Maoist leader Azad, alias Dona Keshav Rao, has been acquitted by a special court in Paralakhemundi after spending over 15 years in jail. He was facing 49 charges, including the high-profile murder of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati in 2008. Due to lack of sufficient evidence, the court cleared him of all charges following a Supreme Court directive to expedite the cases within one year. His lawyer has raised concerns over the 15-year-long pre-trial detention. https://odishasambad.in/odisha-court-acquits-maoist-leader-azad-in-2008-laxmanananda-saraswati-murder-case/

In a shocking incident in Balasore district, Odisha, a 30-year-old man attacked a young teacher and four members of her family with a sharp knife after his one-sided love proposal was rejected. The attacker forcibly entered their house in Patapur village and stabbed the teacher, her parents, brother, and uncle. Villagers managed to overpower the accused and hand him over to the police. Three victims are in critical condition and have been shifted to the Balasore District Headquarters Hospital. Police have registered an attempt to murder case. https://odishasambad.in/one-sided-love-turns-violent-youth-stabs-teacher-and-4-family-members-in-balasore/

The sacred 'Om' shape formed by snow on Om Parvat in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district has disappeared due to melting. Located at 6,000 meters altitude near the India-Nepal-Tibet border, this iconic peak is losing its natural snow pattern, causing concern among environmentalists. Experts attribute this to climate change, rising temperatures, and low snowfall. This recurring phenomenon raises alarms about the ecological health of the Himalayas and the future of its water resources. https://argusnews.in/national/om-symbol-disappears-om-parvat-pithoragarh-disaster-warning

Bihar police have arrested three individuals, including two Rapido bike-taxi drivers, for renting out their bank accounts to cybercriminals. These 'mule accounts' were used to funnel approximately 25 crore rupees obtained through interstate cyber fraud. The accused reportedly received 3,000 to 5,000 rupees per account. The arrests were made in Patna and Buxar as part of an investigation into a large-scale cybercrime network. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/cyber-fraud-bank-accounts-rented-3000-25-crore-fraud-bihar-arrests-12393516

The All Odisha Hospital Employees Association, Nabarangpur district branch, has threatened to launch a strike over long-pending demands. The union held a protest in front of the Chief District Medical Officer's (CDMO) office under the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh. Key demands include timely salary payment between the 1st and 15th of each month, resolution of biometric attendance issues, deposit of pending PF contributions, and immediate payment of salary arrears for sweepers, guards, and gardeners. The union warned that health services would be disrupted if the administration fails to address these issues promptly. https://www.dharitri.com/hospital-staff-warns-of-strike/

In the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup, India secured a historic 6-1 victory over South Africa, marking its largest win in the tournament's history. Odia player Sunelita Toppo opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Other contributors included Navneet Kaur, Sushila Chanu, Deepika, Lalremsiami, and Sakshi Rani. With 4 points from two matches, India currently tops its group, ahead of China on goal difference, and has almost confirmed its spot in the second round. India is scheduled to face England on August 20th. https://www.dharitri.com/indias-big-win-in-womens-hockey-world-cup/

Former Delhi Minister and AAP leader Satyendar Jain has been arrested by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) in connection with the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) corruption case. The case involves alleged irregularities in the tendering process for Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), leading to a financial misappropriation of approximately ₹17.70 crore. The Enforcement Directorate had previously filed a chargesheet against Jain and 14 others in this matter. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/delhi-jal-board-corruption-case-satyendar-jain-arrested-acb-12393581

The lighting system in Thuamul Rampur, Kalahandi district, has collapsed. A solar high-mast light worth 10 lakh rupees, installed near Manikeshwari Temple using MPLADS funds, is dysfunctional. Other lights near the JMFC court and main roads are also non-operational, leaving the town in darkness. Residents complain that even slight rain disables the solar system, raising questions about project quality. The lack of streetlights from the Tehsil square to the market has increased the risk of accidents and crime. Locals are demanding immediate repairs and new lighting installations from the administration. https://www.dharitri.com/dilapidated-lighting-system-in-thuamul-rampur-ten-lakh-solar-high-mast-light-defective/

A former samiti member of Palibandha Panchayat in Ganjam block has alleged widespread corruption in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. He questioned the survey criteria used by the ADO, claiming eligible beneficiaries were excluded. Additional allegations include executing MGNREGS projects without proper measurement and conducting development works without Gram Sabha approval. The Block Development Officer (BDO) has assured a re-survey within 15 days and promised strict action against those found guilty of irregularities. https://www.dharitri.com/allegations-of-corruption-in-awas-yojana-in-palibandha-panchayat-ganjam-block/

Jitendra Kumar Behera, a Booth Level Officer (BLO) from Hatadihi block in Keonjhar district, was honored as the best BLO for his exemplary work in the Special Summary Revision-2026 program. He was recognized for efficiently completing house-to-house enumeration and digitization tasks. Anandpur Sub-Collector and SDPO presented him with a certificate and memento. Senior officials including the BDO and Tehsildar congratulated him on this achievement. https://www.dharitri.com/hatadihi-jitendra-kumar-behera-felicitated-as-best-booth-level-officer/