Odisha's Water Resources Engineer-in-Chief Dilip Rout clarified that the flood threat in Mahanadi and other rivers has subsided. He explained that a 47% rainfall deficit in June led to water storage in reservoirs, but a subsequent 38% excess rainfall in July triggered the flood situation. Currently, Hirakud's water level is decreasing and stands at 623.69 feet. While 2.12 lakh cusecs of water enter the dam, 3.83 lakh cusecs are being discharged. Authorities aim to reduce the water level to 615 feet by August 4th. https://odishasambad.in/odisha-flood-situation-improves-as-major-rivers-recede-below-danger-mark-water-resources-dept/

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have signed the 'Mecca Joint Defense Pact' to strengthen security cooperation amid rising tensions in the Middle East. The agreement, signed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Erdogan, and PM Shehbaz Sharif, has sparked discussions about the formation of an 'Islamic NATO'. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs is closely monitoring these developments for their potential impact on regional stability and national security. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/islamic-nato-saudi-pakistan-turkey-defence-pact-india-12239569

Social media content creator Shreya Kalra has emerged as the winner of the reality show 'Lock Upp 2'. Hailing from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Shreya defeated popular television stars to win the trophy and a cash prize of Rs 1 crore. An MBA graduate, she started her journey on TikTok in 2018 and now boasts over 2.3 million followers on Instagram. In the finale hosted by Riteish Deshmukh and Farah Khan, she won by a narrow margin of seven votes against Shivangi Joshi. https://sambad.in/entertainment/celebrity-shreya-12237604

Farmers in Bargarh are worried about the upcoming Kharif paddy procurement as a large amount of rice remains uncollected from rice mills. The Bargarh MP raised this issue in the Lok Sabha, highlighting that if the stored rice isn't cleared from millers' warehouses soon, the next procurement season could face severe disruptions. Data shows that only 24% of custom-milled rice from the recent season has been lifted, leaving over 4 lakh tonnes of rice pending, which poses a threat to the farmers' ability to sell their next harvest. https://www.dharitri.com/concerns-over-paddy-sales-from-now-on-bargarh-mp-raises-question/

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has joined the 'Aashiana' campaign to provide permanent housing for families affected by the devastating floods in Assam. The initiative aims to build a total of 500 houses, with 220 already completed in the first phase. Other actors like Randeep Hooda and Bhumi Pednekar are also actively participating in relief efforts. Salman's philanthropic gesture has earned him widespread praise on social media as a real-life hero. https://www.dharitri.com/salman-khan-to-donate-house-praise-is-pouring-in-from-all-sides/

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, sparking political discussions ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections. Chadha, who recently joined the BJP from the AAP, described the meeting as insightful and enriching. The visit is seen as significant as the BJP aims to strengthen its foothold in Punjab. Chadha expressed gratitude for the PM's time and guidance, though specific details of the discussion remain undisclosed. https://www.samayalive.in/india-abroad/a-morning-to-cherish--raghav-chadha-meets-pm--sparks-buzz-over-punjab-role/article-38020

The son-in-law of a former MLA has been arrested in Bhubaneswar on charges of dowry harassment and attempt to murder. The accused allegedly tortured his wife physically and mentally, demanding more dowry, and even tried to kill her. Following a complaint filed by the victim, the police registered a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and arrested him. He has been sent to judicial custody by the local court. https://odishasambad.in/former-odisha-mlas-son-in-law-arrested-in-dowry-harassment/

Sabyasachi Mishra, the son-in-law of former Deogarh MLA Subhash Chandra Panigrahi, has been arrested for allegedly harassing his wife Sonali for dowry and attempting to murder her. Married in December 2023, Sonali was subjected to mental and physical torture for more gold and money. The conflict escalated over a property purchase in Angul, following which Sabyasachi allegedly tried to strangulate her. Based on a police complaint filed on April 13, the police arrested the accused in Bhubaneswar and sent him to judicial custody after his bail was rejected. https://sambad.in/district/deogarh/dowry-harassment-attempted-murder-devgarh-sonali-panigrahi-case-12238502

Tamil superstar and politician Thalapathy Vijay and his wife Sangeetha have decided to reconcile, ending divorce rumors. Sangeetha has withdrawn her divorce petition filed in the Chengalpattu court, citing allegations of extra-marital affairs in the past. After 27 years of marriage and two children, the couple has chosen to stay together, much to the relief of fans. The court has subsequently closed the case following the withdrawal of the application. https://www.dharitri.com/cm-vijay-will-not-separate-from-his-wife-the-relationship-was-about-to-break-after-27-years/