The Jagatsinghpur Excise Department, in a joint operation, arrested two drug peddlers and seized 119 grams of brown sugar worth approximately 13 lakh rupees. The accused, identified as Jiban Prakash Lenka and Suryanarayan Mohanty, were caught at Gumutipur bus stand and Galupada respectively. Authorities also seized a Royal Enfield motorcycle and two Android phones used in the trade. Both suspects were produced before the district judge, denied bail, and sent to 14-day judicial custody. https://sambad.in/state/two-drug-peddlers-arrested-with-119-grams-of-brown-sugar-worth-13-lakh-in-jagatsinghpur-12185592

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has leveled serious allegations against the Delhi Police following a scuffle during a Parliament march. CJP claims that the police attacked a truck carrying party founder Abhijit Dipke, actor Prakash Raj, and Shabana Azmi. They alleged that protesters were beaten and police used excessive force. Conversely, the Delhi Police has dismissed these allegations as baseless and urged the public not to believe in social media rumors, maintaining that no such violence occurred. https://www.dharitri.com/cjp-accuses-delhi-police-of-assault-after-parliament-march-as-police-deny-violence-claims/

The Shiv Sena (UBT) has moved the Supreme Court challenging Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's decision to approve the merger of six of its MPs into the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction. Senior advocate Devadatt Kamat, representing the UBT faction, mentioned the matter before a bench led by Justice Surya Kant, seeking an urgent hearing. The petition argues against the trend of elected representatives switching parties after winning elections. The Supreme Court has stated it will consider the matter. https://www.samayalive.in/india-abroad/sena-ubt-moves-sc-over-merger-of-6-mps-with-shinde-sena/article-37667

Three BDA parks in Ward No. 15 of Bhubaneswar are facing severe maintenance issues. Parks in VIP Colony, Rental Colony, and Akshay Mohanty Park lack basic amenities like children's play equipment and yoga platforms. Residents complain about piled-up garbage, rusted gym equipment, and lack of drinking water. The BDA engineer stated that tenders have been called for improvements and sanitation work will be conducted soon. https://sambad.in/metro/bda-park-in-trouble-12182905

Protests were held in Puri, Odisha, demanding the resignations of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and State Education Minister Nityanand Gond. The protestors, including members from CITU, Congress, and CPI, demanded the abolition of NTA, cancellation of NEP 2020, and expressed outrage over the arrest of Sonam Wangchuk. They also highlighted issues like NEET paper leaks and errors in state textbooks containing unscientific and unhistorical information. A massive rally was conducted from PKDA Square to the District Collector's office. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=208091

A new 160.18 km coastal highway connecting Rameshwar to Paradip is set to be constructed in Odisha at a cost of ₹8,300.79 crore. Spanning across Khordha, Puri, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur districts, the project includes a 4-lane access-controlled section from Rameshwar to Konark and a 2-lane section from Konark to Paradip. Designed for speeds up to 100 km/h, it aims to reduce travel time by 2.5 hours, boosting spiritual tourism to Jagannath and Konark temples, while promoting local economy and logistics through the PM Gati Shakti initiative. https://sambad.in/state/odisha-rameswaram-paradip-coastal-highway-rs-8300-crore-project-12182649

Political dynamics in Ganjam are shifting as BJP MP Pradeep Panigrahi makes a significant entry into Naveen Patnaik's stronghold, Hinjili. During the Rath Yatra in Alarigadh, Panigrahi performed the Chera Pahanra ritual alongside several BJD leaders, sparking rumors of a mass exodus from the BJD. Local voters are expressing dissatisfaction with Naveen Patnaik's absence, having visited the constituency only once post-election. With municipal and panchayat polls approaching, the BJD faces a challenge in retaining its grip as more local representatives join the BJP. https://argusnews.in/politics/pradeep-panigrahy-entry-hinjili-naveen-patnaik-bjd-politics

The two-day Khemundi Folk Art Festival concluded in Digapahandi, Ganjam. During the event, District Collector V. Keerthi Vasan announced the construction of a modern Sanskruti Bhawan in the town and promised administrative support to promote local culture globally. MLA Siddhant Mohapatra inaugurated the Prahlad Natak workshop. A key attraction was the performance by 99-year-old Padma Shri awardee Simanchal Patra. The festival featured cultural processions, discussions on traditional arts, and felicitation of artists. https://www.dharitri.com/khemundi-lok-mahotsav-concludes-in-digapahandi-collector-announces-new-cultural-bhavan/

Police in Mysuru, Karnataka, have arrested three individuals for allegedly gang-raping and robbing a woman from West Bengal. The victim was lured to an isolated spot where the crime took place, and her valuables, including money and a mobile phone, were stolen. Using CCTV footage and technical evidence, the police identified and apprehended the suspects. A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and further investigation is underway while the victim receives medical and legal assistance. https://sambad.in/crime/mysuru-gang-rape-robbery-west-bengal-woman-three-arrested-12185761

The Philippines Ambassador to India, Josel Francisco Ignacio, has hailed the Indian Navy's growing presence in the South China Sea as a significant signal for regional security and a rules-based maritime order. He emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation and international law. The ambassador also welcomed the strengthening maritime cooperation between India and the Philippines, specifically highlighting the BrahMos supersonic missile deal as a milestone that elevates their strategic partnership and promotes regional stability. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/indian-navy-presence-south-china-sea-important-signal-philippines-envoy-12185753