A JMFC court in Digapahandi, Ganjam district, has sentenced an individual named Vibhudatta Rath to one year in prison for a cheque bounce case. The accused had borrowed 53 lakh rupees from Chandan Patra by promising double returns through investments in a film company. When the complainant tried to encash a 10 lakh rupee cheque, it bounced due to insufficient funds. Magistrate Nilima Sarangi convicted the accused under Section 138 of the NI Act, ordering him to undergo a 1-year jail term and pay 11 lakh rupees in compensation to the complainant. https://www.dharitri.com/digapahandi-check-bounce-case-accused-sentenced-to-one-year-in-jail-with-compensation/

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

The Jharkhand government's decision to cancel the JSSC-CGL exam has sparked intense protests from candidates who were already recruited and working for the last seven months. Around 2,000 affected employees formed a human chain in Ranchi, urging CM Hemant Soren to reconsider. While the government cited irregularities for the cancellation and ordered a judicial probe, the candidates claim their selection was merit-based and supported by court rulings. They now plan to move to court to save their jobs. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/jssc-cgl-exam-cancellation-selected-candidates-protest-job-security-12393419

In the 2026 Women's Hockey World Cup, the Indian team secured a dominant 6-1 victory over South Africa in their second pool match. With goals from Sunelita Toppo, Navneet Kaur, Sushila Chanu, Deepika, Lalremsiami, and Sonika, India climbed to the top of Pool D. After a 2-2 draw against China in their opener, India now has 4 points. Their next match is against England on August 20, where a draw will be enough to secure a spot in the knockout stage. https://odishasambad.in/sunelita-toppo-scores-as-india-rout-sa-6-1/

In a shocking incident in Oupada, Balasore, a terminated junior teacher named Prithviraj Kar attacked a lady teacher and four of her family members with a sharp weapon. The attack was driven by a one-sided love affair and revenge after he was dismissed from his job following a harassment complaint filed by the teacher. All five victims are critically injured and hospitalized in Soro. Locals caught the accused and handed him over to the police. https://www.dharitri.com/balasore-dismissed-teacher-attacks-science-teacher-and-5-family-members-over-one-sided-love-in-oupada/

A block-level joint public grievance hearing camp was held at Nuagaon Block in Nayagarh district, chaired by Collector Madhumita Rath. A total of 87 complaints were received, including 77 personal and 10 village-related issues. Out of these, 27 complaints were resolved immediately. The Collector directed departmental officers to ensure swift resolution of the remaining grievances. High-ranking officials including the SP and Sub-Collector were present at the event. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=210199

Madhusmita Mohanty, the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) of Balasore Sadar, was arrested by the Vigilance department while accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000. She had allegedly demanded the money to clear a pending vehicle hire bill of Rs 26,000. Following the trap, Vigilance officials conducted simultaneous raids on her residence and office to investigate potential disproportionate assets. https://sambad.in/state/balasore-cdpo-arrested-for-allegedly-taking-5000-bribe-to-clear-pending-vehicle-rental-bill-12393467

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