In preparation for the 2026 Rath Yatra, Odisha Police conducted a mega mock drill named 'Operation Chakravyuh' in Puri. The drill, aimed at countering potential terrorist attacks and handling hostage situations, involved STU and SOG commandos. For the first time, advanced robots were deployed during the exercise. The mock drill showcased real-time response strategies, including fire safety measures and hostage rescue from high-rise buildings near the Jagannath Temple, ensuring an impenetrable security cover for the millions of devotees expected to visit. https://argusnews.in/odisha/operation-chakravyuh-jagannath-temple-rath-yatra-2026-security-drill

The Bihar Education Department has updated the Mid-Day Meal guidelines for the monsoon season to prioritize student health. Due to risks of pests and bacteria in humid weather, vegetables like brinjal, ladyfinger, and cabbage have been temporarily banned from school meals. These will be replaced with safer options like potatoes and pumpkins. Additionally, a new protocol requires headmasters and cooks to taste the food for quality assurance before serving it to students. Officials have been directed to conduct regular inspections to ensure hygiene and food safety standards are met. https://argusnews.in/national/mid-day-meal-new-guidelines-students-health-monsoon

Prabhas Mondal, the main accused in the rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Baruipur, West Bengal, was killed in a police encounter. The incident occurred during crime scene recreation when the accused allegedly tried to flee by snatching a police weapon. Following his death, the accused's mother refused to take his body, stating that his actions were heinous and he deserved the punishment. The initial crime had sparked massive public protests in the area, leading to the formation of an SIT. https://www.samayalive.in/crime-news/baruipur-miscreant-shot-dead--family-will-not-accept-body/article-37441

An emotional video from Maharashtra has gone viral on social media, showing a man refusing to leave his Tata Nexon car despite being submerged in chest-deep floodwater. He held onto his vehicle amidst strong currents, waiting for help. Later, a JCB and crane were used to pull the car to safety. Social media users have reacted emotionally, stating that for many, a car is not just a machine but a symbol of years of hard work and dreams. https://www.dharitri.com/owner-braves-chest-deep-floodwaters-to-save-his-tata-nexon-in-viral-video/

Forest Ranger Rabindra Kumar Nayak was arrested and sent to jail by the Vigilance Department for possessing assets 372% disproportionate to his known sources of income. Raids at his residence and office in Cuttack and Banki revealed two multi-story buildings, six expensive plots, 283 grams of gold, 76 lakh rupees in deposits, and a luxury car. Nayak, who started his career in 1988, was under the scanner for a year and was caught just two years before his retirement. https://otvkhabar.in/crime/wealthy-ranger-sent-to-jail-after-372-disproportionate-assets-unearthed-12150735

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed Rath Yatra preparations in Puri. Key decisions include setting up 8 temporary hospitals, 1,700 bio-toilets, and 473 CCTV cameras for security. Over 300 special trains will run to Puri, and 65 LED screens will provide information in multiple languages. The CM emphasized crowd control, sanitation, and safety for devotees, especially women, elderly, and the disabled. https://sambad.in/state/puri-rath-yatra-2026-8-temporary-hospitals-1700-bio-toilets-and-473-cctv-cameras-for-devotees-12152566

The Puri district administration has declared a 5 km radius in Puri city as a 'No Flying Zone' for the upcoming 2026 Rath Yatra, effective from July 16 to July 27. The operation of any unmanned aircraft systems (drones) is strictly prohibited, except for government security surveillance and pre-authorized administrative purposes. Violators will face legal action under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, Aircraft Act, and Drone Rules. https://odishasambad.in/puri-declared-no-flying-zone-for-rath-yatra-from-16th-july/

The Indore bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that a woman has the absolute right to decide whether to continue or terminate a pregnancy, and husband's consent is not required. Citing Article 21, the court emphasized that reproductive choice is a fundamental right. The case involved a 13-week pregnant woman living separately from her husband who sought abortion due to mental stress. The court ordered the hospital to perform the procedure while ensuring the woman's privacy and dignity. https://odishasambad.in/pregnancy-or-abortion-the-decision-rests-solely-with-the-mother-not-the-father-high-court-landmark-verdict/

A minor girl was allegedly raped by her uncle in Bhubaneswar under the pretext of providing education. Her aunt, a government employee like the uncle, reportedly facilitated the crime and planned to sell the girl to a man from Rajasthan. After the victim escaped and filed a complaint at Nayapalli police station, the couple was arrested and sent to jail. The police are currently searching for the absconding buyer. https://sambad.in/metro/minor-girl-raped-by-her-sister-in-law-while-taking-her-to-school-12147034