Under the Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY) by the Ministry of Culture, 9,660 artists and cultural organizations in Odisha have received financial assistance totaling ₹75.43 crore over the last five years. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat shared this data in the Lok Sabha in response to an inquiry. The funding has seen a steady increase, reaching ₹33.68 crore for the 2025-26 period. The ministry clarified that as it is a central scheme, district-wise data is not maintained, and there are currently no specific new proposals for Sambalpuri folk promotion at the national level. https://odishasambad.in/odisha-artists-receive-rs-75-43-crore-under-kala-sanskriti-vikas-yojana-in-5-years/

Educationist and social worker Mina Kumari Pradhan was conferred with an honorary doctorate degree for the year 2026 at a special ceremony held at the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odisha Research Center in Bhubaneswar. The award was presented by the International Human Rights Forum for Justice Civil and Liberty in recognition of her outstanding contributions to education and social service. Notable attendees included former MP Dr. Prasanna Patasani and athlete Dutee Chand. Mina Kumari expressed her gratitude and stated that this honor would further inspire her dedication to social work. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=208580

Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has advised the BCCI to increase boundary sizes in domestic matches to prepare Team India for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Since the tournament will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, where stadiums have large boundaries, Gavaskar believes Indian players need to adapt to these conditions. He highlighted that this strategy would also benefit the team in T20 World Cups held in countries like Australia. Additionally, he emphasized the need for a different mindset in the 50-over format and suggested focusing on scoring quickly against weaker bowling spells. https://odishasambad.in/gavaskar-advice-bcci-to-increase-boundary-size-of-indian-grounds/

A 25-year-old youth named Mahendra Perua was arrested in Sundargarh, Odisha, for allegedly attempting to rape the daughter of his father's close friend. The incident occurred in the Bhasma police station area when Mahendra went to the victim's house looking for his father and found her alone. The victim managed to escape and take shelter in a neighbor's house. Following a complaint by the family, the police registered a case under various sections of BNS and arrested the accused. https://sambad.in/crime/sundargarh-youth-arrested-for-attempted-rape-of-fathers-friends-daughter-in-bhasma-12203192

The Odisha Secretariat Writers' Council organized its monthly literary session for July at Kharavel Bhavan, Bhubaneswar. Presided over by Piyush Ranjan Parida, the event featured discussions on the upcoming publication of the annual magazine 'Srujanara Pahacha' and a poetry recitation session titled 'Poems for Rain'. Several poets participated in the recitation coordinated by Bijanbala Patajoshi. The meeting concluded with a call to promote the council's YouTube channel. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=208573

Former Gajapati DFO Sangram Keshari Behera has been sent to jail after his bail plea was rejected by the Paralakhemundi SDJM court in connection with the controversial death of ACF Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra. Behera surrendered following a High Court order. Although the Crime Branch initially termed the death an accident, the court ordered trial under IPC sections 302 and 120-B based on a protest petition filed by the victim's father. Co-accused cook Manmath Kumbha remains absconding. https://www.dharitri.com/acf-somranjan-death-case-ex-dfo-goes-to-jail-after-bail-plea-rejected/

An Indian diamond merchant named Dhiru Ramani, originally from Gujarat, was released by kidnappers in the West African country of Mali after a ransom of approximately ₹44 crore (3 million Euros) was paid. Ramani, who lives in the US but was staying in Mali after purchasing a gold mine, was abducted in April. The kidnappers initially demanded ₹100 crore but agreed to a lower amount after negotiations with his family. He is currently being questioned by local authorities in Mali. https://argusnews.in/crime/indian-diamond-trader-dhiru-ramani-kidnapped-mali-released-after-44-crore-ransom

Former DFO Sangram Keshari Behera has been sent to jail in the controversial ACF Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra death case. After surrendering before the SDJM court in Paralakhemundi, his bail plea was rejected by both the SDJM and District and Sessions Judge. Behera has now been shifted to Paralakhemundi Sub-jail. The case dates back to July 2021, when ACF Soumya Ranjan died due to 95% burn injuries. His father had alleged a murder conspiracy involving the deceased's wife Bidyabharati and the then DFO. https://argusnews.in/odisha/acf-soumyaranjan-death-case-sangram-behera-sent-to-jail

The Bihar government has ordered the withdrawal of all cases registered against students and individuals who participated in protests regarding the NEET-UG paper leak. Home Department Secretary Chatranil Singh issued the order stating that no punitive or retaliatory action will be taken against those involved in protests held before July 26, 6:00 PM. Legal processes to retract FIRs and show-cause notices have started immediately. Around 355 people, including Tej Pratap Yadav, who were detained or arrested, are to be released. The government confirmed no future actions will be taken against these individuals. https://www.dharitri.com/bihar-neet-protest-case-withdraw/

The Ganjam Transport Department imposed a hefty fine of ₹8,40,163 on a private bus named 'Jayashree' for operating without valid documents. During an inspection in Chatrapur, it was found that the vehicle lacked fitness certificates, road tax, insurance, and pollution clearance for the last three years. Additionally, the driver did not possess a valid license. The bus has been seized and parked at the Agasti Nuagaon driving test center until the fine is cleared by the owner, Santosh Kumar Sahu. https://www.dharitri.com/bus-was-running-without-papers-transport-department-caught-it-fined-this-much-money/