Russia launched a massive strike on Ukraine ahead of the NATO summit, using 68 missiles and 351 drones. The attack resulted in 12 deaths and 60 injuries, hitting residential buildings and industrial sites in Kyiv. President Zelenskyy is expected to demand more US Patriot Interceptor air defense systems at the upcoming NATO meeting in Ankara. Meanwhile, reports suggest Donald Trump expressed interest in mediating the conflict during a 90-minute call with Vladimir Putin. Russia claimed the strikes targeted weapon factories and energy infrastructure as retaliation for recent Ukrainian long-range attacks. https://argusnews.in/national/russia-massive-missile-drone-attack-ukraine-nato-summit

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has accepted the resignation of General Secretary Champat Rai following allegations of theft of donation money. Bajrang Bagra, an international General Secretary of the VHP and a Chartered Accountant, has been appointed as the new General Secretary. Rai resigned on moral grounds after his driver and seven others were arrested in connection with the case. The Trust aims to bring more transparency and better financial management under the new leadership while the SIT continues its investigation into the theft reported in June. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/ram-mandir-donation-theft-case-champat-rai-visits-the-site-12139964

The Digapahandi police arrested a 28-year-old man named Sima Nayak for allegedly deceiving and abandoning a 33-year-old woman after marrying her. The couple had a long-term relationship and married in a temple in Tamil Nadu. However, after returning to Odisha, the accused refused to accept her and allegedly assaulted her when she tried to enter his house. Following a complaint, police registered a case under BNS sections, conducted medical examinations, and sent the accused to jail after his bail plea was rejected. https://www.dharitri.com/love-sex-fraud-police-arrest-accused/

Odisha's Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mohapatra reviewed water supply preparations for the upcoming Puri Rath Yatra. He inspected the progress of a new 42 MLD water treatment plant and instructed officials to ensure 24x7 water supply in and around the Jagannath Temple. Special measures including mobile water tankers, power backups, and a 24-hour control room by WATCO have been arranged to handle the massive influx of devotees. https://prajuktiodisha.com/puri-rath-yatra-drinking-water-supply-infrastructure-review

In a major anti-insurgency and anti-drug operation in Manipur, security forces arrested 6 militants belonging to banned groups KCP and UNLF, along with 4 drug smugglers within 24 hours. The operation led to the recovery of one INSAS rifle, 24 country-made guns, a large cache of ammunition, and 239 kg of ganja. To maintain law and order and curb extortion activities, 114 checkpoints have been established across the state's valley and hill districts. https://odishasambad.in/six-militants-four-drug-smugglers-arrested-in-manipur-arms-ganja-seized/

The BCCI has announced the Indian squad for the upcoming T20 series against Zimbabwe. Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has been dropped due to poor performance in recent matches against Ireland and England. Shreyas Iyer has been appointed as the captain for this tour. Young talents like Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Prabhsimran Singh, Ashok Sharma, and Yash Thakur have earned call-ups to the T20 squad. Additionally, Shivam Dube has replaced Nitish Reddy in the ODI squad. The three-match T20 series is scheduled to begin on July 23. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/sports/bcci-announced-team-india-squad-for-zimbabwe-tour-sanju-samson-dropped-from-t20-squad/3262046

AIIMS Bhubaneswar has ranked 10th in the India Today-MDRA Best Medical College Survey 2026, marking a significant achievement for Odisha. It also secured the 2nd position in the 'Most Improved' medical college category. The institution jumped from 25th rank in 2021 to 10th in 2026, based on parameters like academic excellence, infrastructure, and placement. Executive Director Dr. Ashutosh Biswas attributed this success to continuous commitment to quality healthcare and research. https://odishasambad.in/aiims-bhubaneswar-shines-bright-ranked-among-top-10-medical-colleges-in-india/

A political controversy has erupted in the Football World Cup involving US President Donald Trump. It is alleged that FIFA withdrew the suspension of US player Folarin Balogun following Trump's intervention. Balogun received a red card in a match against Bosnia and was set to miss the pre-quarterfinal against Belgium. However, after Trump reportedly spoke with FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, the suspension was deferred for a year of probation, allowing Balogun to play. Belgium and UEFA have strongly opposed this decision, questioning the transparency of the sport. https://sambad.in/sports/controversy-over-the-revocation-of-the-american-players-suspension-12139904

Thousands of women in Nabarangpur district staged a massive protest against liquor sales by surrounding the Collector's office with sticks in hand. Led by the District Nari Mahasangh, the protesters blocked the National Highway for two hours and submitted a 10-point charter of demands. They are calling for a complete ban on illegal and licensed liquor shops, citing rising domestic violence and social issues. They have warned of intensified protests if their demands are not met within 15 days. https://sambad.in/state/thousands-of-women-gherao-nabarangpur-collectorate-demand-district-wide-liquor-ban-12139889

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has appointed three senior IPS officers to top positions. Alok Kumar Mittal (Haryana cadre) is the new Director General of BPR&D until June 2029. Amit Garg (Andhra Pradesh cadre) has been appointed as the Director of NCRB until October 2027. Additionally, Sujit Pandey (Uttar Pradesh cadre) has been named as the Director of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/senior-ips-officer-amit-garg-appointed-ncrb-chief-12139947