World Lion Day is observed every year on August 10 to raise awareness about the protection and conservation of lions. Initiated in 2013, the day highlights the declining population of African and Asiatic lions due to climate change, illegal hunting, and habitat loss. Currently, fewer than 25,000 lions remain globally. In India, the Gujarat forest department has launched special projects for the conservation of Asiatic lions in the Gir sanctuary to maintain ecological balance. https://www.dharitri.com/world-lion-day-awareness-is-essential-for-protection/

Three people were injured when a passenger bus rammed into an Ertiga car from behind on National Highway 326 in Rayagada district. The incident occurred near Mukundpur in Kolnara block while the car was heading towards Similiguda and the bus towards Machkund. While the seven occupants of the car escaped narrowly, three bus passengers sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital by locals. Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. https://sambad.in/district/rayagada/bus-hits-atiga-car-from-behind-rayagada-3-injured-12240810

Iran has released a video of its Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei to debunk rumors circulating in Israeli media about his deteriorating health. Reports from Israeli Channel 14 and The Jerusalem Post had claimed Khamenei was in critical condition and hospitalized. To counter these claims, Iran's Mehr News Agency shared footage showing the leader active, though the exact date of the recording remains unconfirmed. Iranian authorities maintain that the Supreme Leader is healthy and continues to oversee key national decisions. https://odishasambad.in/mojtaba-khamenei-health-rumours-iran-releases-new-video/

India has effectively countered China's expansionist claims by officially including 27 locations in Arunachal Pradesh in the government's official map. The Survey of India identified these places, including strategic areas like Longju and Thag La, to ensure accurate identification and public awareness. This move comes as a response to China's frequent attempts to rename locations in the state, which India maintains is and always will be an integral part of its territory. The new map features strategic mountain passes, villages like Maza and Bisha, and several war memorials honoring 1962 war heroes. https://argusnews.in/national/india-adds-27-arunachal-pradesh-places-to-official-map-counters-china

Ishak Lima of Gajapati district has been bedridden for 17 years. His son Nikadim left his studies in class 10 to take full-time care of his father. Despite being 75% disabled, Ishak is unable to access several government schemes due to the lack of an Aadhaar card. Financial constraints have halted his medical treatment, and despite repeated attempts, the administrative issues regarding his Aadhaar remain unresolved. https://sambad.in/district/gajapati/nikadim-father-care-story-gajapati-odisha-aadhaar-issue-12243701

Paradip Marine Police rescued an unidentified young man who was swept away by the strong current of the Mahanadi river into the sea. During a routine patrol on Sunday morning, the police spotted the man struggling against high waves near the Mahanadi river mouth. Using a 'Sea-Life' boat and lifebuoy, the rescue team safely brought him to shore. The man was rushed to Atharbanki Hospital in Paradip for treatment. While his condition is improving, his identity remains unknown as he is currently unable to speak. https://odishasambad.in/youth-rescued-from-sea-near-odishas-paradip-after-being-swept-away-in-mahanadi/

On the second Monday of the holy month of Shravan, a rare planetary conjunction with Soma Pradosh Vrat has occurred after 6 years. Devotees are flocking to Lord Shiva temples across Odisha, including Bhubaneswar, for Jalabhishek. Puranic beliefs suggest that offerings like Ganges water, milk, and honey on this day fulfill wishes. Additionally, Shravan Shivratri will be celebrated tomorrow, August 11th. https://odishasambad.in/sawan-second-monday-2026-shivling-jalabhishek-special-things-mahadev-blessings/

The 7th State Inter-School Table Tennis Championship concluded its individual categories in Cuttack. Winners include Shweta Verma (Junior Girls), Ayushman Pati (Junior Boys), Urja Verma (Senior Girls), and Somnath Soumyaranjan Subudhi (Senior Boys). The event, organized by the Odisha Table Tennis Association and Young Generation Table Tennis Association, also marked the start of the State Ranking Table Tennis tournament. https://sambad.in/sports/state-inter-school-table-tennis-12248946

Cricketer Rishabh Pant's mother, Saroj Pant, has initiated the reconstruction of their ancestral home in Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand. After visiting the village for 5 days following a 20-year gap, she directed contractors to rebuild the old house. The local residents are delighted, and Rishabh's uncle expressed hope that the cricketer would spend more time in the village once the home is ready. Rishabh's grandfather had migrated to Roorkee 60 years ago, and Rishabh last visited the village when he was seven years old. https://www.dharitri.com/rishiv-pant-started-working-as-a-housemaid-in-his-ancestral-village/

The Odisha State Transport Department is intensifying enforcement against vehicles without valid insurance following Supreme Court directives. An 'E-detection' system integrated with FASTag and cameras at highway toll gates will automatically check insurance, fitness, and pollution certificates. Violators will face immediate e-challans and vehicle seizure. Repeated offenses may lead to RC cancellation. Data reveals that out of 1.01 crore registered vehicles in Odisha, over 65 lakh are operating without valid insurance. https://odishasambad.in/if-you-dont-have-valid-insurance-your-vehicle-will-be-seized-now-and-an-e-challan-will-be-issued/