Pramod Nautiyal, the personal secretary to the chairman of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), has been suspended following allegations of donation theft and serious irregularities. A four-member committee has been formed to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. The action was taken to maintain administrative transparency and discipline within the committee after a show-cause notice was issued on July 3, 2026. https://odishasambad.in/now-badrinath-donations-under-scanner-office-staffer-suspended/

Preparations for the famous Rath Yatra in Kulad, Ganjam, have reached their final stages. The donation box of the Kulad Shri Jagannath Temple was opened in the presence of the Bhanjanagar Tehsildar and other officials, revealing a collection of ₹66,855. The traditional 'Chera Pahanra' ritual will be performed by the descendants of the Bhanja dynasty. The chariot repairs and decoration of the grand road are complete, and the local administration and MLA are overseeing the arrangements to ensure a smooth festival. https://www.dharitri.com/kulad-ready-for-rath-yatra-how-much-money-received-from-jagannath-temple-donation-box/

The Puri district administration has declared a 5 km radius in Puri city as a 'No Flying Zone' for the upcoming 2026 Rath Yatra, effective from July 16 to July 27. The operation of any unmanned aircraft systems (drones) is strictly prohibited, except for government security surveillance and pre-authorized administrative purposes. Violators will face legal action under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, Aircraft Act, and Drone Rules. https://odishasambad.in/puri-declared-no-flying-zone-for-rath-yatra-from-16th-july/

Forest Ranger Rabindra Kumar Nayak was arrested and sent to jail by the Vigilance Department for possessing assets 372% disproportionate to his known sources of income. Raids at his residence and office in Cuttack and Banki revealed two multi-story buildings, six expensive plots, 283 grams of gold, 76 lakh rupees in deposits, and a luxury car. Nayak, who started his career in 1988, was under the scanner for a year and was caught just two years before his retirement. https://otvkhabar.in/crime/wealthy-ranger-sent-to-jail-after-372-disproportionate-assets-unearthed-12150735

ISKCON's plan to hold an untimely Rath Yatra on July 10 in Sikar district of Rajasthan has been cancelled. Following letters from Gajapati Maharaja and the Puri district administration requesting adherence to traditional dates, the Sikar District Magistrate issued orders to stop the event. https://www.samayalive.in/odisha-news/untimely-rath-yatra-remains-suspended-in-rajasthan/article-37475

The Indore bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that a woman has the absolute right to decide whether to continue or terminate a pregnancy, and husband's consent is not required. Citing Article 21, the court emphasized that reproductive choice is a fundamental right. The case involved a 13-week pregnant woman living separately from her husband who sought abortion due to mental stress. The court ordered the hospital to perform the procedure while ensuring the woman's privacy and dignity. https://odishasambad.in/pregnancy-or-abortion-the-decision-rests-solely-with-the-mother-not-the-father-high-court-landmark-verdict/

An emotional video from Maharashtra has gone viral on social media, showing a man refusing to leave his Tata Nexon car despite being submerged in chest-deep floodwater. He held onto his vehicle amidst strong currents, waiting for help. Later, a JCB and crane were used to pull the car to safety. Social media users have reacted emotionally, stating that for many, a car is not just a machine but a symbol of years of hard work and dreams. https://www.dharitri.com/owner-braves-chest-deep-floodwaters-to-save-his-tata-nexon-in-viral-video/

The Odisha government has successfully updated the land records of Lord Jagannath in Satyabadi Tehsil. Around 693.106 acres of land across 38 accounts have been corrected and handed over to the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA). Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Padhee stated that this move aims to protect the deity's property and ensure legal safety. Similar corrections were recently completed in Khordha (4700+ acres) and Pipili (77.20 acres). https://odishatazanews.com/?p=207584

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed Rath Yatra preparations in Puri. Key decisions include setting up 8 temporary hospitals, 1,700 bio-toilets, and 473 CCTV cameras for security. Over 300 special trains will run to Puri, and 65 LED screens will provide information in multiple languages. The CM emphasized crowd control, sanitation, and safety for devotees, especially women, elderly, and the disabled. https://sambad.in/state/puri-rath-yatra-2026-8-temporary-hospitals-1700-bio-toilets-and-473-cctv-cameras-for-devotees-12152566

Prabhas Mondal, the main accused in the rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Baruipur, West Bengal, was killed in a police encounter. The incident occurred during crime scene recreation when the accused allegedly tried to flee by snatching a police weapon. Following his death, the accused's mother refused to take his body, stating that his actions were heinous and he deserved the punishment. The initial crime had sparked massive public protests in the area, leading to the formation of an SIT. https://www.samayalive.in/crime-news/baruipur-miscreant-shot-dead--family-will-not-accept-body/article-37441