For the first time in history, an Australian Big Bash League (BBL) match will be held outside Australia. A match of the 2026-27 edition is scheduled to take place at Chennai's M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on December 12. The match will feature Melbourne Renegades against Perth Scorchers. The announcement was confirmed in the presence of Indian PM Narendra Modi and Australian PM Anthony Albanese. The match is timed to avoid overlap with the Australia-New Zealand Test series, allowing fans to watch it in the afternoon India time. https://sambad.in/sports/big-bash-league-first-match-in-india-chennai-hosts-bbl-2026-12151592

The 77th district-level Vanamahotsav was celebrated at Town High School in Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi. Organised by the North Forest Division, the event saw the participation of MP Malvika Devi and MLA Captain Dibya Shankar Mishra. During the ceremony, two Forest Protection Committees, Pujiladu and Suruguda, were honored with the Chief Minister's Award, receiving checks of Rs 50,000 each for their outstanding contributions to forest and wildlife conservation. Guests also participated in a plantation drive within the school premises. https://www.dharitri.com/2-forest-conservation-societies-received-awards-worth-rs/

The 'Kudu duck' from Mayurbhanj, Odisha, has received national recognition and breed registration from ICAR. Known for its distinct physical features and high immunity, this duck is resistant to Bird Flu. It produces about 150 eggs annually, which is nearly double the yield of local varieties. After two years of research by the Directorate of Poultry Research, Bhubaneswar, it has been officially certified. This recognition is expected to boost poultry farming across Odisha, benefiting the local tribal communities who rely on these ducks for food and livelihood. https://odishasambad.in/national-recognition-for-odishas-indigenous-kudu-duck-breed-icar-grants-animal-breed-registration-certificate-news/

Senco Gold & Diamonds has launched a special jewelry collection and festive offers for Rath Yatra 2026. Customers can enjoy up to 40% discount on gold jewelry making charges and 100% off on diamond jewelry making charges. Additionally, there is a 20% discount on diamond values and 10% off on gemstones. The brand also offers 0% deduction on old gold exchange with an extra benefit of Rs 650 per gram. The new collection features intricate designs inspired by deities and chariots, available across its 200+ outlets. https://prajuktiodisha.com/senco-gold-and-diamonds-rath-yatra-offers-odisha

A major oil theft racket was uncovered in Tonk, Rajasthan, where a 40-foot underground secret pipeline was illegally connected to the main Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) high-pressure crude oil line. The theft came to light after IOCL noticed a sudden drop in pressure since June 1. Engineers discovered the bypass in a farmland in Ladi village, Malpura. Police suspect the involvement of technical experts as tapping into a high-pressure line requires specialized skills. An investigation has been launched against unidentified culprits. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/rajasthan-crude-oil-theft-underground-pipeline-tonk-12151828

The central government has imposed restrictions on the sale of medicines containing more than 12% ethyl alcohol. According to a notification by the Union Health Ministry, such medicines, especially in bottles larger than 30ml, can no longer be sold without a doctor's prescription. The government amended the Drugs Rules 1945, moving these medicines from 'Schedule K' to 'Schedule H1' to curb their misuse as intoxicants. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/india-prescription-rule-high-alcohol-medicines-12153031

The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has announced the results of the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Preliminary Examination. A total of 5,690 candidates have qualified, including 1,905 women. The preliminary exam was conducted on June 7 this year. Successful candidates are now eligible for the main written examination, which OPSC plans to conduct in October. Candidates can access the full merit list on the official website opsc.gov.in. https://sambad.in/state/opsc-ocs-prelims-result-2026-declared-5690-candidates-qualify-for-main-examination-12152872

Mumbai Police received a threatening phone call from an unknown person claiming to blow up Delhi's historic Red Fort with a bomb. Mumbai Police immediately alerted the Delhi Police, who conducted a thorough investigation and declared the threat a hoax. The police are currently working to identify and track down the caller. Similar hoax bomb threats have recently targeted schools in Delhi and Noida. https://www.samayalive.in/india-abroad/%E0%AC%B2%E0%AC%BE%E0%AC%B2%E0%AC%95%E0%AC%BF%E0%AC%B2%E0%AD%8D%E0%AC%B2%E0%AC%BE%E0%AC%95%E0%AD%81-%E0%AC%AC%E0%AD%8B%E0%AC%AE%E0%AC%BE%E0%AC%B0%E0%AD%87-%E0%AC%89%E0%AD%9C%E0%AC%BE%E0%AC%87%E0%AC%AC%E0%AC%BE%E0%AC%95%E0%AD%81-%E0%AC%AE%E0%AD%81%E0%AC%AE%E0%AD%8D%E0%AC%AC%E0%AC%BE%E0%AC%87-%E0%AC%AA%E0%AD%81%E0%AC%B2%E0%AC%BF%E0%AC%B8%E0%AD%8D%E2%80%8C%E0%AC%95%E0%AD%81-%E0%AC%A7%E0%AC%AE%E0%AC%95/article-37499

Koraput MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka has written to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw demanding rail connectivity for Gudari block in Rayagada district. He requested a re-alignment survey of the proposed Gopalpur-Rayagada rail line to include the remote Gudari region, which could benefit 1.5 lakh people. The MP proposed an alternative route via Akusing-Naira-Gudari. The project, currently planned for 197 km with 14 stations connecting up to Ramanaguda, is expected to boost local health, education, and employment opportunities. https://sambad.in/district/rayagada/koraput-lok-sabha-mp-saptagiri-shankar-ulaka-has-written-a-letter-to-union-railway-minister-ashwini-baishnab-12154621

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have developed a special E. coli bacteria capable of consuming plastic bottles. The bacteria break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into adipic acid, which is widely used in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries. This innovative process aims to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability. Researchers are conducting further studies to optimize this process for environmental protection. https://www.samayalive.in/feature/bacteria-eating-plastic/article-37501