School Assembly News Headlines: 8 April 2025 

1. Congress to host first national convention in Gujrat since 1961, signalling strategic revival and party restructuring efforts.

2. RBI begins key 3-day policy meet to decide repo rates for FY 2025-26 amid inflation and growth concerns.

3. Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind challenges Waqf Act in Supreme Court, alleging threat to religious freedom and constitutional rights.

4. MOSPI launches advanced Microdata Portal with World Bank support, improving national surveys data access and user experience.

International News

1. Saudi Arabia suspends Umrah, business, family visit visas for 14 countries including India, till mid-June Hajj.

2. Asian markets plunge, circuit breakers as Trump’s tariff moves raise recession fears and rate cut hopes.

Sports News

1. Rohan Bopanna and Ben Shelton advance to the Monte-Carlo Masters pre-quarters, defeating Athe Argentine-Chilean duo in straight sets.

2. Rudrankksh Patil wins ISSF World Cup gold in 10m air rifle, India tops medal tally with China.

Business News

1. Oil & Gas stocks under pressure as Brent hovers around $60, Indian refineries to face potential profitability squeeze.

2. Asian stock indices fall sharply amid US tariff risks; recession fears spur rate cut expectations and bond yield drop.

1. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to Discuss Trade, Investment and Economic Growth in UK and Austria Till April 13
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will visit the UK and Austria to attend meetings. She will discuss trade, investments, and economic growth with leaders, investors, and experts from both countries.

2. Government Launches Digital Threat Report 2024 to Strengthen Cybersecurity in Banking and Financial Services Across India
The Ministry of Electronics and IT launched a report on digital risks. It stressed strong cybersecurity for banks and insurance, especially while making online payments and sharing personal information.

3. Congress to Hold National Convention in Ahmedabad After 63 Years, Reviving Historic Political Ties with Gujarat
Congress will hold its national convention in Ahmedabad on April 8 and 9. This return after 63 years marks the party’s deep historical connection with Gujarat and India’s freedom struggle.

4. RBI Begins First Monetary Policy Meeting of Financial Year to Decide Key Repo Rates and Inflation Strategy
The RBI started its three-day Monetary Policy Committee meeting in Mumbai. This meeting will decide key interest rates and help manage inflation in the new financial year 2025-26.

5. MOSPI Launches New Microdata Portal with Better Technology and User Experience for Improved Statistical Data Access
The Ministry of Statistics launched a modern Microdata Portal. It will help students, researchers, and officials easily access national survey and census data using better technology and stronger data security.

6. Sudarsan Pattnaik Becomes First Indian to Win Fred Darrington Sand Master Award
Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik received the prestigious Fred Darrington Sand Master Award for his exceptional contribution to sand art. The honour was presented at Sandworld 2025 in Dorset, England.

7. 7th Poshan Pakhwada to Begin Tomorrow with Focus on Early Childhood Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle
The Ministry of Women and Child Development will launch the 7th edition of Poshan Pakhwada tomorrow, aiming to spread awareness about nutrition and health. This year’s campaign will emphasize the importance of the first 1000 days of life, the effective use of the Poshan Tracker module, managing malnutrition, and promoting a healthy lifestyle to combat childhood obesity

8. WaveX Live Presented at Bharat Mandapam to Boost Media, Entertainment & Emerging Tech Startups
MIB India and NFDC unveiled WaveX Live, a flagship investment and innovation platform under WAVES2025 at Bharat Mandapam. Organised in collaboration with IAMAI, this initiative connects high-growth startups in media, entertainment, and emerging technologies, including animation, with strategic investors.

9. J&K and Ladakh High Court Quashes Land Acquisition for Amusement Park Over Procedural Lapse
The J&K and Ladakh High Court quashed land acquisition for an amusement park, citing procedural lapses as the mandatory public notice wasn’t published in a regional-language newspaper.

10. NCLAT Allows Fresh Plea After Dismissing IDBI Bank’s Insolvency Appeal Against ZEEL Over Section 10A of IBC Default Period
The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal dismissed IDBI Bank’s insolvency plea against ZEEL. The NCLAT allowed the bank to file a fresh petition for defaults occurring beyond Section 10A’s suspension period.

1. WHO Dedicates World Health Day 2025 to Maternal and Newborn Health for a Stronger Future
The World Health Organization focused this year’s Health Day on improving health for mothers and babies, emphasizing how early care helps create healthier families and societies for future generations.

2. US Tariff Changes Trigger Global Market Crash and Lead to Drop in Dollar and Bond Yields
Recent US tariff hikes led to heavy stock market losses worldwide. Investors expect interest rate cuts, causing bond yields to fall and the US dollar to weaken against other currencies.

3. Sri Lanka Reports Economic Recovery Progress in 2024 with Help from Reforms and International Support
Sri Lanka’s Central Bank shared its 2024 Economic Review, highlighting a faster recovery from its past crisis due to reforms, India’s cooperation, and better financial decisions from the government.

