Odisha's Water Resources Engineer-in-Chief Dilip Rout clarified that the flood threat in Mahanadi and other rivers has subsided. He explained that a 47% rainfall deficit in June led to water storage in reservoirs, but a subsequent 38% excess rainfall in July triggered the flood situation. Currently, Hirakud's water level is decreasing and stands at 623.69 feet. While 2.12 lakh cusecs of water enter the dam, 3.83 lakh cusecs are being discharged. Authorities aim to reduce the water level to 615 feet by August 4th. https://odishasambad.in/odisha-flood-situation-improves-as-major-rivers-recede-below-danger-mark-water-resources-dept/

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have signed the 'Mecca Joint Defense Pact' to strengthen security cooperation amid rising tensions in the Middle East. The agreement, signed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Erdogan, and PM Shehbaz Sharif, has sparked discussions about the formation of an 'Islamic NATO'. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs is closely monitoring these developments for their potential impact on regional stability and national security. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/islamic-nato-saudi-pakistan-turkey-defence-pact-india-12239569

Social media content creator Shreya Kalra has emerged as the winner of the reality show 'Lock Upp 2'. Hailing from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Shreya defeated popular television stars to win the trophy and a cash prize of Rs 1 crore. An MBA graduate, she started her journey on TikTok in 2018 and now boasts over 2.3 million followers on Instagram. In the finale hosted by Riteish Deshmukh and Farah Khan, she won by a narrow margin of seven votes against Shivangi Joshi. https://sambad.in/entertainment/celebrity-shreya-12237604

The son-in-law of a former MLA has been arrested in Bhubaneswar on charges of dowry harassment and attempt to murder. The accused allegedly tortured his wife physically and mentally, demanding more dowry, and even tried to kill her. Following a complaint filed by the victim, the police registered a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and arrested him. He has been sent to judicial custody by the local court. https://odishasambad.in/former-odisha-mlas-son-in-law-arrested-in-dowry-harassment/

Odisha Deputy CM Pravati Parida announced that the next installment of the Subhadra Yojana will be disbursed on Rakhi Purnima. Eligible beneficiaries whose names are approved at the district level by July 25 will receive the funds directly in their bank accounts. The scheme provides 10,000 rupees annually to women in two installments of 5,000 rupees each. https://odishasambad.in/beneficiaries-cleared-till-july-25-to-receive-subhadra-yojana-assistance-on-rakhi-purnima/

Sabyasachi Mishra, the son-in-law of former Deogarh MLA Subhash Chandra Panigrahi, has been arrested for allegedly harassing his wife Sonali for dowry and attempting to murder her. Married in December 2023, Sonali was subjected to mental and physical torture for more gold and money. The conflict escalated over a property purchase in Angul, following which Sabyasachi allegedly tried to strangulate her. Based on a police complaint filed on April 13, the police arrested the accused in Bhubaneswar and sent him to judicial custody after his bail was rejected. https://sambad.in/district/deogarh/dowry-harassment-attempted-murder-devgarh-sonali-panigrahi-case-12238502

Three people were injured when a passenger bus rammed into an Ertiga car from behind on National Highway 326 in Rayagada district. The incident occurred near Mukundpur in Kolnara block while the car was heading towards Similiguda and the bus towards Machkund. While the seven occupants of the car escaped narrowly, three bus passengers sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital by locals. Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. https://sambad.in/district/rayagada/bus-hits-atiga-car-from-behind-rayagada-3-injured-12240810

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, sparking political discussions ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections. Chadha, who recently joined the BJP from the AAP, described the meeting as insightful and enriching. The visit is seen as significant as the BJP aims to strengthen its foothold in Punjab. Chadha expressed gratitude for the PM's time and guidance, though specific details of the discussion remain undisclosed. https://www.samayalive.in/india-abroad/a-morning-to-cherish--raghav-chadha-meets-pm--sparks-buzz-over-punjab-role/article-38020

Tamil superstar and politician Thalapathy Vijay and his wife Sangeetha have decided to reconcile, ending divorce rumors. Sangeetha has withdrawn her divorce petition filed in the Chengalpattu court, citing allegations of extra-marital affairs in the past. After 27 years of marriage and two children, the couple has chosen to stay together, much to the relief of fans. The court has subsequently closed the case following the withdrawal of the application. https://www.dharitri.com/cm-vijay-will-not-separate-from-his-wife-the-relationship-was-about-to-break-after-27-years/

Malabar Gold & Diamonds has launched a branded jewelry exhibition at its Saheed Nagar showroom in Bhubaneswar, inaugurated by actress Ankita Das. The exhibition, running until the 16th of this month, features exclusive collections like Era, Precia, and Mine, showcasing uncut diamonds and precious gemstones. Founded in 1993, Malabar Gold is now the world's 5th largest jewelry brand, operating 445 showrooms across 14 countries and committing 5% of its profits to CSR activities. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=209309