Indian Railways has introduced special train services between Jammu and Srinagar to facilitate Amarnath Yatra pilgrims. This initiative aims to manage the rush and ensure a safe, comfortable journey for devotees. Measures include Aadhaar KYC verification outside stations to reduce crowding and on-spot registration at Pantha Chowk for those not yet registered. Enhanced security with RFID tracking and coordination between RPF and local police are in place for the 57-day pilgrimage ending on August 28. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/state-news/indian-railways-gift-to-amarnath-yatra-pilgrims-introduces-special-jammu-srinagar-train-services/3261299

In a strange incident in Gargarabahala village, Redhakhol, Sambalpur, a thief returned stolen gold ornaments and cash just hours after the theft. The incident, which occurred during the day and saw items returned by the same evening, has become a topic of discussion due to the thief's unexpected change of heart. https://otvkhabar.in/videosodisha/society/show-humanity-thief-loot-odisha-crime-otv-otvshorts-humanity-12137981

The Odisha government has decided to distribute the 'Laxmi Purana' to women across the state. This initiative aims to preserve and promote Odia culture, heritage, and the significance of the Laxmi Purana, which is traditionally recited in Odia households during the month of Margasira. The move is seen as an effort to strengthen Odia identity and spiritual values at the grassroots level. https://otvkhabar.in/videosodisha/society/the-government-will-share-lakshmipuran-otvshorts-laxmipurana-odishagovt-12127986

Odisha is experiencing more than normal rainfall this season as the monsoon remains active across the state. The meteorological department reports that the rainfall levels have exceeded average figures, potentially impacting agriculture and local infrastructure. Weather authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. https://otvkhabar.in/videosodisha/society/more-than-normal-rainfall-in-the-state-otvshorts-rain-weatherreport-12136586

Continuous heavy rainfall over four days has caused severe flooding across Odisha, particularly affecting Sambalpur, Subarnapur, and Boudh districts. One person died after being swept away by floodwaters in Sambalpur. Major roads and bridges are submerged, cutting off communication to several villages. The Baitarani river is nearing the danger mark, threatening Jajpur and Bhadrak with floods. Consequently, Hirakud Dam authorities have announced the opening of reservoir gates on August 9th to release the season's first floodwaters. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/continuous-rainfall-floods-odisha-disrupting-roads-villages-while-hirakud-dam-prepares-first-floodwater-release-soon-12139799

The School Management Committee and parents of Niladripur Upper Primary School in Ganjam block have protested against the deputation of assistant teacher Sudam Nayak to another school. With over 250 students from grades 1 to 8, the removal of a teacher has significantly disrupted education. A memorandum has been submitted to the Block Education Officer (BEO) demanding his immediate return. The committee has warned of a peaceful sit-in protest in front of the BEO office if the issue is not resolved within 10 days. https://www.dharitri.com/demand-to-beo-to-bring-back-teacher-who-went-on-deputation/

More than 20 lakh names have been removed from the draft electoral roll in Odisha following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process for 2026. The Chief Electoral Officer has urged citizens to verify their names through the Voter Helpline app, ECI portal, or local BLOs. If names are missing, individuals can apply for re-inclusion using Form 6, while NRIs can use Form 6A and objections can be filed via Form 7. https://odishasambad.in/2026-sir-exercise-heres-how-to-check-if-your-name-is-on-the-voter-list/

Over 20 lakh voters have been excluded from the draft electoral roll in Odisha following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Ganjam district saw the highest exclusion with 2,07,624 voters, followed by Cuttack and Mayurbhanj. Reasons for removal include death, migration, and duplicate entries. Malkangiri recorded the highest percentage of deletion at 10.25%. The Chief Electoral Officer stated that eligible voters whose names were missed can apply for inclusion by submitting objections by August 4. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/over-20-lakh-voters-missing-from-odisha-sir-draft-list-12139844

England secured a place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals by defeating host Mexico 3-2 in a thrilling pre-quarterfinal match at Estadio Azteca. Jude Bellingham scored two goals within 98 seconds in the first half, while Harry Kane's penalty in the 60th minute proved to be the winner. Despite goals from Mexico's Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez, the hosts were eliminated from the tournament. England is now set to face Norway in the quarter-finals in Miami next Saturday. https://www.dharitri.com/england-in-quarters/

A 28-year-old man named Shivshankar Nayak was arrested in Ganjam district for allegedly cheating a 30-year-old married woman after marrying her for the second time. The accused had established physical relations under the pretext of marriage and secretly recorded intimate videos. The matter came to light when the man's first wife discovered the videos and leaked them on WhatsApp. Following the leak, the accused abandoned the victim. Digapahandi police registered a case under BNS Section 69 and IT Act, subsequently arresting the accused and sending him to jail after his bail was rejected. https://www.dharitri.com/second-marriage-to-a-married-woman-first-wife-makes-intimate-video-from-husbands-phone-viral/