School Assembly News Headlines Today (October 16): Ahmedabad to host 2030 Commonwealth Games

Karnataka drafts roadmap for disaster risk reduction: The Karnataka government has unveiled a detailed roadmap to enhance disaster preparedness and resilience across the state, focusing on early warning systems, urban flood control, and community-based response initiatives.

Hijab row resurfaces in Kerala after church minister’s remarks: A recent statement by a church minister in Kerala has reignited the hijab controversy, drawing political reactions from the CPI(M) and state officials over religious freedoms and educational dress codes.

PM Modi extended condolences to former PM Odinga’s family, friends and to the people of Kenya. (X/@narendramodi)

World News

Trump says ‘phase two’ of Gaza ceasefire begins immediately: Former US President Donald Trump announced that the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire has begun, aimed at sustaining peace efforts between Israel and Hamas following recent hostilities.

Trump warns Hamas to disarm or face forceful action: Trump stated that Hamas must “disarm or be disarmed, perhaps violently,” underscoring his administration’s stance on security enforcement in the region.

Trump honours Charlie Kirk with Presidential Medal of Freedom: In a ceremony marking Charlie Kirk’s 32nd birthday, Trump awarded the conservative activist the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his role in political mobilisation and youth engagement.

Erika Kirk speaks after President Donald Trump posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Charlie Kirk in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo)

Business News

IMF and Pakistan reach $1.2 billion bailout agreement: The International Monetary Fund has finalised a $1.2 billion deal with Pakistan to stabilise its economy, focusing on fiscal discipline, energy sector reforms, and inflation management.

India’s diamond exports to US fall by over 50%, trade with UAE and UK surges: India’s diamond exports to the US have dropped sharply, while shipments to the UAE and the UK recorded significant growth, signalling shifting trade dynamics amid global demand changes.

Ahead of the discussions, the IMF had warned that downside risks for the Pakistani economy remained exceptionally high. (File Photo)

Sports News

FIFA World Cup 2026: Full list of qualified teams released: FIFA has released the complete list of teams that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, setting the stage for the expanded 48-team tournament to be held across the US, Canada, and Mexico.

2027 World Chess Championship to feature classic, rapid, and blitz formats: The 2027 edition of the World Chess Championship will include multiple time controls—classical, rapid, and blitz—aiming to make the event more dynamic and engaging for global audiences.

India is set to hold the Commonwealth Games (CWG) in 2030 with Ahmedabad

Named Trionda, meaning three (Tri) waves (Onda), the ball’s red, green and blue design pays homage to the three host countries of the FIFA World Cup 2026. (PHOTO: FIFA)

Education News

Tamil Nadu TRB to conduct special TET exams in 2026: The Tamil Nadu Teacher Recruitment Board (TRB) has announced that special TET examinations will be held in 2026 to address vacancies in the School Education Department.

UK introduces tougher English language tests for skilled visa applicants: The United Kingdom has implemented stricter English language requirements for skilled visa applicants, aiming to raise professional communication standards and streamline post-Brexit immigration.