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

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

The Department of School and Mass Education has issued new guidelines for students from Class 3 to 8. Students in government and government-aided schools will now have to appear for four exams per year instead of two. Two exams will be conducted between April and September, and two more between October and March. This includes two formative assessments and two summative assessments per academic year. The department has ordered immediate implementation of these new rules. https://odia.oneindia.com/odisha/new-guidelines-from-the-school-and-mass-education-department-students-will-now-take-four-exams-a-ye-126009.html

India will face England in the 3rd T20I at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on Tuesday. After losing the previous match, India aims for a comeback. Spinner Ravi Bishnoi's performance is a major concern after he conceded 60 runs in 4 overs including three no-balls. Prince Yadav might replace him in the playing XI. The focus remains on young batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi and England openers Phil Salt and Jos Buttler who failed in the last match. The game starts at 10:00 PM IST. https://sambad.in/sports/india-eyes-series-comeback-at-nottingham-12139305

The Indian government is taking significant steps to secure LPG supply by doubling imports from the US to approximately 44 lakh tonnes annually. This move aims to reduce dependency on Middle Eastern countries amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia, specifically the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz conflicts. The Petroleum Ministry has also directed oil companies to work on creating a 30-day strategic LPG reserve to ensure uninterrupted supply during future global crises. https://odia.oneindia.com/national/modi-governments-major-move-on-lpg-historic-decision-taken-to-boost-cooking-gas-supply-126007.html

Four feet of rainwater has entered the Swapneswar Mahadev Temple in Talagarh village of Athagarh, Cuttack. Due to ongoing bridge construction near Champapur on the old Cuttack-Sambalpur road, water from the Kantia canal could not drain out, flooding the temple premises. Despite the waterlogging, devotees are performing rituals inside the submerged temple on Monday. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/rainwater-floods-swapaneswar-mahadev-temple-as-devotees-continue-prayers-despite-challenging-conditions-in-odisha-12139366