The administration foiled a major child trafficking attempt at Chatrapur railway station in Ganjam district. In a joint operation by the District Child Protection Unit, Labour Department, and RPF, four minors were rescued while being trafficked to Surat. Two brokers have been detained and their car seized. The rescued children will be handed over to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for further procedures. https://www.dharitri.com/administration-caught-minors-smuggling-from-chhatrapur-railway-station/

In the remote border areas of Jajpur and Keonjhar districts, superstitious beliefs and witchcraft suspicions have claimed seven lives over the last five years. Recent incidents include the brutal murder of a young couple whose bodies were found in a well, and the killing of an elderly man and his son. Despite scientific progress, these tribal-dominated areas still rely on sorcery for treating illnesses, leading to violent conflicts and murders. Local police emphasize the need for awareness programs to eliminate these deep-rooted social evils. https://sambad.in/district/jajpur/blind-belief-superstition-killings-odisha-remote-villages-seven-deaths-five-years-12143379

Devastating floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in China have claimed at least 15 lives and left hundreds injured. South China's Guangxi region is severely affected with rivers flowing above danger levels, damaging infrastructure and farmland. In Gansu province, landslides buried homes, leaving many people missing. Thousands have been evacuated to safety as power and transport services remain disrupted. President Xi Jinping has ordered expedited rescue and relief operations across the affected provinces. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/rain-in-china-15-dead-in-floods-and-landslides-12143593

A plantation drive titled 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' was organized at Rishimal College in Brahmanigaon, Daringbadi block of Kandhamal district. Inaugurated by Range Officer Harihar Behera and presided over by Principal Dr. Bhaskar Charan Nayak, the event saw the participation of NSS and Youth Red Cross volunteers. Around 100 valuable saplings, including medicinal and fruit-bearing trees, were planted. Speakers emphasized the importance of environmental protection and organic gardening for a healthy climate. https://www.dharitri.com/plantation-drive-at-rushimal-college-extensive-awareness-among-students/

Ghens College in Bargarh district has been officially renamed as Shaheed Madho Singh College to honor the legendary freedom fighter. The Regional Director of Education, Sambalpur, issued the order following long-standing public demand to commemorate the sacrifices of Madho Singh and his family during the independence struggle. The local community and students welcomed the decision. https://www.dharitri.com/gheis-college-renamed-after-freedom-fighter-shaheed-madho-singh/

A major accident was averted in Angul town after a PNG gas pipeline burst during underground cable work by the electricity department. The incident occurred at Amalapada Canal Road when a drilling machine hit the natural gas pipe, causing a loud noise and significant gas leakage. Panicked locals rushed to safety. Firefighters, local police, and a technical team from BPCL arrived promptly to control the situation and stop the gas supply. No casualties or property damage were reported, and repair work is underway to restore supply. https://sambad.in/district/anugol/png-gas-pipeline-leak-angul-amalapada-canal-road-12143540

Indian cricketer Abhishek Sharma has moved the Delhi High Court alleging misuse of his name and photos using Artificial Intelligence (AI). Currently playing in the T20 series against England, the young opener filed an affidavit seeking protection of his personality rights and requested the court to stop the unauthorized use of his identity in AI-generated content. Justice Jyoti Singh has asked for more clear evidence and screenshots of the alleged misuse. The court noted the complexities regarding personal rights and defamation in the online world. https://argusnews.in/sports/abhishek-sharma-delhi-high-court-ai-photo-misuse-case

During his visit to Jakarta, PM Narendra Modi addressed the Indian community and highlighted the historic ties between India and Indonesia. He specifically praised the contribution of Odisha's former CM Biju Patnaik, recalling his bravery during Indonesia's independence struggle and mentioning the 'Bhumiputra' award bestowed upon him. Modi emphasized that the relationship is rooted in shared culture, including the influence of Ramayana and Mahabharata, and modern cooperation in defense and trade. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/pm-modi-remembers-biju-patnaik-india-indonesia-relations-jakarta-12143430

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced Abhishek Kumar, the Vice President of BJYM, as its candidate for the Bankipur Assembly by-election. The seat became vacant after Nitin Nabin was elected to the Rajya Sabha. The election is set for July 30, with results on August 3. The contest is high-profile as Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor is also in the fray, receiving support from TMC MP Shatrughan Sinha. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/bjp-announced-candidates-for-bankipur-contest-12143449