School Assembly Headlines: Friday, March 20, 2026
Stay informed with the latest global and national updates for March 20, 2026. From Prime Minister Modi’s urgent diplomatic outreach for West Asian peace to major political shifts ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, we bring you the most significant stories of the day.
National News
PM Modi speaks to leaders of Jordan, France, Oman, Malaysia
New Delhi: As fresh attacks on West Asian gas hubs triggered global concerns, India on Thursday said the strikes are "unacceptable and need to cease" even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to top leaders of Oman, Jordan, France and Malaysia, emphasising the urgency to restore peace in the volatile region.
India appoints seasoned diplomat Vikram Doraiswami as ambassador to China
New Delhi: Seasoned diplomat Vikram Doraiswami was on Thursday appointed as India's new ambassador to China, a move that comes amid efforts by the two sides to rebuild ties that came under severe strain following the over four-year military standoff in eastern Ladakh.
BJP releases 2nd list of 111 candidates for Bengal, fields 'face of Sandeshkhali stir' Rekha Patra
Kolkata: The BJP on Thursday released its second list of 111 candidates for the West Bengal Assembly elections, naming 'face of Sandeshkhali agitation' Rekha Patra and former union minister Nisith Adhikari.
BJP releases second list of 39 candidates for Kerala Assembly polls
New Delhi: The BJP on Thursday released the second list of 39 candidates for the Kerala Assembly polls, fielding former state BJP president and former Mizoram governor Kummanam Rajasekharan from the Aranmula seat.
Assam polls: BJP releases first list of 88 candidates, Himanta to contest from Jalukbari
Guwahati/New Delhi: The BJP on Thursday released its first list of 88 candidates for Assam Assembly polls, fielding Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma from Jalukbari seat.
BJP ally AGP announces 26 candidates for Assam polls
Guwahati: BJP ally Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) on Thursday announced 26 candidates for the upcoming assembly elections in the state.
RG Kar victim's mother eyes BJP ticket, may contest from Panihati; CPI(M) says family's call
Kolkata: The mother of RG Kar victim on Thursday said she wants to contest the West Bengal Assembly election as a BJP candidate, asserting that she aims to take the political route to remove the TMC government.
Indore fire: Survivor refutes police's EV charging point explosion claim; says no vehicle plugged in
Indore: A survivor of the Indore house fire, in which eight members of a family were killed, said on Thursday the blaze was not caused by charging of an electric vehicle (EV), his contention contrary to police claims that the tragedy was triggered by the explosion of a charging point.
Not a CM probable; ideally post should go to elected MLA: Shashi Tharoor
New Delhi: Ahead of the Kerala Assembly polls, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Thursday said he is not a chief ministerial probable as he is not a candidate in the election and believes that ideally the CM should be picked from among the elected MLAs.
Govt not anti-labour, says Centre as SC reserves verdict on definition of 'industry'
New Delhi: The Centre on Thursday told the Supreme Court that it is "certainly not anti-labour" and will do everything to protect the interests of workers as a nine-judge Constitution Bench reserved its verdict on the correctness of 1978 ruling that gave expansive interpretation of term "industry".
Ensure peaceful, dignified Eid in Uttam Nagar: Delhi HC tells police
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the city police and administration to ensure a conducive atmosphere for peaceful and dignified observance of Eid in Uttam Nagar where a 26-year-old man was killed in a clash on Holi.
'Sense of worry among exporters': Govt approves Rs 497 cr 'RELIEF' scheme amid West Asia disruptions
New Delhi: The government on Thursday rolled out the RELIEF (Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation) scheme with an outlay of Rs 497 crore to provide relief to exporters facing disruptions due to the ongoing West Asia conflict.
LPG bookings close to normal, but situation continues to be worrisome
New Delhi: Bookings for domestic LPG refills are approaching pre-war normal levels, signalling a gradual return to normalcy, but concerns persist as supply restrictions on commercial consumers, including hotels, remain in place due to ongoing disruptions in input supplies caused by the West Asia conflict.
Govt launches Rs 497-cr 'RELIEF' scheme to help exporters hit by West Asia crisis; sets up IMG
New Delhi: The government on Thursday launched the RELIEF (Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation) scheme with an outlay of Rs 497 crore to provide relief to India's exporters facing disruptions due to the ongoing West Asia conflict
International News
India-US nuclear collaboration has enormous potential: Vinay Kwatra
Washington: The India-US bilateral collaboration in civil nuclear energy has enormous potential, Vinay Kwatra, Indian ambassador to the US, said at an event here attended by senior officials from Washington.
Nepal's EC presents final results of general elections to President Paudel
Kathmandu: Nepal's Election Commission on Thursday presented the final results of the general elections to President Ramchandra Paudel, marking the formal conclusion of the polls.