Senior former Congress leader Amulya Sahu, a close associate of former Cabinet Minister Nagarjuna Pradhan, officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Daringbadi, Kandhamal. After being away from active politics for 26 years, Sahu decided to return and join the BJP, citing inspiration from the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and CM Mohan Charan Majhi. He was welcomed by local BJP officials and expressed his readiness to fulfill any responsibilities assigned by the party. https://www.dharitri.com/veteran-congress-leader-amulya-sahu-joins-bjp-details-news/

Heavy rainfall has disrupted life in Maharashtra, leading to a high alert until July 8. Schools and colleges in Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad have been closed. Lonavala recorded 1290 mm of rain in 48 hours, causing multiple landslides. Over 15 deaths have been reported across the state due to rain-related incidents in the last three days. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has placed the state on high alert while authorities monitor the situation. https://sambad.in/weather/maharashtra-rains-high-alert-till-july-8-12143107

Following the death of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an airstrike on February 28, the country is slowly returning to normalcy. After a week of mourning and grand funeral processions, markets in Tehran have reopened and traffic has resumed. However, despite the visible calm, security remains on high alert due to escalating tensions with the US and Israel. Reports also indicate missile attacks on commercial oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, further complicating the regional security situation. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/iran-is-normal-leaving-behind-the-scars-of-war-12143321

The city of Rawalpindi in Pakistan is facing a severe water crisis, with residents struggling to access basic drinking water. Frequent supply interruptions have led to widespread public dissatisfaction as authorities fail to take effective action. Experts attribute the crisis to lack of rainfall, falling reservoir levels, rapid population growth, and aging infrastructure. The shortage has forced many to buy expensive tanker water and is significantly impacting essential services like hospitals and schools, posing a threat to public health. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/pakistan-is-facing-a-water-crisis-rawalpindi-is-crying-out-for-water-12143277

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is monitoring reports of cash shortages in ATMs across several states. It has sought cash status reports from banks and warned of potential action if they fail to maintain adequate cash levels. Cash management firms claim banks are not providing enough currency, while bank officials point to a shortage of ATM-fit notes. Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana are reportedly the most affected. https://sambad.in/business/money-not-available-at-atm-12143289

India has issued a stern warning to Pakistan regarding the Indus Waters Treaty following the Pahalgam terrorist attacks. India indicated that if cross-border terrorism does not stop, the treaty may be affected. Since 80% of Pakistan's agriculture depends on these rivers, any flow disruption could lead to a severe food crisis and famine. Pakistan has labeled this a sign of war and placed its army on alert. https://odishasambad.in/pakistan-ready-on-all-fronts-bilawal-bhutto-threatens-india-with-war-over-indus-waters-treaty/

The Odisha High Court has ruled that interest on railway accident compensation must be paid from the date of the accident rather than the date of witness testimony. Justice B.P. Routray's bench modified a previous Railway Claims Tribunal order, directing the Central Government to pay 8 lakh rupees in compensation with 9% annual interest to the family of Radhashyam Bindhani, who died after falling from a train on August 28, 2024. The court emphasized that per Supreme Court guidelines, victims' families are entitled to interest covering the entire period starting from the actual accident date. https://sambad.in/state/odisha-high-court-interest-payable-on-rail-accident-compensation-from-date-of-accident-12143418

Former cricketer Sadagoppan Ramesh has criticized the exclusion of Sanju Samson from the Zimbabwe series. He claimed that Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar's tenure was extended only because Samson's performance helped India win the 2026 T20 World Cup, where he was the 'Man of the Tournament'. Ramesh stated that dropping a match-winner after just three poor matches is unacceptable and hurts the player's morale. https://odishasambad.in/samson-is-the-reason-agarkar-is-even-a-selector-rames-makes-a-shocking-claim/

Heavy rains in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district have triggered flash floods and landslides, causing extensive damage to houses and vehicles. The National Highway between Doda and Kishtwar has been blocked. In Thathri town, several structures and businesses were swept away. While no casualties have been reported yet, the district administration is assessing the loss. Additionally, the Baitarani river in Odisha is flowing above the danger mark at Dasarathpur. An orange alert for heavy rain remains in place until August 8th. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/heavy-rain-jammu-kashmir-floods-landslides-national-highway-closed-12143290

Hundreds of mining-affected residents from Maligaon, Gopinathpur, and Odri panchayats gheraoed the Thuamul Rampur block office in Kalahandi district, protesting against Utkal Alumina Company's failure to fulfill CSR promises. The agitators demanded a monthly allowance of Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 per affected family and alleged excessive blasting causing pollution. Despite a public hearing involving the Sub-Collector and company officials, the meeting failed as protesters rejected the company's request for more time. Residents have threatened to shut down Baphlimali mine operations indefinitely if their demands are not met. https://www.dharitri.com/utkal-alumina-csr-deception-allegations-hundreds-of-mine-affected-villagers-gherao-thuamul-rampur-block-office/