Revenue Inspector (RI) Suraj Bala of Jharapalli in Malkangiri district was arrested by the Vigilance Department while accepting a bribe of ₹8,000 for issuing a caste certificate. This is the second time he has been caught; he was previously arrested in November 2023 for taking a ₹15,000 bribe regarding land documents. Public demand for strict punishment has risen following his repeated offenses. https://odishasambad.in/ri-of-jharapali-circle-under-malkangiri-district-nabbed-by-odisha-vigilance-while-taking-bribe/

The 154th birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo was celebrated with great fervor at the Siddheswar Temple premises in Nimapada, Puri district. Organized by Shrima Welp For Foundation and Suman volunteers, the event included participants from 10 blocks of Puri district. The program featured discussions on Sri Aurobindo's philosophy, silent prayers, Durga Stotra, and musical performances. Key organizers highlighted the crucial role of Suman volunteers in social service during the seminar. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=210166

The kidnapping case of businessman Narendra Sahu in Balangir took a sensational turn with the arrest of a woman Police Sub-Inspector and a crime reporter. Snehamanjari Sahu, an SI at Bhubaneswar Police HQ, and journalist Sanjay Jena were arrested for their involvement in the conspiracy. The victim was kept in a lodge, threatened with a pistol, and forced to record fake videos as part of a 50 lakh rupee extortion plot. While the SI initially fled the scene, Balangir police eventually apprehended her. Four people have been arrested so far, with investigations ongoing for six more suspects. https://sambad.in/state/narendra-sahu-kidnapping-case-12390224

Two armed miscreants snatched a gold chain from a woman at gunpoint outside AIIMS Bhubaneswar. As they tried to flee on a motorcycle, the brave woman managed to pull one of them down. Local residents caught the fallen robber and handed him over to the Khandagiri police. A pistol was recovered from the suspect, who is reportedly from outside Odisha. Police have launched a search for the second accomplice who managed to escape. https://odishasambad.in/gold-chain-snatched-at-gunpoint-one-held/

Parents in Pattamundai, Kendrapara district, took matters into their own hands to rescue their children from Kulasahi Ashram School, which has been surrounded by floodwaters for two days. Around 255 students were stranded on the school's upper floor due to rising river levels. Frustrated by administrative delays in evacuation, parents used small boats to bring their children home. Many students reported health issues like fever and skin infections. While medical teams provided basic care, the lack of early administrative action has sparked public anger. https://odia.news18.com/news/odisha/parents-rescued-students-trapped-in-floodwaters-bks-ws-l-405878.html

An elderly man who was trapped in floodwaters in Bhadrak district was successfully rescued by the ODRAF team. Due to recurring floods in the region, the man was stranded in his village surrounded by water. The rescue operation was carried out promptly to ensure his safety. https://otvkhabar.in/videosodisha/society/the-old-man-was-stuck-in-the-water-in-the-flood-today-he-was-rescued-by-the-odraft-team-12393306

The Chief Minister of Odisha has announced a ₹1000 crore relief package for flood-affected residents across six districts. The aid focuses on agriculture, offering input subsidies between ₹8,500 and ₹22,500 per hectare based on crop type and damage. Additionally, victims will receive financial assistance for food, clothing, and household items. Around 9 lakh people are impacted, with major evacuations in Jajpur and Bhadrak. Further aid may be provided following a final damage assessment by a central team. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/odisha-announces-1000-crore-special-package-for-flood-affected-people-across-six-districts-12393211

Odisha has climbed from 13th to 7th position nationally in rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. The state has successfully installed over 1.74 lakh solar systems, generating 410 MW capacity. This growth is driven by substantial government subsidies (up to 1.38 lakh INR for 3kW), effective implementation by Tata Power-led Discoms, and grassroots awareness campaigns like 'Mo Chhat Mo Sanchay' and 'Solar Didi'. With over 3.12 lakh applications received, the state aims to reach 3 lakh installations by 2027. Districts like Balasore, Ganjam, Khordha, and Cuttack have crossed the 10,000 installation milestone each. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=210185

The sale of synthetic or analog paneer has been reported across markets in Odisha, raising health concerns. Prepared using palm oil, milk powder, and starch, this fake paneer is hard to distinguish by look but harmful to health. While four Indian states have already banned it, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has now sought a clarification from FSSAI regarding its continued sale. Authorities in Cuttack and Bhadrak are conducting raids to curb the distribution of such adulterated food items. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/synthetic-paneer-sold-openly-in-odisha-raising-serious-food-safety-concerns-12393265

The Odisha Sports Journalists Association (OSJA) organized the Ashok Patnaik Memorial Sports Competition at Utkal Karate School in Bhubaneswar. Members participated in events including shooting, slingshot, and arm wrestling. Notable gold medalists included Samiksha Patnaik, Shubhalaxmi Bal, Suresh Swain, Sarbeswar Mohanty, Sukesh Ranjan Behera, Shakti Prasad Nanda, and Chakradhar Majhi. The winners will be officially awarded on August 29th during the foundation day ceremony of Utkal Karate School. https://odishasambad.in/ashok-pattnaik-memorial-sports-competition-samikshya-subhalaxmi-suresh-sarbeswar-sukesh-shakti-and-chakradhar-win-gold/