Top News Today (30 July): India, World, Economy & Odisha

India

1. Parliament Passes Tougher Anti-Paper Leak Law

Parliament passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, introducing up to 10 years' imprisonment and hefty fines for paper leak syndicates. The law also mandates time-bound investigations and special fast-track courts for speedy disposal of cases.

2. Rajya Sabha Criminalizes Insults to Vande Mataram

The Rajya Sabha passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, granting Vande Mataram legal protection equal to the National Anthem. Intentionally disrupting or preventing its singing can attract up to three years' imprisonment, a fine, or both.

World

3. Saudi Arabia Joins USA in Iran war

Saudi Arabia intensified its military involvement after Iran-backed Houthi forces targeted oil facilities with missiles and drones. Saudi air defences intercepted several attacks before launching coordinated retaliatory airstrikes against Houthi positions and allied militia targets.

4. More Than Half of England Declared Under Drought

The UK Environment Agency declared drought across over half of England after record-low July rainfall and prolonged heatwaves. Falling reservoir levels, agricultural losses, and water-use restrictions have raised concerns over worsening climate-related water shortages across affected regions.

Economy

5. US Senate Bill Threatens 100% Tariffs on India

A bipartisan US Senate bill proposes tariffs of up to 100% on countries importing Russian energy, including India. The measure seeks to curb Russia's energy revenues and could significantly impact India's trade and crude oil import strategy.

6. FCI Sold Surplus Rice at 40% Loss for Ethanol Production

The Food Corporation of India supplied surplus rice to ethanol distilleries at nearly 40% below procurement cost under the OMSS scheme. The government said the policy supports India's 20% ethanol blending programme and does not constitute a direct subsidy.

Odisha

7. ₹3,384 Crore Project to Extend Optical Fibre Network to 50,000 Odisha Villages

The Centre approved ₹3,384 crore under BharatNet Phase-III to strengthen Odisha's rural digital infrastructure. The project will provide high-speed optical fibre connectivity to all 6,799 Gram Panchayats and extend broadband services to nearly 50,000 villages.