Today’s School Assembly News Headlines (26 May)
Good morning! Here are today’s most important news headlines for your school assembly on 26 May. We’ve compiled the latest national, international, state, sports, and business news to help you deliver an informed and engaging assembly presentation. Today is also a historically significant date — it marks 12 years since Prime Minister Narendra Modi was first sworn in as India’s Prime Minister on 26 May 2014.
Today’s National News headlines in English for school assembly for 26 May 2026
1. Supreme Court Slams NTA Over NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak
The Supreme Court, in its latest hearing on the NEET-UG 2026 matter, expressed serious concern over repeated irregularities, describing it as “sad” that the National Testing Agency had not learnt its lesson despite earlier instructions from the apex court. A bench led by Justice PS Narasimha issued notices to the Centre and the NTA, seeking responses on petitions that include a demand for the dissolution of the NTA. The undergraduate medical entrance exam was held on May 3 across 551 Indian cities and 14 overseas centres, and was cancelled on May 12 after allegations of a paper leak surfaced. Nearly 23 lakh students had registered for the test. The re-examination is now scheduled for June 21.
2. PM Modi Marks 12 Years in Office on 26 May
Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed 11 years in office on 26 May 2025, and today — 26 May 2026 — he completes 12 years as India’s Prime Minister. The BJP is set to launch a nationwide outreach campaign themed “12 Years of Trust, Development and Public Welfare” to commemorate the occasion. The day is significant as Modi was sworn in on 26 May 2014 as India’s 14th Prime Minister.
3. Severe Heatwave Grips North and Central India; Red Alerts Issued
The India Meteorological Department has issued red alerts indicating severe heatwave conditions for parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra for May 25–26. Severe heatwave conditions are expected in isolated pockets of West Rajasthan until May 30, Madhya Pradesh until May 28, and Vidarbha until May 27. Brahmapuri in Maharashtra recorded the highest maximum temperature in the country at 47.2 degrees Celsius, while nearly 29 weather monitoring stations recorded temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius.
4. Monsoon to Arrive in Kerala by May 26; Relief Expected
According to the India Meteorological Department, the monsoon is confirmed to arrive in Kerala by May 26, 2026, bringing much-needed relief to southern India. IMD’s press release dated 25 May 2026 also forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over Northeast India in the next 6–7 days, and over Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the next 2–3 days. The arrival of the monsoon is eagerly awaited across the country as temperatures have soared to dangerous levels.
5. India Issues Ebola Travel Advisory for Three African Countries
India has issued an advisory asking its citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan due to a severe outbreak of the Ebola virus. The government urged citizens residing in these countries to exercise caution and take necessary precautionary measures. The advisory was issued after a major outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola infected over 650 people and killed nearly 144 in Uganda and the DRC, prompting the WHO to declare a global health emergency.
6. Schools Shut Across Several States Due to Heatwave Summer Break
Amid rapidly rising temperatures, several state governments have extended summer breaks for schools. Schools in Delhi will remain shut from May 11 to July 1, 2026, while Uttar Pradesh schools are closed for summer vacations from May 20 through June 15, 2026. Districts in UP have also asked schools to conduct classes only between 7 AM and 12 noon until the break begins. Bihar’s Arwal district prohibited academic activities for students from Classes 6 to 12 after 11 AM.
7. Sensex Surges 900 Points; Nifty Nears 24,000 Mark
On Monday, May 25, 2026, the Sensex surged to its day’s high with a gain of around 900 points, while the Nifty neared the 24,000 mark, with bank and financial stocks among the top gainers. The positive market sentiment comes amid domestic buying and improved investor confidence. Banking stocks led the rally in the morning session.
8. BJP Plans Nationwide Campaign to Mark 12 Years of Modi Government
The BJP has issued an internal circular to launch a nationwide outreach and publicity campaign from June 5 to June 21, to mark 12 years of the Narendra Modi government. The campaign is themed “12 Years of Trust, Development and Public Welfare” and will include “Viksit Bharat Sankalp Conventions” at the district level, along with three-day registration camps for central and state welfare schemes.
