With the increase in rainfall in Odisha, snake encounters have surged as reptiles seek shelter in human settlements. Hundreds of snakes, including venomous cobras, have been rescued from districts like Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Bhadrak. Over the last five years, thousands have died from snakebites, prompting the Health Department to issue an alert. Hospitals have been directed to stock sufficient Anti-Snake Venom (ASV). Experts urge citizens to avoid superstitions, reach hospitals within the 'Golden Hour,' and maintain hygiene around houses to prevent snakebites. https://argusnews.in/odisha/venomous-snakes-enter-homes-during-rainy-season-safety-alert-today

Gold and silver prices have significantly dropped in the Indian market. According to MCX, gold fell by ₹539 to reach ₹1,44,853, while silver decreased by ₹1,558 to reach ₹2,29,299. Experts attribute this decline to global geopolitical tensions, volatility in the dollar index, and profit-booking by international investors. Prices for 24K, 22K, and 18K gold have all seen a downward trend, providing a potential opportunity for buyers and investors during the wedding season. https://argusnews.in/gold/gold-silver-price-today-24k-22k-18k-gold-rates-decline

The article explains why ATM PINs are typically 4 digits instead of 6. The inventor of the ATM, John Shepherd-Barron, initially considered a 6-digit PIN but changed it to 4 because his wife, Caroline, found it difficult to remember more than four digits. This 4-digit standard aligns with psychological research by George A. Miller, suggesting it fits well within human short-term memory limits. While some modern banks are shifting toward 6-digit PINs for extra security, the 4-digit system remains the global standard due to its simplicity and ease of use. https://argusnews.in/tech/why-atm-pin-is-only-4-digits

US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have signaled a thaw in their relationship following recent tensions. The friction arose after Italy declined to support US military operations against Iran. However, during a meeting in Ankara, Trump described Meloni as a 'good person' despite their disagreement. Similarly, Meloni affirmed a cordial relationship with Trump during the NATO summit, indicating that both leaders are moving past their recent public disagreements. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/the-dispute-between-donald-trump-and-giorgia-meloni-has-ended-12144775

Odisha Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari announced that land registration in the state will become entirely paperless and cashless to ensure transparency and eliminate corruption. The previous provision for cash payments up to Rs 15,000 has been abolished, making online payments mandatory. Buyers and sellers can apply online and will only need to visit the sub-registrar's office for identification. Verification of documents may be done by any registration office in the state to maintain transparency. A new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be issued soon for this digital transformation. https://prajuktiodisha.com/odisha-land-registration-to-go-cashless-and-paperless-revenue-minister-review

On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, the Delhi government is launching the 'Mahila Samriddhi Yojana' to provide monthly financial assistance of ₹2,500 to economically disadvantaged women. Approximately 22 lakh women in Delhi aged between 21 and 60 are expected to benefit from this scheme, provided their annual family income is below ₹3 lakh. The scheme, with a budget of ₹5,110 crore for 2026-27, is expected to be inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on August 28. Applications will be processed online, and funds will be transferred via Direct Benefit Transfer to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. https://argusnews.in/national/mahila-samriddhi-yojana-rs-2500-for-women

West Indies secured their first Test series win in three years after drawing the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Having won the first Test by an innings and 217 runs, the hosts clinched the two-match series 1-0. In the second Test, Sri Lanka set a target of 302 runs, but the match ended in a draw with West Indies openers John Campbell and Brandon King scoring unbeaten fifties. Justin Greaves was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series for his exceptional performance. https://sambad.in/sports/west-indies-series-win-after-3-years-12145052

Iran claims to have targeted 85 U.S. military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait using missiles and drones. This action, taken by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), is a retaliation for previous U.S. airstrikes in regions like Hormozgan. Key targets included the U.S. Fifth Navy base in Bahrain and the Ali Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait. While Iran frames this as a response to U.S. treaty violations, no official comments have been released yet by the U.S., Bahrain, or Kuwait regarding the extent of the damage. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/iran-gave-a-strong-response-to-the-us-airstrike-12144813

The Odisha School and Mass Education Department has debunked a viral notification regarding the recruitment of 7,234 Sishu Batika teachers under OSEPA as fake and unauthorized. The department clarified that a forged Finance Department letter (No. 10911/F) claiming a monthly salary of Rs 26,000 was being circulated on social media to mislead the public. Official sources confirmed that no such proposal has been approved and legal action will be initiated against those responsible for creating and spreading the fabricated document. https://www.samayalive.in/odisha-news/public-education-department-refutes-sishu-batika-recruitment-advertisement/article-37428

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has targeted the Central Government over the new Rural Developed India Assured Employment and Livelihood Mission (VB-G RAM-G) Act. He alleged that the government has stolen the 'right to employment' of the people by weakening the legal framework of MNREGA. The party claims that the new law, implemented on July 1, imposes a financial burden on states and removes the 100-day work guarantee. Congress demands the restoration of MNREGA and the implementation of expert committee recommendations for fair minimum wages. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/the-government-has-stolen-peoples-right-to-employment-12145018