Daily Morning Brief - 17 July - Top News Updates from India, world, economy and odisha

India

1. Election Commission Mandates Additional Parental Details for New Voter Registration
The Election Commission has made parental details mandatory for new voter registration under the Special Intensive Revision drive. The measure aims to improve electoral roll accuracy, prevent duplicate and fraudulent entries, and strengthen voter verification through age-based documentation requirements.

2. CAFE-III Norms to Tighten Fuel Efficiency Standards for Passenger Vehicles
The draft CAFE-III norms propose stricter fuel efficiency and emission targets for passenger vehicles from April 2027. The policy encourages ethanol blends, hybrids, EVs, and biofuels while introducing compliance credits and penalties to reduce carbon emissions.

3. Supreme Court to CBSE: Don't Burden Class 9 Students with Third Language Requirement
The Supreme Court advised CBSE against introducing a compulsory third language in Class 9, citing increased academic pressure. The Court suggested teaching additional languages in earlier classes and highlighted concerns over textbook shortages and inadequate teacher availability.

4. Over 100 ISRO Scientists Quit; Centre Tightens Exit Rules
Following the resignation of nearly 100 ISRO scientists, the Department of Space has tightened rules for resignations and voluntary retirement. The move seeks to protect strategic projects, including the Gaganyaan mission, from disruptions caused by skilled manpower shortages.

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World

5. Brazil Slams Trump's 25% Tariff, Warns of Reciprocal Measures
Brazil has condemned the United States' decision to impose a 25% tariff on selected imports, calling it unjustified. The government plans retaliatory tariffs under its Reciprocity Law and may challenge the move before the World Trade Organization.

6. French National Assembly Approves Assisted-Dying Bill
France's National Assembly has approved a landmark assisted-dying bill allowing terminally ill adults to seek medically assisted death under strict legal and medical safeguards. The legislation now awaits constitutional review before it comes into force.

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Economy

7. Ex-RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan Joins U.S. Federal Reserve Task Force
Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan has been appointed to the U.S. Federal Reserve's Balance Sheet Policy Task Force. The panel will review monetary policy operations, while other Indian-origin experts will contribute to data and AI-related economic reforms.

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Odisha

8. Puri Rath Yatra Stampede: 2 Dead, Over 100 Injured
A crowd crush during the Puri Rath Yatra claimed two lives and injured over 100 devotees near the Singhadwar. Authorities launched rescue operations, treated the injured at temporary medical camps, and reviewed crowd management measures to prevent similar incidents.