The Supreme Court has deferred the hearing regarding the appointment of Odisha's new DGP to September 2. During the hearing, the State Government's Advocate General, Pitambar Acharya, presented the state's stance. Concerns were raised by the Amicus Curiae about potential irregularities and non-compliance with the 2006 Prakash Singh judgment. Currently, IPS officer Binay Tosh Mishra holds additional charge as DGP, while UPSC has paused the selection process for the final panel of candidates pending the court's verdict. https://www.dharitri.com/new-dgp-selection-hearing-postponed-state-government-takes-sides/

Actress Rashmika Mandanna suffered a serious back injury during a dance sequence shoot for the film 'Maaysa'. This being her third consecutive injury, doctors have advised complete rest, leading her to skip workouts. Her health condition has impacted major projects, including the film 'Ranavali' with Vijay Deverakonda, whose release may be delayed to October 2026. Additionally, the shoot for Atlee's next film 'Raaka' starring Allu Arjun has been delayed by 45 days as the director prioritizes her full recovery. Rashmika shared an update on social media thanking fans for their support. https://www.samayalive.in/entertainment-news/rashmika-is-sick/article-38173

A 40-year-old man named Sunanda Behera, who had gone missing in floodwaters in Dhamnagar, Odisha, was rescued alive after five days. He survived by clinging to a palm tree about 1 km away from his home. An ODRAF team rescued him after locals spotted him on Tuesday. Due to prolonged exposure to water and lack of food, his condition is reported to be critical, and he is currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital. https://www.dharitri.com/after-five-days-in-flood-water-taking-shelter-under-palm-tree/

For the first time in over 100 years, Tata Sons has adjourned its Annual General Meeting (AGM) due to a lack of quorum. The meeting, scheduled via video conferencing, could not proceed as the required minimum of five members were not present. This situation arose due to regulatory restrictions imposed by the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner regarding representatives from the Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust. Despite historical disputes like the Cyrus Mistry case, the AGM had never been cancelled before, making this a rare event in the company's long corporate history. https://www.dharitri.com/first-in-100-years-tata-sons-annual-general-meeting-postponed/

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has strongly criticized Sonia Gandhi over the 'Vande Mataram' controversy at the Congress headquarters on Independence Day. Kumaraswamy stated that since Sonia Gandhi has Italian blood, one cannot expect much from her regarding national sentiments. The row erupted following allegations that she gestured to stop the national song midway after Mallikarjun Kharge unfurled the tricolor. While the BJP accused Congress of disrespecting the national song, Congress denied any attempts to stop the full version of Vande Mataram. https://argusnews.in/politics/hd-kumaraswamy-attacks-sonia-gandhi-vande-mataram

The Supreme Court has deferred the hearing on the appointment of Odisha's Director General of Police (DGP) to September 2. During the hearing, the Odisha government submitted its response in a sealed cover through Advocate General Pitambar Acharya. The case involves allegations that the state did not follow the Supreme Court's 2006 Prakash Singh judgment guidelines. Currently, IPS officer Binayatosh Mishra holds additional charge as DGP, while senior officers like Sudhanshu Sarangi and others remain in the selection list amidst the ongoing legal dispute. https://www.samayalive.in/odisha-news/state-dgp-selection-hearing-postponed-to-september-2/article-38178

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has announced the National Sports Awards 2025. For the first time in 12 years (since 2014), no athlete has been selected for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna. However, 17 prominent athletes including chess players Divya Deshmukh and Vidit Gujrathi, and badminton players Gayatri Gopichand and Tresa Jolly have been nominated for the Arjuna Award. Football legend I. Arumainayagam will receive the Arjuna Award in the lifetime category. The selection committee was chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Arun Kumar Mishra. https://odishasambad.in/no-khel-ratna-arjuna-honour-for-17-athletes/

Two 8-foot-long snakes were spotted at Shah Rukh Khan's Mumbai residence, Mannat, on Nag Panchami. The incident occurred on August 17 while renovation work was ongoing. A rescue team was called, which managed to capture one snake, identified as a non-venomous rat snake, while the other remains missing. Shah Rukh Khan and his family were not at home as they are currently residing in a rented apartment in Pali Hill during the renovations, ensuring no harm was caused. The incident has gained significant social media attention due to its timing on the festival of Nag Panchami. https://argusnews.in/entertainment/nag-panchami-mannat-shah-rukh-khan-house-8-foot-snake-rescue

Reliance Jio has announced new benefits for its popular 299 INR plan, offering 1.5GB daily data, 5000GB free storage, Google Gemini Pro, and Jio Hotstar subscription. Amidst Airtel's price hikes, Jio introduced 'Jio Prime' for 300 INR, allowing users to lock their current plan rates until September 5, 2027. Members also get 600 INR worth of cashback vouchers and priority customer support. This service is available from August 20 for both existing and new users. https://odia.news18.com/news/odisha/jio-299-recharge-plan-jiohotstar-subscription-plus-storage-dkp-ws-l-405976.html

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested Mohammad Zafar, an associate of the terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed, from Meerut. Investigations revealed that Zafar was involved in terror funding by sending money to Pakistan via cryptocurrency. He allegedly collected donations in the name of madrasas and used them for anti-national activities. Zafar was also responsible for circulating provocative messages from Masood Azhar to incite youth towards jihad. Originally from Bihar, he had been operating across Meerut and Hapur. He has been sent to jail by a special court, and authorities are further investigating his links and financial transactions. https://odishasambad.in/ats-arrests-jaish-e-mohammed-terrorist-from-mosque-in-meerut24-yr-old-considered-masood-his-mentor/