Top News Today (26 August): India, World, Economy & Odisha

India

1. Allahabad High Court: Hijab Not Proven to Be an Essential Religious Practice

The Allahabad High Court rejected a student's plea to wear a hijab with her school uniform, holding that she failed to establish it as an essential religious practice. The court also upheld the private school's authority to prescribe and enforce its uniform policy.

2. Private Defence Firms to Get Access to DRDO Missile Technologies

The Centre has approved the transfer of selected DRDO-developed conventional missile technologies to eligible Indian defence companies. The move aims to accelerate domestic manufacturing, strengthen private-sector participation, expand India's defence industrial base and reduce dependence on government production agencies.

3. BPSC Protest Escalates as Students Clash With Police in Patna

Student protests over alleged irregularities in the 70th BPSC examination intensified in Patna, with protesters breaking police barricades and facing police action. Students are demanding greater transparency, action over examination issues and reforms to Bihar's competitive recruitment examination system.

World

4. US Military C-17 Lands in Moscow Amid High-Level Contact Reports

A US Air Force C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft landed in Moscow, an unusual development amid strained US-Russia relations. The aircraft's mission has not been officially disclosed, while reports have linked the visit to sensitive high-level diplomatic or intelligence discussions.

5. China Warns US Against Expanding Sanctions Over Iran Trade

China has warned the United States against targeting Chinese entities involved in trade with Iran. Beijing opposes Washington's use of secondary sanctions and has indicated it could respond if Chinese companies face increased pressure over Iranian oil and other transactions.

Economy

6. US Sanctions Four India-Based Firms Over Alleged Iran Oil Trade

The United States has sanctioned four India-based companies and three Indian nationals over alleged involvement in Iranian petroleum and petrochemical trade. Washington says the entities facilitated transactions worth more than $119 million, increasing compliance and financial risks for businesses dealing with Iran.

7. India's Fertility Rate Falls Below Replacement Level, Signalling Demographic Shift

India's fertility rate has fallen to about 1.9 children per woman, below the replacement level of 2.1, according to SRS data. The decline signals a long-term demographic transition that could eventually mean slower population growth, fewer workers and a larger elderly population.

Odisha

8. 75% attendance Compulsory for students; Odisha Begins Biometric Attendance Pilot in 10 Higher-Education Institutions

Odisha has launched a pilot digital and biometric attendance system across 10 higher-education institutions. The system uses digital verification, location checks and live photographs. A 75% attendance requirement particularly applies to students covered under the Gyanodaya education scheme.