Eminent Odia playback singer and musician Pranab Patnaik passed away at the age of 88 at his residence in Bhubaneswar. Born in 1938, he started his career in 1958 with the film 'Maa' and sang in over 200 films. A recipient of the Jayadev Award and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, he was known for timeless hits like 'Rupasi Rani Go Mora'. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and the music fraternity expressed deep grief over his demise, calling it an irreparable loss to Odisha's art and culture. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/entertainment/legend-singer-pranab-kishore-patnaik-passes-away-at-88-age/3291922

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

Sugar prices in India have surged by nearly 25 rupees per kg within a month, causing concern among consumers and sweet merchants ahead of the Rakhi festival. Wholesale prices have risen from 4,200 to 6,300 rupees per quintal. The Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has proposed starting production 15-20 days early to stabilize prices, seeking a 2.5% GST concession and additional release quotas. Odisha is particularly affected as it imports over 98% of its sugar demand from Karnataka and Maharashtra. Experts suggest ethanol production from sugarcane also impacts sugar availability and pricing. https://odishasambad.in/sugar-price-raises-concerns-sugar-association-demands-for-tax-rebate/

On the occasion of Rakhi Purnima, the Odisha government will release the 5th installment of the Subhadra Yojana in Nayagarh. Deputy CM Pravati Parida reviewed the preparations in a high-level meeting in Bhubaneswar. Over 1.03 crore eligible women beneficiaries will receive a total of more than Rs 5,160 crore directly in their bank accounts via DBT. The Deputy CM directed officials and bank representatives to ensure a transparent and error-free transfer process, strengthening banking servers to avoid technical issues for beneficiaries. https://odishasambad.in/review-meeting-held-for-disbursement-of-5th-instalment-of-subhadra/

Scientists have discovered a potential 'Super-Earth' named GJ3378b, located just 25 light-years away. Situated in the habitable zone of its star, the planet is 2.3 times heavier than Earth and may support liquid water. It completes an orbit in just 21.5 days. Researchers from the University of California believe this discovery is a major breakthrough for studying extra-solar life and planetary atmospheres due to its relative proximity to Earth. https://odishasambad.in/earths-next-door-neighbor-revised-super-earth-gj-3378-b-could-be-a-rocky-world/

India's push for 20% ethanol blending (E20) in petrol is set to transform the economy, agriculture, and environment. Akshay Modi, MD of Modi Biotech, highlights that it reduces reliance on crude oil imports, saving billions in foreign exchange. Ethanol, produced from sugarcane, maize, and damaged grains, provides farmers with better prices for their produce, strengthening the rural economy. Environmentally, ethanol-blended fuel significantly lowers carbon monoxide emissions from vehicles, offering a sustainable solution to combat air pollution in major cities. https://odia.news18.com/news/tech/ethanol-blending-india-energy-security-farmer-income-clean-air-sps-ws-l-406705.html

Odisha DGP Binayatosh Mishra chaired a high-level review meeting at the state police headquarters. He directed officials to ensure respectful behavior towards citizens and conduct impartial investigations. The meeting focused on maintaining law and order during upcoming festivals, controlling cybercrime, and monitoring social media for rumors. All District SPs and Range IGs participated via video conferencing to discuss crime control and operational improvements. https://sambad.in/state/odisha-police-high-level-meeting-dgp-directs-cops-to-listen-patiently-to-citizens-complaints-12404973

National Senior Citizens Day is observed annually on August 21 to honor the contributions, sacrifices, and services of elderly individuals towards society. Formally established in 1988 by former US President Ronald Reagan, the day aims to raise awareness regarding the rights, health security, and social safety of seniors. It emphasizes the moral duty of society to provide them with care, respect, and a safe environment, ensuring they live with dignity and are free from loneliness. https://www.samayalive.in/feature/national-senior-citizens-day/article-38223

Poland has expressed full support for India's fight against terrorism. Polish Ambassador Piotr Antoni Switalski stated that India has every right to take action against terrorists anywhere in the world. He shared his personal experience regarding the 2025 Kashmir attacks and emphasized that Poland, as a victim of terror, understands India's stance. Furthermore, he highlighted growing defense and economic cooperation between the two nations, inviting Indian companies to use Poland as a gateway to European markets. https://odishasambad.in/we-are-on-indias-side-polish-envoy-backs-right-to-pursue-terrorists/