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/

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

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

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

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

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

The 'Kudu duck' from Mayurbhanj, Odisha, has received national recognition and breed registration from ICAR. Known for its distinct physical features and high immunity, this duck is resistant to Bird Flu. It produces about 150 eggs annually, which is nearly double the yield of local varieties. After two years of research by the Directorate of Poultry Research, Bhubaneswar, it has been officially certified. This recognition is expected to boost poultry farming across Odisha, benefiting the local tribal communities who rely on these ducks for food and livelihood. https://odishasambad.in/national-recognition-for-odishas-indigenous-kudu-duck-breed-icar-grants-animal-breed-registration-certificate-news/

During the rainy season, the risk of snakes entering homes increases, especially near parks or water bodies. Certain plants like snake plants, marigolds, lemongrass, and tulsi act as natural repellents due to their scent. Additionally, snakes avoid strong odors like garlic, onion, and vinegar. If a snake enters, using phenyl or kerosene can drive it away. It is crucial to keep the surroundings clean, eliminate rodents, and seal cracks. In case of a venomous snake, one should contact snake helpline experts immediately. https://sambad.in/lifestyle/plant-these-trees-poisonous-snakes-will-not-come-near-you-12151180

On World Population Day, experts highlight the rapid shift towards urbanization. Global population doubled from 4 billion in 1975 to 8 billion in 2022, with over half living in cities. By 2050, 7 out of 10 people are expected to be urban dwellers. In Odisha, 17% of the population lives on just 2% of the land, with a growing trend of people moving from rural areas to cities like Bhubaneswar for employment. This urban migration is putting immense pressure on housing, transport, and basic municipal services. https://odishasambad.in/world-population-day/