School Assembly News Headlines: 8 August 2025

National News

1. Supreme Court Dismisses Justice Yashwant Varma’s Plea, Upholds In-House Report, Paves Way for Judicial Removal Proceedings to Proceed

2. PM Modi Reaffirms Farmer Welfare Amid FTA Pressure and US Tariffs at Swaminathan Centenary Conference 2025, Pledges Unwavering Support

3. Putin Expected to Visit India in August for Bilateral Talks Amid Strained US-India Relations Over Russian Oil and Tariffs

4. Vice-Presidential Election Schedule Announced: Nomination Deadline August 21, Nationwide Voting on September 9 if Multiple Candidates Contest

International News

1. Trump Imposes Tariffs on 60+ Nations; EU, Japan Face 15%, Vietnam and Taiwan Hit with 20% Import Duties

2. Indian Oil Companies Pause Russian Crude Spot Buys as U.S. Tariff Pressure Mounts; Await Government Guidance on Import Strategy

Sports News 

1. India’s Annu Rani Wins Gold at Poland’s Wiesław Maniak Memorial with Season-Best Javelin Throw of 62.59m

2. US Open 2025 Unveils Record $90 Million Prize Pool; Singles Champions to Receive $5 Million Each in Equity Push

Business News

1. India Seeks New Export Markets After U.S. Tariff Hike, Aims for Balanced Trade Ties Through Ongoing Diplomatic Negotiations

2. Nayara Energy Requests Government Support Amid EU Sanctions Impacting Fuel Shipping and Domestic Refinery Operations

1. Supreme Court Rejects Justice Yashwant Varma’s Plea Against In-House Report, Clears Path for Possible Removal
The Supreme Court dismissed Justice Yashwant Varma’s petition against the inquiry report and CJI Khanna’s removal recommendation. The bench pronounced the judgment today, closing the challenge filed last month.

2. PM Modi Vows No Compromise on Farmers’ Interests Amid FTA Pressure and US Tariff Hike at Swaminathan Centenary Conference 2025
PM Modi reaffirmed farmers’ welfare as top priority after Trump’s 50% tariff move and FTA talks. He warned of personal cost but pledged firm support to rural communities.

3. Lok Sabha Passes Manipur Appropriation Bill Amid Opposition Protests Over Bihar Voter List, Finance Minister Criticises Disruption
The Bill was passed without discussion as opposition protested Bihar rolls. Sitharaman accused them of blocking funds for Manipur, currently under President’s rule, despite demanding attention to the state.

4. Putin Likely to Visit India in August for Bilateral Summit Amid Rising US-India Tensions Over Russian Oil Trade
NSA Ajit Doval confirmed Putin’s expected visit during his Moscow trip. This marks Putin’s first India visit since 2021, amid strained US-India ties over Russian oil and fresh tariffs.

5. Election Commission Announces Vice-Presidential Poll Schedule; Voting on September 9 if Needed, Nomination Deadline Set for August 21
The Election Commission announced that Vice-Presidential poll nominations close August 21. Scrutiny is on August 22, withdrawals by August 25. If contested, voting will occur nationwide on September 9

6. US Tariff Hike to 50% on Indian Goods May Hit GDP Growth by 80 Basis Points, Warns Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley warns that US tariffs now cover 67% of Indian exports. These exports are worth $58 billion. Without timely policy action, India’s GDP growth may fall by 80 basis points.

1. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Celebrates Raksha Bandhan With School Children, Highlights Bond of Trust and Dreams at Jan Seva Sadan
CM Gupta marked Raksha Bandhan with government school students. She called their rakhis symbols of trust, hope, and a future free from fear, discrimination, and limitations on children’s dreams.

2. Jammu and Kashmir Government Forfeits 25 Books for Promoting False Narratives and Glorifying Terrorism, Includes Works by Prominent Authors
The Home Department stated that the banned books promote secessionism and false narratives. Authors include Moulana Moududi, Arundhati Roy, A G Noorani, Victoria Schofield, and David Devadas.

3. Assam Celebrates National Handloom Day, Highlights Cultural Pride and Artisan Empowerment at Guwahati Craft Promotion Event
On National Handloom Day, Assam Minister Bimal Borah emphasised handloom as a symbol of identity and pride. The event celebrated heritage and pledged support for artisan welfare and self-reliance.

4. Jammu and Kashmir Forfeits 25 Books Over Secessionist Content; Political Parties Slam Move as Threat to Rights and Academic Freedom
The government cited credible intelligence linking the books to youth radicalisation. Opposition parties criticised the ban, calling it a direct assault on democratic values and freedom of expression in academia.

5. Manipur Police Detect Over 300 ILP Violations in Special Drive, Including Illegal Immigrants and Foreign Nationals Without Valid Documents
Manipur Police, in a week-long drive, found 170 individuals without ILP passes. Another 134 were carrying expired permits. Several foreign nationals were also caught without valid immigration documents.

