Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the Puri-Koraput Express and the regular service of Berhampur-Udhna Amrit Bharat Express from Puri station. The Berhampur-Udhna train will now run daily instead of three days a week. This new rail connectivity aims to boost tourism, trade, and regional economic development. Additionally, railway preparations for the upcoming Rath Yatra were reviewed, including the operation of hundreds of special trains and enhanced passenger facilities. https://www.dharitri.com/puri-koraput-express-launched-inaugurated-by-chief-minister-union-railway-minister/

A 55-year-old man named Suresh Maharana died after being swept away by floodwaters in Sambalpur. The incident occurred late Sunday night when Suresh and his friend were returning home on a bike and tried to cross a flooded culvert near Bagdihiapada. While his friend was rescued alive, Suresh went missing. After an 18-hour intensive search operation, the Sambalpur fire brigade recovered his body near Benakandi on Monday afternoon. https://www.dharitri.com/suresh-was-swept-away-by-flood-waters-dead-body-found-after-18-hours/

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/

Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka scripted history by taking a double hat-trick (4 wickets in 4 balls) during a Major League Cricket match between Seattle Orcas and Texas Super Kings. In the final over, with Texas needing 10 runs off 4 balls, Shanaka dismissed four batters consecutively, leading Seattle to a dramatic 9-run victory. He was named Player of the Match for this historic performance. https://www.dharitri.com/w-w-w-w-this-bowler-created-history-with-a-double-hat-trick/

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/

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

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

In a major development following a meeting of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya, the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Anil Mishra have been accepted. The meeting reportedly witnessed high tension as members and security personnel raised concerns over fund management and transparency. Allegations of financial irregularities were discussed, and prominent seers like Swami Parmanand Giri Maharaj expressed dissatisfaction. This move is seen as a beginning of significant organizational changes within the trust. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/national-international/ayodhya-shri-ram-mandir-trust-meeting-update-champatrai-resignation-accepted/3261919