World Lion Day is observed every year on August 10 to raise awareness about the protection and conservation of lions. Initiated in 2013, the day highlights the declining population of African and Asiatic lions due to climate change, illegal hunting, and habitat loss. Currently, fewer than 25,000 lions remain globally. In India, the Gujarat forest department has launched special projects for the conservation of Asiatic lions in the Gir sanctuary to maintain ecological balance. https://www.dharitri.com/world-lion-day-awareness-is-essential-for-protection/

Three people were injured when a passenger bus rammed into an Ertiga car from behind on National Highway 326 in Rayagada district. The incident occurred near Mukundpur in Kolnara block while the car was heading towards Similiguda and the bus towards Machkund. While the seven occupants of the car escaped narrowly, three bus passengers sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital by locals. Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. https://sambad.in/district/rayagada/bus-hits-atiga-car-from-behind-rayagada-3-injured-12240810

The article lists 8 natural foods to improve eyesight. Eggs and oranges provide antioxidants and Vitamin C. Green leafy vegetables like spinach reduce cataract risk. Nuts, seeds, and fatty fish (tuna/salmon) offer Omega-3 for retina health. Sweet potatoes and carrots are rich in Vitamin A, aiding night vision. Dark chocolate improves blood flow to the eyes, providing nourishment. https://sambad.in/web-story/foods-that-improve-eyesight-naturally-12247303

Ishak Lima of Gajapati district has been bedridden for 17 years. His son Nikadim left his studies in class 10 to take full-time care of his father. Despite being 75% disabled, Ishak is unable to access several government schemes due to the lack of an Aadhaar card. Financial constraints have halted his medical treatment, and despite repeated attempts, the administrative issues regarding his Aadhaar remain unresolved. https://sambad.in/district/gajapati/nikadim-father-care-story-gajapati-odisha-aadhaar-issue-12243701

An 8-foot-long python was rescued from a farmland near the Tel River in Bahadurpadar village, Kalahandi district. A farmer named Makaranda Majhi and his wife spotted the snake while working in their field and alerted the Forest Department. A wildlife rescue team from Bhawanipatna arrived and safely captured the python. After the rescue, following orders from forest officials, the snake was released back into the Bajragarh forest. Hundreds of villagers gathered to witness the rescue operation. https://www.dharitri.com/8-foot-long-python-rescued-while-working-in-the-field/

Iran has released a video of its Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei to debunk rumors circulating in Israeli media about his deteriorating health. Reports from Israeli Channel 14 and The Jerusalem Post had claimed Khamenei was in critical condition and hospitalized. To counter these claims, Iran's Mehr News Agency shared footage showing the leader active, though the exact date of the recording remains unconfirmed. Iranian authorities maintain that the Supreme Leader is healthy and continues to oversee key national decisions. https://odishasambad.in/mojtaba-khamenei-health-rumours-iran-releases-new-video/

An under-construction shed at the main entrance of Rourkela Railway Station collapsed due to heavy rain. A 44-year-old woman was injured, and several vehicles including a car and bikes were damaged. Railway officials reached the spot to carry out restoration work. The contractor responsible for the project had previously been blacklisted and fined 90 lakh rupees for negligence. Authorities have promised strict action against the contractor following this incident which has raised serious questions about passenger safety and construction quality. https://www.dharitri.com/shed-worth-crores-of-rupees-collapsed-in-rain-in-rourkela-railway-station/

Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab met Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to discuss the renovation of the historic Barabati Moat (Gadakhai) and Satyabrata Stadium. A 100-crore rupee proposal has been submitted by the Tourism Department for excavating the moat and introducing boating facilities. Additionally, plans for Satyabrata Stadium include developing synthetic tracks and sports infrastructure without concrete construction. A coordination meeting with senior officials from ASI, CMC, and the district administration will be held in Cuttack within 15 days to finalize the execution plan. https://sambad.in/state/meeting-with-union-tourism-minister-led-by-mp-bhartruhari-12248961

For the first time, all six stanzas of the national song 'Vande Mataram' will be performed from the ramparts of the Red Fort during India's 80th Independence Day celebrations in 2026. This coincides with the 150th anniversary of the national song. A bill was recently passed in Parliament regarding the protocol for the song, including penalties for disrespect. Prime Minister Modi will also honor the youth for their contributions toward 'Viksit Bharat 2047'. Security in Delhi has been intensified with over 20,000 personnel, AI-based face recognition, and drone detection systems. https://argusnews.in/national/80th-independence-day-vande-mataram-red-fort-iaf-flypast

The article discusses the critical importance of nature and biodiversity in urban environments. As India's urban population is projected to exceed 50% in 15 years, the loss of green spaces is increasing mental stress. Cities like Bhubaneswar and Berhampur harbor significant biodiversity, including hundreds of bird and butterfly species. The authors emphasize that urban planning must integrate nature conservation and highlight initiatives like 'Ekamra Walk' to reconnect urban dwellers with their natural surroundings. https://sambad.in/punascha-pruthibi/nature-biodiversity-and-daily-life-in-urban-areas-12248912