The Ganjam district administration has suspended panchayat-level public grievance hearings until further notice due to ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) work. The District Collector issued an order to all BDOs to inform the public so they do not face inconvenience. However, joint grievance hearings conducted by the Collector and SP will continue as per the previous schedule. https://odishasambad.in/gram-panchayat-level-public-grievance-hearings-suspended-in-ganjam-for-sir-work/

A 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Andes region of Peru, resulting in 5 deaths and 21 injuries. The earthquake occurred near the town of Chongos Bajo, about 300 km from Lima, at a depth of 24 km. Approximately 48 houses were destroyed, leaving 300 people homeless. Additionally, a separate 4.5 magnitude earthquake was reported in the Bay of Bengal, affecting parts of Andhra Pradesh, India. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/peru-5-1-magnitude-earthquake-kills-5-injures-21-12179474

The world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath was celebrated with great fervor in Canada. Hundreds of devotees gathered to pull the chariot and seek blessings, showcasing the reach of Odia culture and Jagannath tradition on foreign soil. The atmosphere was filled with 'Jai Jagannath' chants as the deities were taken on their annual journey. https://otvkhabar.in/videosodisha/society/lords-ride-in-canada-rathyatra2026-canada-lordjagannath-otvshorts-otv-12178855

In a shocking incident in Berhampur's Gosani Nuagaon area, police arrested a girl's uncle and elder uncle for allegedly sexually exploiting her. One of the accused is also accused of abusing his own 12-year-old daughter. Both victims have been shifted to a child care home after a CWC appearance. The police have registered cases and sent the accused to court following a medical examination. This follows a similar tragic incident in Nimakhandi where a woman committed suicide due to abuse by her father. https://www.dharitri.com/minor-girl-is-a-victim-of-sexual-abuse-by-the-head-of-the-family/

The Central Government is set to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, to include 'Vande Mataram'. This move aims to provide the national song with legal protection equivalent to the national anthem and national flag. Under the proposed bill, insulting or obstructing the singing of 'Vande Mataram' could lead to up to three years of imprisonment, a fine, or both. Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to introduce the bill in the Rajya Sabha during the Monsoon Session. Additionally, the Home Ministry has directed states to make the national song mandatory at official functions where the national anthem is played. https://odishasambad.in/centre-to-table-bill-to-make-insult-to-vande-mataram-criminal-offence/

The article explores the unique tradition of 'Akshara Puja' (Letter Worship) in Odisha, focusing on the Aksharabrahma Temple in Rayagada and the Nemalo shrine in Cuttack. In Rayagada's Marichaguda, Lord Jagannath is worshipped not as an idol but as 24 carved letters on a stone, a tradition established following a divine vision by Pandit Mangei Gamang in 1936. Similarly, at Achyutananda Das's seat in Nemalo, the focus is on 'Anakara' or formless worship. These traditions emphasize letters as Brahman (the ultimate reality), moving away from animal sacrifice to spiritual reform and symbolic rituals. https://sambad.in/special/worship-of-letters-12177530

On the fourth day of Ratha Yatra, Adap Darshan began at Gundicha Temple. Following Mangala Alati at 9:55 AM, thousands of devotees gathered for the darshan of the deities. The first 'Adap Abadha' (holy mahaprasad) was prepared for over 50,000 devotees. However, extreme heat and humidity caused many devotees to faint in long barricades, leading to public dissatisfaction. Temple administrator Arabinda Padhee stated that measures are being taken for better management. General darshan will remain closed from 9 PM tonight until late night due to the special 'Banaka Lagi' ritual. Preparations are also underway for the upcoming Hera Panchami festival. https://odia.oneindia.com/national/the-first-adapa-abadha-sanctified-offering-was-served-at-the-adapa-mandapa-the-banaka-lagi-ri-126205.html

Post-mortem reports of two devotees who died during the Puri Rath Yatra stampede confirm broken ribs, proving the deaths were due to a stampede. This contradicts initial claims by the Health Minister of heart attacks. While three died and hundreds were injured, the state government is yet to order a formal probe or announce compensation, leading to public demands for accountability. https://www.samayalive.in/odisha-news/%E0%AC%A6%E0%AC%B3%E0%AC%BE-%E0%AC%9A%E0%AC%95%E0%AC%9F%E0%AC%BE%E0%AC%B0%E0%AD%81-%E0%AD%A9-%E0%AC%B6%E0%AD%8D%E0%AC%B0%E0%AC%A6%E0%AD%8D%E0%AC%A7%E0%AC%BE%E0%AC%B3%E0%AD%81%E0%AC%99%E0%AD%8D%E0%AC%95-%E0%AC%AE%E0%AD%83%E0%AC%A4%E0%AD%8D%E0%AD%9F%E0%AD%81/article-37631

The DMK party led by MK Stalin has requested clarity from the central government regarding the 33 percent reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies. During an all-party meeting before the Parliament's monsoon session, DMK MP Tiruchi Siva demanded that the reservation should be based on current strength rather than future delimitation processes. The party expressed concerns that delimitation might adversely affect South Indian states and suggested it should be deferred for 25 years if it impacts them negatively. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/dmk-seeks-clarity-on-delimitation-bill-womens-reservation-12179238

Abhijit Deepke, founder of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), broke his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar following a request from Sonam Wangchuk. Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, announced that he needed strength to continue the protest. Following this, a protest march towards Parliament was held. CJP representatives mentioned that the government has reached out for discussions, and they are scheduled to meet JP Nadda to clarify their demands. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/abhijit-deepke-broke-his-fast-on-wangchuks-request-12181208