Daily Morning Brief - 15 July - Top News Updates from India, world, economy and odisha

INDIA News

1. Ladakh to Set Up Autonomous Hill Development Councils in All Seven Districts
The Ladakh administration has announced plans to establish Autonomous Hill Development Councils across all seven districts, expanding the existing governance model beyond Leh and Kargil to the newly created districts of Sham, Nubra, Changthang, Zanskar and Drass.

2. Supreme Court Seeks Centre’s Response on Mandatory Three-Language Policy
The Supreme Court has declined to immediately stay the three-language policy for Class 9 students and sought responses from the Centre, CBSE and NCERT within 10 days amid concerns over teacher shortages, textbooks and increased academic burden.

3. Centre Moves to Ban Highly Toxic Herbicide Paraquat Dichloride Nationwide
The Union Agriculture Ministry has issued a draft notification proposing a complete ban on the manufacture, import, sale and use of Paraquat Dichloride, citing severe health risks. Stakeholders have been given 30 days to submit objections.

4. Indian-Origin Astronaut Anil Menon Launches on Eight-Month Space Mission
Indian-origin NASA astronaut Dr. Anil Menon has launched aboard the Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft for a long-duration mission to the International Space Station, where he will conduct research on human health, semiconductor crystals and medical technologies in microgravity.

World News

5. India Summons Iranian Envoy After Missile Strike on Ships Carrying Indian Crew
India has lodged a strong protest with Iran following missile strikes on commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members, reportedly killing one sailor and injuring several others. Authorities have also strengthened monitoring of Indian seafarers travelling through the volatile Gulf region.

6. POK  violent Clash; 8 killed by Pakistani security forces.

Economy

7. India Launches First Trial Index of Services Production to Track Sector Growth
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has launched India’s first trial Index of Services Production, a monthly indicator designed to track short-term changes in the formal services sector using administrative data, including information from the Goods and Services Tax system.

Sports

8. Spain Reach FIFA World Cup Final After Impressive Semi-Final Victory
Spain have secured a place in the FIFA World Cup final following an impressive semi-final performance. The Spanish side delivered a strong tactical display to overcome their opponents and move within one victory of lifting football’s biggest international trophy.

Odisha News

9. Odisha Cabinet Clears 13 Major Proposals, Plans 1,750 Bridges and 52,000 Km of Rural Roads
The Odisha Cabinet has approved 13 major proposals, including an ambitious rural connectivity programme. The state plans to build 1,750 all-weather bridges and develop over 52,000 kilometres of rural roads during the next five years with significant budgetary support.