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

Palitana, located in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat, is the world's first officially vegetarian city. In 2014, following a hunger strike by approximately 200 Jain monks, the government banned the sale and consumption of meat, fish, and eggs. The city is home to over 900 Jain temples and upholds the principle of non-violence. Selling eggs or meat in this city is a punishable legal offense, making it a unique destination where vegetarianism is mandated by law. https://odia.news18.com/photogallery/trending/neither-rishikesh-nor-kashi-indias-only-city-where-even-selling-eggs-is-a-crime-worlds-first-meat-free-city-legal-ban-facts-lpd-405883.html

The central government has announced the National Sports Awards for 2025. A total of 17 athletes, including chess stars Divya Deshmukh and Vidit Gujrathi, have been selected for the Arjuna Award, while 5 coaches will receive the Dronacharya Award. Notably, no cricketer was named in the list, and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award will not be conferred to anyone this year. The Army Paralympic Node in Pune has been chosen for the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/sports/national-sports-awards-2025-announced-17-sportspersons-to-receive-arjuna-awards/3290556

The Ratneswar Mahadev Temple in Ratalang village of Jajpur district is a significant spiritual site where devotees believe Lord Shiva directly listens to their prayers. It is widely held that the temple offers solace and healing, even when medical science fails. The annual Jagar Jatra is the biggest festival celebrated here, fostering community unity and spiritual peace among thousands of followers who visit for worship and rituals. https://odia.news18.com/news/odisha/ratneshwar-mahadev-jagar-yatra-devotees-unwavering-faith-sps-local18-ws-l-405731.html

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/

Malabar Gold & Diamonds has appointed cricket icon MS Dhoni as its brand ambassador. The partnership, themed under 'Responsible Jeweller,' emphasizes Malabar's commitment to ethical business practices, transparency, and quality. Chairman MP Ahammed welcomed Dhoni, highlighting his integrity and global trust. Dhoni expressed excitement about the collaboration, noting that the brand's values of consistency and customer focus align with his own career principles. https://sambad.in/business/dhoni-is-the-new-brand-ambassador-of-malabar-12348170

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 has climbed from 13th to 7th position nationally in rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. The state has installed 1.74 lakh systems, generating 410 MW of capacity. With over 3.12 lakh applications, Odisha recorded a 130% growth in installations. Key districts like Balasore, Ganjam, Khordha, and Cuttack lead the drive. The success is attributed to government subsidies, Discom efforts, and initiatives like 'Solar Didi'. Odisha aims to achieve 3 lakh installations by 2027. https://odishasambad.in/odisha-climbs-to-7th-nationally-in-rooftop-solar-emerges-as-a-model-for-pm-surya-ghar-adoption/