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

The Odisha government has decided to distribute the 'Laxmi Purana' to women across the state. This initiative aims to preserve and promote Odia culture, heritage, and the significance of the Laxmi Purana, which is traditionally recited in Odia households during the month of Margasira. The move is seen as an effort to strengthen Odia identity and spiritual values at the grassroots level. https://otvkhabar.in/videosodisha/society/the-government-will-share-lakshmipuran-otvshorts-laxmipurana-odishagovt-12127986

Odisha is experiencing more than normal rainfall this season as the monsoon remains active across the state. The meteorological department reports that the rainfall levels have exceeded average figures, potentially impacting agriculture and local infrastructure. Weather authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. https://otvkhabar.in/videosodisha/society/more-than-normal-rainfall-in-the-state-otvshorts-rain-weatherreport-12136586

The upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, scheduled from July 20 to August 13, is expected to focus on key issues like the Delimitation (Boundary Redistribution) and Women's Reservation Bill. While the government views delimitation as essential for fair representation, opposition parties raise concerns about its impact on political parity. The session will also likely witness debates on the economy, price hikes, and national security. Additionally, the report mentions that India recorded its fifth driest June due to delayed monsoon rains. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/parliament-monsoon-session-july-20-delimitation-womens-reservation-bill-12131595

Masked thieves broke into the Lalique Museum in Wingen-sur-Moder, northeastern France, and stole 20 pieces of crystal jewelry worth approximately 4 million euros (around 40 crore INR). Despite high security and alarms, the burglars escaped before the police arrived. The museum, dedicated to the work of René Lalique, has been temporarily closed following the incident, and an investigation is currently underway to apprehend the suspects. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/thieves-stole-jewelry-worth-40-crore-from-a-french-museum-12139142

In the sensational Kalyansinghpur mob violence case in Rayagada district, a Test Identification (TI) parade was held at Bissam Cuttack sub-jail. Under the supervision of a First Class Judicial Magistrate, the victim identified 24 accused individuals. The case dates back to June 16, when a mob of over 500 people assaulted and stripped a young woman and man over child-kidnapping rumors. Declared a 'Red Flag' case, the investigation is being monitored by the Crime Branch and NIA, following significant national outrage. https://sambad.in/state/kalyansinghpur-mob-violence-case-ti-parade-conducted-for-24-accused-in-bisam-cuttack-sub-jail-12139225

Continuous rainfall has caused waterlogging of up to two feet at Banjipadar Primary School in Karlamunda block. While administration officials and the fire brigade arrived to drain the water using pumps, neighboring landowners refused to allow the water to flow into their fields. As a result, students are forced to study in a single under-construction classroom. The Tehsildar has promised to identify government land for a new drainage system soon. https://sambad.in/state/floodwater-inundates-banjipadar-primary-school-in-kalahandi-drainage-challenge-disrupts-classes-12139116

According to a World Bank report, Odisha has witnessed a significant economic transformation over the past three decades, with its per capita income now 75% higher than Uttar Pradesh. While India remains in the 'lower-middle income' category, five states including Delhi, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have entered the 'upper-middle income' bracket. Delhi leads with a per capita income of $6,217. The report highlights growing economic disparity among Indian states, noting that Bihar remains the poorest while states like Karnataka and Telangana have surpassed the incomes of countries like Indonesia and Vietnam. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/odisha-emerges-as-indias-fast-rising-economy-on-world-bank-income-benchmark-12139171

Iran has expressed gratitude to India for sending a high-level delegation to attend the funeral of its late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei. The Iranian Embassy highlighted that this gesture reflects the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations. The Indian delegation included the Governor of Bihar, the Minister of State for External Affairs, political leaders like Salman Khurshid and Mehbooba Mufti, as well as religious heads from various faiths. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/iran-thanked-india-for-attending-khameneis-funeral-12139155

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the new Puri-Koraput Express. The train connects coastal Odisha with southern and western parts via Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, and Rayagada. Additionally, the Berhampur-Surat Amrit Bharat Express will now run daily instead of thrice a week. The central government is investing 97,000 crore rupees to strengthen Odisha's railway network, including the redevelopment of 50 stations. https://odishasambad.in/new-train-runs-from-puri-to-koraput-ahead-of-world-famous-rath-yatra/