School Assembly Headlines: Rupee Hits Record Low, Nuclear Bill Tabled, Dec 17
Dec 17 School News: Rupee Low, Nuclear Bill, Sydney Attack

Good morning. Here are the major news headlines curated for your school assembly on this Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Today's briefing covers significant policy changes in India, a tragic international incident affecting students, key sports updates, and important economic developments.

National and International Developments

In a major policy shift, the Union government has introduced the Nuclear Power Bill in Parliament. This proposed legislation seeks to allow private sector companies to participate in nuclear energy generation for the first time. A key aspect of the bill is the limitation of supplier liability, a move designed to attract investment and accelerate capacity addition in this strategic sector.

On a somber international note, a shooting attack at Sydney's famous Bondi Beach has resulted in casualties among Indian students. Reports confirm that several students were injured and one lost their life in the incident. Australian police have launched a full investigation and have indicated that the attackers had links to Hyderabad, India. Indian officials are actively coordinating with Australian agencies.

In another concerning event for the diaspora, an Indian-origin woman restaurateur was detained by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This action has sparked concern among immigrant advocacy groups regarding visa and detention practices.

Economic and Business Updates

The Indian rupee continued its downward trend in early trade today, falling by 9 paise to hit a record low of 90.87 against the US dollar. This decline is attributed to global economic uncertainties and ongoing outflows of foreign funds from the market.

However, there is positive news on the trade front. India's goods exports registered a strong growth of 19% in November 2025. This robust performance has helped narrow the country's trade deficit to $24 billion, supported by improved demand in key international markets.

Sports, Education, and Other News

In sports, ahead of the upcoming IPL season, questions are being raised about Kolkata Knight Riders' acquisition of Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, with discussions focusing on his injury history and current fitness levels.

In the field of education, the central government has announced a significant expansion of MBBS and postgraduate medical seats. This initiative aims to strengthen the country's medical infrastructure and address the nationwide shortage of trained doctors.

Furthermore, data released under the PM Internship Scheme (PMIS) 2025 shows that thousands of internship offers were generated for students, though completion rates vary across different states, indicating uneven regional participation.

In a separate report, the Sonia Gandhi-led Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) has highlighted the issue of overworked and underpaid ASHA and Anganwadi workers. The centre has recommended enhanced compensation and better institutional support for these frontline health workers.