Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at Istana Merdeka. They reviewed strategic partnerships in defense, trade, energy, and digital technology. Key highlights include the launch of the Indonesia Open Network (ION) based on India's ONDC, the announcement of 'Tagore-Devantara Year' for 2027, and several MoUs in sectors like space and minerals. Indonesia also expressed support for India's 2026 BRICS Presidency. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/pm-modi-indonesia-president-prabowo-bilateral-talks-key-mous-12142770

The BCCI has decided to split coaching responsibilities between Gautam Gambhir and VVS Laxman due to a busy international schedule. Laxman will serve as the head coach for the Zimbabwe tour and the 2026 Asian Games, while Gambhir stays with the senior team for the West Indies series. Hrishikesh Kanitkar and Sunil Joshi will join Laxman's coaching staff as batting and bowling coaches respectively. This decision aims to manage the workload of the coaching staff effectively. https://www.dharitri.com/gautam-gambhir-to-lose-coachs-post-an-experienced-player-will-take-over/

The Odisha Transport Department has issued a strict directive to seize vehicles operating without fitness certificates, instead of just imposing fines. Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena emphasized that this measure aims to reduce road accidents. Between April and June, over 1.64 lakh e-challans were issued, but only 428 vehicles were seized, prompting the State Transport Authority to tighten enforcement. The new rules also apply to violations regarding registration, permits, and insurance. RTOs and enforcement officers have been instructed to coordinate with the police for effective implementation. https://odishasambad.in/strict-action-against-vehicles-without-fitness-certificate-odisha-launches-statewide-crackdown/

The Wildlife Health Center at OUAT in Bhubaneswar has become India's first NABL-accredited Wildlife Forensic Lab. Receiving accreditation under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards, this marks a historic achievement for Odisha in wildlife conservation and scientific research. The lab will now provide high-quality, internationally standardized testing for wildlife health monitoring, disease diagnosis, and forensic investigations, strengthening the state's capabilities in handling wildlife-related cases. https://argusnews.in/odisha/ouat-indias-first-nabl-accredited-wildlife-forensic-lab-odisha

The Odisha Higher Education Department has invited applications for the Mukhyamantri Research Fellowship (MRF) 2026-27 under the Mukhyamantri Gabesana Protsahana Karjyakrama (MRIP). Eligible PhD scholars can apply via the SAMS portal from July 7 to July 30, 2026. Applicants must be permanent residents of Odisha and registered for their PhD between April 1, 2024, and July 19, 2026. The program aims to provide financial assistance to doctoral researchers in state public universities and government departments. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/state-news/great-news-for-phd-scholars/3262624

Odisha recorded a significant 20.05% growth in vehicle sales in June 2024, with a total of 81,531 units sold compared to 67,913 in the same month last year. According to FADA, two-wheeler sales rose by 21.04%, while passenger and three-wheeler vehicles saw jumps of 26.32% and 38.32% respectively. Conversely, tractor and construction equipment sales witnessed a decline. The growth is attributed to EV subsidies and GST reductions, marking this as a record-breaking June for the state's automobile sector. https://sambad.in/business/81531-vehicles-sold-in-june-12142694

In Rayagada district, Odisha, a woman named Bhanu Jagaranga safely gave birth to a baby girl inside a 108 ambulance while being transported to the hospital. Due to intense labor pain on the way, the ambulance team, including EMT Jugal Kishore Sabar and an ASHA worker, conducted the delivery near Badnala. Both the mother and the newborn were later admitted to the Padmapur Community Health Centre (CHC), where doctors confirmed they are in good health. The timely action by the ambulance staff has been widely praised. https://sambad.in/district/rayagada/baby-girl-delivered-in-108-ambulance-before-hospital-rayagada-12142463

A Dalit woman in Bari, Jajpur district, has accused her partner of 5 years, Siddharth Kumar Sahu, of betrayal. After living together as a couple for two months with the promise of marriage, Siddharth allegedly assaulted her and used casteist slurs when pressured to marry, before fleeing. While an FIR has been filed at Bari police station, the victim’s family alleges police inaction. Conversely, the accused's family has filed counter-complaints, which involves a controversy over a forged signature of the local Sarpanch. https://sambad.in/crime/odisha-woman-alleges-betrayal-after-5-year-relationship-seeks-justice-as-boyfriend-goes-missing-12142670

Heavy rainfall in Wayanad, Kerala has triggered a massive landslide near the Kalladi tunnel construction site. Two people have died, and approximately 10 others are feared trapped under the debris. Rescue operations are underway, and 5 individuals have already been rescued and hospitalized. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority reported 265mm of rain in 24 hours and has issued high alerts for low-lying and landslide-prone areas. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/landslides-in-keralas-wayanad-due-to-heavy-rainfall-12142679

Odisha Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari has announced that land transactions in the state will now be completely cashless to eliminate middleman interference. All payments for land registration will be done online, replacing the previous system that allowed cash transactions up to Rs 15,000. Owners will only need to visit the sub-registrar office for identification, and documents will be available online after registration. The Revenue Department will soon issue a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and provide special training to officials to implement this digital transformation. https://odia.oneindia.com/odisha/land-transactions-will-become-completely-cashless-all-dealings-will-take-place-online-126057.html