Staying abreast of current affairs ensures students remain informed of pivotal events shaping the nation and the wider world. School assemblies provide a vital platform for pupils to share daily news, bolstering communication skills and confidence whilst speaking in English. For Tuesday, 17 March, headlines feature major Indian developments, significant international updates, and sporting highlights. These reports provide students with a concise snapshot of the day’s most essential global and national stories.

Sharing news also broadens vocabulary, sharpens critical thinking, and encourages students to articulate issues with clarity. Regular engagement with current events bridges the gap between academic study and real-world occurrences, fostering a more sophisticated understanding of both national and global affairs.

National news

No blanket arrangement with Iran for Indian ships through Strait of Hormuz

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar clarified that transit of Indian-flagged vessels is handled individually, with no overarching deal in place.

India evacuates more than 550 citizens from Iran via Armenia

India has brought back over 550 nationals from Iran through Armenia, with the External Affairs Ministry thanking Armenia for assisting with land-border transit.

Suspension of eight opposition MPs from Lok Sabha likely to be revoked

Sources indicate that the suspension imposed on opposition members could be lifted on Tuesday following discussions led by the Speaker.

Election Commission defends administrative reshuffle in West Bengal

Officials said the transfer of senior civil and police officers in West Bengal was carried out to ensure peaceful and violence-free elections in the state.

AIIMS-Delhi initiates first-ever passive euthanasia procedure

The hospital has formed a specialised team to implement the Supreme Court-approved process for patient Harish Rana.

Ten patients die after fire breaks out in Cuttack hospital ICU

A major fire in the intensive care unit of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Odisha’s Cuttack led to the death of ten patients and injuries to eleven staff members.

Rallies and shutdown held in Ladakh over statehood demand

Hundreds joined a rally in Leh while Kargil observed a shutdown as local groups continued protests demanding statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh.

Twenty-four writers selected for Sahitya Akademi Award 2025

The National Academy of Letters announced that 24 authors writing in different Indian languages will receive the Sahitya Akademi Award for 2025.

LPG supply issues debated in Parliament; hoarding crackdown underway

Parliament discussions highlighted energy concerns while state authorities target black marketing of LPG cylinders.

Exports slip slightly in February

Government data showed India’s merchandise exports declined marginally to USD 36.61 billion in February.

Wholesale inflation rises to 11-month high

Wholesale price inflation increased to 2.13 per cent in February, largely driven by higher prices of food items and other commodities.

International news

India advises citizens in Iran not to cross borders without coordination

Indian authorities have urged nationals in Iran not to attempt crossing land borders unless they coordinate with the Indian Embassy in Tehran.

Russia says it intercepted 250 Ukrainian drones near Moscow

Moscow authorities reported that Russian air defence systems shot down hundreds of Ukrainian drones that attempted to target the capital over the weekend.

China urges halt to military operations following Trump call over Hormuz Strait

Beijing rejected joining any international naval mission, prioritising its strategic relationship with Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu posts fresh video amid death rumours

Netanyahu released a second video to dispel social media speculation regarding his health and status.

Sports

Iran remains set to play at World Cup, says AFC official

Asia’s football governing body confirmed that Iran intends to participate in the global tournament in the US, Canada, and Mexico this June.