Rising prices of eggs and vegetables in Odisha have severely impacted the PM Poshan (Mid-Day Meal) scheme in government schools. With egg prices reaching Rs 10 per piece, primary schools struggle to provide quality meals within the allocated budget of Rs 11.15 per child. The School and Mass Education Department is considering alternative food options as supply shortages and inflation make it difficult for Self-Help Groups to manage the scheme. Some schools have already started reducing egg portions due to the crisis. https://sambad.in/state/school-lunch-prices-hit-hard-12182863

Lightning strikes across several districts in Odisha, including Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Cuttack, and Balasore, have resulted in 5 deaths and 10 injuries. Most victims were farmers working in fields. In Balasore's Nilgiri area, 8 family members were injured after lightning struck their house, also killing three goats. The injured are currently receiving medical treatment. https://odishasambad.in/lightning-strikes-across-the-state-5-dead-10-critically-injured-in-odisha/

The Odisha Sports and Youth Services Department is facing criticism for allegedly neglecting players of its own approved sports. Out of 43 approved disciplines, sports like Karate, Cricket, Powerlifting, and Taekwondo are facing step-motherly treatment regarding recruitment, promotions, and incentives. The state government is reportedly prioritizing only those sports approved by the central ministry, leading to legal disputes. Many athletes have not received promotions for over a decade, causing significant resentment within the sports community. https://sambad.in/sports/strange-trend-in-odisha-sports-12182880

India's drug regulator DCGI has approved Japan-based Takeda's 'Qdenga' (TAK-003) vaccine, the first vaccine in India to fight dengue. It can be administered to individuals aged 4 to 60 years. The vaccine is effective against all four dengue virus serotypes. It requires two doses administered three months apart. Clinical trials showed 80.2% efficacy in preventing infection and 90.4% effectiveness in reducing hospitalizations. Takeda has partnered with Biological E for local manufacturing, although pricing and market availability dates are yet to be announced. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/indias-first-successful-vaccine-against-dengue-12182852

The article emphasizes the importance of village sanitation and environmental protection. It highlights steps like regular cleaning, waste management using dustbins, plantation to combat pollution, and avoiding plastic. It also stresses on water conservation, using toilets instead of open defecation, and community cleaning drives. By being conscious and involving family and neighbors, villagers can transform their village into a clean, green, and ideal living space. https://sambad.in/special/village-cleanliness-in-the-hands-of-villagers-12182822

In Soro block of Balasore district, illegal stone mining in Khanjamahal hill has turned the landscape into deep water-filled pits. Despite a ban on 63 quarries for the last 5 years due to elephant movement and lack of environmental clearance, mafia activities continue. The deep pits, which were supposed to be filled with sand or soil as per government rules, have become death traps for locals and animals. Political leaders and residents allege a nexus between officials and the stone mafia. Sub-collector Shib Malvya has assured an investigation and strict action. https://sambad.in/state/once-it-was-a-hill-now-it-is-a-pond-12182871

Women in Bargarh district, Odisha, have launched a massive anti-liquor movement inspired by the 'Gulab Gang'. In Kanapali Panchayat, women led by the Sarpanch announced a fine of ₹10,000 for selling liquor. Protests broke out across several villages, and a liquor shop in Bargarh town was sealed after hundreds of women blocked the national highway. The movement aims to create an alcohol-free society and has gained widespread praise. https://sambad.in/state/anti-liquor-movement-gaining-momentum-in-bargarh-12182848

The Indian government is planning to introduce ethanol as a cooking fuel to reduce dependency on LPG imports. The Petroleum Ministry is developing a framework expected to be finalized by September. With an annual surplus of 600 crore liters of ethanol, the plan involves creating specialized ethanol stoves and setting up ethanol dispensing kiosks or ATMs at petrol pumps. This initiative aims to save foreign exchange and provide a sustainable alternative for household cooking needs. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/ethanol-will-enter-the-kitchen-12182854

Farmers in Sundargarh, Odisha, are facing severe difficulties in obtaining fertilizers. Due to a shortage, the Regional Marketing Cooperative Society (RCMS) has limited distribution to only 60 farmers per day. This has forced hundreds of farmers to wait in long queues starting as early as 2 AM, placing their Aadhaar cards in line to secure their spot. While over 200 farmers wait daily, the limited stock of DAP and Nano Urea is causing significant distress among the local agricultural community. https://sambad.in/state/aadhaar-card-in-line-for-fertilizer-12182846

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted market authorization for 'Qdenga' (TAK-003), India's first approved dengue vaccine for individuals aged 4 to 60 years. Developed by Takeda Biopharmaceuticals, the vaccine provides protection against all four dengue serotypes without requiring pre-vaccination screening. Clinical trials showed 90.4% efficacy against hospitalizations. This approval comes as a major public health milestone, following an 11-fold rise in dengue cases in India over the past two decades. The vaccine is already approved in 43 countries and will be administered in two doses with a three-month interval. https://prajuktiodisha.com/india-approves-first-dengue-vaccine-qdenga-by-takeda