A touching story by Gourahari Das titled 'Kandhei' (The Doll) explores the loneliness of a 70-year-old man, Jagabandhu, after the sudden death of his wife of 45 years. While his friend Siddhartha visits to console him, Jagabandhu shares how his 8-year-old granddaughter, Milli, gave him her most precious doll to be his companion so he wouldn't feel alone. The story beautifully captures how a child's empathy provides emotional support to an elderly man, highlighting that humans seek companionship to escape loneliness at every stage of life, from childhood to old age. https://sambad.in/sahitya-khabara/jibanara-jalachhabi-by-gourahari-das-12250643

16-year-old Iqbal Sheikh from Murshidabad, West Bengal, has been spending most of his time submerged in a pond for the last 5 years. He claims that leaving the water causes severe burning sensations in his body, which only subsides when he returns to the water. Prolonged exposure has turned his skin white and caused chronic respiratory issues. Despite government treatment, his condition hasn't improved, and his family lacks funds for private medical care. Locals are now providing basic support and trying to raise funds for his treatment. https://www.samayalive.in/feature/5-years-under-water/article-38077

Three people, including two Pakistanis, were killed after Houthi rebels targeted a Saudi-linked commercial vessel with two missile attacks near the Bab al-Mandab strait. This incident marks a significant test for the 'Makkah Agreement' recently signed between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, which includes a collective defense clause. Despite the fatalities and the maritime blockade declared by Iran-backed Houthis in the Red Sea, both Pakistan and Turkey have maintained silence and not yet issued official statements regarding their next course of action. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/national-international/missile-hits-saudi-ship-3-dead-including-2-pakistanis-know-details/3286613

IPL cricketer and Bengal wicketkeeper-batsman Abhishek Porel has been arrested by West Bengal police on charges of rape. Following an FIR filed on June 23 by a medical student from Karnataka, the Mogra police took action under orders from the Calcutta High Court. The victim alleged that Porel established physical relations under the false promise of marriage and later threatened to leak intimate videos. The court directed police to seize his electronic devices to prevent any misuse of data. He is currently in police remand. https://odishasambad.in/delhi-capitals-abhishek-porel-arrested-in-rape-case/

A thief snatched a gold chain from a tourist from Dhenkanal while they were bathing at Puri beach. However, Puri Police's PCR-5 chased and caught the thief, recovering the stolen jewelry. In a separate incident in the same district, a series of robberies occurred at three temples in Durgeswar Baharana village under Charichhak police limits. Thieves decamped with silver crowns, ornaments, and brass items worth lakhs of rupees from Maa Budhiani, Darubrahma Aishaneswar, and Radhakrishna temples. https://argusnews.in/odisha/puri-beach-gold-chain-snatching-during-sea-bath

India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026. The highlight will be the first-ever rendition of 'Vande Mataram' from the ramparts of Red Fort to mark its 150th anniversary. Special invitations have been extended to Gen-Z, including 19 Olympiad medalists. The event will focus on 'Viksit Bharat @ 2047' and water conservation by naming seating areas after Indian lakes. Extensive arrangements for rain protection and post-event cleanliness drives involving NCC cadets are planned. Military bands will perform at 343 locations nationwide, and India's atomic and space achievements will be showcased. https://odia.news18.com/news/national-international/vande-mataram-to-be-sung-for-the-first-time-from-red-fort-sps-ws-l-404274.html

Section 163 of the BNSS has been imposed in the Banki-Dampada block area to prevent potential clashes between supporters of the MLA and the BJP candidate. The administration took this step due to fears of law and order disruption. Police have strictly prohibited gatherings and strikes in and around the block premises to maintain peace. https://www.dharitri.com/article-163-in-banki-dampada-block/

A 16-year-old boy named Iqbal from Murshidabad, West Bengal, has been living submerged in pond water for the past six years due to a rare skin condition. He experiences unbearable burning sensations whenever his skin comes in contact with air. Constant exposure to water has caused his skin to turn white and begin rotting, and he is now suffering from pneumonia and excessive weight gain. Due to extreme poverty, his family is unable to afford medical treatment and has appealed to the administration for help. https://argusnews.in/viral-stories/16-year-old-iqbal-lives-submerged-in-water-for-six-years

A court in Sambalpur has convicted 32-year-old Gouri Shankar Dash for his involvement in a cyber fraud case using a 'mule account.' Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), he was sentenced to 2 years of rigorous imprisonment and a total fine of ₹20,000. The case was identified through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) as part of Odisha Police's 'Operation Cyber Kavach.' The investigation revealed illegal transactions worth ₹33,550 in his Kotak Mahindra Bank account. DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania praised the scientific investigation by Sambalpur Police and reaffirmed the state's zero-tolerance policy against cybercrime. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/state-news/accused-found-guilty-in-cyber-fraud-mule-account-case/3286476

Director Atlee's upcoming sci-fi action film 'Raka' starring Allu Arjun has generated significant buzz following the release of the actor's mysterious first look. Produced by Sun Pictures, the film features Deepika Padukone in a lead role. Despite being eight months pregnant, Deepika is working late hours to complete her shooting schedule before her due date in September. The movie reportedly features a star-studded cast including Rashmika Mandanna, Janhvi Kapoor, and Mrunal Thakur. While there were rumors about a Shah Rukh Khan cameo, recent reports suggest he was never approached for the project. https://otvkhabar.in/entertainment/atlees-raka-raises-excitement-with-allu-arjuns-transformed-look-deepika-padukone-and-several-reported-stars-12250476