In the 136th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation, highlighting India's growing self-reliance in defense and space sectors. He praised the successful launch of Vikram-1, India's first privately developed rocket, and paid tribute to soldiers on Kargil Vijay Diwas. The PM also discussed achievements in sports, the 'Vocal for Local' initiative, and environmental conservation efforts like 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam'. He concluded by urging citizens to participate enthusiastically in the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign for the upcoming Independence Day. https://odishasambad.in/episode-136-of-mann-ki-baat-pm-praises-vikram-1-says-these-big-things/

The deities of Puri Jagannath Temple are adorned in the magnificent Rajarajeswari Besa, popularly known as Suna Besa. Decked in heavy gold ornaments, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra are giving darshan to thousands of devotees on their chariots at the Badadanda in Puri. https://otvkhabar.in/videosodisha/society/the-statue-is-decorated-with-rich-gold-and-looks-like-a-king-12197695

Heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas has triggered flood fears in Odisha's Jajpur district. The Baitarani river's water level is nearing the danger mark at Akhuapada. Consequently, the district administration ordered the closure of all schools from 2 PM today to ensure student safety. Several villages across Jajpur, Binjharpur, and Dasarathpur blocks are at risk of inundation as water levels in both Baitarani and Kharsrota rivers continue to rise. https://sambad.in/district/jajpur/flood-in-odisha-baitarani-river-rises-major-flood-threat-in-jajpur-12205785

The Odisha government has stated that the flood situation caused by heavy rains is gradually coming under control. The concerned minister informed that specialized teams like ODRAF, NDRF, and Fire Services are actively rescuing people from low-lying areas. Relief camps have been set up with essential supplies including food, water, and medicine. District collectors have been put on high alert to deal with any further rain or low-pressure situations, with 24-hour control rooms operational to monitor the crisis. https://odishasambad.in/flood-situation-under-control-rescue-and-evacuation-intensified-odisha-minister/

A recent report indicates a shift in home buyer preferences, with 46% of homes sold between April and June being 3 BHK units. Buyers are increasingly looking for larger spaces due to growing families and work-from-home needs. While demand for affordable housing below 75 lakhs is high in cities like Kolkata and Ahmedabad, luxury homes remain popular in Mumbai and Gurugram. Approximately 70% of homes sold are sized between 750 and 2,000 square feet. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/46-of-homes-on-sale-are-3-bhks-buyers-chase-affordability-in-key-cities-12202334

Following the success of the 'Cockroach Janata Party' (CJP) on social media, new digital movements like 'Reservation Hatao Andolan' (RHA) and 'E20 Janata Party' are gaining momentum. RHA, with 3.5 million followers, demands the removal of caste-based reservation in favor of merit and economic criteria. Simultaneously, the E20 movement advocates for ethanol-free petrol options. These Instagram-driven campaigns are emerging as the new 'Jantar Mantar' for Gen-Z, posing a significant challenge to the government. https://www.dharitri.com/bjp-government-will-be-overthrown-after-cjp-rha-is-in-trouble-35-lakh-followers-e20-janata-party-is-also-giving-tension/

On the occasion of Niladri Bije, Rasagola Dibasa is being celebrated in Odisha. According to tradition, Lord Jagannath offers Rasagola to Goddess Laxmi to appease her before entering the temple. Odisha Rasagola received the GI tag in 2019. To mark the day, sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a 7-foot sand sculpture at Puri beach. The state government has also approved a dedicated Rasagola cluster at Pahala to promote the sweet globally. https://argusnews.in/odisha/rasagola-dibasa-lord-jagannath-maa-lakshmi

Floodwaters from the Mahanadi River entered the historic Maa Bhattarika Temple in Cuttack district following heavy rains caused by a low-pressure system. Parts of the temple premises are submerged, raising concerns for the safety of the centuries-old structure. The administration has restricted devotee access and deployed personnel to monitor the rising water levels. Precautionary banners have been installed by the Endowments Department to prevent any untoward incidents. https://odishasambad.in/mahanadi-floodwaters-enter-bhattarika-temple-in-kataka/

A tractor carrying a driver and a minor was trapped in the Nagavali River in Rayagada district due to a sudden rise in water levels. The driver managed to stop the vehicle amidst the strong current, leaving them stranded for hours. Local villagers eventually noticed them and carried out a successful rescue. The incident has led to renewed demands for a bridge to connect nearby villages safely. https://sambad.in/state/tractor-swept-away-in-swollen-nagavali-river-in-rayagada-driver-and-minor-rescued-by-villagers-12208967