School Assembly News Headlines, 20 August 2025: National, International, Business and Sports Updates

Staying informed about the latest events in the country and around the world helps students build awareness and stay updated. The morning assembly is a great opportunity for students to understand important happenings that are shaping the nation, the world, and the fields of business and sports.

National News

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi as part of border talks, with discussions also focusing on rare earth supplies from China to India.
• The Delhi Cabinet has approved an increase in nursing interns’ stipend from Rs 500 to Rs 13,150, the first revision in 27 years.
• Mumbai continues to face severe flooding with schools and offices shut. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation reported pumping out over 1,645 crore litres of water to reduce waterlogging.
• The Cabinet has given approval to the Rs 8,308-crore Capital Region Ring Road project, which will serve as a bypass around Bhubaneswar in Odisha.
• The Jan Vishwas Bill 2025, aimed at decriminalising minor offences, was introduced in the Lok Sabha but was sent to a Select Committee after heated debates.
• The government has stated that Indian exports worth $48.2 billion to the United States will face a 50% tariff.

• In Washington, US President Donald Trump will meet Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy along with European leaders to discuss a possible peace deal in the Russia-Ukraine war.
• Russia has launched its largest August attack on Kyiv, coinciding with the high-level talks in Washington.
• Reports suggest that Ukraine has offered a $100 billion arms and $50 billion drone deal to the US in exchange for long-term security guarantees.
• The United Kingdom has withdrawn its demand that Apple provide a ‘backdoor’ to encrypted devices after pressure from the United States.
• The International Monetary Fund has asked Pakistan to remove its finance secretary from the central bank’s board, citing governance concerns.
• Air Canada has reached an agreement with its union to end the ongoing strike.
• Baghdad has been ranked among the world’s most polluted cities due to recurring dust storms and urban pollution.
• China has pressed for a quick settlement of the Ukraine conflict while Trump has ruled out NATO membership for Ukraine and the return of Crimea.

• India has temporarily removed the 11% import duty on cotton to support the garment industry, which is facing pressure due to new US tariffs.
• Reliance Consumer Products has acquired a majority stake in Naturedge Beverages, strengthening its position in the functional beverage market.
• iPhone exports have led to a 30% rise in India’s smartphone shipments during the first half of 2025.
• Fujitsu has signed a licensing agreement with Palantir to integrate generative AI into its business operations.
• Uncertainty over GST rate cuts ahead of the festive season has raised concerns, particularly for air-conditioner manufacturers.

• Neeraj Chopra has qualified for the 2025 Diamond League Final in Zurich with 15 points despite missing the Silesia leg of the tournament.
• India has announced its Asia Cup squad, with Shubman Gill named vice-captain. Shreyas Iyer and some other key players have missed out.
• Bangladesh will replace Pakistan in the Asia Cup hockey tournament after Pakistan’s withdrawal due to security reasons.