Top News Today (1 August): India, World, Economy & Odisha

India

1. Parliament Passes Bill Criminalising Disrespect to Vande Mataram

Legislation now accords Vande Mataram equal protection to the National Anthem. Intentionally insulting or disturbing its singing carries up to three years' imprisonment and fines, with stricter penalties for repeat offenders.

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2. Lok Sabha  Passes Births and Deaths Amendment Bill Amid Opposition Protests

The Lok Sabha passed the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 without debate amid Opposition protests. The legislation introduces centralized digital registration and strengthens provisions for birth and death records

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3. Cabinet Approves ₹84,000 Crore Offshore Exploration Initiative

The ₹84,084 crore Samudra Manthan scheme aims to expand deepwater oil and gas exploration in offshore basins. The plan subsidizes exploratory drilling and seismic data acquisition to reduce India's dependence on crude imports.

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World

4. Ceuta Border Crisis Escalates as 50,000 Migrants Attempt Crossing

Nearly 50,000 migrants attempted to cross into Spain's North African exclave of Ceuta by land and sea. The massive influx overwhelmed security forces, prompting emergency diplomatic engagement between Spain and Morocco.

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5. Over 100 Indian Citizens Rescued and Repatriated from Russian Army

Diplomatic efforts secured the discharge and return of over 100 Indian nationals fraudulently recruited into combat roles. The government continues efforts to rescue the remaining citizens while warning against illegal recruitment networks.

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Economy

6. Centre Extends PM-KISAN Scheme with ₹3.15 Lakh Crore Allocation

The Union Cabinet extended the PM-KISAN scheme with a ₹3.15 lakh crore allocation. The programme provides direct income support to eligible farmer families through annual financial assistance, strengthening agricultural livelihoods and rural incomes.

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7. R&D Spending Rises to 0.84% of GDP, Govt Tells Parliament

Government data submitted to Parliament shows Gross R&D expenditure reached ₹2.45 lakh crore (0.84% of GDP) in FY24. Private industry contributed over half the total, though national spending remains below the 2% benchmark.

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Odisha

8. Software Errors Delay Free July Ration Delivery Across Odisha

Technical glitches and e-KYC biometric synchronization errors on the public distribution portal prevented beneficiaries across several districts from receiving July free food grains. Officials have extended timelines to resolve the issue.

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9. Odisha Rolls Out AI-Powered Traffic Enforcement System Statewide

The State Transport Department deployed AI cameras to monitor speed limits, helmet use, seat belts, and signal violations. Automated e-challans with photographic evidence are generated instantly and sent to registered vehicle owners.