Indian Railways has introduced special train services between Jammu and Srinagar to facilitate Amarnath Yatra pilgrims. This initiative aims to manage the rush and ensure a safe, comfortable journey for devotees. Measures include Aadhaar KYC verification outside stations to reduce crowding and on-spot registration at Pantha Chowk for those not yet registered. Enhanced security with RFID tracking and coordination between RPF and local police are in place for the 57-day pilgrimage ending on August 28. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/state-news/indian-railways-gift-to-amarnath-yatra-pilgrims-introduces-special-jammu-srinagar-train-services/3261299

Odisha's Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra reviewed the progress of a 42 MLD water treatment plant in Puri ahead of the Rath Yatra festival. The project aims to ensure 24-hour drinking water supply for devotees, priests, and tourists. The minister inspected key units like filtration and clarification while directing officials to maintain power backup and emergency response teams. Additionally, WATCO will deploy mobile water tankers and operate a 24/7 control room during the grand event. https://sambad.in/state/puri-rath-yatra-2026-minister-reviews-progress-of-42-mld-water-treatment-plant-12139537

The resignations of Champat Rai, the General Secretary, and Trustee Anil Mishra have been accepted by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust following allegations of donation theft at the Ram Mandir. The decision was finalized in a meeting chaired by Mahant Nritya Gopal Das. Bajrang Bagra is likely to be appointed as the new General Secretary. Both Rai and Mishra were absent from the meeting held within the temple premises, which was moved from its original venue due to security concerns. https://odishasambad.in/up-ayodhya-temple-donation-case-champat-rai-anil-mishra-resigns/

A massive plantation drive was organized in Balishankara block by 'Sambad-Sahitya Ghara' and 'Upaya' organization during the Banomahotsav celebrations. Over 385 saplings were planted in Deo-Bhubanpur village with the active participation of 60 women from 6 different Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Chief guest Father Keriyam Josheb emphasized the importance of trees in combating climate change and protecting natural resources like water, land, and forests. The participants took a solemn pledge to plant trees on special occasions like birthdays and wedding anniversaries and committed to the maintenance of the newly planted saplings. https://sambad.in/state/van-mahotsav-celebrated-in-balishankara-385-saplings-planted-by-sambad-sahitya-ghar-and-upaya-foundation-12139508

India is diversifying its LPG imports to ensure energy security, shifting focus from Gulf nations to the United States. The government plans to double LPG imports from the US and establish a 30-day Strategic LPG Reserve to mitigate supply disruptions caused by Middle East tensions. By June 2026, the US's share in India's LPG imports reached 65%. India is also exploring options with countries like Algeria and Nigeria to increase competition among suppliers and stabilize domestic prices. https://odishasambad.in/india-is-making-plan-for-lpg-buying-from-america-instead-of-the-gulf/

A touching story by Pradeep Nayak about an elderly retired headmaster, Ashok Sir, who feels profoundly lonely after his wife's passing. Despite having successful children abroad, he recalls the painful moment his wife died alone. His encounter at a market reveals his deep grief, where he expresses that one even needs a person to argue with in life. He feels his life has lost all color and meaning without his companion, highlighting the emotional struggles of the elderly living alone. https://sambad.in/sahitya-khabara/story/literature-story-by-pradip-nayak-12139251

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has debunked viral social media claims that Bhutan refused to import E20 ethanol-blended petrol from India. The ministry clarified that no such proposal was ever made by Indian Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to export E20 fuel to Bhutan, nor has Bhutan sent any such proposal. The government urged citizens to rely only on official information and confirmed that India's domestic ethanol blending program (20% ethanol with 80% petrol) is aimed at reducing oil imports and emissions. https://argusnews.in/national/bhutan-india-e20-petrol-rumors

Thousands of expatriate Kashmiris organized the 'London Kashmir Million March' in London to protest against human rights violations and repressive policies by Pakistan in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Led by JK NIA Chairman Mahmood Kashmiri, the march from Parliament Square to the Pakistani High Commission condemned military atrocities and demanded the release of political activists. The protest highlighted the PoJK issue as a significant international challenge for Islamabad. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/london-kashmir-million-march-protests-pakistan-over-pojk-rights-12139037

China successfully conducted a missile test from a nuclear submarine in the Pacific Ocean as part of its annual routine military training. The missile, carrying a dummy warhead, successfully hit its target. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy stated that the test complied with international law and was not aimed at any specific country. This marks China's second strategic missile test in the Pacific since September 2024. China reportedly informed Australia, New Zealand, and Japan before the launch, and the activity was monitored by maritime intelligence satellite ships. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/china-successfully-tests-submarine-launched-missile-in-pacific-12139354

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the Puri-Koraput Express and Berhampur-Udhna Amrit Bharat Express from Puri railway station. The Puri-Koraput train will run three days a week, while the Berhampur-Udhna Amrit Bharat Express, which previously operated thrice weekly, will now run daily. This initiative aims to improve connectivity, tourism, and trade in Odisha, fulfilling long-standing public demands. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/odisha-launches-puri-koraput-express-and-daily-berhampur-udhna-amrit-bharat-express-services-for-passengers-12139319