School Assembly News Headlines: 17 February 2026

National News

1. President rejects Tamil Nadu bill on NEET exemption making national medical entrance exam compulsory for admissions nationwide across India

2. New Zealand minister praises India’s leadership in artificial intelligence at India AI Impact Summit 2026 held in New Delhi

3. Minister Jitin Prasada calls AI Impact Summit Mahakumbh urging innovators to become creators of artificial intelligence in India

4. Bill Gates visits Andhra Pradesh RTGS centre to review technology driven governance and digital public service delivery innovations

International News

1. Nepal Election Commission sets 15 day campaign period with strict guidelines for upcoming parliamentary elections nationwide

2. Myanmar orders East Timor diplomatic mission head to leave after war crimes complaint linked to 2021 coup

Sports News 

1. Afghanistan secures first T20 World Cup victory defeating UAE by five wickets in thrilling Group D match

2. Afghanistan defeats UAE by five wickets in T20 World Cup registering first tournament victory in New Delhi

Business News

1. India’s merchandise trade deficit rises to 34.68 billion dollars in January driven by higher gold and silver imports

2. China increases Russian oil imports for third straight month reaching record levels in February amid global energy shifts

1. President rejects Tamil Nadu bill seeking NEET exemption making national medical entrance exam mandatory for admissions across India
The President rejected Tamil Nadu’s proposal to admit medical students using Class 12 marks. NEET remains compulsory nationwide. This ensures uniform admission standards for aspiring medical students across India now.

2. New Zealand minister praises India’s leadership in artificial intelligence at India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi
New Zealand’s Science and Technology Minister Shane Reti praised India’s global AI leadership and expressed interest in collaboration. He highlighted the summit’s focus on safe, inclusive, human-centred artificial intelligence development.

3. Minister Jitin Prasada calls AI Impact Summit 2026 Mahakumbh urging innovators to become creators of artificial intelligence
Jitin Prasada encouraged innovators and entrepreneurs to adopt artificial intelligence and create solutions. He highlighted India’s transition from AI user to creator, promoting self-reliance and global technology leadership for students.

4. Bill Gates visits Andhra Pradesh RTGS centre to review technology driven governance and digital public service innovations
Bill Gates visited Andhra Pradesh’s RTGS Centre to observe technology-based governance. Officials showcased Data Lake, Aware 2.0, and digital projects improving civic services, offering students insights into real-time governance innovations.

5. Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Israel for two day diplomatic trip strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel from February 25 to 26. The visit aims to strengthen diplomatic ties, cooperation, and global partnerships, offering students insights into international relations and diplomacy.

1. Election Commission launches Annual Sports Week 2026 in New Delhi promoting fitness teamwork and democratic participation among officials
The Election Commission began Annual Sports Week 2026 in New Delhi. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar highlighted links between sports and democracy and encouraged participation in week-long events.

2. Gujarat budget session begins with governor highlighting self-reliant development semiconductor investments and vision for developed state growth
The Gujarat Assembly budget session began with the Governor’s address outlining development plans. He highlighted semiconductor projects, technological growth, and Gujarat’s role in building a self-reliant and developed India.

3. National Mountain Bike Championships witness thrilling races as cyclists from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka win gold medals
The National Mountain Bike Championships in Arunachal Pradesh saw impressive performances by young cyclists. Athletes from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka secured gold medals across categories, inspiring students interested in sports excellence.

4. Tamla Du festival celebrated in Arunachal Pradesh highlighting Mishmi community traditions prayers and respect for nature and heritage
Tamla Du festival was celebrated in Arunachal Pradesh by the Mishmi community. The festival promotes respect for nature, cultural traditions, and prayers for prosperity, offering students awareness of India’s diverse heritage.

1. Nepal Election Commission announces 15 day campaign period and strict guidelines for upcoming House of Representatives elections
Nepal’s Election Commission set a 15-day campaign period from February 16 to March 2. A 64-point guideline ensures fair campaigning, regulating rallies, meetings, and media outreach for students learning governance.

2. Myanmar orders East Timor diplomatic mission head to leave amid war crimes complaint after 2021 military coup allegations
Myanmar asked East Timor’s diplomatic mission head to leave within seven days. The move follows a human rights complaint filed in East Timor alleging war crimes by Myanmar’s military since 2021.

3. Former Ukraine energy minister detained at border in ongoing corruption investigation by National Anti Corruption Bureau authorities
Ukraine’s anti-corruption agency detained former energy minister German Galushchenko at the border during an investigation. He was taken to Kyiv for legal procedures, highlighting accountability and governance lessons for students.

4. Foreign dignitaries including Om Birla to attend Bangladesh new government oath ceremony strengthening regional diplomatic ties
Foreign leaders and SAARC representatives will attend Bangladesh’s new government swearing-in. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India, highlighting strong diplomatic relations and shared democratic values for students learning politics.

1. Afghanistan secures first T20 World Cup victory defeating UAE by five wickets in thrilling Group D match
Afghanistan defeated UAE by five wickets in the T20 World Cup match in New Delhi. Strong performances in batting and bowling helped Afghanistan successfully chase the target and secure their first win.

2. Afghanistan secures first T20 World Cup victory defeating UAE by five wickets in thrilling Group D match
Afghanistan defeated UAE by five wickets in the T20 World Cup match in New Delhi. Strong performances in batting and bowling helped Afghanistan successfully chase the target and secure their first win.

3. Paras Dogra becomes second player after Wasim Jaffer to score 10000 runs in Ranji Trophy history
Jammu and Kashmir captain Paras Dogra reached 10,000 Ranji Trophy runs, joining Wasim Jaffer. His milestone highlights consistency and dedication, inspiring students and young athletes pursuing cricket careers in India.

4. Legends League Cricket auction sees six franchises spend Rs 30.56 crore signing 97 players for upcoming season
Legends League Cricket completed its player auction with major investments by six franchises. Teams signed 97 players and still hold funds for direct signings, offering insights into sports management and leagues.

1. India’s merchandise trade deficit rises sharply to 34.68 billion dollars in January due to higher gold imports
India’s trade deficit increased to 34.68 billion dollars in January, higher than expectations. Rising imports of gold and silver contributed to the surge, helping students understand economic trends and trade balance.

2. China increases Russian oil imports for third consecutive month reaching record high in February amid global shifts
China’s imports of discounted Russian oil are expected to reach record levels in February. Increased purchases by independent refiners highlight changing global energy trade patterns and economic strategies for students.

3. India’s wholesale price inflation rises to nine month high of 1.81 percent in January due to price increase
India’s wholesale price inflation rose to 1.81 percent in January. Higher prices of metals, food items, and textiles contributed to the rise, helping students understand inflation trends and economic indicators.

4. Japanese investment in India crosses 2.7 lakh crore with 1400 companies strengthening economic and infrastructure partnerships
Japanese foreign direct investment in India surpassed ₹2.7 lakh crore. Around 1,400 companies operate across sectors, strengthening infrastructure, investment, and human resource partnerships, offering students insights into global economic cooperation.