Heavy rainfall lasting only two hours has led to severe flood-like conditions and waterlogging in Titlagarh, Odisha. Streets are submerged and daily life has been disrupted as rainwater entered low-lying areas, causing significant inconvenience to the residents. https://otvkhabar.in/videosodisha/society/flooding-in-2-hours-of-rain-otvshorts-rain-waterlogging-titlagarh-12136194

In a major FIFA World Cup upset, Norway defeated five-time champions Brazil 2-1 to reach the quarter-finals for the first time. Erling Haaland scored two goals (79', 90') to stun Brazil, while Neymar's late goal wasn't enough to save his team. With 7 goals in the tournament, Haaland is now a joint-top scorer alongside Messi and Mbappe. The article also highlights Haaland's past connection with India, where he played against the Indian U-17 team in 2016. Norway will now face England in the quarter-finals. https://sambad.in/sports/haland-magic-norway-in-quater-12140005

Odisha DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania chaired a high-level meeting to finalize the security blueprint for the Puri Rath Yatra 2026. A three-tier security system including the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and Odisha Police will monitor sea routes, while anti-drone systems and SOG teams will ensure safety from the air and on the ground. Special measures like photo displays of habitual offenders at railway stations and intensive checks at hotels and lodges have been ordered to control crime and ensure a safe festival for devotees. https://prajuktiodisha.com/odisha-dgp-security-coordination-meeting-puri-rath-yatra-2026

Vedanta Aluminium is providing healthcare services to 16 villages in Sundargarh and Jharsuguda districts through Mobile Health Units (MHUs). Over 4,000 children and 50,000 people have benefited from this initiative. In the last three years, more than 3,500 free health camps and 1,100 health awareness programs have been organized. The services include medical consultation, disease monitoring, testing, and distribution of essential medicines. CEO of Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines, Amaresh Kumar, stated that the program focuses on improving primary healthcare for the local community. https://sambad.in/business/vedanta-aluminium-mobile-health-units-benefit-50000-people-odisha-12142322

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank has launched a new mutual fund distribution service to expand its banking portfolio. The platform offers a fully digital, transparent investment experience accessible via mobile and internet banking. Partnering with leading Asset Management Companies (AMCs), the bank aims to simplify wealth creation for customers with minimal documentation and easy onboarding. https://prajuktiodisha.com/ujjivan-small-finance-bank-launches-mutual-fund-distribution-services

The Van Mahotsav week was celebrated at Jharsuguda DAV Public School with enthusiasm. Under the chairmanship of Principal Laxmikant Devta, students from NCC, Junior Red Cross, and Scouts and Guides planted various saplings on the school campus. The event focused on environmental protection and the importance of tree plantation. Participants took an oath to contribute to a clean and green environment as 'Sabuja Sathi'. https://prajuktiodisha.com/van-mahotsav-week-celebrated-at-dav-public-school-jharsuguda

Egypt has inaugurated 'The Octagon,' its new national defense headquarters, which is now considered the world's largest. Spanning 22,000 acres, it is significantly larger than the U.S. Pentagon, which covers only 29 acres. The facility features eight octagon-shaped buildings and two central buildings for ministers, totaling 50 million square feet. It will serve as the core hub for the Egyptian Armed Forces' strategic planning, intelligence, and crisis management. https://sambad.in/special/egypt-the-octagon-12143642

Blurgs AI, an innovative deep-tech startup operating in defense, national security, and maritime sectors, has raised 2.2 million USD in a seed funding round led by Pravega Ventures and Shastra VC. Founded by IIT Madras alumni Roshan Raj Mohanty and Dr. Abhinash Kori, the company's AI-driven intelligence platform is already trusted by organizations like the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, DRDO, and Dubai Maritime City. The funding will be utilized for global expansion and enhancing its AI solutions for threat detection and real-time maritime visibility, supporting the 'Make in India for the World' mission. https://prajuktiodisha.com/make-in-india-defense-and-maritime-tech-startup-blurgs-ai-raises-2-2-million-usd

The administration foiled a major child trafficking attempt at Chatrapur railway station in Ganjam district. In a joint operation by the District Child Protection Unit, Labour Department, and RPF, four minors were rescued while being trafficked to Surat. Two brokers have been detained and their car seized. The rescued children will be handed over to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for further procedures. https://www.dharitri.com/administration-caught-minors-smuggling-from-chhatrapur-railway-station/

In the remote border areas of Jajpur and Keonjhar districts, superstitious beliefs and witchcraft suspicions have claimed seven lives over the last five years. Recent incidents include the brutal murder of a young couple whose bodies were found in a well, and the killing of an elderly man and his son. Despite scientific progress, these tribal-dominated areas still rely on sorcery for treating illnesses, leading to violent conflicts and murders. Local police emphasize the need for awareness programs to eliminate these deep-rooted social evils. https://sambad.in/district/jajpur/blind-belief-superstition-killings-odisha-remote-villages-seven-deaths-five-years-12143379