Swami Hari Sharan Maharaj, popularly known as 'Brukshababa' from Begunia, Odisha, has dedicated 30 years to environmental conservation. He has planted over 9,000 trees, including Banyan, Peepal, and Palmyra, across various regions. Concerned about the loss of bird habitats due to urbanization, he advocates for planting more large fruit-bearing and medicinal trees. He also runs a Gaushala and distributes free saplings to raise environmental awareness. https://sambad.in/punascha-pruthibi/environmentalist-a-desperate-tree-for-a-homeless-bird-12182831

Jiminia Hill in Angul, Odisha, is a significant prehistoric site containing artifacts from the Neolithic to the Copper-Bronze Age. Despite being recognized as a heritage site by the State Archaeology Department since its discovery in 1971, it suffers from severe neglect. Excavations revealed ancient stone tools, copper bangles, and skeletal remains dating back nearly 8,000 years. Local residents and experts are concerned that without proper conservation, research, and infrastructure like access roads, this invaluable piece of ancient history will be lost forever. https://sambad.in/state/neglected-heritage-12182869

Due to weak monsoons and low rainfall in Koraput district, the water level in the Upper Kolab Reservoir has dropped significantly to just 22.33% of its capacity. This has severely impacted agriculture and power generation, leading to the shutdown of one hydroelectric unit. Electricity production has fallen to an average of 41.07 MW compared to the 1000 MW daily capacity. Farmers are struggling as high-land cultivation is halted, and the state faces a potential power crisis if rainfall doesn't improve soon. https://sambad.in/state/the-kolab-is-drying-up-a-danger-to-the-rice-cooker-12182872

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) constructed 89 vending platforms and 45 kiosks near CRPF campus at a cost of around 1 crore to rehabilitate street vendors. However, these platforms have remained vacant for two years as vendors claim a lack of basic facilities, space constraints, and security issues. Consequently, the site has become a den for anti-social elements while vendors continue to occupy roadsides, causing traffic congestion. BMC has issued notices warning that if vendors do not occupy the spaces, they will be allotted to others. https://sambad.in/metro/pindi-is-empty-vendors-are-on-the-roadside-12182906

The Higher Education Department of Odisha has released the second merit list for undergraduate admissions. A total of 41,578 students have been selected, including 17,737 males and 23,839 females. Ravenshaw University recorded the highest cutoff marks, with 99.67% in Economics. Selected students opting for the 'Freeze' option must complete their admission process between July 21 and July 23, 2026. https://odishasambad.in/odisha-ug-admission-41-5k-students-selected-in-2nd-merit-list/

US President Donald Trump has intensified military strikes against Iran following the death of three US soldiers in Jordan and Iraq. US forces targeted military sites in five Iranian cities, including Tabriz and Chabahar, leading to massive explosions. In retaliation, Iran targeted US assets in Kuwait and Jordan, hitting a desalination plant in Kuwait which has sparked a drinking water crisis in the Gulf region. While the situation remains tense in the Strait of Hormuz, both nations have indicated that the door for diplomatic solutions remains open. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/explosions-in-5-cities-in-iran-12182882

Former Manamunda IIC Susmita Magar has been suspended by the Police DG for her alleged involvement with cannabis mafias. Investigations revealed that she was tipping off smugglers about police raids beforehand. Her illegal activities came to light after Sonepur police seized a cannabis container on January 18 and checked the mobile phones of arrested mafias. Prior to the suspension, she was transferred to the district headquarters and served a show-cause notice by the Boudh SP. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/state-news/iic-susmita-magar-suspended-in-ganja-mafia-link/3271825

Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur is the world's only floating national park, located on Loktak Lake. It consists of floating biomass layers called 'Phumdis'. This unique ecosystem is the last natural habitat of the endangered Sangai deer, also known as the dancing deer. Spanning 40 square kilometers, it hosts diverse flora and fauna, including 450 orchid species. However, the park faces environmental threats due to pollution and changing water levels. https://sambad.in/punascha-pruthibi/floating-forest-keibul-lamjao-national-park-12182830

The construction of the long-awaited Kanpur Irrigation Project in Keonjhar, Odisha, is nearing completion after 40 years. All 12 sluice gates are installed, and 95% of the main canal is ready. The project is expected to be inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi. It aims to irrigate 29,578 hectares of land, benefiting over 2.44 lakh farmers across 222 villages in 5 blocks including Joda, Champua, and Patna. Most branch canal work is also complete following forest clearances. https://sambad.in/state/the-end-of-a-40-year-wait-12182844

Administrative negligence has delayed the installation of a statue of Guru Padmasambhava, known as the second Buddha, in Jharsuguda's Rampaluga. Despite 1 crore rupees being sanctioned by MCL over four years ago, construction hasn't started. A controversy has erupted over the administration's new plan to install a fiber statue instead of the originally planned bronze one due to theft concerns. Local committees and intellectuals have expressed strong dissatisfaction with this decision and the delay. https://sambad.in/state/ignoring-the-memory-of-the-second-buddhist-guru-padmasambhava-12182861