Protests were held in Puri, Odisha, demanding the resignations of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and State Education Minister Nityanand Gond. The protestors, including members from CITU, Congress, and CPI, demanded the abolition of NTA, cancellation of NEP 2020, and expressed outrage over the arrest of Sonam Wangchuk. They also highlighted issues like NEET paper leaks and errors in state textbooks containing unscientific and unhistorical information. A massive rally was conducted from PKDA Square to the District Collector's office. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=208091

A new 160.18 km coastal highway connecting Rameshwar to Paradip is set to be constructed in Odisha at a cost of ₹8,300.79 crore. Spanning across Khordha, Puri, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur districts, the project includes a 4-lane access-controlled section from Rameshwar to Konark and a 2-lane section from Konark to Paradip. Designed for speeds up to 100 km/h, it aims to reduce travel time by 2.5 hours, boosting spiritual tourism to Jagannath and Konark temples, while promoting local economy and logistics through the PM Gati Shakti initiative. https://sambad.in/state/odisha-rameswaram-paradip-coastal-highway-rs-8300-crore-project-12182649

The 9th annual Rath Yatra was celebrated with grand fervor in Rhode Island, USA, at the Shri Siddhi Vinayak Temple in Warwick. Hundreds of devotees from states like Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts gathered to participate. The rituals began with Mangala Arati and special prayers led by the chief priest. Following the traditional Chhera Pahanra by temple chairman Nagesh Kamsani, the deities were carried in a Pahandi procession to the decorated chariot. The Ratha was pulled for about one kilometer through the streets of Warwick. Cultural programs featuring Odissi and Kathak dances were organized, and Mahaprasad was distributed to the devotees in the style of Puri's Ananda Bazar. https://sambad.in/rathajatra/americas-rhodes-island-hosts-rath-yatra-12181259

Three BDA parks in Ward No. 15 of Bhubaneswar are facing severe maintenance issues. Parks in VIP Colony, Rental Colony, and Akshay Mohanty Park lack basic amenities like children's play equipment and yoga platforms. Residents complain about piled-up garbage, rusted gym equipment, and lack of drinking water. The BDA engineer stated that tenders have been called for improvements and sanitation work will be conducted soon. https://sambad.in/metro/bda-park-in-trouble-12182905

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah led a protest in Delhi demanding the restoration of full statehood for J&K. After being stopped by the police on their way to Jantar Mantar, Omar Abdullah traveled in an auto-rickshaw with his sons to continue the protest. The National Conference (NC) party has been demanding statehood since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which turned the state into two Union Territories. Omar emphasized that this protest is just the beginning of their fight for constitutional rights. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/demand-for-statehood-for-jammu-and-kashmir-12182400

Paradip Excise Department arrested a professional drug peddler named Manoj Nandi alias Babar from Lockpada slum area. The team posed as customers to catch the accused during a deal. Brown sugar worth approximately 5 lakh rupees and 32,000 rupees in cash were seized from his possession. The accused has been sent to 14-day judicial custody after his bail was rejected by the Kujang court. https://sambad.in/crime/paradip-excise-arrests-alleged-drug-peddler-brown-sugar-worth-5-lakh-cash-seized-12182419

Devotees gathered in large numbers at the Adapa Mandapa in Puri to witness the deities on their birth altar. The queue of devotees reached Badashankha. Around 1 lakh people partook in the special 'Adapa Abadha' mahaprasad. The deities were offered 'Amruta Anna' made from organic rice. Due to the Banakalagi ritual starting at 9 PM, public darshan was restricted for the night. The Suar Mahasuar Nijog confirmed arrangements for massive food preparations to cater to the influx of devotees during the Rath Yatra period. https://sambad.in/rathajatra/the-line-of-devotees-touched-the-badasankha-12179738

Traditional jewelry inspired by ancient temple architecture and deities is gaining immense popularity. These designs, such as Cuttack's famous silver filigree (Tarakasi), Kasu Mala with Goddess Lakshmi motifs, and Manga Mala featuring mango-bud patterns, enhance traditional beauty. Other significant pieces include hand-carved Nakshi jewelry, Vanki (armlets) worn in South Indian weddings, and Jhumkas with decorative 'Matti' chains. These timeless pieces bridge the gap between ancient heritage and modern fashion. https://www.samayalive.in/lifestyle-news/traditional-jewelry/article-37651

The daily horoscope for Tuesday, July 21, provides astrological predictions for all 12 zodiac signs. Aries will enjoy good health and career progress, while Taurus should beware of betrayal. Gemini has prospects for financial gains, and Cancer may face travel and financial concerns. Leo will focus on new plans despite rising expenses. Virgo is warned about potential disputes and financial loss. Libra will have a pleasant time with friends. Scorpio is predicted to achieve success in their endeavors. Sagittarius may sign new contracts. Capricorn will gain respect and appreciation. Aquarius might struggle with mental peace due to workload, and Pisces could face obstacles in their tasks. https://www.dharitri.com/daily-horoscope-570/

Post-mortem reports of two devotees who died during the Puri Rath Yatra stampede confirm broken ribs, proving the deaths were due to a stampede. This contradicts initial claims by the Health Minister of heart attacks. While three died and hundreds were injured, the state government is yet to order a formal probe or announce compensation, leading to public demands for accountability. https://www.samayalive.in/odisha-news/%E0%AC%A6%E0%AC%B3%E0%AC%BE-%E0%AC%9A%E0%AC%95%E0%AC%9F%E0%AC%BE%E0%AC%B0%E0%AD%81-%E0%AD%A9-%E0%AC%B6%E0%AD%8D%E0%AC%B0%E0%AC%A6%E0%AD%8D%E0%AC%A7%E0%AC%BE%E0%AC%B3%E0%AD%81%E0%AC%99%E0%AD%8D%E0%AC%95-%E0%AC%AE%E0%AD%83%E0%AC%A4%E0%AD%8D%E0%AD%9F%E0%AD%81/article-37631