Tragedy struck in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, where three men died after falling into an open well while trying to flee from what they mistakenly believed was a police raid. Around 11 people were gambling in a field when an unknown vehicle arrived. Panicked by the sight, the men ran into the darkness and fell into the well. SP Nitesh Pandey clarified that no police raid was conducted in the village that night. While three people lost their lives, one person was rescued alive. Police are currently investigating who the occupants of the unknown vehicle were. https://otvkhabar.in/national/card-game-turns-tragic-as-three-villagers-die-while-fleeing-suspected-police-raid-12393118

The Pakistan Supreme Court has directed the government to shift former Prime Minister Imran Khan from jail to a private hospital in Islamabad within 48 hours due to health concerns. He is allowed to remain in the hospital until September 16. A medical board including his personal doctor and sister will monitor his health condition. https://www.dharitri.com/court-orders-to-shift-imran-khan-to-hospital/

The Indian monsoon is weakening due to the strengthening of 'El Niño' in the Pacific Ocean, raising drought concerns to 70%. Private forecaster Skymet Weather has lowered its rainfall prediction to 85% of the Long Term Average. As of August 17, the country has faced a 13% rainfall deficit, with East and Northeast India experiencing a 27% shortfall. Experts warn that a potential 'Super El Niño' in September could further reduce rainfall by 20%, impacting agriculture across states like Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Punjab. https://argusnews.in/national/super-el-nino-dry-monsoon-august-september-rain-deficit-alert

Maoist leader Dona Keshava Rao, alias Azad, has been acquitted of all charges by a special court in Paralakhemundi. After 14 years in jail, the court cleared him in the remaining cases due to lack of evidence, following a Supreme Court directive to expedite the trial. Azad faced 49 cases across Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, including charges of violence and arson. His legal team confirmed that the process for his release from jail has begun. https://sambad.in/district/gajapati/mao-leader-azad-acquitted-in-all-36-cases-paralakhemundi-12393065

The Supreme Court has deferred the hearing of a PIL challenging the appointment of the Odisha DGP to September 2. The Odisha government presented its stand before the court. The PIL alleges that the state government violated Supreme Court guidelines and the Prakash Singh judgment regarding the selection process of the Director General of Police. Previously, on August 13, the apex court had stayed the DGP selection process in the state. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/odisha-dgp-appointment-row-government-presents-its-stand-before-supreme-court-12393078

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a 1000 crore rupee special 10-point relief package for flood-affected regions. The package covers agricultural input subsidies for farmers based on crop loss, financial aid for livestock loss, and assistance for weavers and artisans. Infrastructure repairs for roads and canals will be prioritized, and relief measures including dry/cooked food and essential supplies will continue until normalcy returns. The flood has affected over 9.4 lakh people across 6 districts including Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Balasore. https://sambad.in/state/odisha-flood-relief-cm-mohan-charan-majhi-announces-1000-crore-10-point-special-package-for-flood-victims-12393042

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the flood-affected areas of Bhadrak district to review the situation. During the visit, a 20-foot-long crocodile was spotted in the floodwaters. Despite the danger, the Chief Minister continued his survey and interacted with the flood-affected people to understand their problems. https://otvkhabar.in/videosodisha/society/during-the-visit-the-chief-minister-reviewed-the-situation-in-bhadrak-after-walking-around-the-20-foot-crocodile-12392972

Health officials from the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) sealed two hotels in CDA Sector-6 following a raid. The action was taken after finding stale food, synthetic paneer, expired curd, and highly unhygienic kitchen conditions. The raid was conducted based on complaints that the hotels were serving long-preserved frozen food to customers, violating safety and hygiene standards. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/cuttack-raid-seals-two-hotels-after-stale-food-and-synthetic-paneer-found-12393098

A rescue boat from the fire department, carrying relief materials for flood victims, capsized in Jajpur district, Odisha. The boat was carrying 15 people to Oleipada village when it overturned near Budhaghat. Fortunately, all 15 individuals were rescued safely, though the boat remains submerged. ODRAF and fire department teams are currently involved in the recovery operations. https://odia.news18.com/news/odisha/relief-boat-overturned-in-jajpur-15-people-narrowly-escaped-dkp-ws-l-406014.html

During a Delhi Premier League (DPL) match between East Delhi Riders and New Delhi Tigers, umpire Dharmesh Bhardwaj was seriously injured after being hit on the face by a powerful straight drive from batsman Lakshya Thareja. The incident occurred in the 18th over of the innings. Bhardwaj collapsed on the field and was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he is currently in the ICU. Despite East Delhi Riders winning the match by 36 runs, the focus remains on the umpire's critical health condition. https://argusnews.in/sports/dpl-2026-umpire-dharmesh-bhardwaj-hit-face-admitted-icu