Reading news headlines during school assembly helps students improve general knowledge, sharpen critical thinking and build vocabulary. It also improves English speaking skills and encourages students to understand events beyond the classroom. Here are today’s major headlines for Monday, August 17.

National news

Amit Shah demands Congress apology over Vande Mataram row

Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused the Congress of insulting the national song Vande Mataram during its Independence Day celebrations and demanded an apology from the party.

Jharkhand students protest recruitment exam irregularities

Students protesting alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations burnt effigies of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav in Ranchi. They accused the JMM-Congress alliance of failing to take concrete action on their demands.

Former Bengal deputy speaker Ashis Banerjee found dead at TMC office

Former West Bengal Assembly deputy speaker Ashis Banerjee was found hanging at a Trinamool Congress office in Birbhum district on Sunday morning, police said.

Congress rejects PM's appeal on women's reservation bill

The Congress dismissed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for opposition support for a delimitation-linked women's reservation bill as "drama", alleging that the priority was "Modi preservation, not women's reservation".

FDA issues notice to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff

The Maharashtra FDA issued show-cause notices to actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over a Vimal Elaichi advertisement, alleging possible indirect or surrogate promotion of prohibited pan masala and tobacco products.

International news

Earthquake kills at least 47 in Colombia

At least 47 people were killed after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia. Buildings collapsed and residents were trapped under debris, while tremors were also felt in Ecuador and Panama.

Bangladesh seeks Sheikh Hasina’s extradition from India

Bangladesh again sought the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina from India during the first meeting between Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

US expands visa extension fee for H-1B and L-1 petitions

The US has introduced new rules requiring large employers to pay a USD 4,000 fee for H-1B and USD 4,500 for L-1 visa extension petitions from September 9.

Sports News

India and China draw 2-2 in women’s Hockey World Cup opener

India began their FIH Hockey World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against Olympic silver medallists China in Amstelveen, Netherlands. India twice took the lead but China fought back to secure a share of the points.