Daily Morning Brief - 24 July - Top News Updates from India, world, economy and odisha

India

1. India's Rivers Face Severe Ecological Decline

India's major rivers are deteriorating due to untreated sewage, industrial pollution, encroachment, and climate change. The crisis threatens biodiversity, drinking water security, and groundwater recharge, underscoring the need for stricter environmental enforcement and accelerated river conservation and rejuvenation programmes.

2. Fast-Track Courts to Hear Paper Leak Cases, Announces PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced dedicated fast-track courts to ensure speedy investigation and trial of examination paper leak cases. The initiative aims to deliver timely justice, deter organised cheating, safeguard students' interests, and restore credibility to India's competitive examination system.

3. CJP Holds Nationwide Protests Today

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has called for nationwide peaceful protests today under the slogan "Every District. One Day. One Demand." The demonstrations are being organised across districts in solidarity with students alleging police brutality during recent anti-paper leak protests.

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World

4. US Imposes 10% Tariffs on Imports from India and 16 Other Countries over Forced Labour Concerns

The United States imposed a 10% tariff on imports from India and sixteen other countries, citing forced labour concerns. India rejected the allegations, highlighted domestic legal safeguards, and preferred bilateral dialogue to resolve trade-related differences.

5. US and Saudi Arabia Sign Landmark Civil Nuclear Pact

The United States and Saudi Arabia signed a landmark civil nuclear cooperation agreement, enabling American companies to participate in Saudi Arabia's nuclear energy programme. The pact strengthens peaceful nuclear cooperation, safety standards, and global non-proliferation commitments.

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Economy

6. Government Confirms no Return of Ethanol-Free Petrol

The Union Government informed Parliament that ethanol-free petrol will not be reintroduced. Reaffirming its E20 policy, it stated that 20% ethanol-blended petrol is cleaner, safe for compatible vehicles, and supported by extensive scientific testing and field evaluations.

7. WTO Urges India to Reduce Trade Barriers to Achieve Developed Nation Status

The World Trade Organization advised India to reduce tariffs, simplify regulations, improve infrastructure, and lower trade restrictions to realise its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision by enhancing competitiveness, attracting investment, and integrating more deeply with global markets.

8. Ashiss Kumar Das Appointed  new CEO of Infosys.

Ashis Kumar Das has been appointed Chief Executive Officer as part of a leadership restructuring. The appointment is expected to strengthen corporate governance, improve operational efficiency, accelerate digital transformation, and support the organisation's long-term strategic growth objectives.

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Odisha

9. Demand Intensifies for OBC Reservation in Municipal and Panchayat Elections

Political parties and community organisations have intensified their demand for OBC reservation in Odisha's municipal and panchayat elections. They urged implementation of the Supreme Court's triple-test criteria to ensure constitutionally valid reservation and equitable representation in local self-government institutions.