In the 136th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation, highlighting India's growing self-reliance in defense and space sectors. He praised the successful launch of Vikram-1, India's first privately developed rocket, and paid tribute to soldiers on Kargil Vijay Diwas. The PM also discussed achievements in sports, the 'Vocal for Local' initiative, and environmental conservation efforts like 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam'. He concluded by urging citizens to participate enthusiastically in the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign for the upcoming Independence Day. https://odishasambad.in/episode-136-of-mann-ki-baat-pm-praises-vikram-1-says-these-big-things/

Following the success of the 'Cockroach Janata Party' (CJP) on social media, new digital movements like 'Reservation Hatao Andolan' (RHA) and 'E20 Janata Party' are gaining momentum. RHA, with 3.5 million followers, demands the removal of caste-based reservation in favor of merit and economic criteria. Simultaneously, the E20 movement advocates for ethanol-free petrol options. These Instagram-driven campaigns are emerging as the new 'Jantar Mantar' for Gen-Z, posing a significant challenge to the government. https://www.dharitri.com/bjp-government-will-be-overthrown-after-cjp-rha-is-in-trouble-35-lakh-followers-e20-janata-party-is-also-giving-tension/

The stars we see in the night sky may not reflect their present state but their past from thousands of years ago. Due to the vast distances in space, light takes years or even millions of years to reach Earth. Consequently, some stars visible today might have already vanished or changed, while their old light continues to travel toward us. Scientists use telescopes to study star colors and distances to determine their life stages. This phenomenon makes space act like a 'time machine' where we witness glimpses of the past. https://www.dharitri.com/stars-in-the-sky-are-really-alive-you-wont-believe-the-truth/

On the occasion of Niladri Bije, Rasagola Dibasa is being celebrated in Odisha. According to tradition, Lord Jagannath offers Rasagola to Goddess Laxmi to appease her before entering the temple. Odisha Rasagola received the GI tag in 2019. To mark the day, sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a 7-foot sand sculpture at Puri beach. The state government has also approved a dedicated Rasagola cluster at Pahala to promote the sweet globally. https://argusnews.in/odisha/rasagola-dibasa-lord-jagannath-maa-lakshmi

A recent report indicates a shift in home buyer preferences, with 46% of homes sold between April and June being 3 BHK units. Buyers are increasingly looking for larger spaces due to growing families and work-from-home needs. While demand for affordable housing below 75 lakhs is high in cities like Kolkata and Ahmedabad, luxury homes remain popular in Mumbai and Gurugram. Approximately 70% of homes sold are sized between 750 and 2,000 square feet. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/46-of-homes-on-sale-are-3-bhks-buyers-chase-affordability-in-key-cities-12202334

After the Niladri Bije ritual, Lord Jagannath has returned to the Ratna Singhasan. Following a 12-day break during the Rath Yatra, the preparation of Mahaprasad (Abadha) resumed in the temple kitchen on Tuesday. Devotees gathered in large numbers at Anand Bazar to partake in the Nilachal Abadha. Various items like rice, dal, and different curries were prepared after the necessary rituals like Rosha Homa and Surya Puja. The temple atmosphere is filled with devotion as normal rituals and daily offerings have recommenced. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=208641

Former British Home Secretary Priti Patel expressed disappointment over the delay in Nirav Modi's extradition to India. Despite signing the order in April 2021, Modi remains in a London prison due to legal hurdles. Patel noted that this delay has negatively impacted UK-India diplomatic relations and India's trust. With his final appeal at the European Court of Human Rights dismissed, the $2 billion PNB fraud accused's extradition is now likely certain. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/nirav-modi-extradition-delay-priti-patel-uk-india-relations-12204037

Heavy rains triggered by a deep depression over North Odisha have led to the closure of schools and Anganwadi centers in 9 districts, including Sambalpur, Bargarh, and Balasore. The IMD has issued red alerts for 4 districts and orange alerts for 13 others. Flooding is reported in several areas as river levels rise. The state health department has reviewed preparations, ensuring the supply of essential medicines and emergency services in affected regions. Rainfall is expected to continue until September 3rd. https://www.samayalive.in/odisha-news/heavy-rain-likely-in-western-odisha--schools-to-remain-closed-in-9-districts/article-37811

Two Indian Army soldiers were seriously injured in a landmine explosion near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Uri sector of Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir. The incident occurred during an operational activity in the Kamalkote area. The injured personnel have been shifted to the 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the blast. Separately, security forces rescued 50 Amarnath Yatra pilgrims after their bus fell into a 20-meter deep gorge. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/landmine-blast-in-uri-jammu-kashmir-two-army-personnel-injured-near-loc-12206594