Legendary playback singer S. Janaki, popularly known as Janaki Amma, passed away at the age of 88 in Mysuru due to age-related health issues. Over her six-decade career, she recorded nearly 48,000 songs in 20 languages, including Odia, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. A recipient of four National Awards and 33 State Awards, she was a true icon of Indian music. In 2013, she famously declined the Padma Bhushan, stating it was given too late in her career. Her passing marks the end of a golden era in the Indian music industry. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/entertainment/legendary-singer-sistla-janaki-passes-away-at-the-age-of-88-year/3265547

The 77th district-level Vanamahotsav was celebrated at Town High School in Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi. Organised by the North Forest Division, the event saw the participation of MP Malvika Devi and MLA Captain Dibya Shankar Mishra. During the ceremony, two Forest Protection Committees, Pujiladu and Suruguda, were honored with the Chief Minister's Award, receiving checks of Rs 50,000 each for their outstanding contributions to forest and wildlife conservation. Guests also participated in a plantation drive within the school premises. https://www.dharitri.com/2-forest-conservation-societies-received-awards-worth-rs/

Spain secured a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals after defeating Belgium 2-1 in a thrilling quarterfinal match in Los Angeles. Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring for Spain in the 30th minute, but Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere equalized shortly before halftime. The turning point came when Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois left the field due to injury in the 71st minute. Mikel Merino then scored the winning goal for Spain in the 88th minute. Spain is now set to face France in the semifinals. https://sambad.in/sports/spain-beat-belgium-2-1-fifa-world-cup-2026-semifinal-12153635

A 14-year-old girl went missing after jumping into the Mahanadi River from Chaunrpur Bridge in Sambalpur following an argument with a male friend. Despite search operations by the fire brigade and police, the girl remains untraced due to heavy water currents and darkness. Police have detained the male friend for questioning. In a separate incident on the same day, another woman attempted suicide at the same bridge but was rescued by locals. Concerns have been raised over the lack of safety fencing on the bridge. https://sambad.in/district/sambalpur/sambalpur-minor-girl-missing-after-jumping-into-mahanadi-river-12156063

On the 82nd day of chariot construction for the Puri Rath Yatra, the Kalasa and Olata Shua were installed on all three chariots. Bhoi servants performed the rituals while painters completed the coloring of the chariots and horses. Tailors are finishing the lace work and dresses for the deities' Pahandi and the charioteers. Blacksmiths have completed all iron nail requirements, and wood construction for other essential components continues at Dolabedi. https://sambad.in/rathajatra/rathkhala-the-chariot-was-filled-with-ashes-the-horse-turned-upside-down-12155928

Onions are not just for flavor; they offer significant health benefits. Consuming raw onions boosts immunity due to high Vitamin C and antioxidants like quercetin. They promote heart health by lowering cholesterol, aid digestion through fiber, and strengthen bones with sulfur compounds. Additionally, onions help regulate blood sugar in diabetics, enhance memory, and support weight management due to their low-calorie content. https://argusnews.in/health-wellness/raw-onion-benefits-for-health-and-wellness

On the occasion of Ekadashi, the traditional Ayurvedic medicine 'Dashamula Modaka' will be offered to Lord Jagannath at the Puri temple to cure His fever during the Anasara period. Prepared by the family of the late Rajbaidya Vinayak Mishra using 10 rare herbs, this medicine is part of a tradition dating back to the 13th century. Daitapati and Patimahapatra servitors will perform the ritual, following which the Lord is expected to recover completely. The news of His recovery will be conveyed to Gajapati Maharaja during the Rajaprasad Bije ritual on Dwadashi. https://otvkhabar.in/festivals-events/ratha-jatra/dashamula-modaka-to-be-offered-to-shrijiu-today-as-part-of-sacred-healing-ritual-12153738

Lord Jagannath and his siblings have fully recovered from their fever in the Anasara house. Following the tradition, the 'Rajaprasad Bije' ritual will be held today to inform the Gajapati Maharaja about the deities' health. Sevayats will carry Karala, Chandan, and Pata Bastra to the palace as offerings. The deities recovered after being administered special 'Dashamula' herbal medicines by the Rajavaidya. This news has sparked joy among devotees ahead of the upcoming Rath Yatra. https://odishasambad.in/lord-jagannath-completely-cured-in-anasara-sacred-rajaprasada-bije-ritual-begins-to-inform-gajapati-king/

Odisha Police has announced massive security arrangements for the upcoming Puri Rath Yatra. DGP Y.B. Khurania informed that 15 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), including CRPF, BSF, and RAF, will be deployed alongside 13,000 state police personnel. The security measures include a three-tier system with aerial surveillance via drones, maritime patrolling by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, and the use of anti-drone technology. Eight new parking lots and emergency corridors have been established for the convenience of lakhs of devotees. https://odishasambad.in/odisha-to-deploy-15-companies-of-central-forces-for-safe-and-peaceful-rath-yatra-in-puri/

A Brazilian couple, Renato Bayema Gaia and Naiara Roberta Martins, set a new Guinness World Record by completing 195 kisses in just 30 seconds. Both are doctors by profession. The record was set on International Kissing Day. Renato, a serial record breaker, aims to surpass the current one-minute record of 277 kisses held by a Japanese couple next. https://sambad.in/special/195-kisses-in-30-seconds-12153267