In the 136th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation, highlighting India's growing self-reliance in defense and space sectors. He praised the successful launch of Vikram-1, India's first privately developed rocket, and paid tribute to soldiers on Kargil Vijay Diwas. The PM also discussed achievements in sports, the 'Vocal for Local' initiative, and environmental conservation efforts like 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam'. He concluded by urging citizens to participate enthusiastically in the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign for the upcoming Independence Day. https://odishasambad.in/episode-136-of-mann-ki-baat-pm-praises-vikram-1-says-these-big-things/

Indian cricketer Yashasvi Jaiswal and Bollywood actress Mrunal Thakur are sparking dating rumors after a video surfaced showing them leaving the same cafe separately. Jaiswal, 24, and Mrunal, 33, have a 9-year age gap. While social media is buzzing with speculation, neither has confirmed the relationship. Previously, Jaiswal was linked to Maddie Hamilton, while Mrunal was linked to actor Dhanush. Currently, it remains unconfirmed whether their meeting was professional or personal. https://argusnews.in/sports/yashasvi-jaiswal-mrunal-thakur-dating-rumours-cafe-video-viral

Indian fast bowler Arshdeep Singh has officially announced his relationship with model and actress Samreen Kaur via Instagram. Sharing photos with the caption 'My Person', he put an end to long-standing rumors that began during IPL 2026. Samreen Kaur, a Femina Miss India 2018 finalist from Jammu and Kashmir, has appeared in films like '83', 'Nail Polish', and 'Sardaar Ji 2', and has featured in music videos with artists like Badshah and Guru Randhawa. https://www.dharitri.com/arshadeep-singh-became-bold-in-love-with-this-actress/

Following the success of the 'Cockroach Janata Party' (CJP) on social media, new digital movements like 'Reservation Hatao Andolan' (RHA) and 'E20 Janata Party' are gaining momentum. RHA, with 3.5 million followers, demands the removal of caste-based reservation in favor of merit and economic criteria. Simultaneously, the E20 movement advocates for ethanol-free petrol options. These Instagram-driven campaigns are emerging as the new 'Jantar Mantar' for Gen-Z, posing a significant challenge to the government. https://www.dharitri.com/bjp-government-will-be-overthrown-after-cjp-rha-is-in-trouble-35-lakh-followers-e20-janata-party-is-also-giving-tension/

On the occasion of Niladri Bije, Rasagola Dibasa is being celebrated in Odisha. According to tradition, Lord Jagannath offers Rasagola to Goddess Laxmi to appease her before entering the temple. Odisha Rasagola received the GI tag in 2019. To mark the day, sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a 7-foot sand sculpture at Puri beach. The state government has also approved a dedicated Rasagola cluster at Pahala to promote the sweet globally. https://argusnews.in/odisha/rasagola-dibasa-lord-jagannath-maa-lakshmi

A recent report indicates a shift in home buyer preferences, with 46% of homes sold between April and June being 3 BHK units. Buyers are increasingly looking for larger spaces due to growing families and work-from-home needs. While demand for affordable housing below 75 lakhs is high in cities like Kolkata and Ahmedabad, luxury homes remain popular in Mumbai and Gurugram. Approximately 70% of homes sold are sized between 750 and 2,000 square feet. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/46-of-homes-on-sale-are-3-bhks-buyers-chase-affordability-in-key-cities-12202334

Two Indian Army soldiers were seriously injured in a landmine explosion near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Uri sector of Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir. The incident occurred during an operational activity in the Kamalkote area. The injured personnel have been shifted to the 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the blast. Separately, security forces rescued 50 Amarnath Yatra pilgrims after their bus fell into a 20-meter deep gorge. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/landmine-blast-in-uri-jammu-kashmir-two-army-personnel-injured-near-loc-12206594

Former British Home Secretary Priti Patel expressed disappointment over the delay in Nirav Modi's extradition to India. Despite signing the order in April 2021, Modi remains in a London prison due to legal hurdles. Patel noted that this delay has negatively impacted UK-India diplomatic relations and India's trust. With his final appeal at the European Court of Human Rights dismissed, the $2 billion PNB fraud accused's extradition is now likely certain. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/nirav-modi-extradition-delay-priti-patel-uk-india-relations-12204037

A specially-abled student, Dharmabir Singh, missed his CBSE Class 12 supplementary exam in Balasore due to severe flooding and rain. Despite changing five buses to reach PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya-1 from Sajana Garh, he arrived 30 minutes late. Exam officials denied him entry despite multiple requests, leaving him stranded outside the gate. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/divyang-student-misses-cbse-supplementary-exam-in-balasore-after-rain-delays-his-arrival-12205792

The Odisha government has stated that the flood situation caused by heavy rains is gradually coming under control. The concerned minister informed that specialized teams like ODRAF, NDRF, and Fire Services are actively rescuing people from low-lying areas. Relief camps have been set up with essential supplies including food, water, and medicine. District collectors have been put on high alert to deal with any further rain or low-pressure situations, with 24-hour control rooms operational to monitor the crisis. https://odishasambad.in/flood-situation-under-control-rescue-and-evacuation-intensified-odisha-minister/