The Odisha government aims to construct 2,099 km of roads in Maoist-affected and remote areas over the next five years under the 'Mukhya Mantri Sadak Yojana-Connectivity of Unconnected Villages in Difficult Areas' (MMSY-CUVDA) scheme. An estimated budget of ₹1,300 crore has been allocated for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31. The project prioritizes hilly and backward regions to improve access to health, education, and transport. Guidelines specify connecting schools and hospitals within 200 meters of the new roads. The initiative is expected to enhance living standards and reduce Maoist activities by integrating remote settlements into the mainstream. https://sambad.in/state/2099-km-to-be-constructed-in-inaccessible-areas-12266205

NASA has formally invited India to participate in its ambitious Moon Base program aimed at establishing a long-term human presence on the lunar surface. The invitation was extended to ISRO during the 9th India-US Civil Space Joint Working Group meeting in Bengaluru. Under the Artemis Accords, the project focuses on infrastructure development, including robotic missions and pressurized modules at the Moon's South Pole between 2029 and 2032. India's expertise from Chandrayaan missions is expected to play a vital role in resource mapping and surface studies. https://odia.news18.com/news/national-international/nasa-plans-permanent-moon-base-invites-india-dkp-ws-l-405586.html

The Supreme Court has dismissed the Odisha government's petition against the release of the animated film 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath'. The state government had opposed the film, claiming that depicting Lord Jagannath as a cartoon hurts religious sentiments. However, a bench comprising Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice R. Mahadevan cleared the movie for release, following a previous challenge to the Orissa High Court's stay order. The film is now set to hit theaters on July 28. https://www.samayalive.in/odisha-news/animated-movie--mahaprabhu-jagannath--to-be-released-on-the-28th/article-38180

A 40-year-old occultist named Radhu Kisku was arrested in Mayurbhanj district for allegedly raping a 19-year-old college student. The accused tricked the victim by claiming her father's illness was due to an evil spirit in her body and assaulted her during a fake ritual. He threatened the victim to keep quiet, but she later filed a complaint at Tiring police station. The police have registered a case and forwarded the accused to court after conducting medical examinations. https://sambad.in/state/college-student-allegedly-raped-on-pretext-of-exorcism-in-mayurbhanj-tantrik-arrested-12393367

A new low-pressure area is likely to form over North Odisha and the West Bengal coast around August 23 or 24. This system is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall across Odisha, particularly in northern districts. The meteorological department has issued an orange alert for Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar from August 24 to 27. Heavy rains are also predicted for Kalahandi and Nabarangpur. The continuous rainfall raises concerns about potential flood situations in already affected areas, prompting local administrations to remain on high alert. https://odia.news18.com/photogallery/odisha/again-low-pressure-heavy-rain-likely-in-north-odisha-odisha-weather-update-dkp-ws-l-406725.html

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has submitted its final report regarding the Ram Temple donation theft case in Ayodhya. The report gives a clean chit to Champat Rai, former General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, and member Anil Mishra, stating that the allegations against them were not proven. The SIT has named only the 8 individuals previously arrested by the police as the primary accused in this case. Both Rai and Mishra had resigned from their positions earlier following the allegations, but the final investigation confirms their non-involvement. https://www.samayalive.in/india-abroad/clean-chit-given-to-champat-roy-and-anil-mishra-in-ram-temple-donation-theft-case/article-38167

Legendary Odia singer Pranab Pattnaik passed away at the age of 88 at his residence in Bhubaneswar. Known for his melodious voice and numerous hit Odia songs, his contribution to the music industry remains unparalleled. His demise has left a significant void in the Odia art and music world, sparking widespread mourning among fans and fellow artists. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/veteran-odia-singer-pranab-pattnaik-passes-away-at-88-leaving-behind-musical-legacy-12401672

Raksha Bandhan is a symbol of the sacred bond between brothers and sisters, celebrated on Shravana Purnima. The article highlights several mythological stories associated with the festival, including Draupadi tying a cloth on Krishna's finger, Goddess Lakshmi tying a thread to King Bali, and Sachi's protective thread for Lord Indra. Beyond rituals, it emphasizes the values of love, trust, and mutual protection in human relationships. https://odia.news18.com/news/jajpur/rakhi-punima-jajpur-bks-local18-405067.html

Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan inaugurated a training program for 446 excise constables in Bhubaneswar. The 40-day training aims to enhance efficiency, discipline, and knowledge of laws like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and NDPS Act. The initiative is part of the government's commitment to making Odisha a drug-free state, following the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and CM Mohan Charan Majhi. In the first phase, 150 constables are being trained. https://sambad.in/state/odisha-excise-constable-training-446-constables-40-day-training-12395749