9. Cabinet Reshuffle Buzz: Modi Likely to Revamp Team Post Vice Presidential Election
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised to undertake a significant cabinet reshuffle, potentially one of the most consequential in his third term, and this is expected to take place after the Vice Presidential elections are concluded in September. The first meeting of the council of ministers this year was chaired by PM Modi and attended by all cabinet ministers, with discussions covering ministry functioning, key decisions and their outcomes, and future plans.
10. Fake Paper Leak Claims: Centre Directs Social Media Platforms to Act
The Centre has directed major social media platforms to proactively identify and remove networks spreading fake paper leak claims and unverified exam-related content. This comes in the backdrop of the NEET-UG 2026 controversy and growing concern over misinformation affecting millions of students. The government has asked platforms to act swiftly to avoid panic and confusion during sensitive examination periods.
Today’s International News headlines in English for school assembly for 26 May 2026
1. China Launches Shenzhou-23 Spacecraft; First Hong Kong Astronaut Aboard
China launched the Shenzhou-23 crewed spacecraft at 11:08 PM on Sunday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. The mission marks the seventh crewed spaceflight during the application and development phase of China’s space station and the 40th flight of the country’s crewed space programme. A Hong Kong astronaut joined the mission for the first time, as part of a three-person crew heading to the Tiangong space station, as China edges closer to its goal of landing people on the Moon.
2. Ebola Declared Global Health Emergency by WHO
An Ebola outbreak was confirmed in the Democratic Republic of Congo and in Uganda in May 2026, involving the Bundibugyo species — a strain for which there is no vaccine or specific treatment. The outbreak is occurring in a challenging humanitarian context with insecurity and high population movement. The WHO is scaling up support with surveillance, contact tracing, and community engagement. On May 21, 2026, the World Health Organization officially declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
3. Russia Strikes Kyiv; Multiple Casualties Reported
At least two people were killed and 77 were injured in a Russian overnight attack on Kyiv, Ukraine, which included the use of a powerful hypersonic ballistic missile. The strike hit civilian and commercial infrastructure. The attack drew strong international condemnation, with European leaders calling for stronger sanctions. The Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to impact global stability and humanitarian conditions.
4. Hajj 2026 Begins With 1.5 Million Pilgrims in Mecca
More than 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, against the backdrop of a tenuous ceasefire in the Iran war and related regional tensions. The Saudi government has put in place extensive crowd management and healthcare facilities. Hajj is one of the largest human gatherings on Earth and holds deep religious significance for Muslims worldwide.
5. Measles Outbreak in Bangladesh Claims Over 500 Lives; Children Worst Affected
A major measles outbreak in Bangladesh has resulted in 528 deaths, mostly among children, as of Sunday, May 25, 2026. The outbreak has overwhelmed health facilities in several districts, and international health agencies have ramped up vaccine drives. Authorities are investigating the root causes of the rapid spread, including gaps in childhood immunisation coverage.
Today’s State News headlines in English for school assembly for 26 May 2026
1. UP Schools Extended Summer Vacation Amid 45°C Heatwave
A severe heatwave warning has been issued across several states, with Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan recording temperatures of up to 45 degrees Celsius. Uttar Pradesh schools are closed for summer vacations from May 20 through June 15, 2026, and districts such as Noida and Ghaziabad have asked schools to conduct classes only between 7 AM and 12 noon. Parents have been advised to avoid sending children out during peak afternoon hours.
2. Jharkhand and Bihar on Weather Alert; Rain and Heatwave Simultaneously
There is a very high probability of heatwave conditions in specific areas of Western Jharkhand between May 24 and 25; in Bihar on May 23 and 24; and in Chhattisgarh between May 24 and May 27. Rain and strong winds are forecast for Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, Bokaro, and Deoghar in Jharkhand, with rainfall likely in several districts between May 26 and 29. Residents have been urged to stay prepared for sudden weather changes.
