Police arrested an extortion gang of four members in Bhanjanagar, Ganjam. The accused were threatening travelers at gunpoint near Malasapadar village to extort money. When police arrived at the spot, the criminals pointed guns at the officers, but were eventually overpowered. Two country-made pistols and live ammunition were seized from the arrested individuals. https://otvkhabar.in/crime/police-bust-extortion-gang-in-bhanjanagar-4-arrested-illegal-pistols-live-bullets-seized-12144284

The FBI, in coordination with US and Canadian authorities, launched 'Operation Hardball' targeting the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Over 50 locations were raided, and 24 individuals were arrested on charges of murder, extortion, and drug trafficking. The US Department of Justice linked Bishnoi and Goldy Brar to the conspiracy behind Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar's murder. The operation also targeted international drug networks operated by Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Ravinder Singh Dhanda across the US, Canada, Mexico, and beyond. https://sambad.in/crime/operation-hardball-lawrence-bishnoi-gang-hardeep-nijjar-murder-24-arrested-12144288

India suffered a record 125-run defeat against England in the second T20 match. Chasing a target of 202, the Shreyas Iyer-led Indian side collapsed for just 76 runs in 11.4 overs. Six Indian batters failed to reach double digits as Jofra Archer dismantled the lineup. With this massive win, England now leads the five-match series 2-0. This marks the fourth consecutive loss for India under the new captaincy of Shreyas Iyer. https://otvkhabar.in/sports/india-suffer-record-125-run-t20-defeat-to-england-trail-series-2-0-12144300

US President Donald Trump praised Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his visit to Ankara, describing her as a 'good woman' and a 'good person' despite previous tensions. Relationships between the two leaders had soured after Meloni refused to assist in potential conflicts with Iran and denied US military aircraft landing rights in Sicily. While Trump criticized her decisions regarding the Strait of Hormuz, his latest comments indicate an attempt to thaw diplomatic ties, expressing that although she made a mistake, he still likes her. https://www.dharitri.com/i-like-meloni-trump-says-it-all-the-time/

Police in Keonjhar's Barbil busted a major cyber fraud and robbery gang, arresting 6 individuals including a female mastermind linked to the notorious Jamtara gang. The group would violently rob victims of their mobile phones and then use banking apps to drain their accounts. Following a truck driver's complaint, police raided a location and seized 12 mobiles, 26 bank passbooks, and 28 SIM cards, catching the group while they were planning another heist in the Joda area. https://otvkhabar.in/crime/cyber-fraud-robbery-gang-busted-in-keonjhar-6-arrested-including-woman-linked-to-jamtara-12144271

A late-night security breach occurred at the Odisha Legislative Assembly in Bhubaneswar when a car driven by a drunk individual rammed into the security barricades. The impact was severe enough to destroy the barricades. Following the incident, local police and Special Tactical Group (STG) commandos arrived at the scene to secure the area and conduct a thorough investigation. Two individuals inside the car have been detained for questioning. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/drunk-driver-crashes-into-barricade-outside-odisha-assembly-triggers-security-scare-12144292

The voter list for Kesinga NAC in Kalahandi district has been revised, resulting in the removal of 1,432 voters. The total voter count decreased from 14,868 to 13,436 after the Special Intensive Revision. Executive Officer Chinmaya Acharya stated that the removals were due to deaths (517 cases), migration to other states, and duplicate entries. Eligible citizens whose names are missing can apply via Form 6 between July 5 and August 4. The final voter list is scheduled to be published on September 6. https://www.dharitri.com/1432-voters-excluded-from-kesinga-nac-officials-informed/

The Odisha government has formed a 5-member high-level committee chaired by the Finance Secretary to examine the 10-point demands of the Odisha Medical Service Association (OMSA). The committee includes secretaries from Health, Law, and GA departments. This move follows a 4-day strike by doctors that was called off after assurances from the Health Minister. The committee's first meeting is scheduled for July 22 to deliberate on the doctors' demands and provide recommendations to the government. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/government-forms-high-level-committee-to-examine-omsas-10-point-demands-12144205

Security forces, including Nuapada Police, CRPF 19th Battalion, and DVF units, successfully uncovered a Maoist camp during a search operation in the Patadhara Reserve Forest. A significant cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives was seized from an underground dump. Recovered items include country-made guns, a carbine, AK-47 and SLR rounds, IEDs, gelatin sticks, and Maoist uniforms. Superintendent of Police Amritpal Singh confirmed that although the district is largely Maoist-free, combing operations continue to dismantle any remaining networks. https://www.dharitri.com/large-amount-of-maoist-material-seized-in-search-operation-by-soldiers/

The ancient Mahari or Devadasi tradition of the Puri Jagannath Temple, which dates back over 800 years, has officially ended. Among the 119 types of services at the temple, the Devadasi service (number 75) was the only one performed by women. These women lived a life of sacrifice, remaining unmarried and performing dance and songs like Gita Govinda for Lord Jagannath. However, due to lack of administrative support and poverty, the number of Devadasis dwindled over the years. With the passing of the last few servitors like Sashimani and Parashamani, the tradition has ceased to exist. https://sambad.in/rathajatra/devadasi-who-lived-a-life-of-renunciation-12143713