An Air India pilot has failed a second dope test following a severe air turbulence incident on a Phuket-Delhi flight. The test confirmed the presence of psychoactive substances, specifically cannabis, in the pilot's system. Consequently, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has grounded both pilots involved. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched an official investigation into the incident, coordinating with international bodies and technical experts from Airbus and BEA to ensure aviation safety. https://argusnews.in/national/air-india-pilot-fails-dope-test-positive-cannabis

Tribal youths in Kandhamal have welcomed the state government's decision to name the Phulbani Government Medical College after Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati. During a press conference in Baliguda, they expressed gratitude for the financial aid announced for Jalespata Ashram's development. They also warned against conspiracy elements trying to disrupt communal harmony in the district through social media misinformation, asserting that Swami Laxmanananda's contribution to education and health for 40 years is being rightly honored. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=209613

Delhi is on high alert ahead of Independence Day following intelligence reports of potential terrorist threats. Delhi Police has released posters of 19 wanted terrorists associated with modules like Indian Mujahideen, Al-Qaeda, and Khalistani organizations. Key suspects include Iqbal Bhatkal, Riyaz Bhatkal, and Mohsin Chowdhury. Authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious activities immediately as security measures are intensified across the national capital. https://odishasambad.in/delhi-on-high-alert-ahead-of-i-day-photographs-of-terrorists-circulated/

Learn how to make crispy masala dosa at home in just 10 minutes without the hassle of soaking rice and lentils overnight. By using rice, urad dal, methi seeds, semolina, and curd, you can prepare an instant batter. The recipe also includes steps to make a delicious potato stuffing with onions and spices. Serve this crispy homemade dosa with coconut chutney or sambar for an authentic taste. https://sambad.in/web-story/easy-crispy-masala-dosa-without-fermentation-recipe-12242090

Rourkela Police busted an interstate cyber fraud gang operating in Odisha and Jharkhand, arresting four individuals from Deoghar. The gang, led by Jyotish Prasad Verma who operated under the guise of a momo shop, used fake APK files related to RTO, e-challan, and PM Kisan schemes to siphon money from victims' accounts. Police seized a car, mobile phones, and cash, while freezing 47 lakh rupees in bank accounts. The main accused has 31 criminal cases registered against him and used mule accounts for transactions worth 40-50 lakh rupees. https://sambad.in/state/interstate-cyber-fraud-gang-busted-4-arrested-from-jharkhand-47-lakh-frozen-12250803

The Odisha government has released the official schedule for Independence Day 2026 flag-hoisting ceremonies. The Chief Minister will hoist the national flag at the state-level function. Deputy CM KV Singh Deo will lead the ceremony in Kalahandi, while Deputy CM Pravati Parida will be in Sundargarh. Other ministers have been assigned various districts such as Cuttack, Sambalpur, and Ganjam. In the remaining districts, RDCs and District Collectors will officiate the celebrations. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/state-news/independence-day-2026-who-will-hoist-the-flag-where-see-the-list/3286035

A total solar eclipse is scheduled for August 12, 2026, occurring on Shravana Amavasya. While it will be visible in Greenland, Iceland, and Spain, it won't be visible in India due to nighttime. According to Vedic scriptures, since the eclipse is not visible in India, the 'Sutak' rules do not apply. Additionally, experts clarify that watching the live broadcast of the eclipse on mobile phones, TV, or laptops does not attract any religious faults or 'Grahan Dosha' as these are merely digital transmissions and not direct celestial exposure. https://www.dharitri.com/surya-grahan-2026-mobile-live-stream-sutak-dosh-shastra-rules/

Ishak Lima of Gajapati district has been bedridden for 17 years. His son Nikadim left his studies in class 10 to take full-time care of his father. Despite being 75% disabled, Ishak is unable to access several government schemes due to the lack of an Aadhaar card. Financial constraints have halted his medical treatment, and despite repeated attempts, the administrative issues regarding his Aadhaar remain unresolved. https://sambad.in/district/gajapati/nikadim-father-care-story-gajapati-odisha-aadhaar-issue-12243701

Abhijit Deepke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), has criticized the police action against students protesting recruitment irregularities in Jharkhand. He compared the lathi-charge and use of tear gas in Jharkhand to past incidents at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Deepke questioned why force is being used instead of resolving issues through dialogue and announced that CJP fully supports the students, with their team providing aid to injured protesters on the ground. https://www.dharitri.com/abhijeet-dipke-cjp-jharkhand-student-protest-lathicharge-tear-gas-support-government-school-improvement-campaign-august-15/

On World Elephant Day, reports highlight that Odisha's forests exceed their carrying capacity, housing 2,103 elephants against a limit of 1,800. This has intensified human-elephant conflict, resulting in 906 human and 513 elephant deaths over the last six years. The government has increased compensation to 10 lakh rupees and implemented tech-driven monitoring using AI towers, drones, and the 'Anukampa 2.0' portal. Despite 11 protected corridors and 2,142 'Gajasathi' volunteers, managing elephant movements across 25 districts remains a major challenge due to habitat constraints. https://sambad.in/state/today-is-world-elephant-day-there-is-no-place-for-elephants-12252025