School Assembly News Headlines: 29 April 2025

National News

1. India and the US are planning to address non-tariff barriers by signing side letters outside the main trade agreement.

2. The Central Board of Direct Taxes has granted tax exemption to the National Mission for Clean Ganga under the Income Tax Act.

3. India topped the Asian Yogasana Sport Championship in Delhi by winning 83 gold medals and finishing ahead of Japan and others.

4. India banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, with 63 million subscribers, for spreading sensitive content after the Pahalgam terror attack.

International News

1. The Swiss president visited the US about trade tariffs, while the Swiss foreign minister discussed stronger ties with China in Beijing.

2. Israel launched an air strike on Beirut’s suburbs, targeting Hezbollah’s missile store, despite a ceasefire agreement made five months ago.

Sports News

1. RBI Governor said India offers strong growth, stability, and good opportunities for investors during global uncertainties caused by tariff-related risks.

2. Despite Tanisha Crasto and Shruti Mishra’s win, India lost 4-1 to Denmark in a disappointing Sudirman Cup badminton match.

Business News

1. Dubai is leading the UAE’s efforts to become a global power in artificial intelligence and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

2. Jamshedpur FC reached the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 semi-finals after a thrilling 5-4 penalty shootout win over North East United.

1. India’s industrial output rises 3% in March 2025, showing signs of recovery but still trailing last year’s growth pace.
India’s industrial production picked up with 3% growth in March 2025. Manufacturing led the improvement, though overall performance remained lower compared to the stronger 5.5% growth seen last year.

2. India, US aim to resolve non-tariff barriers with “side letters” outside the formal bilateral trade agreement framework.
India and the US are working on “side letters” to tackle issues like data protection and quality control. This flexible approach could smoothen ties without holding up bigger trade talks.

3. CBDT grants tax exemption to National Mission for Clean Ganga under Income Tax Act, boosting the Namami Gange programme.
The CBDT has officially given tax-exempt status to the National Mission for Clean Ganga, strengthening its work under the Namami Gange scheme. The exemption was notified on April 22, 2025.

4. India shines at Asian Yogasana Sport Championship, grabbing 83 golds and topping the medal tally with an impressive finish.
India dominated the Asian Yogasana Sport Championship in Delhi, winning 83 gold medals. The hosts stayed well ahead of Japan and Mongolia, showing yogasana’s rising popularity as a competitive sport.

5. India bans 16 Pakistani YouTube channels with 63 million subscribers for spreading provocative content after Pahalgam terror attack.
Sixteen Pakistani YouTube channels, including major outlets like Geo News and ARY News, have been banned in India. The move follows concerns over provocative content after the Pahalgam terror attack.

6. India likely to seek US easing of export controls, access to critical technologies under proposed bilateral trade agreement.
India plans to push for easier access to critical tech sectors like AI, semiconductors, and biotech from the US. It also seeks duty cuts for key labour-intensive industries in the pact.

7. CBDT orders stricter action against black money, targets Rs. 2.4 lakh crore recovery through search and seizure operations.
The Income Tax Department has been asked to intensify black money crackdowns. CBDT aims to recover Rs. 2.4 lakh crore through targeted search operations by March 2026 under a new strategy.

8. India signs deal with France to procure 26 Rafale Marine jets, boosting Navy strength with advanced fighter aircraft.
India signed a defence deal with France to buy 26 Rafale Marine jets. These jets will strengthen the Navy and will be deployed on aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant and Vikramaditya.

9. India-France defence deal for 26 Rafale Marine jets signed, valued over Rs 63,000 crore, boosting naval capabilities.
India and France finalised a Rs 63,000 crore deal for Rafale Marine jets. The signing ceremony in Delhi saw top defence officials and marks a big boost for naval aviation strength.

10. India lifts 171 million people out of extreme poverty between 2011-12 and 2022-23, says World Bank report.
According to the World Bank, India’s extreme poverty rate dropped from 16.2% to 2.3%. This remarkable progress lifted 171 million people above the global extreme poverty benchmark during the period.

1. Jammu and Kashmir Assembly passes resolution condemning Pahalgam terrorist attack and paying homage to victims during special session.
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly passed a resolution condemning the Pahalgam terrorist attack. It highlighted the assault on the values of unity, peace, and ‘Kashmiriyat.’

2. Punjab farmer forums demand exclusion of state government from upcoming meeting.
KMM and Sanyukt Kisan Morcha in Punjab requested the Centre to exclude the state government from the May 4th meeting, citing insult and resentment after arrests following talks.

3. Telangana Appoints K. Ramakrishna Rao as New Chief Secretary
Telangana state Government has appointed K. Ramakrishna Rao as the Chief Secretary, replacing A. Santhi Kumari, who is retiring at the end of this month. Ramakrishna Rao was selected due to his efficiency and experience, despite being one of six officials in the race for the position.

4. UP CM Yogi Adityanath Inspects Ganga Expressway Construction, Prioritises Timely Completion
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inspected the under-construction Ganga Expressway on Sunday and instructed the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) and construction agencies to complete the project within the stipulated timeline, ensuring the highest quality standards.

5. Delhi Government to Distribute Ayushman Bharat Cards to Senior Citizens
The Delhi government will distribute Ayushman Bharat cards to eligible senior citizens, aged 70 years and above, under the Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana at the Thyagaraj Stadium on Monday. Every registered senior citizen will receive a unique health card under the scheme.

