School Assembly News Headlines: 3 April 2025

National News

1. Finance Minister Launches NITI NCAER Portal to Help States Improve Revenue and Manage Debts Efficiently.

2. RBI Confirms 98.21% of ₹2000 Notes Returned After Withdrawal, Reducing Circulation Value Significantly.

3. Prime Minister Modi Calls NEP 2020 a Big Step Toward Making India Globally Competitive in Education.

4. Lok Sabha Discusses Waqf Bill 2025 to Improve Property Management and Strengthen Waqf Board Operations.

International News

1. India’s $1 Trillion Economic Growth Strengthens Trade and Investment Ties with Sri Lanka.

2. Hollywood Actor Val Kilmer, Known for ‘Top Gun,’ Dies at 65 Due to Pneumonia Complications.

Sports News

1. Indian Equestrian Niharika Singhania Wins Gold at Azelhof CSI Lier Competition in Belgium.

2. Wolves Secure 1-0 Victory Over West Ham, Strengthen Position Above Premier League Relegation Zone.

Business News

1. Haldiram Sells Stake to IHC and Alpha Wave Global Following Temasek’s Minority Investment.

2. Nestle India Shares Fall 3.67% After BoFA Securities Downgrades Stock to ‘Underperform.’

1. Finance Minister Launches NITI NCAER Economic Forum Portal for Better State Financial Planning
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the NITI NCAER States Economic Forum portal. It will provide reliable data to help states improve revenue generation. It will also assist in managing debts and financial policies.

2. RBI Reports 98.21% of ₹2000 Notes Returned to Banks After Withdrawal Announcement
The Reserve Bank of India announced that 98.21% of ₹2000 banknotes have been deposited. Circulation value dropped from ₹3.56 lakh crore in May 2023 to ₹6,366 crore by March 2024.

3. Prime Minister Modi Hails NEP 2020 as a Transformative Step Towards Global Excellence in Education
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said NEP 2020 is more than a reform, calling it India’s intellectual renaissance. He emphasized its role in building a self-reliant, globally competitive nation through education and innovation.

4. Lok Sabha Debates Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 to Strengthen Waqf Property Management Across India
The Lok Sabha discussed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025, aiming to improve waqf property administration. It proposes efficient Waqf boards, streamlined registration, and technology integration. The bill includes recommendations from a Joint Parliamentary Committee.

5. Finance Minister Launches NITI NCAER Economic Forum Portal to Provide Comprehensive State Financial Data
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the NITI NCAER States Economic Forum portal. Developed by NITI Aayog and NCAER, it provides financial, social, and economic data on states from 1990-91 to 2022-23.

6. India Sees Record 4,515 Child Adoptions in 2024-25, Highest in 12 Years
The Ministry of Women and Child Development reported 4,515 adoptions in 2024-25, the highest in 12 years. CARA added 8,000 children to the adoption pool, promoting legal adoption nationwide.

7. Enforcement Directorate Investigates ASAR Social Impact Advisors Over ₹8 Crore Foreign Funding from USAID
The Enforcement Directorate found ASAR Social Impact Advisors received ₹8 crore from USAID. The firm is under investigation for alleged foreign exchange violations linked to George Soros’ funding agencies.

8. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana Empowers Women, Benefiting 68% of 52 Crore Loan Recipients
A report by SBI’s Economic Research Department highlights that 68% of PMMY’s 52 crore beneficiaries are women. Loan disbursements and savings per woman have grown significantly, boosting financial independence.

9. NHAI Increases Highway Toll Charges by 4-5% to Adjust for Inflation and Support Infrastructure Development
NHAI has raised toll rates by 4-5% nationwide, adjusting for inflation based on the wholesale price index. The additional revenue will fund highway maintenance and expansion projects across India.

10. Pakistan Army Violates Ceasefire, Intrudes into Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch District
The Pakistani Army violated the ceasefire in Poonch’s Krishna Ghati sector with a mine blast and unprovoked firing. Indian forces responded effectively, ensuring control over the situation.