3. Delhi Schools Shut Till July 1; Dust Storms Expected
Severe heatwave conditions are expected in some pockets of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi between May 25 and May 27, with heat wave alerts continuing until May 28. Schools in the national capital will remain shut from May 11 to July 1, 2026. Delhi’s yellow weather warning remains in force till May 27, and residents have been advised to stay indoors between 11 AM and 5 PM.
4. Rajasthan Continues Under Severe Heatwave Warning
Severe heatwave conditions are expected in isolated pockets of West Rajasthan until May 30. A severe heatwave warning was also in place for Rajasthan, with heatwave conditions continuing to persist in Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra. State governments have activated emergency helplines and water distribution points in vulnerable districts.
5. Maharashtra’s Brahmapuri Records Country’s Highest Temperature at 47.2°C
Brahmapuri in Maharashtra recorded the highest maximum temperature in the country at 47.2 degrees Celsius, while nearly 29 weather monitoring stations recorded maximum temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius. Maharashtra health authorities have issued heat stroke advisories and directed hospitals to keep emergency wards on standby. People have been urged to drink water regularly and avoid going out in direct sunlight.
Today’s Sports News headlines in English for school assembly for 26 May 2026
1. IPL 2026 Playoffs Kick Off Today: RCB vs GT in Qualifier 1 at Dharamsala
Monday (May 25) is a rest day in IPL 2026 as league stage matches ended on Sunday. Three teams — RCB, GT, and SRH — all ended up with 18 points each after the league games. Defending champions RCB topped the table with a superior Net Run Rate, followed by GT and SRH. Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s pursuit of back-to-back IPL titles will run into the season’s most disciplined bowling attack when they face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 at Dharamsala on Tuesday (today), with a direct place in the final at stake.
2. Virat Kohli vs Kagiso Rabada: The Battle Everyone Is Watching
One of the most-anticipated duels of Qualifier 1 is between Virat Kohli and Kagiso Rabada. In IPL encounters, the GT pacer has dismissed Kohli four times out of nine meetings while conceding 79 runs. GT have never played an IPL game at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala since they joined the IPL in 2022, which means RCB could have an edge in familiarity with the venue.
3. SRH and RR Set for Eliminator on May 27 in New Chandigarh
In the IPL 2026 playoffs, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals will feature in the Eliminator on May 27 (Wednesday) at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, at 7:30 PM IST. RR took the fourth spot with 16 points after knocking out Punjab Kings and KKR. The winner of the Eliminator takes on the loser of Qualifier 1 in Qualifier 2 on May 29.
4. IPL 2026 Final Set for Ahmedabad on May 31
The IPL 2026 Final is scheduled at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 31. The final was originally scheduled for Bengaluru, as RCB are the reigning champions, but the BCCI moved the game to Ahmedabad. All eyes are on whether RCB can make history by defending the title or if a challenger team — GT, SRH, or RR — will clinch their first or second title.
5. MMA to Debut at Asian Games 2026 in Japan
Cricket has been retained for the Asian Games 2026, while Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is set to make its debut at the continental meet. The Asian Games 2026 are scheduled to be held in the Aichi and Nagoya prefectures of Japan from September 19 to October 4. Indian combat sports athletes are already training hard for the games. MMA’s inclusion is expected to attract a new generation of athletes to the sport.
Today’s Business and Startup News in English for school assembly for 26 May 2026
1. Sensex Up 900 Points; Bank Stocks Lead the Charge
On May 25, 2026, the Sensex rose to its day’s high with a gain of approximately 900 points, while the Nifty climbed near the 24,000 mark, with bank and financial stocks being the top performers on the day. The rally followed positive global cues and steady buying by domestic institutional investors. Market analysts believe the post-heatwave monsoon optimism and economic data are supporting the upward trend.
