Here's a compilation of the top news headlines for a school assembly on August 17, 2025:

National News

• Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Returns to India: Shubhanshu Shukla, the second Indian in space, has returned to India after his visit to the International Space Station (ISS). He was welcomed in Delhi by Delhi's Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, and Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh. Shukla is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and participate in National Space Day celebrations. His experience at the ISS is considered valuable for ISRO's Gaganyaan mission.
• PM Modi to Inaugurate Highway Projects: Prime Minister Modi is set to inaugurate ₹11,000 crore worth of highway projects in Delhi.
• GST Reform: The government is planning GST reforms, potentially with just two rates: 5% and 18%.
• ISRO Space Laboratory Inaugurated: A state-of-the-art space laboratory was inaugurated in Mechukha, Arunachal Pradesh, in collaboration between ISRO and the Muskaan Foundation.

International News

• Trump-Putin Meeting in Alaska: President Trump and President Putin met in Alaska for over two hours to discuss the Ukraine war, trade, and business cooperation. Trump indicated a desire for a peace settlement rather than just a ceasefire.
• Hurricane Erin: Hurricane Erin has strengthened into a Category 4 storm in the Atlantic, with warnings of possible flash floods and landslides in the Caribbean.
• Air Canada Strike: The Canadian government intervened to end a strike by Air Canada flight attendants, ordering them back to work and into arbitration.
• Chinese Foreign Minister to Visit India: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit India from August 18-19 to discuss border issues and strengthen bilateral relations.

Business News

• US-India Trade Talks: A visit by US negotiators to India for trade talks is uncertain, amidst concerns about tariffs.
• Oil Market: Oil prices are expected to remain steady after talks between President Trump and President Putin, signaling a potentially softer stance on sanctions and tariffs related to the Ukraine war.
• GST Council: GoM meeting on GST reforms is scheduled for next week.
• AI in Public Services: The UK government's AI Exemplars Programme is using AI to improve public services, such as healthcare, education, and local government.

Sports News

• Bob Simpson Passes Away: Former Australian captain and coach Bob Simpson has passed away at the age of 89.
• Jacob Bethell: Jacob Bethell becomes England's youngest men's captain.
• Luka Doncic Injury Scare: Luka Doncic, the Los Angeles Lakers star, suffered a minor right knee contusion during a EuroBasket exhibition game.
• India to Host Skating Trophy: India will host the Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy 2025.
• Saman Banned: Cricketer Saman banned for match-fixing attempts in 2021 Abu Dhabi T10.
• Racial Remarks: Irfan Pathan revealed facing racial remarks during the 2008 Perth Test.
• ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup: The United States secured the final qualification spot for the 2026 ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup.

Other News

• Janmashtami and Parsi New Year: Sri Krishna Janmashtami and Parsi New Year are being celebrated across India.
• Weather Alerts: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in Mumbai, Konkan, Goa, and South Maharashtra.