The article explores why movies in India are traditionally released on Fridays. While India's first films like 'Raja Harishchandra' and 'Alam Ara' were released on Saturdays, the Friday release tradition started in the late 1950s influenced by Hollywood. The massive success of 'Mughal-e-Azam', which released on Friday, August 5, 1960, solidified this trend for producers and the film industry. https://sambad.in/special/friday-film-release-tradition-12155946

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

The 77th district-level Vanamahotsav was celebrated at Town High School in Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi. Organised by the North Forest Division, the event saw the participation of MP Malvika Devi and MLA Captain Dibya Shankar Mishra. During the ceremony, two Forest Protection Committees, Pujiladu and Suruguda, were honored with the Chief Minister's Award, receiving checks of Rs 50,000 each for their outstanding contributions to forest and wildlife conservation. Guests also participated in a plantation drive within the school premises. https://www.dharitri.com/2-forest-conservation-societies-received-awards-worth-rs/

Senco Gold & Diamonds has launched a special jewelry collection and festive offers for Rath Yatra 2026. Customers can enjoy up to 40% discount on gold jewelry making charges and 100% off on diamond jewelry making charges. Additionally, there is a 20% discount on diamond values and 10% off on gemstones. The brand also offers 0% deduction on old gold exchange with an extra benefit of Rs 650 per gram. The new collection features intricate designs inspired by deities and chariots, available across its 200+ outlets. https://prajuktiodisha.com/senco-gold-and-diamonds-rath-yatra-offers-odisha

Deputy CM Pravati Parida announced that over 3.17 lakh new applications have been received for the Subhadra Scheme. Beneficiaries who haven't received any installments yet may get 5 installments together after field inquiry. Key tasks including e-KYC for 28,611 applicants and DBT activation for 82,036 people need to be completed. Field inquiries for 3.53 lakh cases are expected to finish by July 25, before Raksha Bandhan. Those with pending non-biometric e-KYC should visit Common Service Centers to ensure they receive their installments. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/deputy-chief-minister-shares-latest-subhadra-scheme-update-on-dbt-e-kyc-and-beneficiary-verification-process-12152111

On the 82nd day of chariot construction for the Puri Rath Yatra, the Kalasa and Olata Shua were installed on all three chariots. Bhoi servants performed the rituals while painters completed the coloring of the chariots and horses. Tailors are finishing the lace work and dresses for the deities' Pahandi and the charioteers. Blacksmiths have completed all iron nail requirements, and wood construction for other essential components continues at Dolabedi. https://sambad.in/rathajatra/rathkhala-the-chariot-was-filled-with-ashes-the-horse-turned-upside-down-12155928

Spain secured a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals after defeating Belgium 2-1 in a thrilling quarterfinal match in Los Angeles. Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring for Spain in the 30th minute, but Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere equalized shortly before halftime. The turning point came when Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois left the field due to injury in the 71st minute. Mikel Merino then scored the winning goal for Spain in the 88th minute. Spain is now set to face France in the semifinals. https://sambad.in/sports/spain-beat-belgium-2-1-fifa-world-cup-2026-semifinal-12153635

On World Population Day, experts highlight the rapid shift towards urbanization. Global population doubled from 4 billion in 1975 to 8 billion in 2022, with over half living in cities. By 2050, 7 out of 10 people are expected to be urban dwellers. In Odisha, 17% of the population lives on just 2% of the land, with a growing trend of people moving from rural areas to cities like Bhubaneswar for employment. This urban migration is putting immense pressure on housing, transport, and basic municipal services. https://odishasambad.in/world-population-day/

On the occasion of Ekadashi, the traditional Ayurvedic medicine 'Dashamula Modaka' will be offered to Lord Jagannath at the Puri temple to cure His fever during the Anasara period. Prepared by the family of the late Rajbaidya Vinayak Mishra using 10 rare herbs, this medicine is part of a tradition dating back to the 13th century. Daitapati and Patimahapatra servitors will perform the ritual, following which the Lord is expected to recover completely. The news of His recovery will be conveyed to Gajapati Maharaja during the Rajaprasad Bije ritual on Dwadashi. https://otvkhabar.in/festivals-events/ratha-jatra/dashamula-modaka-to-be-offered-to-shrijiu-today-as-part-of-sacred-healing-ritual-12153738

Popular Jatra actress Tikili from the Suryamandira opera group has stated that her current focus is entirely on her career. Speaking about her marriage plans, she mentioned that she is not thinking about it right now and will consider it at a later stage. She remains dedicated to her performances on the Jatra stage where she enjoys a significant fan following. https://otvkhabar.in/videosodisha/society/now-after-career-outside-thoughts-otvshorts-jatra-suryamandira-actress-tikili-12151996