Located at the foot of Devagiri hill in Balasore district, the Baba Champeswar shrine is famous for a unique legend. Locals believe that a pair of cobras performs a dance on the hilltop every evening. The site features ancient carvings of dancing snakes and attracts devotees who believe the deity emerged from the underworld. It is a popular spiritual and nature destination, especially during the month of Shravana. https://odia.news18.com/news/balasore/naga-naguni-dances-on-the-mountain-in-baleswar-know-details-dkp-local18-ws-l-406032.html

Over 18.74 lakh cases are pending in Odisha's lower courts due to a severe shortage of judges. There are 329 vacant judicial posts in district courts and only 17 judges working out of 33 sanctioned posts in the High Court. This has led to long delays, forcing litigants to travel long distances for years without reaching a resolution. Odisha ranks 7th in India regarding the number of vacant judicial positions at the district level. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/millions-of-cases-await-justice-amid-judge-shortage-in-odisha-courts-12393252

The Central Government is developing a new airfare capping policy to prevent airlines from hiking ticket prices during festivals and holiday seasons. This decision follows a petition in the Supreme Court against arbitrary price surges. The government informed the court that the rule-making process regarding fares and fees is in its final stages and will take about three weeks to complete. The Supreme Court emphasized that airlines failing to comply with these regulations should have their operations suspended. The next hearing is scheduled for September 7th. https://argusnews.in/national/govt-new-plan-diwali-chhath-flight-ticket-price-cap

A WagonR CNG cab caught fire and turned into a fireball in Noida Sector-97 on Saturday night. The fire led to a powerful explosion that blew away the vehicle's windshield. Fortunately, the driver managed to jump out in time and escape unhurt. Firefighters arrived at the scene and extinguished the blaze, but the car was completely gutted. The incident, which occurred around 10:30 PM, was captured on video and has since gone viral on social media. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined. https://argusnews.in/national/moving-cab-catches-fire-in-noida-driver-leaps-to-safety

Paralakhemundi MLA Rupesh Kumar Panigrahi raised demands in the assembly for the development of tourism and transport in Gajapati district. He sought 80 crore rupees for new bus stands in Paralakhemundi, Kashinagar, and Gosani, along with the modernization of the historic Brundaban Palace. Additionally, he requested new bus services to Puri, Cuttack, and Tirupati to enhance connectivity for South Odisha residents. https://www.dharitri.com/mla-rupesh-panigrahi-raises-voice-in-the-assembly-for-the-development-of-paralakhemundi/

The Odisha Sports Journalists Association (OSJA) organized the Ashok Patnaik Memorial Sports Competition at Utkal Karate School in Bhubaneswar. Journalists competed in events like shooting, slingshot, and arm wrestling. Seven journalists won gold medals across various categories, including Samikhya Patnaik, Shubhalaxmi Bal, Chakradhar Majhi, and Suresh Swain. The winners will be honored on August 29 during the school's foundation day. Professional sports administrators and veteran journalists attended the event to pay tribute to late journalist Ashok Patnaik. https://sambad.in/sports/ashok-pattnaik-memorial-sports-competition-7-journalists-win-gold-12393112

Mumbai Police have initiated legal proceedings against 26/11 attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed and five other Pakistani fugitives in their absence. Under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the police have informed public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam to proceed with the case. This move allows the Indian justice system to trial accused individuals even if they are outside the country, ensuring legal consequences if they are apprehended in the future. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/national-international/big-legal-move-against-hafiz-saeed-five-pakistani-terrorists-over-26-11-attacks/3290620

Due to heavy rainfall and flood conditions in Odisha, the Bhadrak District Collector has ordered the closure of 297 schools across 6 blocks including Dhamnagar and Chandbali for tomorrow. A depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to bring more rain over the next 24 hours, with orange alerts issued for Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, and Bargarh. The Salandi river is flowing above the danger mark, causing severe flooding in several villages. Schools in Jajpur and Mayurbhanj were also previously closed due to the worsening situation. https://argusnews.in/weather-calamities/heavy-rain-flood-situation-297-schools-closed-tomorrow-in-district

Former Australian cricketer David Warner has been convicted by a Sydney court for drink driving. The incident occurred on April 5, 2026, where his blood alcohol level was 0.104, double the legal limit, while children were present in the car. Judge Claire Farnan fined him 1,500 AUD (approx ₹1 lakh) and mandated the use of an alcohol interlock device in his vehicle for 12 months. Warner, who retired from international cricket in 2024, must also complete a traffic offender program. He had pleaded guilty to the charges last month. https://argusnews.in/sports/david-warner-fined-rs-1-lakh-for-drunk-driving-with-one-condition

The Bihar government informed the Supreme Court that a policeman fired four blank rounds from an AK-47 during a NEET protest in Siwan for self-defense and to protect government property. The government clarified that no one was injured in the incident, which occurred on July 25 during a state-wide shutdown. The policeman involved has been suspended, and a departmental inquiry is underway. Opposition leaders have demanded a judicial probe into the matter. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/bihar-police-fired-four-rounds-self-defence-siwan-protest-supreme-court-12393283