A massive 'Har Ghar Tiranga' rally was organized in Balangir city, inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo. The event featured a 500-meter long National Flag and was attended by Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, district officials, and students. The procession started from the Circuit House and concluded at the Government Women's College. Along with promoting patriotism, the event also focused on social awareness regarding cleanliness through the 'Har Ghar Swachhata' initiative. https://www.dharitri.com/tricolor-in-every-house-deputy-chief-minister-health-minister/

The Monsoon session of the Lok Sabha concluded amidst heavy protests and sloganeering by opposition members. On the final day, Speaker Om Birla adjourned the house sine die following the recital of 'Vande Mataram'. The session was marked by frequent disruptions, primarily over the paper leak issue, leading to heated debates between the government and the opposition. Despite the chaos, several important bills were passed during the session. https://www.samayalive.in/india-abroad/lok-sabha-monsoon-session-ends-amid-uproar-from-opposition/article-38105

In a shocking incident in Cuttack, a 16-year-old class 11 student was allegedly raped by two minors in a hotel room in Badambadi. The matter came to light after the girl attempted to commit suicide by jumping into the Mahanadi River but was rescued by police. Following her statement, police detained two boys, including a classmate. Authorities are also investigating the hotel's negligence regarding check-in protocols and age verification for minors. https://odishasambad.in/2-minors-detained-after-rescue-at-mahanadi-leads-to-hotel-sexual-assault-probe-in-kataka/

The Himachal Pradesh government has introduced a new cess of 60 paise per liter on petrol and diesel, effective August 12, 2026. This 'Orphan and Widow Cess' aims to fund welfare schemes for vulnerable groups. Consequently, petrol prices in the state have risen to 102.50 INR per liter. While global crude prices are nearing $90 per barrel due to US-Iran geopolitical tensions, fuel rates remain stable across other Indian states. Major cities like Mumbai and Kolkata continue to see rates above 110 INR, unaffected by this specific regional hike. https://www.dharitri.com/petrol-diesel-to-become-more-expensive-from-today-big-change-in-fuel-prices/

Veteran Bollywood actor Govinda was recently spotted at Mumbai airport with his upcoming film 'Rupa' co-star Komal Rani Swarnakar, sparking dating rumors. In response, Govinda's wife Sunita expressed her frustration, calling the situation 'Vinash Kale Viprit Buddhi' (perverted intellect at the time of downfall) and stating she no longer wishes to answer questions regarding her husband. Govinda is currently busy promoting 'Rupa', where newcomer Komal Rani plays the lead role alongside him. https://www.dharitri.com/opposite-intelligence-in-times-of-destruction-why-did-sunita-ahuja-say-this/

India set a new record in biodiversity in 2025 by discovering 709 new animal species, surpassing the previous record of 683 in 2024. According to the Zoological Survey of India, 483 of these are entirely new to science, while 226 were recorded in India for the first time. Key discoveries include a long-tailed bat in Uttarakhand, a non-venomous snake named after Steve Irwin in Great Nicobar, and colorful lizards in Arunachal Pradesh. India now accounts for 5.3% of the world's recorded faunal diversity with a total of 1,05,953 species, maintaining its status as one of the 17 mega-diverse countries. https://www.samayalive.in/feature/biological-wonder/article-38083

Under the initiative of the Nayagarh District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Tulasi Mandal, a student who had dropped out of school, has been successfully brought back to the classroom. Following the directions of the District Judge and DLSA Secretary, an awareness camp was held at Biruda. Officials met with parents and motivated them to resume their children's education. Tulasi has returned to Kalandi Suraj Government High School, and efforts are underway to bring back other dropouts as well. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=209654

Authorities in Jagatsinghpur district conducted a joint raid on a betel shop near Garoi Chhak, uncovering a major fertilizer black marketing racket. Officials seized over 190 bags of chemical fertilizer from the shop and residence of trader Tarak Sahu. The suspect had been operating this unauthorized business for years under the guise of a small shop. The incident highlights the growing issue of fertilizer smuggling in the Naugaon block, where local farmers face shortages. Despite previous seizures, including a pickup van with 56 bags, concerns remain regarding the alleged inaction of agriculture and supply departments. https://sambad.in/district/jagatsinghpur/190-fertilizer-seized-12255518

The article explains the significance and rituals associated with the Patitapabana Bana (holy flag) atop the Nilachakra of Puri Jagannath Temple. It is believed that tying a flag offers the same merit as donating a diamond worth crores. The tradition is carried out by Chunara servitors daily at 5 PM. Due to structural safety concerns, the flag length was reduced from 150 cubits to a maximum of 14 cubits. Devotees can offer flags through the temple office. Beholding the flag and Nilachakra from a distance is said to grant salvation. https://odishasambad.in/puri-srimandirs-patitapaban-bana-flag-that-symbolises-the-lord-jagannath/

India is set to celebrate its 80th Independence Day on August 15. The article highlights the key differences between Independence Day and Republic Day. On Independence Day, the Prime Minister hoists the national flag at Red Fort by pulling it up from the bottom. On Republic Day, the President unfurls the flag at Kartavya Path which is already tied at the top. While Independence Day marks the end of British rule, Republic Day celebrates the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950. https://sambad.in/special/do-you-know-the-main-difference-between-independence-day-and-republic-day-12253932