1. Bengaluru Residents to Pay Annual Garbage Tax Alongside Property Tax for Improved Waste Management
BBMP introduced an annual garbage tax based on building area. It is expected to generate ₹600 crore. Different rates apply for shops, hotels, and residential buildings to improve waste management.

2. Odisha Launches ‘Sishu Vatika’ Initiative to Enhance Pre-School Education for 5-6-Year-Olds
CM Mohan Charan Majhi launched ‘Sishu Vatika’ under NEP 2020. Young learners were welcomed through ‘Prabesh Ustav’ and ‘Khadi Chhuan.’ The initiative aims to introduce early education in government schools.

3. Maharashtra Partners with Microsoft to Establish Three AI Excellence Centres for Governance Innovation
Maharashtra signed an MoU with Microsoft to set up AI centres in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. The centres will use geospatial analytics and AI to improve governance and decision-making.

4. Government Forms Committees for Effective Implementation of New Criminal Laws in Jammu and Kashmir
The Centre created committees to implement new criminal laws in J&K. Laws have been translated into Urdu, Dogri, and Kashmiri. Police training programs are being conducted for proper enforcement.

5. Delhi High Court Lawyers Protest Transfer of Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma to Calcutta High Court
Delhi lawyers opposed Justice Sharma’s transfer. They decided to boycott his swearing-in and hearings in his court. The protest reflects dissatisfaction over judicial transfers affecting court proceedings.

1. Haldiram Sells Stake to IHC and Alpha Wave Global After Temasek’s Minority Investment.
Haldiram confirmed selling its stake to IHC and Alpha Wave Global. Details remain undisclosed. This follows Temasek’s minority investment in the brand. The deal’s specifics have not been revealed.

2. Nestle India Shares Drop 3.67% After BoFA Securities Downgrades Stock to ‘Underperform.’
Nestle India shares declined sharply, nearing a 52-week low. The downgrade by BoFA Securities impacted investor sentiment. Despite this, the target price remains at ₹2,140.

3. EPFO Expands Multi-Banking System by Adding 15 More Banks, Strengthening Financial Network.
EPFO now has 32 empaneled banks, enhancing efficiency. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized EPFO’s role in shaping India’s financial future. The expansion supports India’s economic progress.

4. Jiangxi-Greater Bay Area Economic Conference Strengthens China’s Trade and Investment Partnerships.
The annual Jiangxi-GBA conference promoted economic collaboration. It has been held for 23 years, fostering trade relations. The event focused on advancing high-level open development.

5. US Reciprocal Tariffs May Affect Indian Sectors Like Agriculture, Pharma, and Machinery Exports.
Experts warn that US reciprocal tariffs could impact multiple Indian sectors. The tariff differential between India and the US might lead to higher customs duties, affecting trade relations.

1. AI-Generated Ghibli-Style Art Causes Surge in ChatGPT Users, Straining OpenAI’s Servers.
The viral trend of Studio Ghibli-style AI art overwhelmed OpenAI’s servers. ChatGPT’s weekly active users exceeded 150 million, prompting temporary feature restrictions due to unprecedented global demand.

2. U.S. President Donald Trump to Decide TikTok’s Fate Before April 5 Deadline for Non-Chinese Ownership.
Trump will review a final TikTok ownership proposal. Key officials, including Vice President JD Vance, will discuss potential buyers before enforcing a ban if no non-Chinese acquisition occurs.

3. Gemini Trust Co. Nears Resolution in SEC Lawsuit Over Unregistered Cryptocurrency Lending Program.
The SEC lawsuit accuses Gemini of failing to register Gemini Earn. The case, filed in New York, may soon be resolved, impacting cryptocurrency regulations and investor confidence.

4. Visa Offers Apple $100 Million to Take Over Apple Card Partnership from Mastercard.
Visa proposed a $100 million deal to replace Mastercard as Apple Card’s partner. The upfront payment signifies Visa’s aggressive expansion in the credit card market and strategic financial partnerships.

5. U.S. Senate Investigates Meta’s Alleged Efforts to Enter China Using Censorship Tools.
Lawmakers probe Meta’s reported collaboration with Chinese authorities. Senators demand records regarding censorship tools, questioning whether Meta compromised ethical standards to enter China’s digital market.