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

On the occasion of Vyasa Purnima, the Banakalagi ritual (facial makeup) of Lord Jagannath will be performed at the Puri Jagannath Temple. Due to this secret ritual, public darshan will remain suspended for approximately 5 hours, from 6 PM to 11 PM. The ritual will be carried out by Datta Mohapatra servitors after the completion of the second Bhoga Mandapa rituals. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/public-darshan-suspended-for-banakalagi-ritual-of-the-holy-trinity-on-vyasa-purnima-12207470

The Niladri Bije ritual was successfully conducted at Ranpur's Chakashila Kshetra. After the Adhara Pana ritual, the deities entered the temple in a ceremonial procession. During the ritual, Goddess Lakshmi closed the temple doors in anger, leading to the traditional 'Kabata Kila' ceremony. Lord Jagannath eventually appeased her by offering a silk cloth and Rasagola. Following the reconciliation, the deities were seated on the Ratna Singhasana. The event was managed by the local administration and police to ensure peace and order. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=208601

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

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 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