A series of explosions rocked the Syrian capital Damascus on Tuesday. One of the blasts occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying during his visit. Despite the proximity of the explosion to his residence, Macron was reported safe and was entering the presidential palace to meet Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the time. Smoke and burning vehicles were seen at the site, though no casualties have been confirmed yet. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which follows a recent cafe blast in the city that killed 10 people. https://www.dharitri.com/syria-shaken-by-series-of-explosions-major-explosion-also-near-macrons-hotel-in-damascus-president-safe/

The Excise Department arrested a father and son in Bhubaneswar for allegedly smuggling brown sugar in a luxury vehicle. During a raid at Maishikhala slum under Badagada police station limits, officials had to break down the door to apprehend the suspects. A significant amount of brown sugar and the high-end vehicle used for transport were seized. An investigation is underway to determine the source and distribution network of the drugs. https://www.dharitri.com/brown-sugar-smuggling-in-stolen-vehicle-alleged/

A leopard carcass was found hanging from a neem tree near Jarada hill in Kabisuryanagar, Ganjam district. Local residents discovered the body and alerted the forest department. Authorities suspect the leopard was killed before being hung from the tree. A forest department team has recovered the body and initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of death and identify those responsible. https://www.dharitri.com/body-of-a-tiger-hanging-from-a-tree-in-kabisuryanagar/

Engineer-in-Chief Dillip Kumar Rout has clarified that there is currently no flood threat in Odisha. Despite heavy rains causing localized waterlogging, the Mahanadi system is under control. Hirakud Dam's water level is at 606.12 feet, lower than last year. Inflow is increasing, and authorities are considering opening 2-3 gates by July 9 after a review. River levels at Mundali and Akhuapada remain below danger marks, and the department is closely monitoring the situation across the state. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/state-news/water-resources-dept-says-no-flood-in-the-state-now/3262541

India and Indonesia have finalized a significant defense deal where India will supply BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to Indonesia. Additionally, Indonesia is preparing to procure the 'Astra' air-to-air missile, developed by DRDO. This move strengthens ties with Southeast Asian nations and boosts India's domestic defense manufacturing sector. The deal was shaped during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Indonesia, highlighting India's growing role as a defense exporter. https://www.dharitri.com/defense-deal-finalized-india-will-provide-indonesia-with-the-weapons-that-shake-pakistan/

The Gujarat High Court has upheld the death sentence for 38 convicts and life imprisonment for 11 others in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial bomb blasts case. A bench of Justice AY Kogje and Justice Sameer Dave dismissed the appeals filed by the convicts, supporting the 2022 special court verdict. The blasts, executed by Indian Mujahideen on July 26, 2008, across 21 locations in 70 minutes, resulted in 56 deaths and over 200 injuries. The case was categorized as 'rarest of rare' by the judiciary. https://odishasambad.in/ahmedabad-serial-blasts-high-court-upholds-death-sentence-for-38-life-term-for-11/

FIFA has expressed full support for Brazilian referee Raphael Claus after US President Donald Trump criticized his decision to issue a red card to USA striker Folarin Balogun. Trump had questioned the referee's integrity, but FIFA referee committee chief Pierluigi Collina defended Claus, citing his experience of over 600 matches and his role in elite World Cup officiating. Separately, the Gujarat High Court upheld the death penalty for 38 convicts in the Ahmedabad serial blasts case. https://sambad.in/sports/fifa-backs-referee-rafael-claus-after-trump-criticism-over-balogun-red-card-12141419

A tree plantation drive was organized at Jharigam Higher Secondary School in Nabarangpur district by 'Ama Odisha Sambad' and the school authorities. Under the supervision of Principal Shiva Prasad Patnaik, around 230 saplings of various species including mango, guava, and amla were planted. Guests emphasized the importance of creating new forests and urged everyone to plant and nurture at least five trees each for environmental protection. https://sambad.in/district/nabarangpur/tree-plantation-drive-at-jharigaon-higher-secondary-school-nabarangpur-12141542

In a shocking incident in Nizamabad, Telangana, a woman named Sandhya allegedly killed her husband, Prashanth, with the help of her paramour. After a failed attempt to kill him by pushing him off a building, she injected toilet cleaner and anesthesia into his body through a cannula while he was recovering. The police have arrested the wife, her lover, and an accomplice in connection with the murder. https://otvkhabar.in/crime/hyderabad-woman-kills-husband-by-injecting-toilet-cleaner-arrested-cops-12141116

Police have arrested two main suspects, Bhajran Naik and Rajesh Ullaka, in connection with the Kalyansinghpur mob violence case in Rayagada, Odisha. The total number of arrests has reached 24. During a Test Identification (TI) parade conducted at Bissam Cuttack Jail in the presence of a magistrate, the victim identified several individuals involved in the assault. The incident dates back to June 16, when two youths from Delhi were brutally attacked and harassed by locals on suspicion of being child lifters. Further investigation and patrolling are ongoing to nab other suspects. https://www.samayalive.in/odisha-news/main-accused-in-kalyansinghpur-mob-violence-arrested/article-37406