After the Snana Yatra, Lord Jagannath is suffering from a high fever and is currently in the 'Anasara' room. Today, the sacred 'Phuluri Oil' prepared with 24 medicinal ingredients at the Bada Odia Matha will be applied to the deities' bodies by Daitapati servitors to cure the fever. Due to the Lord's illness, traditional music and chants are prohibited in the temple, and devotees are currently offering prayers to 'Pati Dian' instead of the main idols. https://argusnews.in/odisha/lord-jagannath-fever-phuluri-oil-ritual-anasara-puri-2026

Continuous heavy rainfall caused by a low-pressure system has severely damaged cotton crops in the Birmaharajpur block of Subarnapur district. After a dry June, farmers hurriedly sowed seeds in early July, but subsequent heavy rains for seven days flooded the fields, preventing germination. Thousands of hectares across several panchayats like Jatesingha and Subalaya are affected. Cotton is the second major crop in the region, attracting even farmers from Andhra Pradesh. Affected farmers are now demanding a government assessment of the losses and immediate financial compensation as the waterlogged fields remain unsuitable for replanting. https://www.dharitri.com/heavy-rains-destroy-cotton-crops-farmland-submerged/

Graham Barratt, a British farmer from Gloucestershire, has set two new Guinness World Records for growing the world's heaviest elephant garlic and snow pea. The garlic weighs 1.75 kg with a diameter of 19 cm, making it 35 times larger than average garlic. The record-breaking snow pea weighs 28 grams. Barratt, who has a history of setting multiple world records in farming, planted the garlic last September and achieved these extraordinary results in his garden. https://sambad.in/special/the-heaviest-garlic-and-peas-12143646

Three tankers, including a Qatari LNG vessel and a Saudi oil tanker, were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz during the funeral of Iran's former Supreme Leader. The Qatari vessel Al Rekayyat suffered an engine room fire following a drone strike. While no group has claimed responsibility, reports suggest Iranian involvement. Iran has stated that peace talks with the US will not occur as long as President Trump continues military threats. Shipping in the region has been disrupted for over four months following the conflict involving Israel. https://www.dharitri.com/three-tankers-attacked-in-hormuz/

The article compares mustard oil and refined oil in the context of modern lifestyle and heart health. Mustard oil is highlighted as a healthier option due to its Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids which control cholesterol and protect against infections. In contrast, refined oil undergoes chemical processing using nickel and preservatives, which can harm the skin, respiratory system, and liver. While mustard oil is beneficial for heart health, it contains erucic acid and should be used in moderation. Filtered oil is suggested as a better alternative to refined oil since it avoids chemical additives. https://sambad.in/special/mustard-oil-vs-refined-oil-12143727

Researchers at CSIR-CIMFR have developed India's first mobile 'Smart Algal Liquid Tree' (SALT). This air purification system uses microalgae to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, aiding in pollution control in urban areas where planting traditional trees is difficult. Solar-powered and equipped with sensors to monitor air quality and dust levels, the device has been installed in Dhanbad and Singrauli. It is designed for use in public spaces like schools, airports, and malls. https://www.dharitri.com/liquid-tree-for-clean-air-in-urban-areas/

A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal continues to trigger rainfall across Odisha. The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow warning for Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts for the next 24 hours. Continuous rains have led to rising water levels in the Baitarani and Mahanadi rivers, causing flood-like situations in parts of Keonjhar and Cuttack. In Badamba, floodwater has entered the Bhattarika Temple premises, while several families remain waterlogged in Hatadihi block. Rain is expected to persist in some regions until July 12th. https://argusnews.in/odisha/odisha-rain-alert-imd-weather-warning-next-24-hours

The US military has launched retaliatory airstrikes on Iranian targets, including Qeshm Island and Bandar Abbas, following attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This escalation threatens the fragile peace agreement signed last month in France by President Donald Trump. While the US Central Command justifies the strike as a response to threats against maritime trade, Iran accuses the US of violating the peace deal. The timing is particularly sensitive as it coincides with the funeral of former Iranian leader Khamenei and Trump's attendance at a NATO summit. https://argusnews.in/international/america-airstrikes-iran-qeshm-bandar-abbas

The Hirakud Dam authorities have decided to open the sluice gates on July 9th at 11:00 AM to release this year's first floodwater. Due to heavy rains in Chhattisgarh and the opening of 46 gates of the Kalma Barrage, the water level at Hirakud is rising and is expected to reach 612-613 feet by Thursday. The Water Resources Department has started awareness campaigns in downstream areas via loudspeakers to warn residents and fishermen against entering the Mahanadi river. While water levels will rise in Mahanadi and its tributaries, officials stated there is no immediate threat of a major flood situation. https://argusnews.in/national/hirakud-dam-gates-to-open-on-9-july

Dhanamali Sahu, a resident of Aglapali village in Balangir district, is struggling to survive in a dilapidated house after being excluded from the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana list. Despite being eligible and surveyed by officials, his name did not appear in the final list. His family, including his wife and three children, face severe hardships as rain leaks through the roof damaged by monkeys. Local authorities have been informed, and the Sarpanch confirmed that many deserving individuals have been left out of the scheme. https://www.dharitri.com/spending-days-in-a-dilapidated-house-couple-deprived-of-housing-scheme/