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.

---

 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.