School Assembly News Headlines: 31 July 2025 

1. India rules out tsunami threat after 8.8 magnitude earthquake near Russia; monitoring continues through consulate and INCOIS systems.
Following strong quakes near Kamchatka and Kuril Islands, INCOIS confirms no tsunami threat to Indian coasts. Indian consulate in San Francisco is closely monitoring developments for safety updates.

2. Indian refiners may face trouble as EU bans refined products made from Russian oil under new sanctions starting July 18.
EU’s 18th sanctions ban imports of fuels made from Russian crude processed in other countries. Indian refiners exporting to EU may be affected. Exemptions apply to Canada, US, UK, Norway, Switzerland.

3. IMF raises India’s GDP growth forecast to 6.4% for FY26 and FY27, citing improved global conditions in latest report.
India’s GDP is now projected to grow 6.4% in FY26 and FY27. IMF’s revision reflects better external environment. FY25 forecast also raised by 20 basis points in updated outlook.

4. India launches NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite aboard GSLV-F16 for advanced Earth observation using dual-frequency radar technology.
NISAR, a joint ISRO-NASA mission, study Earth’s surface using S-Band and L-Band radar. The 2,393 kg satellite launches from Sriharikota to monitor land changes, disasters, and climate patterns.

5. Renowned economist and House of Lords member Meghnad Desai passes away at 85, leaving behind a rich academic legacy.
India-born British economist Meghnad Desai died at 85. A former Labour politician, he authored 25 books and 200 academic articles. He was widely respected in UK, India, and globally.

6. India’s first AI-driven road safety project to begin in Uttar Pradesh after Centre’s approval; pilot phase to run six weeks.
The Centre approved UP’s AI-based road safety project using big data. The six-week pilot will analyse accident data, weather, and driver profiles to identify black spots and create real-time policy dashboards.

1. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar doubles incentives for ASHA and Mamta workers to boost rural healthcare and maternal-child safety efforts.
ASHA workers’ incentives raised to ₹3,000, and Mamta workers to ₹600 per delivery. Announced by CM Nitish Kumar, the move aims to strengthen rural health services and awareness programs.

2. Maharashtra declares August 7 as Sustainable Agriculture Day to honour Dr. M. S. Swaminathan’s birth centenary and legacy.
To mark Dr. Swaminathan’s 100th birth anniversary, Maharashtra will observe August 7 as Sustainable Agriculture Day, recognising his pioneering role in India’s Green Revolution and contributions to agricultural development.

3. Intermittent rain continues across Uttar Pradesh; more showers expected in Bundelkhand, Vindhya, and Agra regions within next 24 hours.
Several districts, including Lucknow, received moderate to heavy rain. The Meteorological Department forecasts continued rain and thundershowers in 18 districts of Bundelkhand, Vindhya, and Agra regions.

4. Agniveers to join Tiger Protection Force at Corbett Reserve, announces Uttarakhand CM on International Tiger Day.
Uttarakhand will induct Agniveers into a new Tiger Protection Force at Corbett Reserve. Over 80 youth will help protect wildlife, prevent poaching, and ensure safety of tigers and their habitats.

5. AP CM Chandrababu Naidu meets global investors in Singapore to attract investments in infrastructure, green energy, real estate, and tourism.
During his Singapore visit, Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu held talks with global firms to boost investments in real estate, infrastructure, green energy, and eco-tourism across the state.

1. Powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake hits Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, triggers tsunami, damages buildings, and prompts evacuation alerts in Japan, US.
A massive earthquake struck Kamchatka, generating a 4-metre tsunami and damaging buildings, including a kindergarten. Authorities issued evacuation alerts across affected areas in Russia, Japan, and the US due to tremors.

2. Thailand accuses Cambodia of ceasefire violation at border; warns of stronger response as tensions flare despite recent peace efforts
Thai military reports grenade and small arms fire in Sisaket province. Cambodia denies breach, urges international observers. The ceasefire, brokered by Malaysia and the U.S., followed deadly clashes displacing thousands.

