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

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/

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

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

Continuous low-pressure induced rain in Daringbadi, Kandhamal, has disrupted normal life. A massive old tree fell on the main road connecting Danekabadi to Sirkabarg, completely blocking traffic and emergency services. The fire department is working to clear the debris. Residents have urged the district administration to repair the damaged roads and remove other hazardous trees in the area. https://www.dharitri.com/low-pressure-related-heavy-rain-in-daringbadi-area/

Sixteen Indian sailors have refused to navigate through the dangerous Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. The sailors alleged that their company is pressuring them to take the risky route for a faster arrival. They have sent an SOS to the Indian government seeking urgent intervention for their safety. According to international laws, crew members cannot be forced to operate in high-risk zones. The situation has raised concerns over the safety of commercial vessels and crew members in the region. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/16-indian-seafarers-refuse-strait-of-hormuz-send-sos-government-12393193

Senior lawyer Biraja Sankar Mishra has been appointed as a member of the State Human Rights Commission (OHRC) by the order of Governor Haribabu Kambhampati. According to the Law Department notification, the appointment was made under Section 1 and Subsection 22 of the Human Rights Act 1993. The appointment will be effective from the date he assumes charge. Mishra is the son of Narayan Mishra from Keonjhar. https://sambad.in/state/biraja-shankar-mishra-appointed-member-of-odisha-state-human-rights-commission-12392674

In Rajnagar's Santhapada village, a 15-foot long crocodile attacked a bull during the floods. The crocodile, which came with the floodwaters from Bhitarkanika National Park, was seen biting the bull before retreating into the water due to the noise made by locals. The Forest Department has issued an alert, advising residents to stay away from water bodies and keep their livestock safe during the ongoing flood situation. https://www.dharitri.com/crocodile-attacks-and-eats-bull/

Continuous heavy rain and low pressure have caused severe flooding in North Odisha. The Baitarani and Jalaka rivers are flowing above danger levels, affecting districts like Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Balasore. Many villages are marooned, and salt water from the sea has damaged crops. In response, the Chief Minister has announced a 1,000 crore relief package for affected farmers, fishermen, and livestock owners. https://odishasambad.in/flood-fury-returns-to-northern-coastal-odisha/