Top News Today (7 August): India, World, Economy & Odisha

India

1. Reservation Protests Spread Across India; General Category Youth Demand Reforms

Reservation-related protests intensified across the country as General Category youth demanded reforms. Protesters called for replacing caste-based reservation with economic criteria or a merit-based system in education and government recruitment.

2. ICAR Decodes Arhar Dal Genome to Boost Pulse Production

Indian scientists at ICAR successfully decoded the complete genome of Arhar Dal (pigeonpea). The achievement will help develop climate-resilient, disease-resistant and high-yielding varieties, improving pulse productivity and reducing import dependence.

3. Supreme Court: Judicial Officers Are Not Government Servants; Different Retirement Age Permissible

The Supreme Court held that judicial officers are a separate constitutional class and not state government employees. It ruled that they can have a different retirement age, recognizing the value of judicial experience.

4. CJP to Launche ‘Kya Bolti Public’ Nationwide Campaign

The Cockroach Janta Party to launch the "Kya Bolti Public" campaign to engage citizens on unemployment, education, institutional accountability and judicial reforms. The organisation said it will function only as a civic pressure group.

5. PM Modi's Foreign Visits Cost ₹75 Crore, MEA Informs Parliament

The Ministry of External Affairs informed Parliament that ₹74.59 crore was spent on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visits to 13 countries. Total foreign travel expenditure since 2021 stands at ₹557.51 crore.

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World

6. UK Launches Action Against Sexual Harassment in Army Training Centres

The UK Ministry of Defence announced new measures to tackle sexual harassment in military training centres. A dedicated task force will improve complaint mechanisms, strengthen safety and promote gender awareness among recruits.

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Economy

7. Cabinet Approves ₹23,737 Crore GOBARdhan Scheme to Boost Compressed Biogas Production

The Union Cabinet approved the ₹23,737 crore GOBARdhan Scheme to expand compressed biogas production from organic waste. The scheme aims to promote clean energy, strengthen rural incomes and reduce fossil fuel imports.

8. Lok Sabha Passes Bill Allowing UPI Merchant Charges

The Lok Sabha passed a Bill empowering the government to notify Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on selected UPI merchant transactions. Person-to-person transfers and transactions below ₹2,000 will continue to remain free.

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Odisha

9. Agni-4 Missile Successfully Test-Fired from Odisha

India successfully test-fired the Agni-4 medium-range ballistic missile from Chandipur, Odisha. The launch validated all operational parameters and strengthened India's strategic deterrence capability.

10. Odisha Gains 152 sq km Forest Cover between 2021-23; Total Forest Area Reaches 52,433.56 sq km (ISFR 2023)

According to the India State of Forest Report 2023, Odisha added 152 sq km of forest cover since 2021. The state's total forest area now stands at 52,433.56 sq km, ranking third in forest cover growth nationwide.