A controversy erupted at the Berhampur Excise Intelligence Office following allegations of a liquor party inside the premises. Two excise constables were allegedly thrashed by Deputy Superintendent Shrutikant Raut after they objected to the drinking session. Viral videos show liquor bottles and heated arguments in the office. The constables have approached the Chief Minister, Excise Commissioner, and Berhampur SP after local police reportedly failed to take action. While the constables allege bribery and abuse of power, the DSP has denied the claims, accusing them of negligence on duty instead. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/berhampur-excise-office-controversy-erupts-over-alleged-liquor-party-and-assault-on-constables-12184995

Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Jeremy London highlights five essential habits to prevent heart attacks and ensure long-term heart health. These include quitting smoking, monitoring blood pressure, managing cholesterol levels, preventing insulin resistance before diabetes develops, and reducing social isolation. He emphasizes that maintaining physical health through diet and exercise, alongside emotional well-being and social connections, is crucial for a healthy heart. https://sambad.in/lifestyle/5-heart-health-habits-to-prevent-heart-attack-12185026

Olympic medalist and Padma Shri shooter Gagan Narang visited Puri and offered prayers to the deities at Adapa Mandapa during the Rath Yatra. Emotional after the darshan, he expressed feeling blessed. He was welcomed by senior police and district officials. Narang, a 2012 London Olympics bronze medalist and Chef de Mission for the 2024 Paris Games, has been honored with the Padma Shri and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna for his contributions to sports. https://odishasambad.in/olympian-shooter-gagan-narang-offered-prayers-to-lord-jagannath-at-adapa-mandapa/

Archaeologists from the ASI and independent researchers have discovered over 35 ancient idols of Ravana in the Mandya and Mysore districts of Karnataka. The discovery is significant as these regions are traditionally linked to Lord Rama and the Ramayana. The findings suggest that ancient communities in these areas held deep faith in Ravana, worshipping him as a devotee of Lord Shiva. Experts believe further excavations could reveal more about the hidden cultural and religious history of Southern India, noting that the region already houses a historic Ravana temple in Nidaghatta village. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/more-than-35-ravana-idols-unearthed-in-mandya-mysuru-12185018

FCNR (Foreign Currency Non-Resident) deposits have become a hot topic as they help stabilize the Indian Rupee against the Dollar. Indian banks have collected over $21 billion through FCNR(B) accounts in just 42 days via the RBI's swap window. These accounts allow NRIs to save in foreign currencies like USD, GBP, and Euro, offering tax-free interest and protection against exchange rate fluctuations. The RBI uses these funds as a buffer to manage dollar liquidity and prevent the sharp depreciation of the rupee during global economic volatility. https://odishasambad.in/what-is-an-fcnr-deposit-how-does-this-money-from-nris-boost-the-rupee/

The State Election Commission of Odisha has initiated preparations for the 2027 three-tier Panchayat and Urban Local Body (ULB) elections. A high-level meeting led by State Election Commissioner Madhusudan Padhi outlined the roadmap for an error-free voter list. Door-to-door surveys will commence in October this year. The draft voter list is expected on January 1, 2027, with the final list scheduled for publication on February 10, 2027. Booth Level Officers (BLOs), Anganwadi workers, and ASHAs will participate in the process to ensure all eligible family members are grouped in the same booth and ineligible names are removed. https://sambad.in/state/odisha-panchayat-and-urban-polls-2027-door-to-door-voter-survey-from-october-final-electoral-roll-by-february-10-12185075

Spain won the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Argentina 1-0 with a goal from Ferran Torres. Following this historic victory, the Spanish Football Federation received $50 million in prize money, and each player is set to receive a bonus of approximately 8.32 crore rupees. The victory has also boosted the team's brand value and jersey sales. However, the post-match celebrations were marred by reports of physical altercations between players from both teams. https://otvkhabar.in/sports/spains-fifa-world-cup-champions-receive-832-crore-bonus-each-after-historic-victory-over-argentina-12185142

The 'Rural Sports Development Program' led by TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL) in collaboration with Trust of People (TOP) has seen significant success in Sundargarh. Over 500 young athletes from 40 villages, including 40% girls, are receiving professional training in football, athletics, and kho-kho. Many trainees have already achieved accolades at state and national levels, including the Chief Minister's Trophy and national school championships. The program aims to empower rural talent by providing career opportunities through sports quotas and professional coaching. https://odishasambad.in/rural-sports-development-program-over-500-young-athletes-join-in-sundargarh/

President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to visit Odisha for three days from August 3 to 5. During her visit, she will attend programs in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Berhampur. Key highlights include inaugurating Jagadguru Kripalu University in Cuttack, traveling by a special train to Berhampur, and visiting the Maa Kandhuni Devi Temple in Taptapani. Security and coordination measures are being finalized at railway stations and venues for the high-profile visit. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/president-murmus-three-day-odisha-tour-includes-bhubaneswar-cuttack-and-berhampur-events-12185094

The UDISE+ report reveals a 34% increase in single-teacher schools in Odisha within a year, rising from 1,089 to 1,458. Around 60,000 students now rely on a single teacher per school, who must also handle over 25 non-educational tasks like election duty and census work. While the government claims to be hiring thousands of new teachers, the lack of faculty in remote areas significantly impacts educational quality. https://odishasambad.in/single-teacher-schools-in-odisha-rise-34-in-a-year-udise-report/