School assembly headline August 26: Top national, international, business and sports news for students

Today's school assembly on August 26 will bring students up to speed on the day's major developments across national affairs, global events and sports. From key government decisions and court rulings to international diplomacy and cricket updates, these headlines are designed to build students' awareness of current affairs and the world around them.

National News

• The Supreme Court dismissed Tarun Tejpal's plea and directed him to surrender within two weeks.


• In the OBC creamy layer case, the Centre sought exemption for the 2025 and 2026 civil service examinations.


• The government approved the transfer of DRDO-developed missile technology to India's defence industry.


• Delhi is grappling with an H1N1 surge, with over 2,300 cases recorded among roughly 3,000 influenza infections; the Chief Minister has called an emergency meeting, and experts are advising residents, especially children and the elderly, to avoid crowded places.


• The Delhi High Court cautioned against using personality rights to suppress caricature and parody.


• Ahead of the US tariff deadline, PM Modi said, "Pressure may rise, but we will bear it."


• The Supreme Court ruled that online shows by influencers and YouTubers do not enjoy free speech protection.


• A proposal is under consideration to bring all food and textile items under the 5% GST slab.


• Amit Shah said former Vice President Dhankhar resigned for health reasons, dismissing opposition claims to the contrary.


• Delhi Metro revised its fares after eight years.


• The government is considering year-round random drug testing for commercial pilots.


• Water cannons were used on students during protests as they attempted to reach the Bihar Chief Minister's residence.


• The Enforcement Directorate uncovered a Rs 400-crore cyber fraud network linked to a "digital arrest" scam probe in Goa.


• The NIA conducted raids at five locations across the country in a cyber terrorism case linked to Operation Sindoor.

International News

• Four India-based companies have been affected by the latest US sanctions on Iran.


• National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held border talks with China's Wang Yi in Beijing.


• The US sanctioned oil trader Wellbred over its links to Iran.


• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on bilateral and global issues.


• Pakistan and Iran are exploring the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in a move that could ease tensions in West Asia.


• Israeli strikes hit a hospital in Gaza, killing 20 people, including five journalists.


• US President Donald Trump expressed willingness to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un while hosting South Korea's President Lee.


• Trump announced fresh security measures in Washington.


• A US envoy said Washington is working "very hard" to end the war in Ukraine as Kyiv gains further Western backing.


• Iran said it is "fully prepared" to counter widened US economic sanctions.


• Trump plans to impose a fee exceeding $100,000 on H-1B visas.


• The US-Canada trade war has escalated, with Trump threatening a tariff hike on vehicles.


• Singapore is offering parents over $55,000 per child in an effort to boost the country's birth rate.

Sports News

• India piled on the pressure in the second Test at Colombo, reducing Sri Lanka to 216/7 at tea on Day 3 as the hosts fought to save the match.


• Morgan Rogers scored on his Chelsea debut as the Blues beat Fulham, while Roma hammered Fiorentina in Serie A.


• The Williams-Alcaraz duo is set to begin their US Open mixed doubles campaign against the reigning women's champion.


• The ICC reprimanded Sri Lanka's Prabath Jayasuriya for breaching the Code of Conduct, with a third player also sanctioned over an incident during the Colombo Test.


• Former cricketer Michael Atherton criticised the Pakistan government, accusing it of attempting to "airbrush Imran Khan out of existence."


• Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara commented on the Yashasvi Jaiswal headbutt row, calling it "not an ideal visual."


• Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu lifted 193 kg in the newly introduced 48 kg category, claiming gold and setting Commonwealth records, with her sights now set on the World Championships.


• India secured two world titles in archery.


• Teenager Sooryavanshi picked up two wickets in a single over during a Duleep Trophy match, showcasing his bowling skills.


• Russia has been banned from a third consecutive Chess Olympiad, despite appealing to compete under a neutral flag.

Business and Economy

• Apple confirmed that its iPhone production expansion in India will continue without any slowdown.


• The RBI held discussions with exporters over concerns linked to tariffs.

Education and Opportunities

• IITs plan to increase intake under the sports quota and expand their scholarship schemes.


• The UK government opened applications for Master's programmes under the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships.


• The Supreme Court is set to hear pleas concerning the fee structure for OCI students in medical and engineering colleges.


• The Supreme Court will also hear a parents' body's plea regarding Delhi's school fee fixation policy.