The Rath Yatra festival in Rairangpur concluded its second day as the deities reached the Mausi Maa temple and moved to the Adapa Mandapa. Under the supervision of chief priest Devabrata Rath Mohapatra, rituals like Surya Puja and Dwarapala Puja were performed. A significant highlight was that women exclusively pulled the chariot this year. The event saw participation from MLA Jalen Naik, local administrators, and thousands of devotees. Cultural and spiritual programs are scheduled for the next week at the temple premises. https://sambad.in/rathajatra/rairangpur-rath-yatra-day-2-chaturdha-deities-reach-mausima-temple-amid-devotee-rush-12174318

Koraput Town Police raided a location between Mission Compound and Chindiri village following reports of illegal cow slaughter and meat smuggling. Two individuals, Hamid Bibi and Madhab Bhoi, were arrested while 15 others were detained. Police seized three slaughtered cows and disposed of the remains under the supervision of a magistrate and a veterinary surgeon. Two cases have been registered at the Town Police Station. https://www.dharitri.com/cow-slaughter-and-meat-trafficking-2-arrested-15-detained/

Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge staged a major protest near the Prime Minister's residence in New Delhi over the NEET paper leak case. Rahul Gandhi appealed to citizens on social media to join the protest, emphasizing justice for students. During the demonstration, leaders symbolically tied their hands with cable zip ties. Police intervened, leading to scuffles and the detention of several Congress members. Union Minister Jitendra Singh also visited the site to negotiate with the protesting leaders. https://www.dharitri.com/rahul-gandhi-appealed-to-students-to-join-the-protest-outside-the-pms-residence/

The deities of Jagannath Temple will move to the Adapa Mandapa today evening in a ritual known as 'Goti Pahandi'. After the sandhya dhupa, the servitors will bind the Charamala for the movement. From tomorrow (Sunday), devotees can have darshan of the deities at the Janmabedi and partake in the Adapa Abhada. The police and administration have tightened security at Saradhabali for a smooth process. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/state-news/adapa-mandapa-bije-ritual-to-be-held-in-puri-at-gundicha-temple/3269953

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow warning for seven districts in North and West Odisha due to an active monsoon. Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj are expected to witness heavy rainfall. The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has instructed district collectors to remain vigilant and keep emergency operation centers functional 24/7 to manage potential issues like urban flooding and landslides. https://odishasambad.in/heavy-rain-to-batter-western-northern-odisha-as-imd-issues-alert-for-seven-districts/

Preparations for the Bahuda Yatra have begun in Puri as the three chariots undergo the 'Dakshina Moda' (southern turn) ritual. After the morning rituals at Gundicha Temple, the 'Ajnamala' was brought to the chariots. Following tradition, Goddess Subhadra's chariot is moved first, followed by Lord Balabhadra's and finally Lord Jagannath's chariot towards the Nakachana Gate at Sharadhabali. Servitors and blacksmiths conducted a thorough inspection of the chariots before the movement. https://www.dharitri.com/chariot-takes-a-right-turn/

Road accidents in Bhubaneswar have become a major concern, with 850 fatalities recorded in the last four and a half years across 1,200 accidents. Within the first six months of this year alone, over 100 lives were lost in 400 incidents. National Highway 16 has emerged as a major blackspot. Experts blame reckless driving and repeated traffic violations for the rise. While the government has introduced policies like the Good Samaritan Policy and Rah-Beer scheme with rewards of ₹25,000 for rescuers, the death toll remains high due to lack of awareness and planning. https://sambad.in/metro/capital-road-god-hope-12182907

Preparations for the Bahuda Yatra are in full swing in Puri. Following the Hera Panchami rituals, the important 'Dakshina Moda' (southward turn) of the three chariots is scheduled for today. After receiving the 'Ajnyamala', the chariots will be pulled from the front of the Gundicha Temple towards the Nakachana Gate. The administration has made extensive arrangements on Bada Danda, including spreading sand to ensure smooth chariot movement. This ritual marks the formal commencement of preparations for the Lord's return journey, as lakhs of devotees eagerly await the Bahuda Yatra. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/ratha-yatra/puri-gears-up-for-bahuda-yatra-as-three-chariots-take-the-south-turn/3272298

The release of Thalapathy Vijay's film 'Jana Nayakan' is set for July 23 after a 6-month delay by CBFC. While Vijay previously announced this as his final film before entering politics, director H. Vinoth has sparked new speculation by suggesting it might not be his last, rather his first as a future CM. https://www.dharitri.com/south-cinema-is-jana-nayagan-not-thalapathy-vijay-last-film-director-drops-hint/

The Uttar Pradesh cabinet, led by CM Yogi Adityanath, has approved 16 proposals, including the Rani Laxmibai Scooty Scheme. Under this initiative, the top 5% of meritorious female students in colleges for the 2025-26 academic year will receive free petrol scooters. The scheme is eligible for students from families with an annual income below 12 lakh rupees. Additionally, the government will provide 5 liters of petrol and a helmet. The move aims to encourage higher education among girls and make them self-reliant by easing their commute. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/up-cabinet-decision-rani-laxmi-bai-scooty-scheme-for-college-girl-students-by-yogi-government-12184154