Due to heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas and Chhattisgarh, the water level of Hirakud Dam is rising rapidly. Authorities have decided to release the season's first floodwater on July 9 at 11 AM by opening 4 sluice gates. A high alert has been issued for 13 districts in the Mahanadi basin. Residents are advised to stay away from the river as water levels and currents are expected to increase significantly. The administration is monitoring the situation closely via loudspeakers in riverside villages. https://odishasambad.in/hirakud-dam-to-release-first-floodwater-tomorrow-four-gates-to-open-at-11-am/

A political dispute has broken out in Odisha between the BJP and BJD over Pakhala (traditional fermented rice) achieving a Guinness World Record. While BJP celebrates it as a matter of pride for Odia heritage, BJD has countered the claims. The BJP also revisited allegations of a 247 crore scam regarding jute bags during the previous BJD government. Social media users have reacted with mixed opinions, questioning government spending on festivals versus addressing issues like unemployment and education. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/state-news/bjp-targets-bjd-over-pakhala-dibas-event-social-media-reacts/3262185

Police Commissioner Debadatta Singh has issued a statement regarding the alleged suicide of the female IIC of Chauliagang police station. The CP mentioned that she did not even answer her phone for dinner last night. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the suicide. https://otvkhabar.in/videosodisha/society/iic-didnt-even-pick-up-the-phone-last-night-to-eat-12133280

A unique wedding ceremony was organized at the Maa Shyamakali Temple in Bargarh, where two specially-abled couples tied the knot. Facilitated by the 'Power of Divyang' organization, the couples—Swapna Sahoo with Rajkumar Sahoo and Sabita Singh with Pradip Kumar Panda—started their new lives together. The event was attended by Bargarh MLA Ashwini Kumar Sarangi and Atabira MLA Nihar Ranjan Mahananda, who congratulated the newlyweds. The president of the organization, Shyamsundar Agrawal, played a key role and encouraged other specially-abled individuals seeking marriage to contact the organization for support. https://www.dharitri.com/two-specially-abled-couples-tie-the-knot-in-a-mass-marriage-at-bargarh/

A woman Sarpanch named Suryakanti Pandey from Nimna Panchayat in Subarnapur district was caught red-handed by the Vigilance department while accepting a bribe. She had allegedly demanded 40,000 rupees from a Self-Help Group (SHG) to facilitate a fishery subsidy. She was apprehended while taking the first installment of 20,000 rupees after the SHG members reported the matter to the authorities. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/women-sarpanch-arrested-by-vigilance-while-accepting-bribe-in-odisha-12136825

In preparation for the 2026 Rath Yatra, Odisha Police conducted a mega mock drill named 'Operation Chakravyuh' in Puri. The drill, aimed at countering potential terrorist attacks and handling hostage situations, involved STU and SOG commandos. For the first time, advanced robots were deployed during the exercise. The mock drill showcased real-time response strategies, including fire safety measures and hostage rescue from high-rise buildings near the Jagannath Temple, ensuring an impenetrable security cover for the millions of devotees expected to visit. https://argusnews.in/odisha/operation-chakravyuh-jagannath-temple-rath-yatra-2026-security-drill

Continuous rainfall has caused the water level in the Lower Suktel Dam in Balangir to rise rapidly, reaching 194.3 meters. This poses a severe flood risk to Kumiapali village, where 86 families refuse to evacuate until their demands for proper compensation and rehabilitation are met. While the administration is developing a new colony in Kapilbahal, residents claim it lacks essential facilities like electricity, water, and roads. Meanwhile, CM Mohan Majhi is scheduled to inaugurate the project on September 26 to provide irrigation to 1 lakh acres of land. https://www.dharitri.com/lower-suktel-reservoir-water-level-rising-people-stranded/

Vikrant Bhuria, National President of All India Tribal Congress, visited Odisha and demanded immediate implementation of the PESA Act in the state. During meetings at Congress Bhawan, he discussed tribal interests and criticized the government over education issues and NEET paper leaks as part of Rahul Gandhi's 'Chatron Ki Gunj' initiative. PCC President Bhakta Charan Das and other senior leaders also participated in the discussions. https://sambad.in/state/implement-pesa-law-in-tribal-dominated-odisha-bhuriya-12147040

Masuleh village in Iran's Gilan province is a unique architectural wonder where there are no roads. The village is built on a slope such that the roof of one house serves as the courtyard and pathway for the house above it. Due to this layout, motor vehicles are prohibited, and residents travel on foot across interconnected rooftops. Built with mud and stone to withstand harsh weather, this ancient village is a national heritage site. The locals sustain themselves through agriculture, handicrafts, and tourism, maintaining their traditional lifestyle despite modern influences. https://www.samayalive.in/feature/a-village-without-roads/article-37473