The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with great fervor at KIIT, KISS, KIMS, and KIIT group of schools in Bhubaneswar. Distinguished Kannada journalist Vishweshwar Bhat attended as the chief guest at KISS, hoisting the national flag and urging students to achieve freedom through education. Founder Achyuta Samanta addressed the students, emphasizing that their growth is integral to the nation's progress. The event featured colorful parades, cultural programs, and flag-hoisting ceremonies led by various institutional heads across the campus. https://prajuktiodisha.com/80th-independence-day-celebrated-at-kiit-and-kiss

A unique 'Petrol Langar' has been organized in Chandigarh by Rakesh Trehan, also known as Raja from Amritsar. Under this initiative, free petrol coupons worth Rs 500 for two-wheelers and Rs 1,000 for four-wheelers are being distributed at specific petrol pumps in Sector 7 and Sector 10. The distribution starts at 5 PM, and only those arriving with vehicles are eligible for the coupons. Raja, who has previously gained fame for distributing cash, burgers, and cold drinks, also hinted at distributing iPhones in the future. https://argusnews.in/national/chandigarh-free-petrol-langar-august-18

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has slammed the Congress leadership over a video involving the singing of 'Vande Mataram' during an August 15 event. Comparing senior Congress leaders to people from Pakistan, Ranaut expressed shock at their apparent discomfort during the national song. She claimed that leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge seemed agitated and tried to turn off the cameras, stating that 'Vande Mataram' reflects the soul of India and such hatred towards it is unjustifiable. https://www.dharitri.com/kangana-ranaut-compares-congress-with-pakistan-after-vande-mataram-video-row/

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

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a review meeting to address traffic issues in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. He directed officials to strictly implement the smart traffic system and improve city beautification. Discussions included constructing an 8-lane road for Puri-bound travelers, repairing damaged junctions, and building new flyovers. The CM emphasized cleaning and organizing historical Cuttack and the capital city, urging departments like the Police Commissionerate and Urban Development to work collaboratively. https://odishasambad.in/odisha-cm-holds-review-meeting-for-permanent-solution-of-twin-city-traffic-problem-and-beautification-news/

A major security breach occurred at the Puri Jagannath Temple when a young man climbed onto the 'Alan Bedha' after bypassing security cordons. Following a period of high drama, police managed to bring the individual down. The man is currently being interrogated, but his identity and motive remain unclear. This incident marks a repeat of past security lapses where devotees have climbed the temple structures, raising serious concerns about the existing security measures and surveillance systems at the shrine. https://www.samayalive.in/odisha-news/youth-climbs-the-alabedha-of-the-temple--bypassing-security/article-38164

Flood conditions in the Mahanadi basin are expected to remain critical for the next 4-5 days. Authorities have advised residents in low-lying districts like Cuttack, Puri, and Jagatsinghpur to remain alert but not panic. Due to heavy rains in Chhattisgarh and water release from Hirakud Dam, river levels are near the danger mark. The state government has deployed NDRF and ODRAF teams for rescue operations and initiated 24-hour patrolling of vulnerable embankments. https://odishasambad.in/odisha-flood-situation-to-continue-for-another-4-5-days-informs-eic-dilip-raut/

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/

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

A major security breach occurred at the Puri Jagannath Temple on Monday when an unidentified youth climbed atop the 12th-century shrine, bypassing tight security. Devotees and servitors noticed him and alerted the authorities. After a prolonged effort, the temple administration and police safely brought him down. He is currently being interrogated at the Singhadwara police station. While the youth's identity and intent are unclear, he is suspected to be mentally unstable. The incident has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the temple's three-tier security system. https://odishasambad.in/major-security-flaw-puri-temple-man-climbed-onto-the-temple-by-breaking-through-the-tight-security/