Daily Morning Brief- 17 march

India

1. Punjabi Introduced in Chinese University
Beijing Foreign Studies University has added Punjabi to its language curriculum to promote cultural and academic exchange.

2. World Bank Approves $300M for UP Clean Air Program
India and the World Bank sign a major deal to support electric buses and cleaner industries in Uttar Pradesh.

3. USCIRF Report Cites Deterioration in Religious Freedom:

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released its 2026 report, alleging that religious freedom in India continued to decline through 2025..

4. Parliamentary Panel Suggests 360-Degree Review for Senior Officers
A Parliamentary Standing Committee has urged the Centre to formalize a 360-degree review mechanism for empaneling senior officers (Joint Secretary and above).

World News

5. Sri Lanka Announces Four-Day Work Week
The government declares Wednesdays a public holiday to conserve fuel amid a worsening energy crisis.

 Odisha

6. 12 Dead in SCB Medical College Fire
A major ICU fire at SCB Medical College in Cuttack kills 12 patients; the state orders a judicial probe.

7. BJP Wins Three Rajya Sabha Seats in Odisha
BJP secures three of four seats after cross-voting by BJD and Congress MLAs.

8. Girija Baliarsingh  to Get Sahitya Akademi Award
The Odia poet selected for the 2025 award for his poetry collection Paadapuraana.

Recommended Articles

Who Decides Indian Citizenship? Supreme Court Settles the Debate

Written by The Eastern Times Desk · Updated at: Jul 21, 2026

Sonam Wangchuk Forcibly Taken by Delhi Police, 21-Day Hunger Strike Ends

Written by The Eastern Times Desk · Updated at: Jul 21, 2026

When the Right to Privacy Does Not Apply in India - What the Court's latest ruling said

Written by The Eastern Times Desk · Updated at: Jul 15, 2026

 Economy

9. Rupee Falls to Record Low of 92.4 per Dollar
The Indian currency weakens sharply amid rising oil prices and regional energy tensions.