Daily Morning Brief - 18 june - Top News Updates from India, world, economy and odisha

India

1. India's Education System Puts Excessive Pressure on Children: Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi criticized India's education system at the "Chhatron ki Goonj" rally in Kota, stating that excessive academic pressure harms students' mental health and limits opportunities. He called for reforms promoting holistic development instead of exam-centric learning and intense coaching culture.

2. NHAI Introduces AI-Powered Predictive Maintenance System to Detect Highway Damage and Improve Road Safety

NHAI has launched an AI-driven Predictive Asset Management system using survey vehicles, drones, sensors, and AI dashcams to identify road defects early. The initiative aims to improve highway safety, optimize maintenance spending, and enhance infrastructure durability across India's extensive road network.

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World

3. Elon Musk's AI Chatbot Grok Used in Strikes Against Iran: U.S. Government

A U.S. Justice Department filing revealed that Elon Musk's Grok AI has been integrated into the Pentagon's Project Maven targeting system. The AI-assisted platform reportedly helped process intelligence and support military operations against Iranian targets during the recent Operation Epic Fury campaign.

4. Israel Approves National AI Plan to Boost Technological Self-Reliance

Israel has approved a comprehensive National AI Plan to strengthen domestic technological capabilities. The initiative includes sovereign computing infrastructure, AI innovation hubs, workforce adaptation programs, and development of a national quantum computer to reduce dependence on foreign technology providers.

Also Read: Why Are Rich Indians Leaving India to Settle Abroad? The Untold Story Behind the Millionaire Migration

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Economy

5. Oil May Not Be the Next Crisis; Medicines Could Be: Raghuram Rajan

Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan warned that pharmaceutical supply chains may pose a greater future risk than oil shortages. He highlighted India's dependence on imported Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and urged policymakers to focus on long-term economic resilience and industrial diversification.

6. Crude Oil Prices Fall to $80 per Barrel, but Petrol and Diesel Prices Remain Unchanged

Global crude oil prices have fallen sharply amid easing geopolitical tensions. However, petrol and diesel prices in India remain unchanged due to oil company loss recovery, rupee depreciation against the U.S. dollar, and retail pricing mechanisms that limit immediate consumer benefits.

Also Read: From Books to Reels: Endless Scrolling Is Silently Damaging Your Child’s Brain

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Odisha

7. 8th Pay Commission Committee Members to Visit Bhubaneswar in July for Discussions with Employee Unions

The 8th Central Pay Commission will visit Bhubaneswar on July 6-7 to gather feedback from employees, pensioners, and stakeholders. Discussions will focus on fitment factor revisions, pension reforms, Dearness Allowance merger, and measures to improve salary and pension structures.

8. VB-GRAM-GY Scheme to Be Implemented Across Odisha from July 1

Odisha will implement the Viksit Bharat-Gramin Rozgar Aur Aay Manjuri Yojana (VB-GRAM-GY) from July 1. Backed by ₹5,575 crore, the scheme guarantees 120-125 days of rural employment annually and provides unemployment allowance if work is not offered within 15 days.

Note:

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