The Police Service Awards for 2026 have been announced, honoring 17 police personnel from Odisha. Senior officer Sanjeev Panda and DSP Smitarani Mohanty have been selected for the President's Police Medal. Among the awardees, 5 will receive gallantry medals, 2 will receive the President's Medal, and 10 will receive medals for meritorious service. Additionally, the Bhadrak District Collector reviewed the second flood situation in the Baitarani and Salandi rivers. https://sambad.in/state/police-service-award-2026-has-been-announced-12259332

Transform leftover rotis into a delicious and crispy snack called Appe in just 10 minutes. The recipe involves grinding the leftovers and mixing them with boiled potatoes, onions, carrots, and spices. These small balls are then cooked in an Appe pan until golden brown. It is an easy, healthy, and zero-waste cooking idea perfect for breakfast or snacks. https://otvkhabar.in/food-recipes/dont-throw-away-leftover-roti-make-crispy-and-tasty-appe-in-just-10-minutes-12264437

A unique 'Petrol Langar' has been organized in Chandigarh by Rakesh Trehan, also known as Raja from Amritsar. Under this initiative, free petrol coupons worth Rs 500 for two-wheelers and Rs 1,000 for four-wheelers are being distributed at specific petrol pumps in Sector 7 and Sector 10. The distribution starts at 5 PM, and only those arriving with vehicles are eligible for the coupons. Raja, who has previously gained fame for distributing cash, burgers, and cold drinks, also hinted at distributing iPhones in the future. https://argusnews.in/national/chandigarh-free-petrol-langar-august-18

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has slammed the Congress leadership over a video involving the singing of 'Vande Mataram' during an August 15 event. Comparing senior Congress leaders to people from Pakistan, Ranaut expressed shock at their apparent discomfort during the national song. She claimed that leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge seemed agitated and tried to turn off the cameras, stating that 'Vande Mataram' reflects the soul of India and such hatred towards it is unjustifiable. https://www.dharitri.com/kangana-ranaut-compares-congress-with-pakistan-after-vande-mataram-video-row/

NASA has formally invited India to participate in its ambitious Moon Base program aimed at establishing a long-term human presence on the lunar surface. The invitation was extended to ISRO during the 9th India-US Civil Space Joint Working Group meeting in Bengaluru. Under the Artemis Accords, the project focuses on infrastructure development, including robotic missions and pressurized modules at the Moon's South Pole between 2029 and 2032. India's expertise from Chandrayaan missions is expected to play a vital role in resource mapping and surface studies. https://odia.news18.com/news/national-international/nasa-plans-permanent-moon-base-invites-india-dkp-ws-l-405586.html

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a review meeting to address traffic issues in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. He directed officials to strictly implement the smart traffic system and improve city beautification. Discussions included constructing an 8-lane road for Puri-bound travelers, repairing damaged junctions, and building new flyovers. The CM emphasized cleaning and organizing historical Cuttack and the capital city, urging departments like the Police Commissionerate and Urban Development to work collaboratively. https://odishasambad.in/odisha-cm-holds-review-meeting-for-permanent-solution-of-twin-city-traffic-problem-and-beautification-news/

A major security breach occurred at the Puri Jagannath Temple when a young man climbed onto the 'Alan Bedha' after bypassing security cordons. Following a period of high drama, police managed to bring the individual down. The man is currently being interrogated, but his identity and motive remain unclear. This incident marks a repeat of past security lapses where devotees have climbed the temple structures, raising serious concerns about the existing security measures and surveillance systems at the shrine. https://www.samayalive.in/odisha-news/youth-climbs-the-alabedha-of-the-temple--bypassing-security/article-38164

A 40-year-old occultist named Radhu Kisku was arrested in Mayurbhanj district for allegedly raping a 19-year-old college student. The accused tricked the victim by claiming her father's illness was due to an evil spirit in her body and assaulted her during a fake ritual. He threatened the victim to keep quiet, but she later filed a complaint at Tiring police station. The police have registered a case and forwarded the accused to court after conducting medical examinations. https://sambad.in/state/college-student-allegedly-raped-on-pretext-of-exorcism-in-mayurbhanj-tantrik-arrested-12393367

A political row has erupted between Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over police action against students protesting at Jantar Mantar. While Rijiju claimed the police action was minimal and no students were seriously injured, Rahul Gandhi shared a video of injured students calling the government's claims false and insensitive. Gandhi accused the government of hiding facts due to arrogance and demanded free treatment for injured students and action against police excesses during the protests related to NEET and exam irregularities. https://odishasambad.in/rahul-targets-centre-over-police-action-accuses-government-of-whitewashing-and-hiding-truth/

Revenue Inspector (RI) Suraj Bala of Jharapalli in Malkangiri district was arrested by the Vigilance Department while accepting a bribe of ₹8,000 for issuing a caste certificate. This is the second time he has been caught; he was previously arrested in November 2023 for taking a ₹15,000 bribe regarding land documents. Public demand for strict punishment has risen following his repeated offenses. https://odishasambad.in/ri-of-jharapali-circle-under-malkangiri-district-nabbed-by-odisha-vigilance-while-taking-bribe/