Today’s news headlines and Thought for the Day for school assembly: 4 November 2024

International news for school assembly

Taiwan’s Defence Ministry reported spotting 35 Chinese military aircraft, including fighter jets and bombers, flying south of the island towards the Pacific for exercises. This marks the second consecutive day of such activity.
Israeli naval commandos captured a Hezbollah member described by a military official as a “senior operative” during a raid in Lebanon, transporting him to Israel for questioning.
North Korean state media released a white paper accusing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol of increasing the risk of nuclear war through his policies regarding North Korea.
With just two days to the United States Presidential election, Republican candidate Donald Trump has intensified his rhetoric, criticising urban areas, particularly those with large immigrant populations. He specifically targeted cities like Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, referring to them as “cesspools of blood” and calling urban centres “war zones” and “killing fields.”
Kemi Badenoch achieved a significant victory in the Conservative Party leadership race, becoming the first black woman to lead a major political party in the United Kingdom.

Sports news for school assembly

India captain Rohit Sharma remains uncertain for the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Perth later this month due to personal reasons. He said he is “keeping his fingers crossed” about his participation.
For the first time since 1934, India suffered a historic low, losing a cricket series 3-0 to New Zealand.
Japan’s Rio Takeda claimed victory in the LPGA’s Toto Japan Classic, winning in a playoff that extended to six sudden-death holes and defeating Marina Alex of the United States.
PSG moved six points clear at the top of the French league, defeating Lens 1-0.
Max Verstappen fell to 4th place in the Sao Paulo sprint after receiving his latest penalty.

Anchoring script for school assembly

Anchor:
“Good [morning/afternoon/evening] everyone, and thank you for joining us today. As we all know, Diwali, the festival of lights, just brought families and communities together in joyous celebration. With sparkling lights, delicious treats, and the sharing of blessings, Diwali truly illuminates our lives. However, alongside the festive joy, we’re once again facing a major environmental concern—the rise in air pollution after Diwali.

Every year, despite awareness efforts, we see a sharp increase in air pollution levels following the festival. Firecrackers, in particular, add a significant load of pollutants into the atmosphere, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. These pollutants create a thick layer of smog that lingers in our cities, impacting our health and the environment.

So, let’s delve deeper into this important topic today and discuss how air pollution post-Diwali affects us, what we can do to protect ourselves, and how we might celebrate more sustainably in the future.

(Pause and allow for transition)

Anchor:
“To begin, let’s consider how severe the issue has become. According to recent data, the Air Quality Index, or AQI, in major cities tends to spike to hazardous levels after Diwali. This sudden rise in air pollution isn’t just a number—it has real, immediate effects on our health, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.

For example, fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, is small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, leading to an increased risk of asthma attacks, lung infections, and other health issues. Studies show that even a single evening of excessive firecracker use can push our air quality to ‘severe’ levels, making it harder for everyone to breathe safely.

(Optional interaction with the audience, if possible)
“Now, let me ask—how many of you felt the impact of air pollution after Diwali this year? Perhaps you noticed it was harder to breathe outdoors, or that there was an unusual haze hanging in the air?”

(Allow responses or engage the audience)

Anchor:
“Thank you for sharing. The impact is definitely noticeable, and it reminds us that we need to consider healthier and more eco-friendly ways to celebrate.

Now, let’s talk solutions. While it’s challenging to control the air pollution caused by others, we can protect ourselves and take small steps towards cleaner air. Wearing masks, especially for children and those with asthma, is one precaution. Planting more trees, advocating for reduced cracker usage, and celebrating with traditional, cracker-free rituals can also make a significant difference.

As a community, we can focus on ways to protect and nurture our environment, even during our celebrations. Switching to eco-friendly fireworks, choosing quieter celebrations, or even lighting diyas instead of crackers are some simple ways to still enjoy the festive spirit responsibly.

(Conclusion)
“So, as we move forward, let’s remember that Diwali is about light, joy, and togetherness—and we can celebrate in ways that brighten our future as well. Reducing air pollution is a collective effort, and each of us has the power to make a difference. Together, let’s work toward a cleaner, healthier world for ourselves and for future generations.

Thank you all for listening, and let’s commit to being more mindful in our celebrations next year. [Have a great day/stay safe, everyone.]”

Refer to this school assembly guide to prepare for assembly on 4 November 2024.