School assembly headlines (February 18 2026): Today’s national and international news
Keeping up with current events is a vital part of student education. School assembly news headlines provide a lively way for pupils to explore today’s news, practise English, and sharpen critical thinking skills.
By reading, presenting, and discussing news in English, students enhance vocabulary, confidence, and the ability to analyse events from multiple angles. These discussions encourage curiosity and help pupils link classroom lessons with real-world developments.
On Wednesday, 18 February, school assembly headlines include major national developments, international updates, and sports news. The selection offers students opportunities to engage in meaningful debate, reflection, and discussion. Through these exercises, pupils gain a clear perspective on global and local affairs. Analysing news stories in assembly helps students understand context, form opinions.
National News
India, France forge special global strategic partnership
India and France elevated ties to a "special global strategic partnership," pledging stronger cooperation in defence, trade and critical minerals. Leaders described the move as a “force for global stability” amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Bill Gates to attend global AI summit despite earlier reports
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates will participate in the world's largest AI summit, after government sources suggested he might skip it. The Gates Foundation confirmed his attendance, clearing confusion over the speculation.
Assembly polls in four states and one UT likely in April
Elections in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry are expected in April, with the official schedule likely to be announced in mid-March, according to officials.
AAIB seeks expert help to access Baramati plane crash data
India’s Aircraft Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has requested specialised support to retrieve data from the Cockpit Voice Recorder of a Learjet 45 that crashed near Baramati last month.
NGT approval for Great Nicobar project draws criticism
Environmentalists have expressed disappointment over the National Green Tribunal’s clearance of the Great Nicobar project, warning of potential severe ecological consequences.
Ex-Assam Congress chief Bhupen Borah to join BJP
Bhupen Borah, former Assam Congress president, is set to join the BJP on 22 February, confirmed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Two Iranians caught with over 200kg of chemicals off Gujarat coast
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad, with the Coast Guard, arrested two Iranian nationals attempting to smuggle more than 200kg of suspected chemicals via a speedboat from Iran.
Tamil Nadu Finance Minister presents interim budget for 2026-27
Thangam Thenarasu tabled a Rs 2.55 lakh crore interim budget in poll-bound Tamil Nadu, including Rs 4,000 crore for the DMK’s free bus travel scheme for women. He accused the Centre of creating a "fiscal crisis" for the state.
CBI opposes Jaideep Sengar’s plea in Unnao custodial death case
The Delhi High Court heard that Jaideep Sengar, brother of expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Sengar, must surrender as no extension exists for his interim bail in the death of the Unnao rape survivor’s father.
SC upholds conviction in actress Pratyusha’s abetment case
The Supreme Court upheld a two-year jail term for a man convicted of abetting Telugu actress Pratyusha’s 2002 suicide, ruling out strangulation and rape.
SC hearing on Lalu Prasad Yadav bail adjourned to April 22
The Supreme Court adjourned the hearing on the CBI’s plea challenging Lalu Prasad Yadav’s bail in the Deoghar treasury scam.
International news
Tarique Rahman sworn in as Bangladesh Prime Minister
Tarique Rahman assumed office as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, ending an 18-month interim government that followed the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s administration in August 2024.
Australia crash out of T20 World Cup 2026
Australia was eliminated from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 during the group stage, following poor performances and an unfavourable points table.