Devastating cloudbursts and flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir have claimed at least 12 lives, causing widespread destruction in districts like Poonch, Rajouri, and Doda. The Amarnath Yatra and Vaishno Devi pilgrimage have been temporarily suspended due to bad weather. Simultaneously, in Nagaland's Mon district, massive landslides have resulted in 8 deaths and 12 injuries. Emergency services including the Army, SDRF, and local administration are conducting rescue operations as key highways remain blocked. https://argusnews.in/weather-calamities/jammu-kashmir-cloudburst-kills-12-people

Odisha is facing a double threat as a new low-pressure area is expected to form in the Bay of Bengal around August 23-24, bringing heavy rain until the 25th. An alert has been issued for seven states, including Odisha. Currently, several districts like Bhadrak, Kendrapara, and Cuttack are reeling under flood conditions with thousands of hectares of crops damaged. Due to rising water levels at Hirakud Dam, four gates have been opened to release floodwaters, and residents in low-lying areas have been cautioned. https://argusnews.in/weather-calamities/new-low-pressure-flood-concerns-seven-states-alert

The Monsoon Session of Parliament begins today and will continue until August 13. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address the media at the Hans Gate. The government plans to introduce the FCRA Bill 2026 and the Viksit Bharat Education Institution Bill 2025. Opposition parties are preparing to confront the government, with Kokei Janata Dal planning a 'Parliament March' from Jantar Mantar to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The session might be briefly adjourned for Independence Day celebrations. https://odishasambad.in/monsoon-session-of-parliament-to-begin-today/

Three police personnel were injured after being attacked by ganja smugglers during a raid at Hatagaon in Boudh district. A five-member team from Boudh police station was targeted with sticks and lethal weapons while trying to curb illegal trade. The injured officers are undergoing treatment at the district headquarters hospital. Police have detained around 20-25 villagers for questioning in connection with the incident. https://www.dharitri.com/3-policemen-injured-in-attack-by-ganja-dealer/

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final held at MetLife Stadium, New York, to claim the title. This victory ended Lionel Messi's dream of defending the title won in Qatar four years ago. While Spain took home the trophy and record prize money, Argentina finished as runners-up. Key awards included Rodri (Spain) winning the Golden Ball, Kylian Mbappe (France) securing the Golden Boot with 10 goals, and Unai Simon (Spain) winning the Golden Glove. England secured the third position in the tournament. https://odishasambad.in/spain-beat-argentina-to-win-world-cup/

China's wet markets are famous globally for selling exotic wildlife meat like snakes, crocodiles, bats, and scorpions. Despite international concerns after the COVID-19 pandemic, which is believed to have started in a Wuhan meat market, these markets continue to operate in some regions. Locals consume this meat believing it boosts immunity and cures respiratory ailments. While the Chinese government implemented some restrictions in 2020, the tradition persists, attracting curious tourists and raising global health concerns. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/china-meat-market-snake-crocodile-wet-market-viral-news-12180003

Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk has announced plans to end his hunger strike on July 20, provided one of his three conditions is met. His conditions include the government taking responsibility for educational failures like paper leaks, or receiving assurances from MPs that his concerns will be raised in Parliament. He expressed these terms in a letter shared via social media from Safdarjung Hospital, where he claims he is being illegally detained. Meanwhile, protests continue at Jantar Mantar amidst tight security due to the start of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. https://www.dharitri.com/sonam-wangchuk-clarified-how-and-when-she-will-break-her-hunger-strike-stating-these-three-conditions/

The Forest Department in Koida, Odisha, has stepped up its operations against the mining mafia. Under the leadership of Forest Range Officer Asit Kumar Sahu, a task force intercepted a truck carrying 37 tons of illegally transported manganese. The driver and helper were arrested. This follow previous seizures of manganese worth approximately 16 lakh rupees. The department aims to completely curb illegal mining and transportation in the region. https://sambad.in/district/sundargarh/2-arrested-while-smuggling-manganese-12179989

A doctor named Sudipta Kumar Raut was allegedly attacked by an individual with a stool while on duty at the Urban Community Health Centre in Bargarh. The incident occurred late Sunday night, resulting in head injuries to the doctor. Following the complaint, the police have taken the accused into custody for further investigation. The incident has caused tension in the local medical community. https://www.dharitri.com/off-duty-doctor-accused-of-assault-incitement-to-violence/

A 70-year-old devotee named Rabindra Senapati from Chhatrapur died in a tragic accident at Nirakarpur railway station. After visiting Lord Jagannath in Puri, he was returning home on the Howrah-Tirupati Express. While trying to board the moving train with a cup of tea in his hand, he slipped and fell under the wheels, leading to his immediate death. The RPF and Railway Police recovered the body and sent it for post-mortem. https://www.dharitri.com/accident-6/