A massive 'Har Ghar Tiranga' rally was organized in Balangir city, inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo. The event featured a 500-meter long National Flag and was attended by Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, district officials, and students. The procession started from the Circuit House and concluded at the Government Women's College. Along with promoting patriotism, the event also focused on social awareness regarding cleanliness through the 'Har Ghar Swachhata' initiative. https://www.dharitri.com/tricolor-in-every-house-deputy-chief-minister-health-minister/

The Monsoon session of the Lok Sabha concluded amidst heavy protests and sloganeering by opposition members. On the final day, Speaker Om Birla adjourned the house sine die following the recital of 'Vande Mataram'. The session was marked by frequent disruptions, primarily over the paper leak issue, leading to heated debates between the government and the opposition. Despite the chaos, several important bills were passed during the session. https://www.samayalive.in/india-abroad/lok-sabha-monsoon-session-ends-amid-uproar-from-opposition/article-38105

A SpiceJet flight (SG 105) traveling from Delhi to Pune experienced a technical fault on August 11, 2026, causing the cabin temperature to rise rapidly. Passengers, including children and the elderly, struggled to breathe and panicked as the crew initially ignored their pleas. Following a massive protest by the passengers, the aircraft was returned from the runway to the terminal. The airline later apologized for the inconvenience and arranged a substitute flight for the journey. https://argusnews.in/national/delhi-pune-spicejet-flight-ac-failure-passengers-panic

India is set to celebrate its 80th Independence Day on August 15. The article highlights the key differences between Independence Day and Republic Day. On Independence Day, the Prime Minister hoists the national flag at Red Fort by pulling it up from the bottom. On Republic Day, the President unfurls the flag at Kartavya Path which is already tied at the top. While Independence Day marks the end of British rule, Republic Day celebrates the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950. https://sambad.in/special/do-you-know-the-main-difference-between-independence-day-and-republic-day-12253932

The Himachal Pradesh government has introduced a new cess of 60 paise per liter on petrol and diesel, effective August 12, 2026. This 'Orphan and Widow Cess' aims to fund welfare schemes for vulnerable groups. Consequently, petrol prices in the state have risen to 102.50 INR per liter. While global crude prices are nearing $90 per barrel due to US-Iran geopolitical tensions, fuel rates remain stable across other Indian states. Major cities like Mumbai and Kolkata continue to see rates above 110 INR, unaffected by this specific regional hike. https://www.dharitri.com/petrol-diesel-to-become-more-expensive-from-today-big-change-in-fuel-prices/

India set a new record in biodiversity in 2025 by discovering 709 new animal species, surpassing the previous record of 683 in 2024. According to the Zoological Survey of India, 483 of these are entirely new to science, while 226 were recorded in India for the first time. Key discoveries include a long-tailed bat in Uttarakhand, a non-venomous snake named after Steve Irwin in Great Nicobar, and colorful lizards in Arunachal Pradesh. India now accounts for 5.3% of the world's recorded faunal diversity with a total of 1,05,953 species, maintaining its status as one of the 17 mega-diverse countries. https://www.samayalive.in/feature/biological-wonder/article-38083

Under the initiative of the Nayagarh District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Tulasi Mandal, a student who had dropped out of school, has been successfully brought back to the classroom. Following the directions of the District Judge and DLSA Secretary, an awareness camp was held at Biruda. Officials met with parents and motivated them to resume their children's education. Tulasi has returned to Kalandi Suraj Government High School, and efforts are underway to bring back other dropouts as well. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=209654

The article explains the significance and rituals associated with the Patitapabana Bana (holy flag) atop the Nilachakra of Puri Jagannath Temple. It is believed that tying a flag offers the same merit as donating a diamond worth crores. The tradition is carried out by Chunara servitors daily at 5 PM. Due to structural safety concerns, the flag length was reduced from 150 cubits to a maximum of 14 cubits. Devotees can offer flags through the temple office. Beholding the flag and Nilachakra from a distance is said to grant salvation. https://odishasambad.in/puri-srimandirs-patitapaban-bana-flag-that-symbolises-the-lord-jagannath/

A United Nations Security Council report has revealed that the November 2025 explosion near Delhi's Red Fort was orchestrated by Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). This is the first time a UN document has directly linked the group to the attack. The report also highlights that terror groups are increasingly misusing AI tools and chatbots for violent propaganda and planning. It further notes the group's attempts to expand into Bangladesh and its involvement in attacks within Pakistan. Concerns were also raised about ISIL's interest in chemical and biological weapons as published in their magazine. https://odishasambad.in/al-qaeda-behind-delhi-red-fort-attack-un-security-council-monitoring-report-revelation/

The full-dress rehearsal for the 80th State-level Independence Day celebrations was held at Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Bhubaneswar. A total of 51 contingents participated in the parade, which was reviewed by Crime Branch DG Binay Tosh Mishra. This year marks a unique change where 'Vande Mataram' and the National Anthem will be performed twice. Security has been tightened with 30 platoons of police force, anti-drone systems, and anti-terrorist squads. A special team from the Chhattisgarh Armed Force also participated, adding international attraction to the event. https://www.samayalive.in/odisha-news/full-dress-rehearsal-for-state-level-independence-day--51-contingents-participate/article-38107