School assembly headlines (13 January 2026): Today’s national and international news

Good evening, everyone. Here is a clear and student-friendly roundup of the most important national, international, legal, business, and sports-related developments of the day. Each update explains what happened, where it happened, and why it matters. Staying informed helps students better understand current affairs in India and around the world.

National News

• New US envoy signals closer India–US ties

The new United States ambassador to India said on Monday that no country is as essential to Washington as India. He added that both sides are actively working to rebuild ties and firm up a trade deal, signalling a possible reset in relations.

• Two suspected Nipah cases detected in West Bengal; Centre rushes expert teams

Kolkata: Two suspected cases of Nipah virus infection have been detected in West Bengal, prompting the Union government to activate an emergency public-health response and deploy central teams to the state, official sources confirmed on Monday.

• German Chancellor highlights Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, on his first visit to India, said Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings are more relevant today than ever. Speaking in Ahmedabad, he said Gandhi’s legacy continues to unite Indians and Germans.

• ISRO’s PSLV-C62 mission fails after mid-flight anomaly

ISRO confirmed that its PSLV-C62 rocket encountered an anomaly and deviated from its flight path shortly after launch from Sriharikota. The rocket was carrying 16 satellites, and the mission failed to place them into orbit.

• Congress targets BJP over Dalit woman’s killing in UP

The Congress accused the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government of fuelling hatred based on caste and religion following the alleged killing of a Dalit woman in Meerut. The party demanded accountability from the state administration.

• Congress to finalise Bengal assembly poll strategy

The Congress leadership will meet senior leaders from West Bengal on January 17 in New Delhi. The meeting will focus on preparedness and strategy for the upcoming assembly elections.

• ED links Chhattisgarh coal scam funds to elections

The Enforcement Directorate said money from an alleged illegal coal levy scam in Chhattisgarh was used for election expenses and to bribe politicians and bureaucrats. The agency pegged the extortion amount at around Rs 540 crore.

• Mamata Banerjee flags voter hardship during SIR

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote to the Chief Election Commissioner, alleging that AI-driven digitisation errors in old electoral rolls are causing hardship to genuine voters during the revision process.

• Supreme Court seeks response on AYUSH doctors’ status

The Supreme Court asked central ministries to respond to a plea seeking AYUSH doctors to be recognised as Registered Medical Practitioners under the law, similar to allopathic doctors.

• SC extends deadline for Maharashtra local body polls

The Supreme Court extended the deadline for completing Maharashtra’s local body elections by two weeks, pushing it beyond the earlier January 31 timeline.

• Retail inflation rises to 1.33 per cent in December

Government data showed that retail inflation increased to 1.33 per cent in December 2025. The rise was mainly driven by higher prices of vegetables and protein-rich food items.

International News

• China says US shouldn't use other countries as 'pretext' to pursue its interests in Greenland

Greenland: China said Monday that the United States shouldn't use other countries as a “pretext” to pursue its interests in Greenland and said that its activities in the Arctic comply with international law.

• Poland’s ex justice minister claims asylum in Hungary amid Pegasus probe

Warsaw: Poland’s former justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro announced on Monday that he has been granted “asylum” by Hungary, days after Polish authorities intensified legal action against him over alleged corruption and abuse of power.

• China reiterates claim over Shaksgam Valley

China reaffirmed its territorial claims over the Shaksgam Valley despite India’s objections. Beijing said its infrastructure projects in the region are legitimate and justified.

• Trump signals reluctance to allow ExxonMobil in Venezuela

US President Donald Trump said he is inclined to keep ExxonMobil out of Venezuela after the company’s CEO described the country as uninvestable. The statement reflects continued uncertainty over US policy towards Venezuela.

• Iran protests death toll rises as Trump signals talks

Protests across Iran have continued for a second week, with activists saying at least 544 people have been killed in a government crackdown. US President Donald Trump said Iran has proposed negotiations, but warned that action remains possible if violence continues.

• Iran warns US and Israel against intervention

Iran’s leadership warned that the United States and Israel would be considered “legitimate targets” if force is used to protect protesters. Tehran has also shut down internet and phone networks as unrest spreads across all 31 provinces.

• Venezuelans in US react to Maduro’s removal

Venezuelans living in the United States expressed mixed emotions after President Nicolás Maduro was ousted. While many welcomed the development, concerns have grown over possible deportations and uncertainty about returning home.