3. Ex-South Korean President Yoon skips questioning again, faces possible forced appearance amid probe into wife and 2022 election meddling.
Yoon Suk Yeol missed questioning citing health issues. Detained for failed martial law attempt, he faces new probe. Authorities may forcibly bring him in if a warrant is approved.

4. Australia adds YouTube to under-16 social media ban, reversing earlier exemption after regulator push for stricter child protection rules.
YouTube joins TikTok, Instagram, and others in Australia’s teen social media ban. Initial exemption overturned after regulator warned of risks. The policy aims to protect users under 16 nationwide.

5. US-China trade talks end without tariff deal, raising concerns as temporary pause nears expiration on August 12.
Talks in Stockholm between US and China ended with no deal to extend tariff pause. Both sides called discussions constructive. Without agreement, high tariffs could resume from August 12.

1. Jasprit Bumrah to miss fifth Test vs England at The Oval; Akash Deep likely to replace him, reports suggest.
India pacer Jasprit Bumrah will skip the final England Test to manage workload. He looked off-form in the fourth Test. Akash Deep is expected to join the playing XI.

2. KKR head coach Chandrakant Pandit parts ways after poor 2025 IPL season; led team to title win in 2024.
After winning only five matches in 2025, KKR and coach Chandrakant Pandit split. He had guided the franchise to their third IPL title in 2024 after a 10-year gap.

3. India’s top paddlers set for WTT Star Contender Brazil 2025; event runs till August 3 in Foz do Iguaçu.
Indian men and women players will compete in singles and doubles events. Manika Batra leads the women’s squad. The tournament hosts top international talent at Brazil’s Rafain Convention Center.

4. India drawn in Group C for 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup with Japan, Vietnam, and Chinese Taipei after official draw.
India’s women’s football team, the Blue Tigresses, qualified on merit for the first time. They face strong teams in Group C, including Japan, in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

5. John Hastings bowls 18-ball over in WCL match; Australia lose by 10 wickets in bizarre finish against Pakistan.
In a comical end to the WCL match, John Hastings delivered 12 wides and a no ball. His 18-ball over helped Pakistan chase the target easily without losing a wicket.

1. NPCI may introduce face ID, biometrics for UPI payments to boost transaction speed, security, and user convenience, reports suggest.
NPCI is exploring biometric UPI payments, removing the need for PINs. Experts say face ID can reduce fraud, improve speed, and enhance accessibility. No official confirmation has been given yet.

2. Indian-origin executive Shailesh Jejurikar to become CEO of Procter & Gamble from January 2026, succeeding his role as COO.
Shailesh Jejurikar will take over as P&G’s CEO in 2026. He is currently the company’s COO. Jejurikar expressed optimism for future growth driven by innovation, talent, and operational excellence.

3. Tech firms face severe shortage of AI-skilled professionals, with only 15–20% workforce equipped to meet rising industry demand.
Companies like HCLTech and Publicis Sapient struggle to hire AI-trained talent. The industry’s talent gap is reshaping recruitment strategies, as current workforce skills lag behind rapid advancements in artificial intelligence.

4. AIIB aims to raise private sector financing to 50%, increase total lending to $18 billion in coming years.
AIIB plans to boost private sector financing from 24.6% to 50%. It targets $17–18 billion total lending. India remains a key focus, with $12 billion lent since inception.

5. India’s smartphone market rebounds in Q2 2025 with 8% volume growth; iPhone 16 leads shipments, says Counterpoint report.
India’s smartphone market grew 8% in volume and 18% in value YoY. Strong summer sales, new launches, and iPhone 16 shipments drove recovery after a slow Q1, says Counterpoint.

1. IMD issues red alert for East Rajasthan, West Madhya Pradesh; orange alert for northern states amid heavy rainfall warning.
Heavy rain is forecast in East Rajasthan and West Madhya Pradesh today. IMD also issued orange alert for Himachal, Jammu-Kashmir, and Uttarakhand. Odisha, Bengal, and Jharkhand may receive heavy showers.