The Van Mahotsav week was celebrated at Jharsuguda DAV Public School with enthusiasm. Under the chairmanship of Principal Laxmikant Devta, students from NCC, Junior Red Cross, and Scouts and Guides planted various saplings on the school campus. The event focused on environmental protection and the importance of tree plantation. Participants took an oath to contribute to a clean and green environment as 'Sabuja Sathi'. https://prajuktiodisha.com/van-mahotsav-week-celebrated-at-dav-public-school-jharsuguda

Egypt has inaugurated 'The Octagon,' its new national defense headquarters, which is now considered the world's largest. Spanning 22,000 acres, it is significantly larger than the U.S. Pentagon, which covers only 29 acres. The facility features eight octagon-shaped buildings and two central buildings for ministers, totaling 50 million square feet. It will serve as the core hub for the Egyptian Armed Forces' strategic planning, intelligence, and crisis management. https://sambad.in/special/egypt-the-octagon-12143642

Blurgs AI, an innovative deep-tech startup operating in defense, national security, and maritime sectors, has raised 2.2 million USD in a seed funding round led by Pravega Ventures and Shastra VC. Founded by IIT Madras alumni Roshan Raj Mohanty and Dr. Abhinash Kori, the company's AI-driven intelligence platform is already trusted by organizations like the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, DRDO, and Dubai Maritime City. The funding will be utilized for global expansion and enhancing its AI solutions for threat detection and real-time maritime visibility, supporting the 'Make in India for the World' mission. https://prajuktiodisha.com/make-in-india-defense-and-maritime-tech-startup-blurgs-ai-raises-2-2-million-usd

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

Senior IPS officer Sujit Pandey of the Uttar Pradesh cadre has been appointed as the Director of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad. Born in Patna to an IAS father, Pandey joined the IPS in 1994 after completing his MA in History. With over three decades of experience including roles in various districts of UP and the CBI, he will now oversee the training of IPS officers nationwide. https://sambad.in/jobs/who-is-ips-sujit-pandey-appointed-svpnpa-director-12142997

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