The Supreme Court has declined to monitor the investigation into the alleged theft of Ram Mandir donations but ordered the inclusion of a Chartered Accountant and a forensic auditor in the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure a fair probe. The SIT, comprising senior police officials like DIG, IG, and SP, was formed based on recommendations from the UP government. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud emphasized transparency and directed the SIT to submit a status report. The case involves allegations that donations collected from across the country did not reach the trust. The next hearing is scheduled in two weeks. https://odishasambad.in/supreme-court-ram-mandir-donation-theft-sit-hearing-charted-accountant-news/

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 136th edition of 'Mann Ki Baat', praised Bhubaneswar for its significant achievements in water conservation under the 'Catch the Rain' campaign. The PM highlighted the city's efforts in rainwater harvesting and the restoration of old wells and ponds. He noted that the campaign has become a mass movement, with cities like Korba and Vizianagaram also showing positive results. Modi emphasized that water is life and its conservation is a collective responsibility for future generations. https://odishasambad.in/pm-modi-highlights-bhubaneswars-rainwater-conservation-efforts-in-mann-ki-baat/

Jyotirmayee Nayak from Balasore, Odisha, has won Indian Idol Season 16, becoming the first contestant from the state to win the main title. The 24-year-old singer received the trophy and a cash prize of 20 lakh rupees. Tanishka Shukla emerged as the first runner-up, followed by Manraj Veer Singh. The season was judged by Shreya Ghoshal, Vishal Dadlani, and Badshah. This victory marks a historic moment for Odisha's music scene. https://odishasambad.in/indian-idol-16-finale-jyotirmayee-nayak-scripts-history-as-first-winner-from-odisha/

The Adharapana ritual of the deities on the chariots was completed on Sunday night in Puri. Nine pots of Pana were offered and subsequently broken to satisfy ethereal spirits. Following this, preparations for Niladri Bije (return to the temple) have begun for Monday. Lord Jagannath will offer Rasagola to Goddess Laxmi to appease her pride before entering the temple. The Pahandi ritual is scheduled to start at 4 PM on Monday. https://sambad.in/rathajatra/adharapana-2026-lord-jagannath-ritual-completed-niladri-bije-july-27-12199862

Superstar Rajinikanth is reportedly writing the script for his own biopic, which will focus primarily on his professional career. While fans are excited, no official statement has been released yet. Currently, he is busy filming 'Jailer 2' directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, featuring Vidya Balan and a cameo by Hrithik Roshan. Following this, he will work on a project under the Dharman banner directed by Ashwin Marimuthu, where he will portray a doctor. The formal confirmation of the biopic is expected after these projects. https://odishasambad.in/rajinikanth-planning-film-based-on-his-own-life-story/

On the occasion of Niladri Bije, Lord Jagannath returns to the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri with His siblings. Before entering, He offers Rasagola to Goddess Lakshmi to appease her anger, as she was left behind during the Rath Yatra. This traditional ritual is celebrated across Odisha as 'Rasagola Dibasa'. The tradition highlights Odisha's rich cultural heritage and its historical claim to the sweet, which received a GI tag on July 29, 2019. This year, special 20kg Rasagolas from Salepur have been sent for the Lord's offering. https://www.samayalive.in/odisha-news/today--niladri-bij--mahaprabhu-will-worship-mahalakshmi-by-feeding-her-rasgola/article-37771

Choosing the right fabric is essential for staying stylish during the monsoon. Fabrics like georgette, nylon, and polyester blends are ideal as they dry quickly and are lightweight. While cotton and linen are comfortable, it's best to wear loose fits to avoid them sticking to the body when wet. Crepe is an excellent choice for office wear. Conversely, one should avoid wearing jeans, heavy cotton, silk, and velvet during the rains because they absorb moisture, become heavy, and take a long time to dry. https://www.samayalive.in/lifestyle-news/stylish-monsoon/article-37784

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh clarified that India will not engage in talks with Pakistan on any issue other than Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Speaking at the Kargil Vijay Diwas memorial, he emphasized that PoK is an integral part of India and criticized Pakistan for making terrorism its state policy. He warned that the Indian Army would give a befitting reply to any attempts challenging India's sovereignty and paid tribute to the soldiers of the 1999 Kargil War. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/there-will-be-no-talks-with-pakistan-on-any-issue-other-than-pok-12199841

Due to heavy rainfall, authorities have declared a holiday for all schools and Anganwadis in four districts of Odisha: Mayurbhanj, Subarnapur, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur. The district collectors issued these orders as a precautionary measure for student safety. Additionally, a public grievance hearing in Subarnapur was postponed. In a separate incident, a notorious criminal named Ankit Ghosh was injured during a police encounter in Brajrajnagar. https://sambad.in/state/rain-alert-schools-closed-4-districts-july-27-12200544

Social activist Anna Hazare has reacted to the NEET paper leak protests and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He emphasized that violence is not a solution to any problem and advocated for peaceful dialogue in a democracy. Hazare cited his own experience of 22 hunger strikes, stating that non-violent protests led to the formation of 10 major laws in India. He urged the government to understand public demands and prioritize societal welfare over the politics of victory or defeat. https://www.dharitri.com/anna-hazare-reaction-on-dharmendra-pradhan-resignation/