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

A school bus carrying students from Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya got stuck in deep mud on a temporary bypass road in Jharsuguda district's Lakhanpur block due to heavy rains. The bus tilted and lost balance as its wheels sank, causing panic among the children. Local residents and staff acted quickly to safely evacuate all students. No injuries were reported, but the incident has raised serious questions regarding administrative negligence and student safety during the monsoon season. https://odishasambad.in/school-bus-gets-stuck-on-muddy-road-in-jharsuguda-students-escape-major-mishap/

The Indian squad for the upcoming T20 international series against Zimbabwe has been announced. Selectors have excluded Sanju Samson and introduced new faces like Yash Thakur, Ashok Sharma, and Prabhsimran Singh. The matches will be played in Harare on July 23, 25, and 27. Shreyas Iyer will lead the T20 squad, while Shubman Gill is named captain for the updated ODI squad against England, where Shivam Dube replaces the injured Nitish Kumar Reddy. https://www.dharitri.com/indian-squad-announced-for-t20-series-against-zimbabwe-sanju-samson-out/

A woman in Bhubaneswar's GGP Colony was shocked when she received a large mud stone instead of the speaker and microphone set she had ordered from an e-commerce platform. Despite it being an 'open box delivery' and witnessing the scam in front of the delivery agent, the customer, Aarti Das, has not yet received a refund from the company. Frustrated by the delay and lack of action, she has filed a formal police complaint at the Mancheswar police station, raising serious concerns about online shopping security. https://odishasambad.in/bhubaneswar-woman-receives-stone-instead-of-speaker-set-ordered-online/

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/