule.

3. Sacred Hemkund Sahib Shrine Opens in Uttarakhand with Traditional Rituals, Welcomes Thousands of Devotees
Hemkund Sahib, a key Sikh pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand, opened today. Around 3,000 devotees witnessed traditional rituals during the spiritual and emotional reopening in Chamoli district.

4. Election Commission Announces Bypolls in Five States; Voting on June 19, Counting on June 23
Bypolls to five Assembly constituencies in Gujarat, Kerala, Punjab, and West Bengal will be held on June 19. Counting takes place on June 23. Nominations close by June 2.

4. Tiranga Rallies in Maharashtra Celebrate Patriotism and Honour National Heroes with Grand Tributes
Maharashtra held Tiranga Rallies in districts like Beed and Solapur. Leaders paid tribute to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Citizens celebrated unity and remembered the sacrifices of India’s national heroes.

1. Pakistan Upgrading Nuclear Arsenal with Chinese Help; Views India as Major Threat: US Intelligence Report
A US intelligence report says Pakistan is modernising its nuclear weapons with China’s help. It still sees India as a threat. Cross-border tensions and defence upgrades remain key priorities.

2. Russia, Ukraine Swap Hundreds of Prisoners in Final Phase of Exchange Amid Drone Attacks on Kyiv
Russia and Ukraine completed a major prisoner swap. This rare cooperation came just hours after a Russian drone-missile attack hit Kyiv and nearby regions, highlighting ongoing war tensions.

3. Russia and Ukraine Complete Largest Prisoner Swap Since War Began, Exchanging 1,000 Captives Each Over Three Days
Russia and Ukraine exchanged 1,000 prisoners each in their biggest swap yet. The three-day exchange included 303 captives on Sunday, involving prisoners of war and 120 civilians per side.

4. Iranian Director Jafar Panahi Wins Palme d’Or at Cannes for Film ‘It Was Just an Accident’
Jafar Panahi won Cannes’ top prize for his film. Known for defying Iran’s government, he received a standing ovation. He highlighted freedom of expression and personal rights in his speech.

5. GST Deepens Poverty in Pakistan While Cash Transfers Help Reduce Inequality, Says World Bank Study
A World Bank study shows Pakistan’s GST worsens poverty. Poor households spend over 7% income on it. In contrast, monthly cash transfers effectively reduce inequality and support the vulnerable.

1. India Beats Chile 2-1 in Junior Women’s Hockey Four Nations Tournament Opener Held in Rosario, Argentina
India’s junior women’s hockey team defeated Chile 2-1. Sukhveer Kaur and Kanika Siwach scored for India after Chile led the match. Victory came in the final moments.

2. French Open 2024 Begins in Paris; India’s Bopanna, Bhambri, Balaji, and Rithvik Ready for Men’s Doubles Action
French Open kicks off in Paris. Rohan Bopanna, Yuki Bhambri, N. Sriram Balaji, and Rithvik Choudary will play men’s doubles. Bopanna teams up with Czech player Adam Pavlásek.

3. Kidambi Srikanth Finishes Runner-Up at Malaysia Masters, Losing to China’s Shi Feng Li in Men’s Singles Final
India’s Kidambi Srikanth lost to world No. 4 Shi Feng Li in straight sets at Malaysia Masters final. He earlier won a tough semifinal against Tanaka.

4. Hockey India Masters Cup 2025 Announced for Veterans; Hosted in Chennai from June 18 to 27
The first Hockey India Masters Cup will be held in Chennai next month. Players must be 40+ for men, 35+ for women. It celebrates veteran hockey talent.

5. Novak Djokovic Becomes Third Male Player to Win 100 ATP Tour Titles After Geneva Open Victory
Novak Djokovic won the Geneva Open final, reaching 100 career ATP titles. He joined Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer in this elite Open Era milestone.

1. Government to Conduct Independent Audit of Legal Aid Schemes Ending in 2026 for Effectiveness and Sustainability
The government will audit legal aid schemes like DISHA to assess their impact. The review aims to ensure these programs can continue effectively after 2026.

2. Report Shows 74% Employees Prefer Lower Salary for Stronger Long-Term Benefits Amid Rising Living Costs
A recent report reveals many workers favor long-term benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans over higher immediate salaries due to increasing living expenses.

3. Union Minister Jitendra Singh Praises India’s Rise as World’s Fourth Largest Economy, Credits PM Modi’s Leadership
India has overtaken Japan to become the fourth-largest economy globally. Minister Jitendra Singh thanked PM Modi, highlighting the country’s rapid economic growth and future potential.

4. Northeast Investors Summit 2025 Secures ₹4.3 Lakh Crore Investments with New Institutional Framework
The summit attracted ₹4.3 lakh crore investments. Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced eight sectoral verticals led by Chief Ministers to ensure MoU implementation across states.

5. CII Proposes Centralised Oversight Mechanism for Tribunals to Improve Monitoring and Grievance Redressal
CII suggests legislative changes to create a central body for tribunals. This body would monitor performance, coordinate selections, build capacity, and handle grievances independently.

1. Heavy rain and thunderstorms cause waterlogging and traffic jams in Delhi-NCR. IMD issues red alert for safety.
Delhi-NCR experienced heavy rain and thunderstorms on May 25. Waterlogging disrupted traffic. IMD warned residents with a red alert. People advised to take precautions during severe weather.

2. Kerala receives heavy rainfall as monsoon nears. IMD issues red alert for multiple districts.
Kerala faced intense rainfall amid approaching monsoon. Several districts under red alert by IMD. Continuous downpours expected. Monsoon onset likely within two days. Residents urged to stay alert and safe.

3. Heat wave continues in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh despite rain in other parts of India.
Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh remain under severe heat wave conditions. High temperatures and hot winds persist. IMD maintains heat wave warnings. People advised to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities.

4. Konkan, Goa, and coastal Karnataka receive very heavy rainfall. IMD warns of flooding risks.
Heavy rain hits Konkan, Goa, and coastal Karnataka due to Arabian Sea low pressure. Flood risks increase. IMD forecasts more rainfall this week. Authorities prepare for possible flooding events.

5. Isolated heavy rainfall hits Bihar. Northeast India experiences thunderstorms with gusty winds and lightning.
Bihar saw isolated heavy rain on May 25. Northeastern states like Assam and Meghalaya had widespread storms. Thunderstorms brought gusty winds and lightning. Weather expected to remain unsettled in these regions.