There is confusion regarding the date of Raksha Bandhan. According to senior almanac writer Harishankar Mishra, the Purnima Tithi lasts from 9:09 AM on August 27 to 9:49 AM on August 28, suggesting common people celebrate on the 27th. However, the Mukti Mandap of Jagannath Temple states that as per temple traditions, Balabhadra Janma and Rakhi rituals will be observed on August 28th. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/raksha-bandhan-date-confusion-august-27-or-28-heres-what-panchang-says-12400116

Sugar prices in India have surged by nearly 25 rupees per kg within a month, causing concern among consumers and sweet merchants ahead of the Rakhi festival. Wholesale prices have risen from 4,200 to 6,300 rupees per quintal. The Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has proposed starting production 15-20 days early to stabilize prices, seeking a 2.5% GST concession and additional release quotas. Odisha is particularly affected as it imports over 98% of its sugar demand from Karnataka and Maharashtra. Experts suggest ethanol production from sugarcane also impacts sugar availability and pricing. https://odishasambad.in/sugar-price-raises-concerns-sugar-association-demands-for-tax-rebate/

On the third Monday of Shravan month, a massive crowd of devotees and Bol Bam devotees (Kaudiya) gathered at various Shiva temples in Baliguda and nearby areas of Kandhamal district. Devotees collected water from the Khadga river and performed traditional rituals before heading to temples like Birupaksha, Rameshwar, and Panchalingeswar for Jalabhishek. Local organizations provided food and prasad for the pilgrims along the route, creating a vibrant spiritual atmosphere. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=210320

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's planned visit to the USA has been canceled after the central government denied political clearance. Reddy, who was scheduled to visit Harvard and MIT in Boston, will now return to Hyderabad from London on August 23. While the Ministry of External Affairs cited political reasons for the denial, the CM stated that the visit was intended to bring global educational institutions to Telangana under the new education policy. Despite his cancellation, a delegation of officials will continue the US trip to finalize MoUs. https://argusnews.in/national/telangana-cm-revanth-reddy-denied-permission-us-visit-london-hyderabad-return

The Puri Beach Photographers' Association celebrated World Photography Day with an awareness rally and a special event. Deputy CM and Tourism Minister Pravati Parida attended as the chief guest and assured that beach development would proceed without affecting anyone's livelihood. She also promised to start the process of issuing identity cards to photographers within seven days. MP Sambit Patra and MLA Ashrit Pattanayak were among the key guests who highlighted the importance of photographers in tourism. A poster for an upcoming Photo Fair in the capital was also launched. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=210359

The government has clarified that eligible beneficiaries can receive rations even if they forget their ration cards at home. Under the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme, citizens can use their Aadhaar card for identification. Ration shop owners will use ePoS machines to verify beneficiaries through fingerprint or iris scans. If the details match, rations will be distributed immediately, ensuring convenience for the economically weaker sections. https://odia.news18.com/photogallery/national-international/forgot-ration-card-get-rations-using-your-aadhaar-card-onorc-facility-sps-ws-l-406673.html

Actor Rajpal Yadav has announced two major projects. The first is an international film series titled 'The King of Wonderful World' with a massive budget of 1200 crores, spanning 12 chapters rooted in Indian culture. The second is a solo stage show called 'Kalasthra' where he will portray 36 different characters. This 3-hour show is set to debut at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi in May 2027 before going global. Yadav aims to showcase Indian art and cinema to a worldwide audience through these ambitious ventures. https://sambad.in/entertainment/rajpal-yadav-36-characters-kalastra-solo-show-international-film-series-12401609

On October 9, 2026, Saturn will transition into the Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra. This celestial movement, occurring 49 days after its previous change, is predicted to bring significant benefits to six zodiac signs: Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Libra, Capricorn, and Aquarius. Ahead of the Dussehra festival, these signs may experience financial gains, career advancement, and improvements in personal relationships. Since Saturn is entering its own constellation, the impact is considered highly auspicious for business and professional growth. https://www.dharitri.com/shani-nakshatra-parivartan-9-october-2026/

England's Joe Root has equaled Sachin Tendulkar's world record for the most half-centuries in Test cricket during the match against Pakistan. Scoring 66 runs in the first innings, Root reached his 68th Test fifty, matching the Indian legend's milestone in his 167th match. He also moved closer to breaking Ricky Ponting's record for most Test runs on home soil and surpassed Clive Lloyd for the most 50+ scores as a captain, entering the top 5 list. One more half-century will make him the sole record holder for the most fifties in Test history. https://odia.news18.com/photogallery/sport/cricket-record-eng-vs-pak-joe-root-68th-test-fifty-equals-sachin-tendulkar-world-record-lpd-406604.html

The Indian men's hockey team will face the Netherlands in their second-round campaign of the FIH Hockey World Cup in Amstelveen. To secure a semifinal spot, India needs to defeat both the Netherlands and Argentina. Currently, the Netherlands and England lead Pool E with 3 points each, while India has zero points. Historically, the two sides have met 108 times, with the Netherlands winning 48 and India 33. India's recent 3-2 victory over the Dutch in the Pro League provides a morale boost ahead of this crucial clash. https://sambad.in/sports/india-vs-netherlands-fih-hockey-world-cup-semifinal-race-12401787