1. Swiss President and Foreign Minister Engage in Key Diplomacy with US and China Amid Trade Tensions
While the Swiss President lobbied in Washington on President Trump’s threatened tariffs, the Swiss Foreign Minister was in Beijing, seeking stronger cooperation and an upgraded free trade agreement.

2. Israel Launches Airstrike on Hezbollah Site in Beirut Despite Ceasefire
Israel carried out an airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs, targeting a Hezbollah missile storage facility, claiming the site posed a direct threat to Israel’s security, despite a five-month ceasefire.

3. Japan and Vietnam Strengthen Trade Ties Amid Global Trade Uncertainty
Japan and Vietnam committed to boosting bilateral trade and upholding global trade rules, with Japan’s Prime Minister visiting Hanoi to discuss trade while both countries seek to avoid US tariffs.

4. Putin Acknowledges Contribution of North Korean Troops in Defending Russia’s Kursk Region
Russian President Putin recognised the efforts of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces in Kursk, praising their heroism, specialised training, and commitment to defending Russian territory.

5. EU GSP+ Monitoring Mission to Assess Sri Lanka’s Compliance with Trade Requirements
The EU GSP+ Monitoring Mission is set to conduct a biannual review in Sri Lanka, evaluating the country’s adherence to trade obligations under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus.

1. RBI Governor Highlights India’s Stability Amid Global Economic Uncertainties
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra emphasised India’s strong economic growth, stability, and investment potential, citing its robust macroeconomic fundamentals and policy consistency amidst global tariff-related risks.

2. India Faces Setback in Sudirman Cup with 4-1 Loss to Denmark
India’s badminton team suffered a 4-1 defeat to Denmark in the Sudirman Cup, with Tanisha Crasto and Shruti Mishra winning in women’s doubles, but the day highlighted challenges for Indian players.

3. Indian Government Blocks Pakistani YouTube Channels Following Pahalgam Terror Attack
The Indian government blocked YouTube channels of former Pakistani cricketers Shoaib Akhtar and Basit Ali, citing national security concerns after the Pahalgam terror attacks, along with 16 other Pakistani channels.

4. Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa Wins 45th London Marathon, Sets New Women’s-Only Record
Tigst Assefa set a new women’s-only world record by winning the London Marathon, though her time was 25 seconds slower than the mixed-race course record set by Paula Radcliffe in 2003.

5. Olympic Gold Medalist Alex Yee Competes in London Marathon Despite Challenges
Triathlon gold medalist Alex Yee faced tough moments during his London Marathon debut but still finished 14th overall and second among British athletes, calling it an unforgettable experience.

1. Dubai’s Vision for the Future: AI-driven Tech Economy Amidst Ambitious Growth Plans
Dubai stands at the forefront of the UAE’s ambition to become a global leader in artificial intelligence. The city’s tech-driven aspirations are reflected in its rapidly growing infrastructure, setting the stage for a future beyond fossil fuels.

2. Jamshedpur FC Triumphs in Penalty Shootout to Reach Kalinga Super Cup Semifinals
Jamshedpur FC secured a 5-4 penalty shootout victory over North East United FC. The match, which ended in a draw after regular time, saw Jamshedpur advance to the semi-finals of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025.

3. India’s Industrial Activity Shows Positive Growth, With a 3% Rise in March 2025
India’s industrial activity continued its recovery, with the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) showing a 3% growth in March 2025. This increase indicates a bounce back from February’s lower growth of 2.9%.

4. Indian Government Sets Up Committee to Formulate National Manufacturing Mission
The Indian government has created an inter-ministerial committee under Niti Aayog CEO B V R Subrahmanyam. This initiative is part of the broader national manufacturing mission announced in the 2025 Budget to promote the ‘Make in India’ program.

5. Foreign Portfolio Investors Inject ₹17,425 Crore into Indian Equities Amid Market Movements
Foreign investors infused ₹17,425 crore into Indian equities between April 21 and 25. Despite earlier withdrawals, FPIs show continued interest, reflecting confidence in India’s equity market despite fluctuating conditions.

1. The Ministry of Education holds meetings to ensure smooth conduct of NEET-UG 2024, which will be held nationwide on May 4.
The Ministry of Education is coordinating with district magistrates and police to ensure no disruptions in NEET-UG 2024. The medical entrance exam will take place on May 4 across 5,000 centres.

2. Druk Padma Karpo School, famed as ‘Rancho’s School,’ finally receives CBSE affiliation after a 20-year wait since Ladakh’s UT status.
Druk Padma Karpo School in Ladakh, featured in 3 Idiots as “Rancho’s School,” has secured CBSE affiliation after two decades of attempts. The school had previously been affiliated with JKBOSE.

3. Rajasthan Police begins recruitment for 9,617 constable positions. Interested candidates can apply online through the official recruitment portal.
Rajasthan Police initiates the recruitment process to fill 9,617 constable vacancies. Candidates can apply via the official website after reading the eligibility criteria and submitting their forms online.

4. NBEMS starts FMGE June 2025 registration. Online process begins today at 3 pm, closing on May 17. Exam on July 26.
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences begins the FMGE June 2025 session registration today at 3 pm. Registration ends on May 17, with the exam on July 26 and results by August 26.

5. The University of Strathclyde offers a scholarship for international postgraduate science students, with awards ranging from £7,000 to £8,000.
The University of Strathclyde’s Faculty of Science offers a scholarship for international students enrolling in on-campus master’s programmes in September 2025. Scholarships range from £7,000 to £8,000 based on eligibility.