Due to heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas and Chhattisgarh, the water level of Hirakud Dam is rising rapidly. Authorities have decided to release the season's first floodwater on July 9 at 11 AM by opening 4 sluice gates. A high alert has been issued for 13 districts in the Mahanadi basin. Residents are advised to stay away from the river as water levels and currents are expected to increase significantly. The administration is monitoring the situation closely via loudspeakers in riverside villages. https://odishasambad.in/hirakud-dam-to-release-first-floodwater-tomorrow-four-gates-to-open-at-11-am/

A unique wedding ceremony was organized at the Maa Shyamakali Temple in Bargarh, where two specially-abled couples tied the knot. Facilitated by the 'Power of Divyang' organization, the couples—Swapna Sahoo with Rajkumar Sahoo and Sabita Singh with Pradip Kumar Panda—started their new lives together. The event was attended by Bargarh MLA Ashwini Kumar Sarangi and Atabira MLA Nihar Ranjan Mahananda, who congratulated the newlyweds. The president of the organization, Shyamsundar Agrawal, played a key role and encouraged other specially-abled individuals seeking marriage to contact the organization for support. https://www.dharitri.com/two-specially-abled-couples-tie-the-knot-in-a-mass-marriage-at-bargarh/

In preparation for the 2026 Rath Yatra, Odisha Police conducted a mega mock drill named 'Operation Chakravyuh' in Puri. The drill, aimed at countering potential terrorist attacks and handling hostage situations, involved STU and SOG commandos. For the first time, advanced robots were deployed during the exercise. The mock drill showcased real-time response strategies, including fire safety measures and hostage rescue from high-rise buildings near the Jagannath Temple, ensuring an impenetrable security cover for the millions of devotees expected to visit. https://argusnews.in/odisha/operation-chakravyuh-jagannath-temple-rath-yatra-2026-security-drill

Continuous rainfall has caused the water level in the Lower Suktel Dam in Balangir to rise rapidly, reaching 194.3 meters. This poses a severe flood risk to Kumiapali village, where 86 families refuse to evacuate until their demands for proper compensation and rehabilitation are met. While the administration is developing a new colony in Kapilbahal, residents claim it lacks essential facilities like electricity, water, and roads. Meanwhile, CM Mohan Majhi is scheduled to inaugurate the project on September 26 to provide irrigation to 1 lakh acres of land. https://www.dharitri.com/lower-suktel-reservoir-water-level-rising-people-stranded/

The investigation into the multi-crore chit fund scam in Odisha has completed 13 years, yet depositors remain in uncertainty. Over 6.19 crore rupees have been spent on the probe by the commission. Justice Madan Mohan Das Commission's tenure ended in 2020 and hasn't been extended since. While the government has allowed small investors identified by the commission to get refunds using identity cards, approximately 7 lakh new affidavits remain unverified. The fate of large-scale investors who deposited more than 10,000 rupees remains unclear as the commission's office stays locked. https://sambad.in/state/the-mystery-of-the-fraud-remains-12147027

Vikrant Bhuria, National President of All India Tribal Congress, visited Odisha and demanded immediate implementation of the PESA Act in the state. During meetings at Congress Bhawan, he discussed tribal interests and criticized the government over education issues and NEET paper leaks as part of Rahul Gandhi's 'Chatron Ki Gunj' initiative. PCC President Bhakta Charan Das and other senior leaders also participated in the discussions. https://sambad.in/state/implement-pesa-law-in-tribal-dominated-odisha-bhuriya-12147040

Karnataka Police arrived in Balangir, Odisha, to investigate an interstate cyber fraud network. The investigation reveals that a former finance company manager lured local youths into opening multiple bank accounts under the pretext of MGNREGA payments. These accounts were later used for fraudulent transactions involving lakhs of rupees. The case came to light during a probe into a suicide related to cybercrime. While the police have questioned local individuals who were unknowingly trapped, the main accused is currently absconding. Local SP Abhilash G has urged citizens to be vigilant and report suspicious bank activities. https://sambad.in/state/a-different-kind-of-cyber-fraud-12147022

The Indian stock market witnessed a massive crash on Wednesday as the Sensex plummeted 1677 points and Nifty fell by 517 points. This downfall, triggered by rising tensions between the US and Iran and a hike in crude oil prices, led to investors losing approximately ₹8 lakh crore in a single day. Market capitalization of listed companies dropped to ₹471 lakh crore. Global market sentiments weakened after US President Donald Trump announced the end of a ceasefire, pushing crude oil prices to $78.09 per barrel. https://sambad.in/business/sensex-crashes-1677-points-investors-lose-8-lakh-crore-us-iran-tensions-12146405

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi has directed district collectors to identify land for 2,200 Godabarish Adarsha Vidyalayas by March 2027. These primary schools aim to meet the goals of the National Education Policy 2020 at the panchayat level. Collectors are required to monitor progress weekly and submit reports, while involving local MLAs in the land identification process. So far, work has commenced on 322 schools. https://sambad.in/state/chief-minister-reviews-godavari-model-schools-12147045

The 77th Van Mahotsav Week concluded in Thuamul Rampur, Kalahandi, organized jointly by the South Forest Range and Taluk Legal Services Committee. JMFC Judge Dr. Tarini Prasad Sahu attended as the chief guest, planting saplings and educating students on the importance of trees. Around 200 saplings of various species were planted across five locations in the block. The forest department officials expressed their commitment to supporting future plantation drives by providing saplings to interested organizations. https://www.dharitri.com/77th-van-mahotsav-week-celebrated-in-thuamul-rampur/