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

Tension erupted at Fakir Mohan University in Balasore late at night as nursing students protested against exam delays. During a heated argument between students, parents, and the administration, the Vice-Chancellor reportedly fainted. Around 300 students from 9 nursing colleges staged a 12-hour protest, alleging that their 4-year course hasn't finished even after 6 years. There were also allegations of physical assault on the protesting students by some university regulars. https://odishasambad.in/nursing-students-protest-overnight-at-fm-university-over-exam-delays/

A murder accused named Nilamani Mahananda, who had been absconding for 28 years, was arrested by Rengali police from Raigarh, Chhattisgarh. In 1998, he and his associates murdered Duryodhan Dip and threw his body into the Kelo River. Nilamani had escaped from police custody by making an excuse to use the toilet. He was living in Raigarh under the alias 'Raju Ganda' using a fake Aadhaar card. Following intelligence inputs, the police finally tracked him down and produced him in court. https://sambad.in/state/murder-accused-who-escaped-from-police-station-arrested-after-28-years-in-chhattisgarh-12152421

The 'Seba Utsav Samiti' in Nayagarh, led by young lawyer and social activist Sibaram Mahapatra, has completed 10 years of selfless service to the underprivileged. The group focuses on reaching remote areas of the district's 8 blocks where government administration often fails to reach. Volunteers distribute food, clothes, and medicine, often traveling on foot to inaccessible villages. Their commitment to genuine social service, funded by personal savings and donations, has been widely praised as an inspiration for the youth. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=207614

The Puri District Congress Committee organized a protest at Kacheri Chhak against the district police and the state government. They alleged that Congress workers, including Avinash Mishra and Ramachandra Sahu, were falsely implicated in attempt-to-murder cases for showing black flags to CM Mohan Majhi during his Puri visit. The party submitted an 8-point memorandum to the government via the District Collector, highlighting issues like textbook errors, power cuts, and poor healthcare. Senior police officials assured proper investigation into the charges. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=207605

A silent protest march in Puri, demanding equal darshan rights for local residents and common devotees at the Jagannath Temple, has completed 100 days. To mark this milestone, 100 earthen lamps were lit near the temple entrance. Organizers emphasize that in front of Lord Jagannath, there should be no VIP culture or special protocols, and everyone should be treated equally. The march, which started on April 1st, involves social activists and intellectuals who vow to continue the movement until traditional darshan rights are restored for the people of Puri. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=207594

The Shri Chakradhar Mallick Foundation for Odia Culture (SCMFOC) organized a traditional Pitha (Odia pancakes/cakes) competition during the 57th OSA Convention in Minneapolis, USA. 22 participants showcased various Odia delicacies like Enduri, Podapitha, and Kakara. Vijayalakshmi Senapati secured the first position. The event was judged by Padmashree Aruna Mohanty and others, aimed at promoting Odia culinary heritage abroad. https://sambad.in/state/odia-pitha-competition-usa-osa-minnesota-2026-12152874

US Vice President JD Vance's recent speech in Milwaukee has sparked a social media controversy over a poster depicting convicted fraudster Markitta Barnes. During the speech, stage lighting reflected on the poster, making the image appear blurry in the video. MidasTouch digital editor Eisin Torabi shared the clip, criticizing the lack of clarity, which led to a sharp rebuttal from the White House's 'Rapid Response 47' account. The White House accused the editor of supporting a criminal, while MidasTouch maintained that the blurriness was due to lighting and Vance's positioning, not video editing. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/jd-vance-speech-blurry-poster-social-media-row-white-house-response-12152999

Sonam Raghuvanshi, the main accused in the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case in Meghalaya, has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court claiming her innocence. She alleged that she was falsely implicated based on circumstantial evidence. On the other hand, the Meghalaya government has moved the Supreme Court seeking the cancellation of her bail, calling the murder a well-planned conspiracy. Earlier, the Supreme Court refused to stay her bail immediately, stating that bail is the rule and jail is the exception. The court will take a final decision in the next hearing. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/raja-raghuvanshi-murder-case-sonam-claims-innocence-supreme-court-bail-12153006