A 57-year-old senior lawyer, Pritiranjan Patra, passed away after falling ill while arguing a domestic violence case in a Daringbadi court in Kandhamal district. Despite his worsening health, he requested the judge's permission for treatment and asked his colleague to proceed with the case. He was rushed to the community health center but was declared dead upon arrival. https://www.dharitri.com/lawyer-falls-ill-while-fighting-a-case-in-court/

An Air India pilot has failed a second dope test following a severe air turbulence incident on a Phuket-Delhi flight. The test confirmed the presence of psychoactive substances, specifically cannabis, in the pilot's system. Consequently, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has grounded both pilots involved. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched an official investigation into the incident, coordinating with international bodies and technical experts from Airbus and BEA to ensure aviation safety. https://argusnews.in/national/air-india-pilot-fails-dope-test-positive-cannabis

The dispute at Ravenshaw University between the Teachers' Association and Cuttack Sadar MLA Prakash Chandra Sethi remains unresolved after four days. Wardens and Deputy Wardens of 13 hostels have collectively resigned demanding an unconditional apology from the MLA for alleged misbehavior. Conversely, the MLA has petitioned the Speaker and Governor, claiming he was insulted. Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj has reportedly discussed the matter with the Chief Minister as concerns grow over the academic environment. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/ravenshaw-university-dispute-continues-as-wardens-demand-mla-apology-after-four-days-without-resolution-12237055

India is set to celebrate its 80th Independence Day on August 15. The article highlights the key differences between Independence Day and Republic Day. On Independence Day, the Prime Minister hoists the national flag at Red Fort by pulling it up from the bottom. On Republic Day, the President unfurls the flag at Kartavya Path which is already tied at the top. While Independence Day marks the end of British rule, Republic Day celebrates the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950. https://sambad.in/special/do-you-know-the-main-difference-between-independence-day-and-republic-day-12253932

The 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign was organized by the Ganjam Notified Area Council (NAC), inaugurated by Chhatrapur MLA Krushna Chandra Nayak. The event featured a grand procession starting from the Kalyan Mandap, with participation from NCC cadets and students of various schools and colleges. The MLA himself joined the rally holding the national flag. The city echoed with patriotic slogans as the campaign aimed to encourage citizens to hoist the tricolor at their homes. https://www.dharitri.com/har-har-triranga-ghar-ghar-triranga-was-launched-by-the-mla/

Tribal youths in Kandhamal have welcomed the state government's decision to name the Phulbani Government Medical College after Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati. During a press conference in Baliguda, they expressed gratitude for the financial aid announced for Jalespata Ashram's development. They also warned against conspiracy elements trying to disrupt communal harmony in the district through social media misinformation, asserting that Swami Laxmanananda's contribution to education and health for 40 years is being rightly honored. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=209613

The Odisha government has released the official schedule for Independence Day 2026 flag-hoisting ceremonies. The Chief Minister will hoist the national flag at the state-level function. Deputy CM KV Singh Deo will lead the ceremony in Kalahandi, while Deputy CM Pravati Parida will be in Sundargarh. Other ministers have been assigned various districts such as Cuttack, Sambalpur, and Ganjam. In the remaining districts, RDCs and District Collectors will officiate the celebrations. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/state-news/independence-day-2026-who-will-hoist-the-flag-where-see-the-list/3286035

Farmers in Hatadihi block staged a road blockade near Ishala after rainwater failed to drain properly from the Badarampas distributary canal. Due to a breach in the canal, rainwater from several villages has flooded farmlands in Tukuna, Ishala, and surrounding areas. Despite repeated complaints to the administration, no action was taken, leading to the protest as agricultural activities have come to a standstill due to waterlogging. https://sambad.in/district/keonjhar/farmers-blocked-road-12252793

Ishak Lima of Gajapati district has been bedridden for 17 years. His son Nikadim left his studies in class 10 to take full-time care of his father. Despite being 75% disabled, Ishak is unable to access several government schemes due to the lack of an Aadhaar card. Financial constraints have halted his medical treatment, and despite repeated attempts, the administrative issues regarding his Aadhaar remain unresolved. https://sambad.in/district/gajapati/nikadim-father-care-story-gajapati-odisha-aadhaar-issue-12243701

India set a new record in biodiversity in 2025 by discovering 709 new animal species, surpassing the previous record of 683 in 2024. According to the Zoological Survey of India, 483 of these are entirely new to science, while 226 were recorded in India for the first time. Key discoveries include a long-tailed bat in Uttarakhand, a non-venomous snake named after Steve Irwin in Great Nicobar, and colorful lizards in Arunachal Pradesh. India now accounts for 5.3% of the world's recorded faunal diversity with a total of 1,05,953 species, maintaining its status as one of the 17 mega-diverse countries. https://www.samayalive.in/feature/biological-wonder/article-38083