A political row has erupted between Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over police action against students protesting at Jantar Mantar. While Rijiju claimed the police action was minimal and no students were seriously injured, Rahul Gandhi shared a video of injured students calling the government's claims false and insensitive. Gandhi accused the government of hiding facts due to arrogance and demanded free treatment for injured students and action against police excesses during the protests related to NEET and exam irregularities. https://odishasambad.in/rahul-targets-centre-over-police-action-accuses-government-of-whitewashing-and-hiding-truth/

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/

Russian missile and drone attacks have hit the ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih steel plant in Ukraine, owned by Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal. The attack resulted in two deaths and injured over 10 workers and contractors. The company has partially suspended operations following the damage. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the casualties and noted that strikes also occurred in the city of Sumy. ArcelorMittal is the world's second-largest steelmaker, and its Ukrainian unit is the country's largest steel producer. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/russian-missile-strikes-lakshmi-mittals-steel-plant-in-ukraine-2-dead-12347809

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

A devastating fire broke out in a hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street, Kolkata, during the early hours of Wednesday at approximately 2:00 AM. The incident resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, including a child, while several others sustained serious injuries. Many of the deceased were Bangladeshi nationals who had traveled to the city for medical treatment. Four fire engines managed to bring the flames under control after significant effort. Preliminary investigations suggest a short circuit might be the cause of the fire, though a detailed probe is ongoing. Emergency responders and police are conducting rescue operations and monitoring the situation at the hospital. https://odia.news18.com/news/national-international/fire-breaks-out-at-a-hotel-in-kolkata-9-people-feared-dead-in-the-incident-sps-ws-l-406071.html

Vegetable prices have surged significantly in Odisha, particularly in Rourkela, due to crop damage from continuous rain and reduced imports. Onions are selling at ₹50 per kg, while most green vegetables have crossed the ₹50 mark, making it difficult for consumers to afford basic food items. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/vegetable-prices-catch-fire-amid-flood-crisis-onion-hits-50-per-kg-in-rourkela-12394118

Today's horoscope provides detailed predictions for all 12 zodiac signs. It highlights positive outcomes for Aries, Gemini, and Leo in fields like career and education, while warning Taurus and Scorpio to be cautious of financial risks and workplace tensions. Capricorn may face family issues, whereas Aquarius and Pisces can expect new business opportunities and career success. The article also suggests specific remedies and lucky colors for each sign to enhance their daily fortune. https://argusnews.in/horoscope/today-horoscope-zodiac-signs-need-caution

A tragic fire broke out at Hotel Shikha on Mirza Ghalib Street in Kolkata, resulting in at least nine deaths. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, trapping several people inside. Four fire tenders managed to control the blaze. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and police investigations are underway. This incident follows a similar hotel fire in Birbhum district just a day earlier, raising serious concerns about safety measures. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/national-international/fire-breaks-out-at-hotel-shikha-kolkata-know-death-and-injured-number/3290759

On August 19, 2026, a rare and auspicious planetary alignment featuring Brahma, Indra, and Ravi Yoga will occur. According to astrological predictions, this day will be highly beneficial for five zodiac signs: Aries, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, and Libra. With Jupiter moving into Ashlesha Nakshatra and the formation of Hansa Raja Yoga and Gajakesari Yoga, these signs are likely to experience career growth, promotions, and significant financial gains. The alignment is expected to boost business deals and provide relief from financial stress for these specific signs. https://www.dharitri.com/lucky-zodiac-signs-19-august-2026-rashifal-grah-gochar-shubh-yog-career-money-business-growth-horoscope/

Heavy rainfall and flooding have severely affected Bhadrak district, with the Baitarani and Salandi rivers flowing above danger levels. A 50-foot breach in the Nalia River has inundated several areas. Consequently, the district administration has declared a holiday for 297 schools and 395 Anganwadi centers across six blocks. Road connectivity in many regions, including the route between Bhandaripokhari and Jajpur, has been disrupted as floodwaters flow over bridges. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/bhadrak-battles-rising-floodwaters-schools-anganwadi-centres-shut-12394101