As we move further into March 2026, the intersection of global conflict and domestic policy has created a rapidly shifting landscape for India. 
Here are the important national, international, and business news headlines for the school assembly morning of March 16, 2026.

NATION

EC announces election schedule for 4 states, Puducherry; two-phase polling in West Bengal

New Delhi: The Election Commission on Sunday announced the schedule of assembly elections for four states and one UT under which polling will be held on a single day in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry on April 9, in two-phases in West Bengal on April 23 and 29, and in Tamil Nadu on April 23. 

Rahul writes to PM on Bharat Ratna for Kanshi Ram, Mayawati reiterates demand

New Delhi: The clamour for Bharat Ratna for Kanshi Ram grew on the BSP founder's birth anniversary on Sunday, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as well as former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati demanding the country's highest civilian honour for the Dalit icon. 

Panel says bulk of rural ministry budget hike earmarked for VB-GRAMG, flags MGNREGA cut

New Delhi: A parliamentary panel has expressed concern over the budgetary allocation for the Department of Rural Development for the 2026-27 fiscal, noting that while the total outlay has increased by 21 per cent, the bulk of the increase is earmarked for the new VB-GRAMG scheme.

Mamata govt to clear DA arrears of its employees, pensioners from March this year

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday announced that her government will clear DA arrears of its employees and pensioners, including teachers, non-teaching staffers, and workers of grant-in-aid institutions, from March this year.

CBSE announces cancellation of Class 12 board exams in Middle east region

New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Sunday announced cancellation of the Class 12 board exams in the Middle East region in view of the US-Israel-Iran conflict, officials said.

LEGAL

SC directs Centre to submit comprehensive report on encroachments along Ganga

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to submit a comprehensive report on illegal constructions along the banks and flood plains of Ganga river and inform about the steps taken to remove encroachments.

Environment ministry endorses names of 10-member expert committee set up to define Aravalli hills

New Delhi: The Union Environment Ministry has told the Supreme Court that it has no objection with the Central Empowered Committee's proposed 10-member high-powered expert committee which has been tasked to come up with a uniform definition for the Aravalli hills and ranges.

BUSINESS

Indian crude tanker sails out of UAE's Fujairah safely

New Delhi: An Indian-flagged crude tanker sailed out safely from the UAE's Fujairah after loading oil, despite an attack on the oil terminal, as the government on Sunday said it is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia while ensuring stable fuel supplies and maritime safety. 

LPG bookings fall to 77 lakh; no fuel shortages, online bookings rise after govt campaign

New Delhi: LPG refill bookings have declined to about 77 lakh from 88.8 lakh earlier, indicating some easing of panic buying, even as the government said there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or cooking gas, and supplies remain stable despite the West Asia conflict.

FOREIGN

28 Ukrainian drones attempting to attack Moscow, Russia claims

Moscow: Russian air defence units have destroyed 28 Ukrainian drones heading to attack the capital on Sunday, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin claimed here.