The Ganjam district unit of the Odisha Journalists Union (OJU) has protested the move to merge the Gopabandhu Journalists' Health Insurance Scheme with the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. They submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister through the Additional District Collector, demanding that the Gopabandhu scheme remain independent and include coverage for journalists' parents. The union warned of democratic protests if their demands are not addressed promptly by the state government. https://www.dharitri.com/protests-intensify-over-changes-to-health-insurance-scheme-demand-letter-addressed-to-chief-minister/

The Russian Supreme Court has disqualified the Yabloko party, the only registered opposition group opposing the military action in Ukraine, from the upcoming parliamentary elections. The court canceled its registration following a petition by a pro-Kremlin group. Yabloko's campaign focused on ceasefire, diplomacy, and peace. Party chairman Grigory Yavlinsky criticized the move as a blow to democracy. Separately, the death toll from an earthquake in Colombia has risen to 132, with over 2,000 people reported missing. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/russia-supreme-court-bars-anti-war-yabloko-party-from-parliamentary-election-12249342

More than 30 tons of Hilsa fish have been caught at the Digha estuary near the Balasore border. This massive arrival after a long period has brought joy to fishermen, trawler owners, and traders. Due to favorable rain and the mixing of river water at the estuary, Hilsa are flocking to the shores. The fish are being sold between ₹600 to ₹1,300 per kg depending on their size. Supplies have started to various markets in Odisha and West Bengal, with expectations of even higher yields if weather conditions remain favorable. https://www.samayalive.in/odisha-news/%E0%AC%A6%E0%AC%BF%E0%AC%98%E0%AC%BE-%E0%AC%AE%E0%AD%81%E0%AC%B9%E0%AC%BE%E0%AC%A3%E0%AC%B0%E0%AD%87-%E0%AC%95%E0%AD%8D%E0%AD%B1%E0%AC%BF%E0%AC%A3%E0%AD%8D%E0%AC%9F%E0%AC%BE%E0%AC%B2-%E0%AC%95%E0%AD%8D%E0%AD%B1%E0%AC%BF%E0%AC%A3%E0%AD%8D%E0%AC%9F%E0%AC%BE%E0%AC%B2-%E0%AC%87%E0%AC%B2%E0%AC%BF%E0%AC%B8%E0%AC%BF/article-38066

During the rainy season, increased humidity leads to fungus growth in homes on walls and furniture. This can cause health issues like allergies, coughing, and worsen asthma. Experts suggest keeping the house dry, ensuring proper ventilation, using exhaust fans, and repairing water leakages to control mold and fungal growth. https://sambad.in/lifestyle/rainy-season-dampness-fungus-home-health-risks-prevention-tips-12249245

A new low-pressure area is likely to form over the Northwest Bay of Bengal by tomorrow. Under its influence, Odisha is expected to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall between August 12 and 15. The IMD has issued alerts for 16 districts regarding lightning and showers for today. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until August 14 as wind speeds may reach up to 55 kmph. https://www.samayalive.in/odisha-news/another-low-pressure-area-tomorrow----heavy-to-very-heavy-rain-likely-from-12th-to-15th/article-38067

The Indian government has halted the plan to blend ethanol with diesel due to safety concerns. Tests conducted by oil marketing companies and R&D centers revealed that adding ethanol significantly lowers the 'flash point' of diesel, increasing fire risks during storage, transport, and handling. Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Suresh Gopi, informed the Rajya Sabha about this decision. While there are concerns regarding a potential rise in diesel prices, the government clarified that prices depend on various factors like international crude rates and taxes. https://www.dharitri.com/government-scraps-ethanol-blending-in-diesel-as-omc-tests-reveal-flash-point-concerns-will-diesel-become-costlier-now/

The helicopter carrying West Bengal Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari made an emergency landing in Kolaghat, Purba Medinipur, due to bad weather. Adhikari was traveling from Dum Dum to Keshpur to attend a ceremony honoring freedom fighter Khudiram Bose. Following the precautionary landing in an open field, he continued his journey to the destination by road. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/suvendu-adhikaris-helicopter-makes-emergency-landing-in-bengals-kolaghat-due-to-inclement-weather-12250371

A viral AI-generated deepfake video claiming Prime Minister Narendra Modi is offering one year of free mobile recharge to women for Independence Day has been debunked by PIB Fact Check. The government clarified that no such scheme exists and urged citizens to stay alert against such fake videos and misleading social media posts. https://www.dharitri.com/women-will-get-free-mobile-recharge-for-a-year-finally-the-modi-government-has-given-a-clean-bill-of-health/

NDA and Opposition MPs clashed outside Parliament over the Jharkhand student protests. BJP MPs confronted Priyanka Gandhi, questioning why Rahul Gandhi hasn't visited Jharkhand yet. Priyanka responded that Rahul has already met with the students. Prominent leaders like Kangana Ranaut, Anurag Thakur, Akhilesh Yadav, and Jaya Bachchan were present during the protest. The opposition demanded a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah regarding protests at Jantar Mantar. https://www.samayalive.in/india-abroad/why-didn-t-rahul-gandhi-go-to-jharkhand--bjp-mp-asked/article-38071

The trailer launch of Yash's upcoming film 'Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups' in Bengaluru has sparked a massive online debate. Fans are comparing Yash's gritty, bare-bodied gangster look to Ranbir Kapoor's character in the 2023 blockbuster 'Animal'. While some social media users label it a copy, others defend Yash's unique style. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the film features Yash in a dual role (Raya and Rumi) alongside a star-studded cast including Nayanthara and Kiara Advani, focusing on themes of family conflict and violence. https://otvkhabar.in/entertainment/yashs-toxic-trailer-sparks-animal-comparisons-as-fans-debate-his-intense-new-gangster-look-and-performance-12247768