Russian missile and drone attacks have hit the ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih steel plant in Ukraine, owned by Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal. The attack resulted in two deaths and injured over 10 workers and contractors. The company has partially suspended operations following the damage. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the casualties and noted that strikes also occurred in the city of Sumy. ArcelorMittal is the world's second-largest steelmaker, and its Ukrainian unit is the country's largest steel producer. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/russian-missile-strikes-lakshmi-mittals-steel-plant-in-ukraine-2-dead-12347809

Revenue Inspector (RI) Suraj Bala of Jharapalli in Malkangiri district was arrested by the Vigilance Department while accepting a bribe of ₹8,000 for issuing a caste certificate. This is the second time he has been caught; he was previously arrested in November 2023 for taking a ₹15,000 bribe regarding land documents. Public demand for strict punishment has risen following his repeated offenses. https://odishasambad.in/ri-of-jharapali-circle-under-malkangiri-district-nabbed-by-odisha-vigilance-while-taking-bribe/

The 154th birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo was celebrated with great fervor at the Siddheswar Temple premises in Nimapada, Puri district. Organized by Shrima Welp For Foundation and Suman volunteers, the event included participants from 10 blocks of Puri district. The program featured discussions on Sri Aurobindo's philosophy, silent prayers, Durga Stotra, and musical performances. Key organizers highlighted the crucial role of Suman volunteers in social service during the seminar. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=210166

Two armed miscreants snatched a gold chain from a woman at gunpoint outside AIIMS Bhubaneswar. As they tried to flee on a motorcycle, the brave woman managed to pull one of them down. Local residents caught the fallen robber and handed him over to the Khandagiri police. A pistol was recovered from the suspect, who is reportedly from outside Odisha. Police have launched a search for the second accomplice who managed to escape. https://odishasambad.in/gold-chain-snatched-at-gunpoint-one-held/

Parents in Pattamundai, Kendrapara district, took matters into their own hands to rescue their children from Kulasahi Ashram School, which has been surrounded by floodwaters for two days. Around 255 students were stranded on the school's upper floor due to rising river levels. Frustrated by administrative delays in evacuation, parents used small boats to bring their children home. Many students reported health issues like fever and skin infections. While medical teams provided basic care, the lack of early administrative action has sparked public anger. https://odia.news18.com/news/odisha/parents-rescued-students-trapped-in-floodwaters-bks-ws-l-405878.html

The Odisha Housing and Urban Development Department has revised the financial and administrative powers of municipal officials. While the bill approval limit for Municipal Commissioners is set at 1 crore, any amount exceeding this requires the Mayor's approval. Similarly, Executive Officers of NACs and Municipalities must seek Chairperson approval for amounts over 20 lakhs. Notably, the government has withdrawn the increased administrative approval powers for projects that were recently granted on July 22, reverting to previous limits. https://sambad.in/state/babus-power-is-under-attack-12393791

Nayagarh District Collector Madhumita Rath made a surprise visit to PM Shri Government High School and Nuagaon Primary School. During her visit, she inspected classrooms, smart classes, the 'Deepa' program, and library cleanliness. She interacted directly with students about their education and welfare, and personally checked the quality of midday meals and hostel facilities. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=210211

Leading value retail chain Bazar Kolkata has appointed Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan as its new brand ambassador. This announcement coincides with the company's 25th anniversary and the milestone of opening 250 stores across 13 states in India. Since its inception in 2002, Bazar Kolkata has focused on providing quality fashion at affordable prices. The company's CEO, Abhishek Kheuka, stated that Kartik's popularity among the youth will strengthen the brand's connection with modern Indian families, especially during the upcoming festive season. https://prajuktiodisha.com/kartik-aaryan-joins-bazar-kolkata-as-brand-ambassador

On the occasion of 'Ama Odisha' Chairman Soumya Ranjan Patnaik's 75th birthday, 'Yuva Swabhiman Day' was celebrated across the state. Over three days, 67 blood donation camps were organized across 10 zones of Sambad, resulting in the collection of 5,861 units of blood. This marks a significant increase from last year's collection. Sambalpur zone recorded the highest contribution with 2,733 units. Youth participation was high, and Mr. Patnaik expressed gratitude to all donors and volunteers for their support in this humanitarian cause. https://sambad.in/state/yuva-swabhiman-day-celebrated-12393811

Odisha's oldest and largest Central Red Cross Blood Bank in Cuttack is facing a crisis due to lack of land ownership and fire safety certificates. The local administration has demanded approximately ₹8 crore for land regularization, while TPCODL is asking for ₹15 lakh to shift a dangerous high-voltage transformer from its entrance. Despite collecting 65,000 units of blood annually, the institution is struggling with administrative apathy and safety hazards. https://sambad.in/state/central-red-cross-blood-bank-in-danger-12393807