Top News Today (31 July): India, World, Economy & Odisha

India

---

1. SC Restricts Pellet Gun Usage to Emergencies

The Supreme Court ruled that pellet guns cannot be entirely banned without statutory changes, but reaffirmed they must strictly be used as a last resort during extreme emergency crowd-control situations with mandatory operational logging.

---

2. Parliament Grants Vande Mataram Equal Legal Status

Parliament passed legislation protecting Vande Mataram, granting the National Song equal legal status to the National Anthem. Intentionally disrupting its singing or showing disrespect now carries a criminal penalty of up to three years imprisonment.

World News

---

3. US Considers $100,000 Fee on Post-Graduation Work Visas

US authorities are reviewing a proposal to levy a $100,000 fee on international graduates entering the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, creating a massive financial hurdle that could severely impact foreign students, particularly from India.

---

4. Bangladesh Issues Arrest Warning for Former PM Sheikh Hasina

Following political shifts in Bangladesh, interim government officials announced that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be arrested immediately upon landing in the country to face pending court warrants and legal proceedings stemming from recent unrest.

---

5. China Stationed 12 J-20 Stealth Fighters Near Indian Border

Satellite imagery revealed China deploying 12 fifth-generation J-20 stealth fighter jets across forward airbases in Hotan and Tibet. Positioned near Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, this represents a significant concentration of advanced aerial power along the LAC.

Economy

---

6. E20 Petrol Lowers Mileage by 2–6%, Confirms Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari informed Parliament that E20 blended petrol reduces vehicle mileage by 2% to 6%. However, official testing confirmed no engine wear or damage, alongside a 30% reduction in carbon emissions.

Odisha

---

7. OMFED Ranks First in the Country in Milk Procurement and Development

Odisha’s OMFED secured the first-place national award for excellence in milk procurement, development, purity, and quality at the Dairy Industry Expo in New Delhi.

---

8. Odisha Issues Alert for Medium Flood in Mahanadi River

Heavy rainfall from a deep depression triggered a flood warning along the Mahanadi River basin. With over 9 lakh cusecs expected through Mundali barrage, coastal districts including Puri, Khurda, Jagatsinghpur, and Kendrapada were placed on high alert.