School Assembly News Headlines: 26 January 2026

1. European Council President Antonio Costa arrives in India ahead of crucial EU-India free trade talks this week summit.
Costa joined Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for Republic Day. He attended the 16th EU-India summit to strengthen strategic partnership and advance a long-awaited free trade agreement.

2. Provisional Padma Awards list released ahead of Republic Day highlighting grassroots achievers from diverse fields nationwide across India.
Sources said the list named individuals with decades of service. Awardees came from remote areas. Contributions covered healthcare, education, livelihoods, sanitation, environment, and traditional arts across the country nationwide India.

3. PM Modi marks 10 years of Startup India, highlights growth from 500 ventures to over 2 lakh startups.
During the 130th Mann ki Baat, PM Modi said startups grew from fewer than 500 in 2016 to over 2 lakh today. He praised young innovators and called India the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem.

4. President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on Republic Day eve, broadcast on Akashvani and Doordarshan nationwide.
President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation at 7 PM. The speech aired in Hindi and English. Doordarshan and Akashvani later broadcast regional language versions nationwide.

5. India celebrated 16th National Voters’ Day with theme My India My Vote highlighting democratic citizen participation across country
Prime Minister Modi called voting a proud moment. ECI organized awareness activities, awards, and launches. Schools held debates and competitions. Celebrations stressed every vote counts for young citizens nationwide.

6. EU leaders joined India’s Republic Day as high-level India EU meeting signaled historic free trade agreement progress talks
European Council President Costa and Commission chief von der Leyen held an India–EU meeting. Talks were in final stages for a historic trade agreement boosting markets and ties between regions.

1. Heavy snowfall blocks Manali highways, strands tourists, forces long treks as traffic halts for two days amid freezing.
Snowfall of one to two feet and black ice blocked highways near Manali. Tourists walked 10–20 kilometres with luggage. Children and elderly faced exhaustion and risk over past forty-eight hours.

2. NHA hosts Health AI hackathon at IIT Kanpur to develop digital public goods for healthcare innovation and trust.
The six-day hackathon began on 19th, bringing policy leaders and innovators to discuss responsible Health AI. NHA CEO Dr Sunil Barnwal stressed federated, consent-driven systems and population-scale testing for trusted.

3. Veer Gatha 5.0 award winners felicitated in New Delhi by Defence and Education Ministers at ceremony
Sanjay Seth and Jayant Chaudhary honored 100 winners from 91 schools in 18 countries. Students received cash prizes and Republic Day Parade invitations. Record participation marked the project’s success.

4. Shivraj Singh Chouhan approves tur procurement of 3.37 lakh tonnes in Maharashtra under MSP Price Support Scheme.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan approved procurement of 3.37 lakh metric tons of tur at MSP worth Rs 2696 crore. He discussed arrangements with Jaykumar Rawal and instructed NAFED, NCCF, and officials.

1. Dalai Lama extended greetings at 2nd Global Buddhist Summit 2026 with worldwide delegate participation spiritual unity among nations
The Dalai Lama welcomed delegates and praised interfaith exchanges. He recalled meeting monks from six Asian countries, appreciating organizers and participants for strengthening Buddhist ties and cooperation worldwide this year.

2. Bangladesh election campaign intensified as BNP and Jamaat leaders exchanged sharp attacks and addressed nationwide rallies
BNP chief Tarique Rahman and Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman held rallies. BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul accused Jamaat of opposing the Liberation War and threatening national security.

3. Winter storm cancels thousands of US flights as emergency declared across several states by President Trump over weekend.
Thousands of flights were canceled as a powerful winter storm hit the United States. American Airlines scrapped many services. Emergency declarations allow FEMA to help states with debris removal efforts.

4. UNESCO announces emergency assistance to protect cultural heritage and education in storm-hit Vietnam after deadly typhoons.
The 740,000 dollar package supports heritage protection and schooling. Typhoons killed hundreds and damaged homes. UNESCO and Vietnam’s Culture Ministry are securing sites in Hue and Hoi An.

1. Delhi Capitals defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by seven wickets in Women’s Premier League match at Vadodara
Delhi Capitals chased 110, scoring 111 for three in 15.4 overs. Laura Wolvaardt made 42 not out. RCB were all out for 109, with Smriti Mandhana scoring 38 runs.

2. Scotland replaced Bangladesh in Group C of T20 World Cup to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka
The ICC announced Scotland’s inclusion after Bangladesh sought match venue changes. CEO Sanjog Gupta said the request violated policy. Letters were sent to BCB and Cricket Scotland confirming the decision.

3. Novak Djokovic reaches Australian Open quarter-finals after Jakub Mensik withdraws due to abdominal injury ahead of scheduled match.
Czech 16th seed Mensik pulled out before their fourth-round match in Melbourne. The 20-year-old said an abdominal injury stopped him facing mentor Djokovic after winning his previous round on Saturday.

4. ICC warns PCB against withdrawing from 2026 T20 World Cup amid rising tournament tensions over Bangladesh row concerns.
Reports said the ICC cautioned Pakistan Cricket Board about possible sanctions. Tensions rose after Bangladesh was removed for refusing to play matches in India ahead of the 2026 tournament plans.

1. India’s forex reserves rose by USD 14.167 billion, nearing record high on RBI data release
RBI data showed reserves reached USD 701.360 billion. Foreign currency assets and gold reserves increased sharply, keeping forex holdings close to the September 2024 record high.

2. India entered 2026 with strong macroeconomic footing despite global uncertainty, says Prabhudas Lilladher report
The Prabhudas Lilladher macroeconomic outlook report said India’s growth outlook is stable, selective, and earnings-driven. Domestic demand will anchor expansion, with economic growth expected to remain among the highest globally despite risks.

3. Piyush Goyal says India EU engagement brings nations closer to ambitious free trade agreement for businesses and people.
Welcoming EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, Goyal called the EU a vital partner. He said both sides aim for a mutually beneficial FTA supporting prosperity of businesses and citizens together.

4. GTRI says India EU free trade agreement to cut costs and boost trade, not harm industry domestic sector.
GTRI said the deal, to be announced January 27, would lower costs and expand trade. It called India and the EU partners on different value chain rungs, not rivals globally.

1. Delhi civic body announced MCD Shri schools to be set up on lines of PM Shri and CM Shri schools
Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh said two schools will open in each MCD zone in the first phase. Admissions will focus on meritorious students. The schools will nurture abilities and prepare students for higher studies.

2. IAF opens Agniveervayu Intake 01 2027 registration inviting unmarried men and women under Agnipath Scheme nationwide.
The four-year service recruitment is underway. The online exam will be held on March 30 and 31, 2026. Eligible candidates should apply through the official IAF portal.