Popular television actor Sumant is making a transition from the TV screen to the world of Jatra (theatre). He has officially joined the renowned 'Jatra Indrabhubana' group in Odisha. After gaining fame in the television industry, he is now set to entertain audiences live on stage. This career shift has sparked excitement among his fans and the entertainment community in Odisha. https://otvkhabar.in/videosodisha/society/sumanta-faces-the-journey-from-the-screen-tv-12142204

Popular television actor Sumant, who gained fame playing hero roles on the small screen, is now making a mark in the Jatra world as an anti-hero. Known for his charismatic performances on TV, his transition to a villainous role on the Jatra stage has become a hot topic among fans and theater enthusiasts in Odisha. https://otvkhabar.in/videosodisha/society/sumanth-who-made-a-name-for-himself-as-a-hero-on-the-tv-screen-is-playing-an-anti-hero-this-time-12142212

The annual Amarnath Yatra is witnessing an unprecedented surge of devotees, with numbers expected to cross 1 lakh within just five days of starting. Over 93,000 pilgrims visited the holy cave in the first four days. On Tuesday, the largest batch of the year, including 8,815 pilgrims and 31 foreigners, departed from Jammu under tight security. Due to the massive crowd and pre-booked slots, the administration has advised unregistered devotees to postpone their journey until July 9. Only those with valid registration are being allowed entry through special checkpoints. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/amarnath-yatra-2026-one-lakh-devotees-five-days-record-pilgrims-jammu-12142103

The Indian Prime Minister's visit to Indonesia in July 2026 has marked a significant shift in Indo-Pacific geopolitics. He was received with extraordinary honors, including a fighter jet escort and a personal welcome by President Prabowo Subianto. The discussions focused on maritime security in the Malacca Strait, defense cooperation involving potential BrahMos missile deals, and space technology. Strategically, Indonesia's rich nickel reserves are vital for India's EV sector. The visit also explored digital payments and healthcare collaborations, signaling a deeper economic and strategic partnership between the two nations. https://www.samayalive.in/india-abroad/india-indonesia-big-deal/article-37420

Puri Police conducted a mega mock drill at the railway station and other key locations to ensure safety for the upcoming Rath Yatra on July 16, 2026. Agencies like STU, ODRAF, and the Bomb Disposal Squad participated. Puri SP Pratik Singh stated that security is the top priority, and 90 help desks will be set up to assist devotees. Preparation has been ongoing since January 2026. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/state-news/mock-drill-at-puri-railway-station-before-rath-yatra/3262570

A controversy has erupted over India's E20 petrol exports to Bhutan. While 'The Bhutanese' newspaper reported that Bhutan rejected the E20 fuel proposal due to infrastructure concerns and engine safety, India's Petroleum Ministry denied making any official proposal. However, Bhutanese journalist Tenzing Lamsang shared government documents on social media suggesting that the issue was indeed discussed in technical meetings, leading to a clash of claims between the two sides. https://odishasambad.in/bhutan-journalist-doubles-down-after-india-debunks-report-on-e20-petrol-offer/

Bhanjanagar police in Ganjam district arrested four individuals for planning an extortion (dada bati) scheme. The police seized two pistols and two rounds of live ammunition from the accused, identified as Pintu Sethi, Anil Sain, Balakrushna Bisoyi, and Subhash Chandra Padhi. The group was caught on Malasapadar road following a tip-off. SDPO Dr. Deepak Kumar Mishra shared details of the operation during a press conference. https://www.dharitri.com/ganjam-districts-bhanjanagar-police-have-been-able-to-arrest-a-large-criminal-gang/

In the Lohagad Fort murder case in Pune, it was revealed that the main accused, Siya Goyal, had secretly married her lover, Chetan Chaudhary, four months before her engagement to businessman Ketan Agarwal. Fearing that their secret marriage would be exposed when Ketan's family asked for documents for their upcoming wedding, the duo allegedly planned Ketan's murder. Police are investigating the marriage certificate and trying to recover deleted photos from an Instagram account. Both accused are currently in judicial custody. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/pune-murder-case-new-information-revealed-12142086

Odisha's Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra announced that safety barricades will be installed along major drains to prevent accidents during heavy rains. A special roadmap has been prepared for the twin cities of Bhubaneswar-Cuttack and Puri. The government has put officials on high alert and set up a 24-hour control room to manage waterlogging and ensure public safety. https://www.samayalive.in/odisha-news/security-barricades-will-be-installed-along-the-major-drains---minister/article-37408

Odisha Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari announced that land transactions in the state will become entirely cashless to eliminate middlemen and ensure transparency. Previously, cash transactions up to ₹15,000 were allowed, but now all payments will be digital, and documents will be available online. A new SOP will be issued soon. Additionally, a new 10-story Revenue Building costing ₹600 crore will be constructed in Bhubaneswar to house departments like SRC, NDRF, and Fire Services. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/state-news/land-purchase-and-sale-in-the-state-will-be-completely-cashless-said-revenue-minister/3262560