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

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has submitted its final report regarding the Ram Temple donation theft case in Ayodhya. The report gives a clean chit to Champat Rai, former General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, and member Anil Mishra, stating that the allegations against them were not proven. The SIT has named only the 8 individuals previously arrested by the police as the primary accused in this case. Both Rai and Mishra had resigned from their positions earlier following the allegations, but the final investigation confirms their non-involvement. https://www.samayalive.in/india-abroad/clean-chit-given-to-champat-roy-and-anil-mishra-in-ram-temple-donation-theft-case/article-38167

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

Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan inaugurated a training program for 446 excise constables in Bhubaneswar. The 40-day training aims to enhance efficiency, discipline, and knowledge of laws like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and NDPS Act. The initiative is part of the government's commitment to making Odisha a drug-free state, following the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and CM Mohan Charan Majhi. In the first phase, 150 constables are being trained. https://sambad.in/state/odisha-excise-constable-training-446-constables-40-day-training-12395749

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

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/

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

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/