School Assembly News Headlines: 29 August 2025 

National News

1. US imposes additional 25% tariffs on Indian exports, total duty reaches 50%, escalating tensions in bilateral trade relations

2. Jan Dhan Yojana marks 11 years with 56 crore accounts, significantly advancing financial inclusion and economic empowerment nationwide

3. Xi Jinping writes to President Murmu, seeks improved India-China ties while cautioning against US-linked agreements affecting China

4. Russian oil exports to India rise in September as refinery damage prompts discounted shipments, India becomes top buyer despite criticism

International News

1. US Department of Homeland Security proposes ending “duration of status” for foreign students, imposing fixed stays and USCIS extensions

2. Magnitude 5.3 earthquake jolts Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad, tremors felt widely, epicentre confirmed in Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan

Sports News 

1. Rajgir to host Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025, leveraging historic Buddhist heritage and infrastructure to boost sports-tourism integration

2. Indian boxers win 26 medals at 3rd “Belt and Road” International Youth Boxing Gala in Xinjiang, China

Business News

1. US tariffs threaten nearly one-fourth of India’s textile exports, while cotton duty-free import extension provides temporary relief

2. Infosys partners with Mastercard to integrate Finacle and Mastercard Move, enabling faster cross-border money movement for financial institutions

1. US imposes additional 25% tariff on Indian exports, raising total levy to 50%, sparking tense trade standoff
The Trump administration enforced a new 25% tariff on Indian exports, raising duties to 50%. US officials expressed concerns yet voiced optimism that negotiations may eventually ease tensions between both nations.

2. India’s Jan Dhan Yojana completes 11 years with 56 crore accounts, driving financial inclusion and economic empowerment nationwide
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that over 56 crore Jan Dhan accounts were opened in 11 years, highlighting the scheme’s role in financial inclusion, DBT delivery, savings, and credit accessibility.

3. Xi Jinping writes to President Murmu, signals interest in improving India-China ties while cautioning against US-linked deals
Chinese President Xi Jinping conveyed a letter to President Droupadi Murmu, expressing willingness to improve ties while warning against US agreements harming China’s interests. The message was also conveyed to Prime Minister Modi.

4. Russian oil exports to India surge in September as producers cut prices after refinery damage from Ukrainian drone strikes
Traders report rising Russian oil shipments to India in September, following refinery disruptions from Ukrainian drone attacks. India, now Russia’s largest buyer, benefits from discounted crude despite criticism from the United States.

5. Sensex falls 600 points, Nifty drops sharply as US tariffs on India trigger early market volatility and recovery
Indian markets reacted to new US tariffs with Sensex plunging 600 points and Nifty 205 points early. Both indices later recovered partially but remained lower, reflecting investor caution amid trade tensions.

1. Jammu-Srinagar National Highway closed third day after heavy rains trigger multiple landslides, stranding over 600 vehicles
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained shut for a third day due to landslides in Udhampur-Ramban belt. Over 600 vehicles are stranded, with complete traffic restrictions imposed on the 250-kilometre stretch.

2. Tripura completes full electrification of 271 km railway track, paving way for electric trains under national railway grid
Tripura State Electricity Corporation achieved 100% electrification of 271 km railway track under a ₹46 crore project launched in 2022, enabling future electric locomotive operations and connecting the state with India’s grid.

3. NHRC issues notices to Rajasthan officials over 26-year-old woman’s death allegedly caused by medical negligence post-delivery
The National Human Rights Commission took suo motu cognisance of media reports, seeking a detailed two-week report from Rajasthan authorities after a 26-year-old woman reportedly died due to medical negligence post-delivery.

4. Heavy rains disrupt life in Telangana as Kamareddy, Medak and Nirmal witness highest rainfall, causing widespread inconvenience
Incessant rainfall across Telangana disrupted daily life, with Kamareddy, Medak, and Nirmal most affected. Ramareddy recorded 149.8 mm, while Thumpally in Nizamabad received 149.5 mm, leading to severe waterlogging and hardship.

1. UN Security Council to vote on resolution ending UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in Lebanon by December 2026
The UN Security Council scheduled a vote on ending UNIFIL’s four-decade mission in southern Lebanon by December 2026. Diplomats confirmed US acceptance of France’s draft resolution, extending operations for 16 months.

2. US proposes rule ending duration of status for foreign students, requiring fixed stay periods and USCIS extensions
The US Department of Homeland Security proposed replacing the duration of status system with fixed four-year stays for foreign students, requiring USCIS extensions, biometric submissions, and fresh applications for longer academic programs.

3. Magnitude 5.3 earthquake strikes Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad; tremors felt across multiple regions, epicentre in Hindu Kush
A 5.3 magnitude earthquake hit Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad, with tremors felt in several districts and Gilgit Baltistan. The Pakistan Meteorological Department identified the epicentre in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region.

4. US House panel criticises Trump’s tariff hike on India, accuses administration of unfairly sparing China despite Russian oil imports
The US House Foreign Affairs Committee (Democrats) condemned Trump’s decision to double tariffs on India, alleging selective targeting while sparing China, despite Beijing’s significantly higher Russian oil imports, straining bilateral relations.

1. Rajgir emerges as sports-tourism hub, hosting Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025 amid historic Buddhist heritage and cultural revival
Rajgir, Bihar’s ancient city near Patna, is set to host the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025. Combining sports infrastructure with Buddhist heritage, including Nalanda University, it aims to strengthen sports-tourism integration.

2. Indian boxers secure 26 medals at 3rd “Belt and Road” International Youth Boxing Gala in Xinjiang, China
India’s 58-member contingent impressed at the 3rd “Belt and Road” International Youth Boxing Gala in Xinjiang, winning 26 medals. The squad included 20 boys and 20 girls in the under-17 category.

3. India aim for World Cup qualification at Men’s Asia Cup Hockey, opening campaign against lower-ranked China on Friday
Three-time champions India begin their Men’s Asia Cup Hockey campaign against China, seeking World Cup qualification. Placed in Pool A with Japan and Kazakhstan, they face stiff competition from South Korea-led Pool B.

4. RCB breaks 84-day silence on social media, launches “RCB Cares” after victory parade stampede incident
IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru resumed social media activity after 84 days, announcing RCB Cares. The franchise had paused posts since June 5, following the tragic stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium.

1. US tariffs threaten India’s textile exports, impacting one-fourth shipments; cotton duty-free import extension offers temporary relief
Experts warn US tariffs could hit nearly 25% of India’s textile exports within six months. However, extended duty-free cotton imports and reoriented strategies under FTAs may help offset losses and sustain industry.

2. Infosys partners with Mastercard to integrate Finacle with Mastercard Move, enabling faster cross-border money movement for institutions
Infosys announced a partnership with Mastercard to integrate Finacle with Mastercard Move, streamlining cross-border money movement. The collaboration enables financial institutions quicker access without extensive resources typically required for integration projects.

3. Indian professional services firm SARC enters US market with California launch, plans global expansion across multiple financial hubs
SARC inaugurated operations in California, marking its US entry. Chairman Sunil Kumar Gupta outlined plans to expand further into Japan, Singapore, Germany, Netherlands, France, Poland, and South Korea over five to seven years.

4. Indian professional services firm SARC enters US market with California launch, plans global expansion across multiple financial hubs
SARC inaugurated operations in California, marking its US entry. Chairman Sunil Kumar Gupta outlined plans to expand further into Japan, Singapore, Germany, Netherlands, France, Poland, and South Korea over five to seven years.