The holy city of Puri is preparing to witness one of the most awe-inspiring and spiritually significant moments of the annual Rath Yatra — the Suna Besha, a centuries-old tradition where Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are adorned in magnificent gold ornaments on their chariots. Also known as Raja Besha or Rajarajeshwara Besha, the grand ritual is observed on Bahuda Ekadashi, the 11th…
Gene Regulation Map Reveals Treatment Targets for Heart Failure
July 25: Researchers from University of California San Diego have created the most detailed map to date of how gene regulation breaks down in human heart failure, revealing how genes are controlled in specific cell types as the disease develops and pointing to potential new therapeutic targets. The study, published on July 23, 2026 in Science, integrates multiple layers of genomic data to uncover the hidden…
West Bengal Couple Injured in Bear Attack Near Odisha’s Panchalingeswar Shrine
Balasore, July 25 (UDN): A couple from West Bengal was seriously injured after being attacked by a bear near the popular Panchalingeswar shrine in Odisha’s Balasore district on Friday. The incident took place in the hill area under the Nilgiri forest range, where movement of wild animals has been reported in the past. The couple, who had visited the shrine, encountered the bear during their…
Young Hockey Stars Set for Action as 15 Academies Gear Up for Gwalior Championship
Gwalior, July 25: The stage is set for an exciting display of young hockey talent as 15 academies prepare to compete in the 4th Hockey India Junior Women Academy Championship, beginning July 26 in Gwalior. The tournament, which will continue until August 3, will see teams divided into four pools, with players from across the country competing for top honours and gaining valuable match experience.…
India Squad Meets Zimbabwe Ambassador Ahead of Second T20I
New Delhi, July 25: Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer and members of the team visited the Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe ahead of the second T20 International, as the squad continued preparations for the upcoming match. The players interacted with the Ambassador and officials, highlighting the strong connection between Indian cricket and the Indian community abroad. The meeting provided an opportunity for the team to engage in…
Elderly Woman Found Murdered Inside House in Odisha’s Jatani; Robbery Angle Under Probe
Jatani, July 25 (UDN): An elderly woman was found murdered inside her residence in Jatani area of Odisha’s Khordha district late on Friday night, with police suspecting that the crime may have been committed during an attempted robbery. The deceased has been identified as Shantilata Pradhan, a resident of Uparabasta village under the jurisdiction of Jatani Police Station. According to preliminary police findings, Shantilata was…
Govt Programme Boosts 4.32 Lakh Rural Enterprises
New Delhi, July 25: A government programme aimed at promoting rural entrepreneurship has supported 4.32 lakh enterprises across the country, with 86 per cent of beneficiaries coming from disadvantaged sections of society. The initiative has helped strengthen livelihoods by encouraging self-employment and supporting small businesses in rural areas. It has provided opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to establish and grow their enterprises, contributing to local economic…
Odisha to Hold Statewide National Pledge Against Drug Abuse on August 18
Bhubaneswar, July 25 (UDN): Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg has directed all government departments and district administrations to organise the National Pledge Against Drug Abuse across the state on August 18, 2026, as part of the 6th anniversary of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA). In an official communication addressed to Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Commissioner-cum-Secretaries, Revenue Divisional Commissioners, and District Collectors, the Chief…
Flash Floods Hit Odisha’s Sundargarh as Muddy Hill Water Inundates Homes in Koida
Sundargarh, July 25 (UDN): Several families in Odisha’s Sundargarh district have been affected after a sudden surge of red, muddy rainwater from nearby hills flooded homes in the Koida block following heavy early morning rainfall. The unexpected flow of water swept into residential areas, leaving many households waterlogged and causing damage to personal belongings, important documents, and household property. Several residents were forced to deal…
East Coast Railway Announces Special Trains for Suna Besha and Adharapana During Rath Yatra 2026
Bhubaneswar, July 25 (UDN): The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has announced a series of special train services to facilitate the movement of devotees attending the Suna Besha and Adharapana rituals of the ongoing Rath Yatra 2026 in Puri. Representational Image The additional services have been introduced to handle the anticipated surge in passenger traffic and ensure smooth, safe, and convenient travel for pilgrims visiting the…