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

India Has Up to 190 Nuclear Warheads: What the New FAS Report Reveals

Written by The Eastern Times Desk · Updated at: Sep 13, 2026

Why Sikkim’s Glacial Lakes Could Trigger Devastating Floods

Written by TET Newsroom · Updated at: Sep 13, 2026

Rising Seas Could Threaten Homes of 1.4 Crore People in Mumbai and Kolkata

Written by The Eastern Times Desk · Updated at: Sep 12, 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.