Top News Today (12 August): India, World, Economy & Odisha

India

1. Supreme Court Pushes States to Declare Cancer a Notifiable Disease

The Supreme Court has urged States and Union Territories that have not yet done so to classify cancer as a notifiable disease. Currently, only 17 of 36 States and UTs mandate cancer reporting, limiting accurate national data and effective healthcare planning.

2. Jharkhand Student Protest: Around 110 ABVP Members Detained

Around 110 ABVP members were detained in Ranchi during a protest march toward the Jharkhand Assembly. Students and job aspirants are protesting alleged paper leaks, corruption and recruitment irregularities involving JPSC and JSSC examinations and demanding a CBI investigation.

World

3. Trump’s Security Team Uses Enclosed Routes During Air Travel in fear of Iran

Heightened security measures surrounding Donald Trump’s air travel have drawn attention to protected boarding routes and enclosed vehicles. Such arrangements are used by security teams to reduce exposure to potential sniper attacks, drone surveillance and other security threats.

4. Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Reportedly Sentenced to Death

A Damascus court has reportedly sentenced former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia over alleged crimes against humanity, war crimes, murder and torture. Assad fled to Russia following the collapse of his regime in December 2024.

Economy

5. India Emerges as World’s Sixth-Largest Economy

India has emerged as the world’s sixth-largest economy, surpassing major economies including the UK. Strong domestic demand, rapid digitalisation, infrastructure investment and production-linked incentives are supporting economic growth as India seeks to enter the global top three.

Odisha

6. Odisha’s Food Security Network Covers Over 3.21 Crore Beneficiaries

More than 3.21 crore people in Odisha receive subsidised or free food grains under the National Food Security Act and State Food Security Scheme. Over 97.54 lakh ration cards are linked to PDS outlets, supported by e-PDS and e-KYC systems.