School assembly headlines (16 January 2026): Key national and international updates for the day

Good evening, everyone. Here is a clear and student-friendly roundup of the most important developments on January 16, 2026. Each update explains what happened, where it happened, and why it matters, helping students understand key national and global events.

National News

• Suspected Pakistani drones spotted in J&K for third time this week

Srinagar: Security agencies reported suspected drone intrusions along the International Border in Samba district and the Line of Control in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday evening, triggering a high alert and a response from Indian Army troops.

• EU leaders to be chief guests at Republic Day

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs announced that top European Union leaders Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen will attend India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations as chief guests. The invitation highlights strengthening India–EU strategic and diplomatic ties.

• Kerala SIR row: SC asks EC to publish names deleted from draft electoral rolls

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Election Commission to publicly disclose the names of voters excluded from Kerala’s draft electoral rolls after a special intensive revision, saying this was necessary to allow affected citizens to raise objections. The court also urged the poll panel to consider extending the deadline for objections, preferably by two weeks, amid concerns of large-scale disenfranchisement.

• Singapore-bound Air India flight returns to Delhi

New Delhi: An Air India Dreamliner carrying around 190 passengers returned to Delhi after developing a technical issue shortly after departure for Singapore. The incident raises concerns over aircraft safety and operational reliability.

• Air India, IndiGo cancel flights amid Iranian airspace closure

New Delhi: Air India and IndiGo cancelled some international flights after Iran’s airspace closure disrupted overseas operations. Airspace restrictions affect international travel schedules and airline operations.

• Next two decades crucial for ‘Viksit Bharat’: President Murmu

Amritsar: President Droupadi Murmu said the coming 20 years will be decisive for achieving a developed India, stressing the role of youth, scientific temper, and responsible citizenship. The statement outlines the long-term national vision and youth-centric development goals.

• ED raids row triggers TMC–BJP war of words

Kolkata: The TMC alleged political vendetta over ED raids linked to poll strategist I-PAC, while the BJP accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of obstructing investigations. The dispute adds to political tensions ahead of elections in West Bengal.

• Army preparing for future wars, says chief

Jaipur: Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said the armed forces are focusing on future readiness, with indigenisation seen as key to self-reliance. Indigenous defence production is central to India’s security and strategic autonomy.

• Air India A350 engine damaged at Delhi airport

New Delhi: An Air India A350 aircraft’s right engine was damaged after it sucked in a cargo container during dense fog conditions. Highlights operational risks during low-visibility conditions at major airports.

• Two teenage sports trainees found dead in Kerala hostel

Kollam (Kerala): Two girl athletes staying at a SAI hostel were found hanging in their room, with police suspecting a suicide pact. Raises serious concerns about mental health and welfare of young sportspersons.

• Indelible ink removal videos under probe

Mumbai: Maharashtra’s State Election Commission launched an investigation after videos showing ink being wiped off fingers went viral. The issue affects public trust in the electoral process.

• Assam targets 3,500 MW solar power by 2030

Guwahati: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced Assam’s goal of generating 3,500 MW of solar energy by 2030. The move supports renewable energy expansion and climate goals.

• Mamata tells SC visit to I-PAC office was as TMC chief

New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee told the Supreme Court she visited the I-PAC premises as TMC chairperson, not in her official capacity as CM. The clarification is important in assessing the legality of her actions during the ED-related incident.

• India, US in talks over trade deal

New Delhi: Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal confirmed that India and the United States are engaged in discussions on a trade agreement. A trade deal could boost bilateral commerce and economic cooperation.

International News

• Singapore PM removes Pritam Singh as Leader of Opposition

Singapore: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong removed Indian-origin Workers’ Party chief Pritam Singh from the post of Leader of the Opposition and asked for a new nomination. The move marks a significant political development in Singapore’s opposition politics.

• Pakistan hopes US will resume immigrant visa processing

Islamabad: Pakistan expressed hope that the United States will soon restart immigrant visa processing, calling the suspension part of an internal review. Visa policies directly affect migration, families, and bilateral relations.

• US-Denmark dispute escalates, Europe sends troops to Greenland

Nuuk: European military personnel began arriving in Greenland on Thursday as part of a reconnaissance mission involving France, Germany, Sweden and other partners, days after a meeting between US, Danish and Greenlandic officials in Washington failed to resolve a “fundamental disagreement” over the future of the strategically vital Arctic island.

• Iran’s internet blackout crosses 156 hour mark as AI fakes and propaganda fill the void

Iran’s government-enforced internet shutdown has stretched into a seventh day, pushing the disruption past 156 hours and placing it among the longest documented outages, according to the monitoring group NetBlocks. 

• Canadian killed by Iran authorities in protest crackdown

Ottawa: Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed Thursday that a Canadian citizen has died at the hands of Iranian authorities, a death she attributed to the regime's "draconian" response to a weeks-long national uprising