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

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

Cuttack Municipal Corporation (KMC) officials seized a quintal of adulterated paneer in the CDA area, reportedly sourced from Niali. Health officials revealed that ingredients like flour and Paras powder were mixed into the paneer, acting as 'slow poison' for consumers. Samples have been sent to the state laboratory for testing. The article also provides guidance on identifying pure paneer using tests like iodine solution, checking texture, and boiling in water to see if it releases excessive oil or dissolves. https://odia.news18.com/news/odisha/adulterated-paneer-seized-in-cuttack-how-to-identify-real-and-fake-paneer-ssd-ws-l-406257.html

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

A spiritual and philosophical poem titled 'Bishwasara Naan Pakshi' by Rajib Kumar Sarangi. The poem metaphorically compares faith to a bird that flies across the sky with wings of dreams and aspirations, ignoring boundaries and finding refuge in all religious places like temples, mosques, and churches. It emphasizes the boundless and pure nature of belief that transcends physical limits and worldly illusions. https://sambad.in/sahitya-khabara/poem-by-rajiv-kumar-sarangi-12396365

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is strictly enforcing mobile connection limits starting August 24. Individuals can hold a maximum of 9 SIM cards (6 for J&K and North-East states). Telecom operators must verify existing connections using the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) before activating new numbers. Any connections exceeding the limit will be identified and potentially suspended. Companies have until November 30 to fully integrate their systems with the new monitoring platforms to ensure compliance. https://www.dharitri.com/govt-tightens-sim-card-rules-new-connections/

For the Kharif paddy procurement season 2026-27 in Odisha, over 5.5 lakh farmers have registered within 15 days. The registration process started on October 6th and will continue until October 31st through PACS and Pani Panchayats. Currently, an average of 1 lakh farmers are registering daily. Bargarh district leads with 60,000 registrations. The government is prioritizing small and marginal farmers. Sharecroppers must provide land owner consent and complete e-KYC. A toll-free number 1967 has been launched for complaints and information. https://sambad.in/state/kharif-paddy-procurement-2026-27-over-5-lakh-odisha-farmers-register-to-sell-paddy-in-15-days-12399968

There is confusion regarding the date of Raksha Bandhan. According to senior almanac writer Harishankar Mishra, the Purnima Tithi lasts from 9:09 AM on August 27 to 9:49 AM on August 28, suggesting common people celebrate on the 27th. However, the Mukti Mandap of Jagannath Temple states that as per temple traditions, Balabhadra Janma and Rakhi rituals will be observed on August 28th. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/raksha-bandhan-date-confusion-august-27-or-28-heres-what-panchang-says-12400116

On the third Monday of Shravan month, a massive crowd of devotees and Bol Bam devotees (Kaudiya) gathered at various Shiva temples in Baliguda and nearby areas of Kandhamal district. Devotees collected water from the Khadga river and performed traditional rituals before heading to temples like Birupaksha, Rameshwar, and Panchalingeswar for Jalabhishek. Local organizations provided food and prasad for the pilgrims along the route, creating a vibrant spiritual atmosphere. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=210320