1. Trump Imposes Global Tariffs on Over 60 Countries; EU, Japan, South Korea Face 15%, Others Up to 20%
Starting August 7, the U.S. imposed tariffs on imports from over 60 countries. EU, Japan, and South Korea face 15%. Vietnam, Taiwan, and Bangladesh will face 20% duties.

2. Indian Oil Refiners Halt Russian Crude Spot Buys Amid Rising U.S. Pressure and Await Government Clarity on Future Imports
Indian Oil, BPCL, and HPCL are pausing Russian crude spot purchases. The decision follows U.S. tariff pressure. Companies await official guidance before participating in the next buying cycle

3. Myanmar’s Acting President U Myint Swe Passes Away at 74; State Funeral Announced by National Defence and Security Council
U Myint Swe died in Nay Pyi Taw. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s, he had been on medical leave since July 2024. He declared emergency rule after becoming acting president in 2021.

4. Brazil’s President Lula Urges BRICS Unity Against Trump’s Tariff Hikes, Plans Talks With PM Modi and Other Bloc Leaders
Lula criticised Trump’s unilateral trade moves. As BRICS chair, he plans to call Modi and Xi to coordinate a joint response. He urged collective resistance through G20 and global platforms.

5. South Korea Sees Soaring AC Sales as Summer Heat Intensifies; Samsung and LG Push Energy-Efficient, AI-Powered Cooling Solutions
Samsung and LG reported up to 60% surge in AC sales. Despite widespread ownership, new models attract buyers with better cooling, energy savings, and AI features amid extreme heat.

1. India’s Annu Rani Wins Gold in Javelin at Poland Meet With Season-Best Throw of 62.59m
Annu Rani clinched gold at the Wiesław Maniak Memorial. Her second throw of 62.59m secured the top spot. She also recorded strong throws of 60.96m and 60.07m.

2. US Open 2025 Announces Record $90 Million Prize Pool, Offers $5 Million to Singles Champions in Landmark Equity Push
The USTA confirmed a 20% prize increase. Winners in men’s and women’s singles will earn $5 million each. The move highlights tennis’s push for financial equity and global growth.

3. Kanpur Warriors Join Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League Ahead of Season Two, Strengthening Presence in State’s Kabaddi Heartland
UPKL adds Kanpur Warriors as a new franchise. Known for its kabaddi culture, Kanpur’s inclusion boosts regional representation and talent discovery in the expanding league ecosystem.

4. India Sends 18-Member Contingent to 12th World Games in China, to Compete in Five Non-Olympic Sports Disciplines
The 12th World Games begin August 7 in Chengdu. India will compete in Archery, Billiards, Roller Skating, Wushu, and Racquetball. The event concludes on August 17.

5. Football Transfer Market Sees Massive Inflation, Mid-Table Talents Now Valued Close to €70 Million in Latest Deals
Transfer prices have surged drastically. Deals once considered record-breaking, like Ronaldo’s €80 million move in 2009, now rank lower than mid-tier player transfers.

1. India Seeks New Export Markets After U.S. Tariff Hike, Aims for Balanced Trade Ties Through Ongoing Diplomatic Negotiations
India is exploring alternative global markets for exports, following U.S. tariff hikes. Officials hope ongoing discussions will restore fair trade relations and minimise adverse economic impacts on key sectors.

2. Nayara Energy Requests Government Support Amid EU Sanctions Impacting Fuel Shipping and Domestic Refinery Operations
Nayara Energy, facing disruptions due to EU sanctions, has approached Indian authorities for assistance in arranging vessels to transport refined fuel nationwide and stabilise operations at its major refinery.

3. RBI Survey Predicts Widening Trade Gap as Merchandise Imports Outpace Exports Through 2026, Raising Current Account Deficit Concerns
RBI forecasts merchandise imports to grow by 2.5% in 2025–26. Export growth is expected at just 1.2%. This gap may push the current account deficit to 0.8% of GDP.

4. U.S. Government Grants Executive Staff Access to ChatGPT Enterprise for $1 in AI Partnership with OpenAI and GSA
Federal executive branch workers will use ChatGPT Enterprise for just $1. OpenAI aims to boost efficiency and secure problem-solving through this partnership with the U.S. General Services Administration.

5. Swiggy, Waaree Energies, Vishal Mega Mart Likely to Enter MSCI India Index in August 2025
Swiggy, Waaree Energies, Vishal Mega Mart, and Hitachi Energy India may be added to the MSCI India Standard Index. This inclusion can attract foreign inflows. It may also boost institutional interest.

1. IMD Forecasts Week-Long Heavy Rainfall Across Northeast, Extremely Heavy Showers in Arunachal on August 8
IMD predicts intense rainfall over the Northeast and eastern India for seven days. Arunachal may receive over 21 cm rain on August 8. Himachal and Uttarakhand may also see heavy showers.

2. Himachal Pradesh Monsoon Update: Yellow Alert Issued for Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms from August 8 to 13
Cloudy skies prevail across Himachal. Rainfall has eased slightly, offering temporary relief. Naina Devi recorded highest rainfall. IMD warns of heavy rain, lightning, and thunderstorms with yellow alert till August 13.