Heavy rainfall in the Binika block of Subarnapur district has disrupted normal life, with the Jamnali bridge submerged under 4 feet of water for three days. This has cut off communication between Siali and Julunda, affecting residents of Binika and Dunguripali blocks. Locals are demanding a higher bridge to be built by the RD department. Additionally, a robbery was reported where armed miscreants looted jewelry worth over 10 lakh rupees at knifepoint. https://sambad.in/district/subarnapur/heavy-rain-sonpur-binika-road-blocked-jamanali-bridge-flood-12204442

Due to continuous heavy rainfall and flood-like situations, the district administrations of Kalahandi, Bhadrak, and Nabarangpur have announced a holiday for all schools and Anganwadi centers tomorrow. Kalahandi Collector Pawar Sachin Prakash issued a formal order affecting all government and private educational institutions, including OAV, JNV, KVS, and EMRS. The decision was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure student safety amidst the inclement weather conditions. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/state-news/heavy-rain-and-flood-alert-three-districts-all-schools-and-anganwadi-centres-will-be-closed-tomorrow/3278107

The Supreme Court has ruled that police are authorized to use pellet guns in extraordinary situations to maintain law and order. The court questioned a plea seeking a complete ban on pellet guns, stating they can be used when lathi-charge and tear gas fail to control extreme violence. The bench, comprising CJI Surya Kant and others, directed the Delhi government to provide adequate medical treatment to students injured during the July 20 'Sansad Chalo' protest over the NEET paper leak. The court also ordered the Centre to preserve the ammunition logs of the Rapid Action Force deployed at Jantar Mantar. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/supreme-court-pellet-gun-use-police-guidelines-india-12211647

Sujoy Ghosh is set to return with 'Kahaani 3', the third installment of the popular thriller franchise. Interestingly, Vidya Balan will not be part of this sequel. Yami Gautam, known for her performance in 'Article 370', has been cast in the lead role. The film is currently in pre-production and promises a fresh story while maintaining the signature suspense of the franchise. Yami's character is expected to be powerful and multi-layered in this woman-centric thriller. https://sambad.in/entertainment/bollywood-actress-vidya-balan-is-not-in-kahani-3-12203875

According to the 2026 Brand Valuation Study by Houlihan Lokey, the Indian Premier League's (IPL) business value has surpassed Rs 2 lakh crore for the first time, marking an 11.4% growth. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has emerged as the most valuable franchise with a brand value of approximately Rs 3,000 crore ($1.78 billion). Mumbai Indians, KKR, and CSK follow in the rankings. The league's success is attributed to a robust business model involving media rights, sponsorship, and digital platforms. The combined valuation of RCB and Rajasthan Royals reached $3.43 billion, more than double the combined sale price of the new teams added in 2021. https://odishasambad.in/royal-challengers-bengaluru-rajasthan-royals-sales-push-ipl-crickets-business-value/

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi felicitated Indian Idol Season 16 winner Jyotirmayee Nayak at his official residence. The Chief Minister announced a cash prize of 5 lakh rupees for her extraordinary achievement and hailed her as a 'Youth Icon' for the state. Jyotirmayee shared her journey and hard work behind the success. The CM specifically praised her initiative of using music therapy for cancer patients, noting it as an inspiration for the younger generation. Her parents were also present during the occasion. https://argusnews.in/odisha/indian-idol-16-winner-jyotirmayee-nayak-honoured-by-odisha-cm-5-lakh-award

TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL) celebrated Ethics Day on the birth anniversary of J.R.D. Tata across all its offices. Senior leadership and employees paid floral tributes to the visionary leader and reaffirmed their commitment to core values such as integrity, excellence, and nation-building. The event highlighted how J.R.D. Tata's vision continues to guide the company in maintaining service excellence and ethical standards. https://prajuktiodisha.com/tpcodl-marks-j-r-d-tatas-birth-anniversary-as-ethics-day

A tractor carrying a driver and a minor was trapped in the Nagavali River in Rayagada district due to a sudden rise in water levels. The driver managed to stop the vehicle amidst the strong current, leaving them stranded for hours. Local villagers eventually noticed them and carried out a successful rescue. The incident has led to renewed demands for a bridge to connect nearby villages safely. https://sambad.in/state/tractor-swept-away-in-swollen-nagavali-river-in-rayagada-driver-and-minor-rescued-by-villagers-12208967

Devashankar Singh Chandel of Sukma district returned to his native village after 30 years of living in hiding. Three decades ago, he was brutally tortured and threatened with death by Naxals for asking for pending ration money from his shop. Fearing for his life, he fled to Andhra Pradesh with his family. Following the area becoming Naxal-free and the restoration of peace, the 60-year-old has returned to his roots and started a small shop to begin a new life, despite bearing permanent physical scars from the past torture. https://sambad.in/state/he-left-the-village-after-being-beaten-up-by-a-naxal-after-asking-for-ration-money-12210254

The Indian cricket team led by Shubman Gill is scheduled to tour Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series from August 15 to 27, 2026. This series is crucial for the World Test Championship points table, where India currently holds the 5th position. A 4-day warm-up match will start in Colombo on August 7 to help the team acclimate to local conditions. Historically, India has a strong record in Sri Lanka, remaining undefeated in Tests there for the past 11 years, including a 3-0 clean sweep in 2017. https://odishasambad.in/teamindia-unbeaten-in-sri-lanka-since-2015/