In preparation for the 2026 Rath Yatra, Odisha Police conducted a mega mock drill named 'Operation Chakravyuh' in Puri. The drill, aimed at countering potential terrorist attacks and handling hostage situations, involved STU and SOG commandos. For the first time, advanced robots were deployed during the exercise. The mock drill showcased real-time response strategies, including fire safety measures and hostage rescue from high-rise buildings near the Jagannath Temple, ensuring an impenetrable security cover for the millions of devotees expected to visit. https://argusnews.in/odisha/operation-chakravyuh-jagannath-temple-rath-yatra-2026-security-drill

After the Snana Yatra, Lord Jagannath is suffering from a high fever and is currently in the 'Anasara' room. Today, the sacred 'Phuluri Oil' prepared with 24 medicinal ingredients at the Bada Odia Matha will be applied to the deities' bodies by Daitapati servitors to cure the fever. Due to the Lord's illness, traditional music and chants are prohibited in the temple, and devotees are currently offering prayers to 'Pati Dian' instead of the main idols. https://argusnews.in/odisha/lord-jagannath-fever-phuluri-oil-ritual-anasara-puri-2026

The Indian stock market witnessed a massive crash on Wednesday as the Sensex plummeted 1677 points and Nifty fell by 517 points. This downfall, triggered by rising tensions between the US and Iran and a hike in crude oil prices, led to investors losing approximately ₹8 lakh crore in a single day. Market capitalization of listed companies dropped to ₹471 lakh crore. Global market sentiments weakened after US President Donald Trump announced the end of a ceasefire, pushing crude oil prices to $78.09 per barrel. https://sambad.in/business/sensex-crashes-1677-points-investors-lose-8-lakh-crore-us-iran-tensions-12146405

Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor attended his sister Anshula Kapoor's wedding reception in a striking traditional look. The event was attended by Boney Kapoor and other family members as they celebrated Anshula and Rohan Thakkar's union. Arjun's ethnic attire has become a highlight on social media. https://otvkhabar.in/videosodisha/society/brother-arjun-kapoor-in-traditional-look-at-sadhulas-wedding-reception-12146651

Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan caught everyone's attention with his stunning black ethnic look at Anshula Kapoor's wedding reception. Anshula, daughter of Boney Kapoor, celebrated her special day with Rohan Thakkar, and the event was attended by many Bollywood celebrities. Varun's stylish appearance has become a talking point on social media. https://otvkhabar.in/videosodisha/society/baruns-black-ethnic-look-at-satsulas-wedding-reception-12146666

Odisha Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling has ordered strict monitoring of all government and private nursing colleges to ensure quality education and student safety. District Collectors have been instructed to conduct thorough inspections of private nursing institutes by July end, including fire safety checks. Any irregularities found will lead to severe action. Additionally, the minister reviewed the 'Stop Diarrhea Campaign' to control waterborne diseases during the monsoon and Rath Yatra period. https://sambad.in/state/odisha-govt-warns-nursing-colleges-to-maintain-quality-standards-strict-action-against-irregularities-12146681

IIM Sambalpur is empowering local master weavers by providing them with free business management training in the Odia language. Over the past three years, 75 weavers have been trained in marketing, branding, GST, finance, and digital sales. This initiative helps traditional artisans adapt to modern market demands, use e-commerce platforms like Flipkart, and build their own brands. The program aims to establish Sambalpuri handloom as a global brand while increasing the income of weavers and preserving the traditional craft. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/iim-sambalpur-helps-weavers-reach-global-textile-markets-12146614

A video of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee allegedly slapping a TMC worker during a protest rally in Kolkata has gone viral. The incident occurred during a march against the rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl. In the video, Banerjee appears to lose her temper at a worker who was trying to clear her path and manage the crowd. BJP MP Raju Bista shared the clip on social media, criticizing her behavior. Meanwhile, Banerjee accused the police of favoring the BJP and ignoring court orders regarding the rally, which ended in clashes between BJP and TMC supporters. https://www.dharitri.com/mamata-banerjee-slaps-tmc-worker-during-tmc-protest-in-kolkata/

Odisha's Education Minister Nityananda Gond clarified the inclusion of the Rajasthani folk song 'Nimbuda' in Class 8 textbooks. Speaking in Nabarangpur, he stated that the National Education Policy aims to introduce students to diverse regional cultures, and 'Nimbuda' was included as an example of popular folk music. He criticized the opposition for creating unnecessary confusion without understanding the policy. Additionally, the government has suspended four officials, including a former director, over previous textbook errors. https://sambad.in/state/odisha-education-minister-clarifies-inclusion-of-nimbuda-folk-song-in-class-8-textbook-amid-row-12146590

According to an RTI response from the Directorate of Estates, the Congress party has been unauthorizedly occupying its former headquarters at 24 Akbar Road in New Delhi since June 26, 2013. The allotment of the bungalow was cancelled in 2013, and the government has not received any rent for the property since then. The central government stated that the outstanding rent is currently under review and has not yet been finalized. While the RTI sought information on whether any eviction notice was issued, the department did not provide specific details on that matter. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/rti-congress-unauthorised-occupation-24-akbar-road-headquarters-12146608