Here are the key national and international news developments for December 18, 2025, curated for school assembly presentations. The headlines cover major legal decisions, defence updates, diplomatic engagements, internal security matters and global policy moves that shaped the day.

National News

  • Goa nightclub fire: Luthra brothers placed in police custody for five days

Mapusa (Goa): In a major development in the Arpora nightclub fire case, the Mapusa Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court on Wednesday placed nightclub owners Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra in five days of police custody.

  • Goa nightclub fire: Luthra brothers taken to Anjuna police station after medical examination

Panaji: Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, co-owners of the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub, were taken to Anjuna police station after their medical examination at the District Hospital in North Goa on Wednesday.

  • Delhi air pollution: SC modifies vehicle ban, only BS4 vehicles exempted

New Delhi: Only vehicles with BS4 engines will be exempted from action if they are found running in Delhi, the Supreme Court said today. The court modified its earlier order that had banned 10-year-old diesel-run vehicles and 15-year-old petrol-run vehicles from December 18 in view of the massive air pollution in Delhi.

  • Indian Army receives final batch of Apache attack helicopters

New Delhi: The Indian Army has received the remaining three Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, completing the delivery of the six helicopters ordered for the force. The latest induction marks another major milestone in the growing India–US defence partnership, officials said on Wednesday.

  • Sabarimala gold theft case: Former administrative officer Sreekumar arrested

Sabarimala/Pathanamthitta: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Wednesday arrested S Sreekumar, a former administrative officer of the Sabarimala temple, in connection with the alleged gold smuggling linked to the shrine.

  • Lok Sabha passes SHANTI Bill allowing private players in nuclear sector

New Delhi: Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the nuclear energy bill with Union minister Jitendra Singh asserting that it would help India achieve its target of 100 GW atomic energy generation by 2047.

  • SC directs NHAI, MCD to close or relocate 9 Delhi toll plazas to reduce traffic and pollution

New Delhi: Taking serious note of worsening air pollution in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a series of directions, asking the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to consider temporarily closing or relocating nine toll plazas at the capital’s borders to ease chronic traffic congestion and reduce vehicular emissions.

  • 10 Ahmedabad schools get bomb threat; turns out to be hoax after search

Ahmedabad: As many as 10 private schools in Ahmedabad received an email on Wednesday threatening bomb blasts, which later turned out to be a hoax as nothing suspicious was found during searches, police said.

  • 34 Cong members suspended after uproar in Chhattisgarh assembly over probe agency 'misuse'

Raipur: The Congress on Wednesday created an uproar in the Chhattisgarh assembly, alleging that central and state probe agencies were being misused to suppress the Opposition, and demanded a discussion on the issue by moving an adjournment motion.

International News

  • EAM Jaishankar holds talks with Israel PM Netanyahu on deepening bilateral ties

Jerusalem: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in technology, economy, connectivity and security, expressing confidence that the bilateral strategic partnership will “grow from strength to strength”.

  • Pakistan extends airspace ban for Indian aircraft by another month

Islamabad/Lahore: Pakistan on Wednesday extended its airspace ban for Indian aircraft by another month till January 23.

  • Significant steps in 'people-centric' India-Ethiopia partnership: Modi highlights outcomes of visit

Addis Ababa: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday underscored the outcomes of his Ethiopia visit, calling the signing of multiple agreements a “significant” step in strengthening a bilateral partnership focused on "growth and people-centric development"

  • 'Deeply moving': PM Modi on Vande Mataram rendition by Ethiopian singers

Addis Ababa: Prime Minister Narendra Modi described as “deeply moving” a rendition of Vande Mataram performed by singers at a banquet hosted by his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali here.

  • PM Modi arrives in Oman on final leg of three-nation visit

Muscat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday arrived in Oman on a two-day visit during which he will hold talks with the Gulf country's top leadership and is expected to sign an ambitious trade deal

  • Ahead of Modi's visit, Omani businesses hail impending 'transformative' CEPA trade pact with India

Muscat: With Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to arrive here on Wednesday, Omani business leaders anticipate significant growth in bilateral trade, enhanced employment opportunities and deeper economic diversification through the impending Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India.

  • US adds 20 more countries to travel ban, restrictions list

New York/Washington: The Trump administration has expanded its travel ban and restrictions to 20 additional nations as well as the Palestinian Authority as part of its efforts to "protect US national security and public safety interests".

These developments highlight a day marked by key judicial decisions, defence movements, diplomatic engagements and internal security updates. Together, they offer a concise snapshot of national and international events relevant for school assembly discussions on December 18, 2025.