Puri Police conducted a mega mock drill at the railway station and other key locations to ensure safety for the upcoming Rath Yatra on July 16, 2026. Agencies like STU, ODRAF, and the Bomb Disposal Squad participated. Puri SP Pratik Singh stated that security is the top priority, and 90 help desks will be set up to assist devotees. Preparation has been ongoing since January 2026. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/state-news/mock-drill-at-puri-railway-station-before-rath-yatra/3262570

A controversy has erupted over India's E20 petrol exports to Bhutan. While 'The Bhutanese' newspaper reported that Bhutan rejected the E20 fuel proposal due to infrastructure concerns and engine safety, India's Petroleum Ministry denied making any official proposal. However, Bhutanese journalist Tenzing Lamsang shared government documents on social media suggesting that the issue was indeed discussed in technical meetings, leading to a clash of claims between the two sides. https://odishasambad.in/bhutan-journalist-doubles-down-after-india-debunks-report-on-e20-petrol-offer/

Bhanjanagar police in Ganjam district arrested four individuals for planning an extortion (dada bati) scheme. The police seized two pistols and two rounds of live ammunition from the accused, identified as Pintu Sethi, Anil Sain, Balakrushna Bisoyi, and Subhash Chandra Padhi. The group was caught on Malasapadar road following a tip-off. SDPO Dr. Deepak Kumar Mishra shared details of the operation during a press conference. https://www.dharitri.com/ganjam-districts-bhanjanagar-police-have-been-able-to-arrest-a-large-criminal-gang/

In the Lohagad Fort murder case in Pune, it was revealed that the main accused, Siya Goyal, had secretly married her lover, Chetan Chaudhary, four months before her engagement to businessman Ketan Agarwal. Fearing that their secret marriage would be exposed when Ketan's family asked for documents for their upcoming wedding, the duo allegedly planned Ketan's murder. Police are investigating the marriage certificate and trying to recover deleted photos from an Instagram account. Both accused are currently in judicial custody. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/pune-murder-case-new-information-revealed-12142086

Odisha's Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra announced that safety barricades will be installed along major drains to prevent accidents during heavy rains. A special roadmap has been prepared for the twin cities of Bhubaneswar-Cuttack and Puri. The government has put officials on high alert and set up a 24-hour control room to manage waterlogging and ensure public safety. https://www.samayalive.in/odisha-news/security-barricades-will-be-installed-along-the-major-drains---minister/article-37408

Odisha Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari announced that land transactions in the state will become entirely cashless to eliminate middlemen and ensure transparency. Previously, cash transactions up to ₹15,000 were allowed, but now all payments will be digital, and documents will be available online. A new SOP will be issued soon. Additionally, a new 10-story Revenue Building costing ₹600 crore will be constructed in Bhubaneswar to house departments like SRC, NDRF, and Fire Services. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/state-news/land-purchase-and-sale-in-the-state-will-be-completely-cashless-said-revenue-minister/3262560

Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran has passed away at the age of 38 due to a serious immune system disorder called Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). He was undergoing treatment in India and breathed his last at a hospital in Greater Noida. The Afghanistan Cricket Board expressed deep grief, calling him a pioneer of Afghan cricket. Zadran played 44 ODIs and 36 T20Is during his international career. https://www.dharitri.com/shadow-of-grief-in-the-cricket-world-former-legendary-bowler-breathed-his-last-at-the-age-of-38/

116-year-old Navaneethamma from Chennai completed a 9-km trek to the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple by climbing 3,550 steps. Her dedication went viral on social media, earning praise from Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu. Following instructions from the TTD Chairman, temple authorities arranged a special VVIP darshan for her and honored her with silk robes and Mahaprasadam. https://odishasambad.in/116-year-old-devotee-gets-vip-darshan-at-tirumala-after-viral-walking-video/

A new research report warns that chronic sleep deprivation and stress are leading to premature brain aging, a condition known as 'Brain Aging'. Lack of sleep increases internal inflammation, which attacks neurons and reduces memory and concentration. Experts warn this could lead to dementia and Alzheimer's. To prevent this, doctors recommend 7-8 hours of continuous sleep, avoiding mobile screens an hour before bed, and practicing regular yoga and meditation. https://odishasambad.in/how-chronic-stress-lack-of-sleep-brain-aging-shares-by-expert/

Senior Jatra artist Nira Swain has stated that being viral on social media is not enough to succeed in the Jatra industry if one does not know the art of acting. He emphasized that true acting skills are essential for a long-lasting career in the field, regardless of temporary fame. https://otvkhabar.in/videosodisha/society/no-matter-how-many-viral-artists-were-on-the-tour-if-the-performance-was-not-known-nothing-would-happen-said-senior-artist-nir-swain-12141915