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

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

The Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Department has directed all District Collectors to immediately implement the revised English spellings for districts, sub-divisions, tehsils, blocks, and urban areas in all official works. This change aims to align English spellings with Odia pronunciation. Private and commercial organizations have been given six months to update their signage. This move is intended to preserve the state's linguistic and cultural identity while ensuring uniformity in administrative records. https://odishasambad.in/revenue-departments-measures-for-the-immediate-implementation-of-revised-english-spellings/

Odisha Police has recovered over 300 mobile phones stolen from Puri during crowded events like Rath Yatra. Using technical tracking and cyber cell assistance, a special squad traced these devices across various locations. A distribution event was held in Bhubaneswar where the phones were returned to their rightful owners after verification. Investigations are ongoing to bust the inter-state gang involved in these thefts. https://odishasambad.in/stolen-from-puri-police-return-over-300-mobile-phones-to-rightful-owners-in-bhubaneswar/

Utkal Hospital in Bhubaneswar celebrated its 8th Foundation Day. Chairman Dr. Aditya Kumar Samal sent greetings from the USA, praising staff dedication. Managing Director Dr. Pragyan Ranjan Ghadei emphasized medical service as humanity's mission. The event included Ganapati puja on the 6th floor and distribution of sweets among doctors and staff. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=208059