Activist Sonam Wangchuk may end his indefinite hunger strike on Monday if politicians promise to raise education accountability issues in the upcoming Monsoon session of Parliament. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, stated that the strike, sparked by the NEET paper leak and demands for education reform, hinges on this assurance. Wangchuk was forcibly moved by Delhi Police from Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital, where his condition is stable. He has urged supporters to maintain peace during the proposed 'Sansad Chalo' march. https://www.dharitri.com/wangchuk-may-end-hunger-strike-today/

The Odisha government has changed the names of 28 Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the state to align with the revised geographical names of districts and cities. The Skill Development and Technical Education Department issued a notification making the new names effective immediately. All official documents, student certificates, and admission records will now use the updated names to ensure uniformity in government records. This decision follows the Revenue and Disaster Management Department's revised naming list and will soon be published in the Odisha Gazette. https://odishasambad.in/odisha-renames-28-government-itis-changes-come-into-immediate-effect/

The Odia film 'Lahari' has been named the Best Odia Feature Film at the 72nd National Film Awards for 2024. Directed by Amartya Bhattacharyya and produced by Jhillik Bhattacharjee under the Jhillik Motion Pictures banner, the film explores the dynamics of father-son relationships, social core values, and the impact of eco-tourism on rural development. It previously gained international acclaim at film festivals in Kolkata and Melbourne. The movie features an ensemble cast including Choudhury Jayaprakash Das and Dipanwit Dashmohapatra, with music by Kisaloy Roy. https://www.dharitri.com/lahari-is-the-best-odia-feature-film/

The Badagrahi and Daitapati servitors of Lord Jagannath have clarified the reasons for removing the 'Tahia' (decorative headgear) during the Pahandi ritual in Puri. Due to heavy rain, the Tahia made of solapith and flowers became extremely heavy, causing the deity to remain stationary for 45 minutes. To ensure the safety of the servitors from the bamboo sticks and to protect the Lord's idol from rain by using a 'Gilapa' (raincoat), the Tahia was removed. Senior servitors stated that this was not a violation of tradition but a necessary step for safety and smooth conduct of the rituals. https://www.dharitri.com/opened-tahia-badagrahi-said-since-the-mahaprabhu-did-not-move-for-45-minutes/

The Central Government is set to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, to include 'Vande Mataram'. This move aims to provide the national song with legal protection equivalent to the national anthem and national flag. Under the proposed bill, insulting or obstructing the singing of 'Vande Mataram' could lead to up to three years of imprisonment, a fine, or both. Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to introduce the bill in the Rajya Sabha during the Monsoon Session. Additionally, the Home Ministry has directed states to make the national song mandatory at official functions where the national anthem is played. https://odishasambad.in/centre-to-table-bill-to-make-insult-to-vande-mataram-criminal-offence/

Illegal sand mining and smuggling in 10 districts of Western Odisha are causing significant revenue losses to the state government. While these districts generate an annual revenue of approximately 20 crore rupees, intellectuals believe it could be much higher if illegal activities were curbed. Currently, 629 out of 1077 sand quarries are functional. Sambalpur district leads in revenue collection with 7.5 crore rupees annually, followed by Sundargarh and Kalahandi. https://sambad.in/state/annual-revenue-from-balighat-is-rs-20-crores-12182867

The first 'Adapa Abadha' (holy mahaprasad) has been released from the Sri Gundicha Temple in Puri, bringing joy to hundreds of devotees. After arriving at their birthplace, the Gundicha Temple, via the Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath and his siblings were taken to the 'Adapa Mandapa' through a ceremonial 'Goti Pahandi' procession on Saturday evening. Following the completion of all rituals on the chariots, the deities reached the sanctum sanctorum of the Gundicha temple, and devotees started receiving the special Adapa Abadha from Sunday. https://www.dharitri.com/the-first-adapa-abadha-from-srigundicha-temple/

During the month of Shravana, millions of Kanwariyas wear saffron-colored clothes while performing their pilgrimage to offer water to Lord Shiva. In Sanatan tradition, saffron represents sacrifice, penance, service, and devotion. It signifies the devotee's temporary detachment from worldly desires and complete surrender to God. Wearing this color is believed to enhance self-confidence and spiritual consciousness while fostering a sense of unity and discipline among the pilgrims. Devotees also follow strict rules like abstaining from alcohol, non-vegetarian food, and maintaining celibacy to make their journey successful and spiritually fruitful. https://argusnews.in/national/why-kanwariyas-wear-saffron-significance-in-sanatan-dharma

The ancient Daksha Prajapati Temple in Banapur, Khordha, dating back to the 13th century, is in a state of decay due to government neglect. While the BJD and current BJP governments have focused on developing the Maa Bhagabati Temple, this historic site—considered the paternal home of the Goddess—is crumbling. Rainwater leaks into the sanctum sanctorum, soaking the deity's seat, and cracks have appeared in the structure. Locals and devotees express concern over the Archeological Department's failure to maintain this unique temple, which is the only one in Eastern India dedicated to Daksha Prajapati. https://sambad.in/state/looking-at-bhagwati-he-forgot-about-the-evening-12179718

The Odisha government has introduced measures to address the fertilizer shortage by promoting alternatives to DAP and Urea. Agriculture Department officials have directed district collectors to encourage the use of Complex Fertilizer and Ammonium Sulphate. Cooperative Minister Pradip Bal Samanta warned of strict action against black marketing of fertilizers. The central government will provide large quantities of Ammonium Sulphate, which helps address sulfur deficiency in the soil. https://odishasambad.in/odisha-govt-pushes-for-complex-fertilisers-and-ammonium-sulphate-as-alternatives-to-dap-and-urea-news/