Former DFO Sangram Keshari Behera has been sent to jail in the controversial ACF Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra death case. After surrendering before the SDJM court in Paralakhemundi, his bail plea was rejected by both the SDJM and District and Sessions Judge. Behera has now been shifted to Paralakhemundi Sub-jail. The case dates back to July 2021, when ACF Soumya Ranjan died due to 95% burn injuries. His father had alleged a murder conspiracy involving the deceased's wife Bidyabharati and the then DFO. https://argusnews.in/odisha/acf-soumyaranjan-death-case-sangram-behera-sent-to-jail

The Bihar government has ordered the withdrawal of all cases registered against students and individuals who participated in protests regarding the NEET-UG paper leak. Home Department Secretary Chatranil Singh issued the order stating that no punitive or retaliatory action will be taken against those involved in protests held before July 26, 6:00 PM. Legal processes to retract FIRs and show-cause notices have started immediately. Around 355 people, including Tej Pratap Yadav, who were detained or arrested, are to be released. The government confirmed no future actions will be taken against these individuals. https://www.dharitri.com/bihar-neet-protest-case-withdraw/

The Ganjam Transport Department imposed a hefty fine of ₹8,40,163 on a private bus named 'Jayashree' for operating without valid documents. During an inspection in Chatrapur, it was found that the vehicle lacked fitness certificates, road tax, insurance, and pollution clearance for the last three years. Additionally, the driver did not possess a valid license. The bus has been seized and parked at the Agasti Nuagaon driving test center until the fine is cleared by the owner, Santosh Kumar Sahu. https://www.dharitri.com/bus-was-running-without-papers-transport-department-caught-it-fined-this-much-money/

Two Indian seafarers, Chandra Ram Dubey and Deepak Kumar Gupta, have gone missing after a Russian drone attack on the merchant vessel MV AGN Ragnar in the Black Sea near Ukraine's Odesa port. The Indian Embassy in Kyiv confirmed that while two other Indians on board are safe, the search for the missing duo is ongoing. Following the incident, the Indian government summoned the Ukrainian Ambassador to express concern. Maritime organizations are demanding better safety measures for sailors designated as 'Key Workers' in conflict zones. https://argusnews.in/international/black-sea-drone-attack-merchant-ship-indian-seafarers-missing

Sonam Wangchuk has been discharged from Medanta Hospital after ending his 26-day hunger strike against the NEET-UG paper leak. He broke his fast on July 24 after the government accepted his demands and assured no action against protesting students. Union Minister J.P. Nadda helped him break the fast by offering soup. After discharge, Wangchuk visited Rajghat with his wife to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. https://odishasambad.in/sonam-wangchuk-discharged-from-medanta-hospital/

The 'Go Samman Ahwan Abhiyan' was held in Balangir to ensure the service, protection, and respect of cows. During the second phase, a petition signed by 5.02 lakh citizens was submitted to the President, Prime Minister, Governor, and Chief Minister through the District Collector. The campaign's key demands include a central law to ban cow slaughter, granting 'Rashtramata' status to cows, and the formation of a Central Ministry for Cows. A peaceful procession was organized from Pataneswari Temple to the Collector's office, with participation from saints, social organizations, and locals. https://www.dharitri.com/cow-sanman-awhan-abhiyan-in-balangir/

Mohammad Junaid, a volunteer who provided food and water to students protesting against the NEET paper leak at Jantar Mantar, has accused the Delhi and Ghaziabad police of harassment. He alleged that he was detained, blindfolded, and questioned about his funding sources, while his family in Ghaziabad and relatives in Meerut were also targeted. The Ghaziabad police denied these allegations, stating that Junaid's father was only called for routine questioning. Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi has extended support to Junaid and promised to raise the issue in Parliament, while the CJP organization is providing legal aid. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/mohammed-junaids-complaint-of-providing-food-and-water-to-the-agitators-12203196

MLA Siddhant Mohapatra launched a free auto-ambulance service in Digapahandi block of Ganjam district for pregnant women and infants in remote areas. This initiative by the Ganjam district administration aims to solve transportation issues in hilly terrains where standard ambulances cannot reach due to lack of motorable roads. In the first phase, 9 auto-ambulances have been deployed for 19 inaccessible tribal villages across 9 panchayats. Residents can access this service through local ASHA workers and health centers. https://www.dharitri.com/mla-shivu-mohapatra-provided-free-auto-ambulance-service-pregnant-women-and-mothers-will-get-facilities/

In a surprising incident at Kamlei village primary school in Lanjigarh block, Kalahandi, the school remained locked on a working Monday despite no official holiday. Around 21 students had to return home as neither the headmaster Narayan Naik nor the assistant teacher Sipun Nayak showed up. The assistant teacher cited heavy rain and bad roads, while the headmaster admitted to being busy with personal matters without informing higher authorities. Parents have expressed strong resentment over the deteriorating education system in rural areas. The Block Education Officer (BEO) has assured an investigation and appropriate action against the teachers. https://www.dharitri.com/students-return-home-due-to-school-closure-without-government-holiday/

An induction program was held at the Model Degree College in Lathipada, Nayagarh, for the 2026-27 academic year. The principal highlighted the 'KG to PG' free education scheme and the requirement of 75% attendance. Students were informed about the National Education Policy 2020 and the registration process on the HIMS portal. Around 160 students were welcomed with pens and chocolates. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=208562