4. Bangladesh Sees Record Remittances in March 2025, Highest Monthly Inflow in Its History
Bangladesh received $3.29 billion in remittances in March 2025. This record-breaking support from overseas workers helped boost the country’s economy and improve its financial position this fiscal year.

5. Over 50 Countries Begin Trade Talks with US After New Tariffs Spark Global Financial Concerns
Following new US tariffs, over 50 countries started trade talks with the US. Despite stock market losses, American officials say these talks increase the country’s economic influence worldwide.

1. Ju Wenjun Wins Game 3 in Women’s World Chess Championship to Level the Score Against Tan Zhongyi
Ju Wenjun won Game 3 of the 2025 Women’s World Chess Championship after 87 moves, leveling the score. Former world champions Zhu Chen and Xu Yuhua were present for ceremonial support.

2. Lionel Messi Becomes Inter Miami’s All-Time Top Scorer in Major League Soccer with Goal Against Toronto FC
Lionel Messi scored his 39th goal for Inter Miami, becoming the club’s top scorer in MLS. He broke Gonzalo Higuain’s record with a brilliant goal in a 1-1 draw.

3. Novak Djokovic Reaches First Final of 2025 Season at Miami Open, Eyes 100th Career Title in Clay Court Events
Novak Djokovic reached his first 2025 final at the Miami Open. The 24-time Grand Slam winner now aims to win his 100th ATP title during the upcoming clay court season.

4. Ishant Sharma Fined and Penalized for Code of Conduct Breach During IPL Match Against Sunrisers Hyderabad
Gujarat Titans’ pacer Ishant Sharma was fined 25% match fee and given one demerit point for damaging equipment, violating IPL’s Code of Conduct during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

5. Rudrankksh Patil Wins Gold at ISSF World Cup 2025, Boosts India to Top of Medal Table with China
India’s Rudrankksh Patil won gold in the men’s 10m air rifle event at ISSF World Cup. This was his second gold, helping India tie with China in medal standings.

1. New Consumer Price Index to Include Rural Housing for the First Time Reflecting Changing Rental Patterns in Villages
The revised Consumer Price Index will now measure rural housing inflation, reflecting the rise of rental markets in rural India due to shifting consumption trends beyond urban areas.

2. India’s Exports to the US May Decline by $5.76 Billion Due to Increased Tariffs in Key Product Sectors
GTRI predicts export losses in gold, electronics, and marine sectors. However, gains in textiles, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals may help reduce the overall impact of higher American import duties.

3. Experts Urge India to Finalize Bilateral Trade Deal with US for Better Market Access and Investment Opportunities
A bilateral trade agreement with the US could enhance India’s market access, investor protections, and tech partnerships, while addressing non-tariff barriers in chemicals, telecom, and medical equipment sectors.

4. SBI Research Predicts RBI May Cut Repo Rate by 100 Basis Points Between 2025 and 2026
SBI expects a total 100 basis points cut in repo rate by March 2026, helping reduce borrowing costs and support economic growth through better transmission to loan interest rates.

5. Vegetarian Thali Becomes 2% Cheaper, Non-Veg Thali Drops 5% in March Due to Falling Food Prices
Crisil report says prices of tomatoes, potatoes, and onions dropped, reducing thali costs. Chicken prices also fell due to higher supply and lower demand caused by bird flu concerns.

1. Microsoft’s Joint Venture Wicresoft to Shut Down in China, Resulting in 2,000 Job Losses
Microsoft will end operations of Wicresoft in China, affecting 2,000 employees. The decision raises concerns about future after-sales support for Microsoft products in the Chinese market.

2. Nanotech Startup Vimano Raises ₹25 Crore in Seed Funding Led by Ankur Capital’s New Fund
Vimano secured ₹25 crore to develop membranes for clean energy solutions. The funds will support redox batteries, hydrogen electrolysers, and PEM fuel cells to advance green energy transition.

3. Microsoft Copilot Gets Smarter: Now Helps Book Tickets, Monitor Prices, and Remember User Preferences
Microsoft’s AI assistant Copilot can now act on websites, book services, track deals, and offer tailored suggestions. Users can manage or delete their saved preferences anytime through the dashboard.

4. Power Outage in Data Center Alley Raises Concerns Over Electricity Use and Grid Reliability
Data Center Alley, housing over 200 data centers, caused alarm when 60 centers suddenly switched to backup power. The event highlighted grid reliability challenges amid rising power demands.

5. Samsung Expects 21% Drop in Q1 Profit Due to Weak AI Chip Sales and Foundry Losses
Samsung anticipates lower Q1 profits following poor AI chip sales and losses in its contract manufacturing unit. The company is also undergoing leadership changes after CEO Han Jong-Hee’s passing.