In Hindu tradition, circumambulation (Parikrama) of deities is a symbolic act of placing God at the center of one's life. Spiritual guide Vaishnavi Jayaram explains that walking clockwise keeps the deity on the right side, representing righteousness. The process involves devotion and chanting specific mantras to cleanse sins. Different deities require a specific number of rounds, such as once for Lord Ganesha and three times for Lord Shiva. The practice connects the devotee to cosmic movements like electrons orbiting a nucleus or Earth orbiting the Sun. https://odishasambad.in/why-is-parikrama-always-done-clockwise-know-its-meaning-and-the-mantra-to-chant-while-doing-it/

India has effectively countered China's expansionist claims by officially including 27 locations in Arunachal Pradesh in the government's official map. The Survey of India identified these places, including strategic areas like Longju and Thag La, to ensure accurate identification and public awareness. This move comes as a response to China's frequent attempts to rename locations in the state, which India maintains is and always will be an integral part of its territory. The new map features strategic mountain passes, villages like Maza and Bisha, and several war memorials honoring 1962 war heroes. https://argusnews.in/national/india-adds-27-arunachal-pradesh-places-to-official-map-counters-china

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has announced a financial aid of Rs 5 crore for relief and rehabilitation efforts in flood-hit Assam. CM Sai spoke with Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma over the phone to discuss the flood situation and expressed solidarity with the people of Assam during this natural disaster. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/chhattisgarh-provides-5-crore-aid-for-relief-and-rehabilitation-in-flood-hit-assam-12245229

A vehicle carrying Kanwariyas (devotees) overturned in Odisha during their pilgrimage. Several devotees sustained injuries in this road accident and were immediately rushed to the nearby hospital for medical treatment. Local police have reached the spot to initiate an investigation and manage the situation. https://otvkhabar.in/videosodisha/society/live-oh-my-godkaudias-lane-has-turned-upside-down-odisha-news-odia-news-otv-12245697

A herd of four elephants from Andhra Pradesh has crossed the Vamsadhara River and entered the Gunupur block of Rayagada district, Odisha. The elephants were spotted near Kataguda and Baridi villages, causing panic among local farmers and residents during the cultivation season. Forest department officials, including the ACF and local rangers, are monitoring the herd's movements and conducting night patrols to ensure the safety of both humans and animals. While no damage has been reported in the last three days, the authorities remain alert due to past fatal incidents in the region. Efforts are underway to drive the herd safely back to Andhra Pradesh. https://sambad.in/state/odisha-elephant-in-andhra-pradesh-12245748

Bhubaneswar Police arrested a man named Acharya for posing as a high-ranking OPTCL official and swindling over Rs 29 lakh from people. His wife, who was also involved in the fraud, is currently absconding. The accused gained people's trust using his fake identity and lured them with promises to extort money. Police are investigating further to track the money trail and apprehend the fleeing wife. https://odishasambad.in/man-arrested-in-bhubaneswar-for-over-rs-29-lakh-fraud-wife-absconding/

Students of NALSAR University in Hyderabad have opposed the invitation of the Chief Justice as the chief guest for the 2026 convocation ceremony. A group of students from the graduating batch wrote a letter to the administration requesting a reconsideration, citing past remarks by the CJI that allegedly compared youth to cockroaches and showed indifference toward police brutality. The students expressed that such a figure should not be awarding their degrees. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/hyderabad-law-university-students-protest-cji-convocation-invite-12244534

The 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign has commenced in Puri district and will continue until August 17. As part of this initiative, an art workshop focusing on themes of nationalism and patriotism was held at the Lalit Kala Gallery. District officials including the Culture Officer and Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations encouraged the artists. The artworks created during this session will be exhibited at the gallery on August 12, with the public invited to attend. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=209458

The influence of the South-West monsoon is weakening across India due to the potential return of El Nino. Satellite imagery shows a significant reduction in cloud cover over the Bay of Bengal, leading to fears of moisture deficiency. While central India experiences limited rain due to a low-pressure area, experts warn that a weaker monsoon could severely impact agriculture and cause price hikes for essential commodities. https://odishasambad.in/monsoon-rain-clouds-begin-to-disappear-as-el-nino-eyes-a-comeback-over-india/

Traffic violations are on the rise in the smart city of Rourkela, leading to frequent road accidents. In the last four months, the Rourkela police have issued e-challans to approximately 28,000 violators and collected fines amounting to nearly 3 crore rupees. Despite the installation of 1,100 CCTV cameras at major intersections, cases of riding without helmets, drunken driving, and using mobile phones while driving remain high. Action has been taken against 3,600 helmetless riders and 120 drunk drivers. Residents are now demanding stricter actions like license cancellation and vehicle seizure to curb reckless driving. https://sambad.in/metro/rourkela-traffic-violations-28000-e-challans-3-crore-fine-12245517