2. Diesel Prices Rise Amid Strait of Hormuz Crisis
Diesel prices reached ₹95.20 per litre after a ₹2.71 hike as transport costs rose amid the Strait of Hormuz crisis. The geopolitical tensions in West Asia have disrupted global oil supply chains. Higher fuel prices are expected to push up transportation and logistics costs, potentially affecting the prices of everyday goods.
3. China’s DeepSeek Makes Permanent 75% Price Cut on AI Model
China’s DeepSeek is set to make a permanent 75% price cut on its flagship V4-Pro AI model. This is a major development in the global AI industry, as it could significantly increase accessibility to advanced AI tools and put pressure on other AI companies worldwide. Indian tech startups that rely on AI tools may benefit from this reduction in costs.
4. India’s Trade Deals Draw Global Attention After Nordic Summit
At the 3rd India-Nordic Summit, Prime Minister Modi said that India and the Nordic nations will continue to work together to strengthen the rules-based global order. India also offered 100% FDI to Nordic defence firms in defence industrial corridors, signalling growing confidence in India’s manufacturing sector. The agreements are expected to attract significant foreign investment and create jobs.
Important Day Today — 26 May
Today is celebrated as the 12th Anniversary of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first swearing-in as India’s 14th Prime Minister (26 May 2014).
On 26 May 2014, Modi took oath as the Prime Minister of India, marking a turning point in the country’s modern political history. It ended the 30-year era of coalition politics in India, as the people gave a clear and decisive mandate to the BJP.
Theme (BJP Campaign 2026): “12 Years of Trust, Development and Public Welfare”
The date is also associated with World Lindy Hop Day, a celebration of the classic swing dance style that has its roots in African-American culture and remains popular globally.
For more, see: 26 May in Indian and World History
Thought of the Day
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” — Mark Twain
This quote reminds us that no matter how large our goals seem — whether it’s preparing for exams, learning a new skill, or working toward a dream — the most powerful step is simply beginning. As students, every morning is a new opportunity to take that first step forward. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; start where you are, with what you have.
Word of the Day
Resilience
- Pronunciation: /rɪˈzɪl.i.əns/
- Part of Speech: Noun
- Meaning: The ability to recover quickly from difficulties or hardship; mental and emotional toughness in the face of challenges.
- Synonyms: Toughness, adaptability, durability, perseverance
- Antonyms: Fragility, weakness, vulnerability
- Example: “Despite the heatwave disrupting their routine, the students showed great resilience and continued learning from home without complaint.”
GK Question of the Day
Q1: On which date was Prime Minister Narendra Modi first sworn in as the Prime Minister of India? A: 26 May 2014
Q2: What is the name of China’s spacecraft that was launched on 24 May 2026, carrying a Hong Kong astronaut for the first time? A: Shenzhou-23
Q3: NEET-UG 2026, originally held on May 3, was cancelled due to allegations of paper leak. When is the re-examination scheduled? A: June 21, 2026
Today in History — 26 May
- 1896: The Dow Jones Industrial Average was published for the first time by Charles Dow, marking the birth of modern stock market tracking. Today, it remains one of the most important indicators of global economic health.
- 1983: India launched INSAT-1B, a major step forward in satellite communication, which provided television, telephone, meteorological, and disaster warning services across the country.
- 2014: Narendra Modi was sworn in as India’s 14th Prime Minister at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, beginning a new chapter in Indian political history with a majority mandate.
For more, see: 26 May in Indian and World History
FAQ Section
A: Today’s key headlines for school assembly news headlines today 26 May 2026 include: (1) The Supreme Court reprimanded the NTA over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, (2) PM Modi completes 12 years as Prime Minister today, and (3) China launched the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft with the first-ever Hong Kong astronaut on board.
A: Today’s thought is “The secret of getting ahead is getting started” by Mark Twain — a reminder that taking the first step is always the most important one.
A: Today’s word is “Resilience,” meaning the ability to recover quickly from difficulties and keep going strong in the face of challenges.
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