Reading news headlines during school assembly helps students stay informed about important events while improving general knowledge and critical thinking. It also builds vocabulary, strengthens comprehension and develops English speaking skills. Here are today’s major national, international and sports headlines to help students begin August 21, Friday, with awareness.

National News

Jharkhand HC stays cancellation of appointments through 11th–13th JPSC exams

The Jharkhand High Court has stayed notifications cancelling the appointment of government employees selected through the 11th to 13th Jharkhand Public Service Commission examinations.

Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar no more

Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar, who was serving a life sentence in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi, has died at Safdarjung Hospital.

Supreme Court seeks solution over CBSE three-language policy

The Supreme Court has stressed that children should not face pressure over the CBSE’s three-language policy for Class 9 students and called for a solution to issues arising from the requirement.

Political leaders divided over US envoy’s Jammu and Kashmir remarks

Political reactions remain divided after US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said Jammu and Kashmir is an important part of India. Pakistan has protested the remarks.

Structures outside Pakistan mission demolished in Delhi

Authorities demolished some unauthorised structures outside Pakistan’s High Commission in Delhi in a tit-for-tat move after Pakistan removed parking poles outside the Indian mission in Islamabad.

Amit Shah attacks Congress over Vande Mataram decision

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has accused the Congress of appeasement and defiance of law over its decision to sing only two stanzas of Vande Mataram.

Opposition objects to RSS-linked members in NCERT textbook panel

Opposition parties and student organisations have accused the government of promoting an RSS ideological imprint on school education after people linked to the Sangh were included in an NCERT textbook-writing team.

Tamil Nadu seeks continuation of 543-seat Lok Sabha freeze

Tamil Nadu has urged that the existing freeze capping the Lok Sabha at 543 seats, including 39 from the state, should continue.

Karnataka CM seeks 1971 census basis for delimitation

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has called for the 1971 census to be honoured for delimitation and for the Lok Sabha’s 543-seat strength to remain unchanged for 25 years.

Delhi HC says consenting adults in live-in relationships cannot be threatened

The Delhi High Court has held that a live-in relationship between consenting adults is akin to marriage and said parents or friends cannot interfere with their choice or threaten their lives.

Government allows duty-free imports of 10 lakh tonnes of raw sugar

The Centre has permitted duty-free imports of 10 lakh tonnes of raw sugar until October 31 under a tariff rate quota, amid rising domestic sugar prices.

Government departments seek removal of 2.44 lakh social media posts

Government departments sought the removal of 2.44 lakh pieces of social media content between March and July 2026, according to an official note.

International News

Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman’s India visit remains uncertain

Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser has said the possibility of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visiting India for the BRICS Summit remains slim without mutual trust and a “dignified invitation” from New Delhi.

Evergrande founder Xu Jiayin sentenced to life in China

A Chinese court has sentenced Xu Jiayin, the founder of troubled property giant Evergrande, to life imprisonment for multiple crimes and ordered the confiscation of his personal property.

Sports News

India qualify for second round of FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026

India secured a place in the second round of the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 after playing out a goalless draw against England in their final Pool D match in Amstelveen, Netherlands.