Sunday, July 5

Odisha

Thrill Ride Turns Terror: Eight Trapped 30 Feet in the Air at Odisha Fair
Odisha, State

Thrill Ride Turns Terror: Eight Trapped 30 Feet in the Air at Odisha Fair

Cuttack, Odisha: A joyous evening at the Bali Jatra festival turned into a terrifying ordeal when a swing ride malfunctioned, leaving eight people stranded 30 feet above the ground for nearly two hours. Among those trapped were a woman and two children. The incident occurred around 11:00 PM on Wednesday night while festival-goers were enjoying the rides. Due to a sudden technical failure, the swing came to an abrupt halt, leaving passengers suspended in mid-air. Families watched helplessly as their loved ones remained trapped, visibly frightened, for almost two hours. Dramatic Rescue OperationA rescue team, including personnel from the local fire service and officers from the Cuttack DCP’s office, conducted a meticulously coordinated operation. Using a hydraulic lift, rescuers manage...
Padma Shri Sand Artist Sudarsan Pattnaik Faces Backlash for “Obscene” Sand Art Celebrating Women’s World Cup Victory
Odisha

Padma Shri Sand Artist Sudarsan Pattnaik Faces Backlash for “Obscene” Sand Art Celebrating Women’s World Cup Victory

Bhubaneswar: Celebrated sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik, known for his iconic creations on Odisha’s Puri Beach, has found himself at the center of controversy after unveiling a sand sculpture celebrating India’s historic ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 victory. While intended as a tribute to “Nari Shakti,” the artwork has sparked widespread criticism online, with many calling it “inappropriate” and “confusing.” Pattnaik shared a photo of his sand art on social media platform X, captioning it: “Saluting the power of Indian women! Congratulations to Team India for winning the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. My sand art with cricket balls at Puri Beach, Odisha.” However, what was meant as a congratulatory gesture quickly turned into a storm of trolling. Many users questioned his artistic choi...