Daily Morning Brief - 23 July - Top News Updates from India, world, economy and odisha

India

1. Centre Tells Delhi High Court BJP Protest Turned Violent

The Centre and Delhi Police informed the Delhi High Court that the BJP protest turned violent, with protesters allegedly breaking barricades, damaging vehicles, throwing stones, and injuring police personnel. The Court directed preservation of CCTV footage and emphasized that police must use proportionate force while handling protests.

2. Anurag Jain Appointed as CEO of NITI Aayog

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet appointed 1989-batch IAS officer Anurag Jain as the new CEO of NITI Aayog for a two-year term. A former Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh, he has previously served in DPIIT, MoRTH, and the Prime Minister's Office.

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World

3. US threatens of bombing bridges, power plants if Iran shoots at Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump warned that any Iranian attack on ships in the Strait of Hormuz would invite retaliatory strikes on critical infrastructure, including bridges and power plants. The warning aims to deter disruptions in one of the world's busiest oil shipping routes.

4. Trump Announces Tariffs of Up to 200% on Indian Generic Drugs

The US administration unveiled a phased tariff plan that could raise duties on imported generic medicines from India to 200% within three years. The measure aims to boost domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing but may significantly affect Indian drug exports to the US.

5. Pakistan Seeks $10 Billion Financial Support from the US

Pakistan has sought a $10 billion Bilateral Exchange Stabilization Support Facility from the United States to strengthen its foreign exchange reserves and stabilize its economy. The request comes amid economic pressures, IMF reforms, and Pakistan's recent diplomatic engagement in regional affairs.

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Economy

6. Gold and Silver Prices Surge on Safe-Haven Demand

Gold prices rose by ₹2,100 per 10 grams, while silver surged by ₹5,000 per kilogram. The rally was driven by changes in customs duties, geopolitical tensions, safe-haven buying, and strong industrial demand for silver from the renewable energy and electric vehicle sectors.

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Odisha

7. Odisha Notifies Six Exclusive Special Courts for SC/ST Atrocity Cases

The Odisha government has notified six Exclusive Special Courts in Bhadrak, Ganjam, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Puri, and Khurda to ensure speedy trials under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The initiative aims to reduce pendency and provide faster justice to victims of caste-based atrocities.