AIIMS Bhubaneswar has ranked 10th in the India Today-MDRA Best Medical College Survey 2026, marking a significant achievement for Odisha. It also secured the 2nd position in the 'Most Improved' medical college category. The institution jumped from 25th rank in 2021 to 10th in 2026, based on parameters like academic excellence, infrastructure, and placement. Executive Director Dr. Ashutosh Biswas attributed this success to continuous commitment to quality healthcare and research. https://odishasambad.in/aiims-bhubaneswar-shines-bright-ranked-among-top-10-medical-colleges-in-india/

A political controversy has erupted in the Football World Cup involving US President Donald Trump. It is alleged that FIFA withdrew the suspension of US player Folarin Balogun following Trump's intervention. Balogun received a red card in a match against Bosnia and was set to miss the pre-quarterfinal against Belgium. However, after Trump reportedly spoke with FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, the suspension was deferred for a year of probation, allowing Balogun to play. Belgium and UEFA have strongly opposed this decision, questioning the transparency of the sport. https://sambad.in/sports/controversy-over-the-revocation-of-the-american-players-suspension-12139904

Thousands of women in Nabarangpur district staged a massive protest against liquor sales by surrounding the Collector's office with sticks in hand. Led by the District Nari Mahasangh, the protesters blocked the National Highway for two hours and submitted a 10-point charter of demands. They are calling for a complete ban on illegal and licensed liquor shops, citing rising domestic violence and social issues. They have warned of intensified protests if their demands are not met within 15 days. https://sambad.in/state/thousands-of-women-gherao-nabarangpur-collectorate-demand-district-wide-liquor-ban-12139889

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has appointed three senior IPS officers to top positions. Alok Kumar Mittal (Haryana cadre) is the new Director General of BPR&D until June 2029. Amit Garg (Andhra Pradesh cadre) has been appointed as the Director of NCRB until October 2027. Additionally, Sujit Pandey (Uttar Pradesh cadre) has been named as the Director of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/senior-ips-officer-amit-garg-appointed-ncrb-chief-12139947

Water levels in the Baitarani River are rising, leading to fears of a minor flood in the low-lying areas of Jajpur district. Official Dilip Raut stated that the water level at Akhuapada might cross the danger mark. Floodwaters have already washed away a 60-foot temporary road connecting Beleswar to Kusi, causing distress to locals. While Odisha has received heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours, officials clarified that most reservoirs are empty and no major flood is expected immediately. The weather is expected to improve after another 24 hours. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/state-news/water-level-of-the-baitarani-river-is-rising-this-area-may-be-slightly-affected/3262022

The 77th Van Mahotsav week was celebrated in Ranpur, Nayagarh district, under the Khordha Forest Division. Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy attended as the chief guest, urging everyone to plant a tree for their mother. Over 1,000 saplings were planted during the event, with a future goal of planting 10,000 more trees. Local officials and forest department staff participated to promote environmental conservation. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=207366

The Indian T20 squad for the upcoming 3-match series against Zimbabwe has been announced under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer. Notably, Sanju Samson has been excluded from the 15-member squad, while 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi retains his place. The team features six changes compared to previous series, including the return of Rinku Singh and Mayank Yadav. Four new faces—Prabhsimran Singh, Yash Thakur, Ashok Sharma, and Harsh Dubey—have received maiden call-ups. All matches are scheduled to be played in Harare starting July 23. https://odishasambad.in/indias-squad-for-the-tour-of-zimbabwe-announced/

Odisha CM Mohan Majhi reviewed Rath Yatra preparations in Puri, emphasizing a smooth experience for devotees. Key measures include tightening inner cordon passes to block unauthorized entry, utilizing AI and drones for crowd management, and ensuring safety for women. The CM directed the police to monitor social media rumors and instructed all departments to complete remaining works by July 12. Servitors have committed to timely completion of rituals to avoid previous delays. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/cm-directs-tight-security-and-crowd-management-ahead-of-rath-yatra-12139863

A scooter caught fire while moving on the Nabarangpur-Kosagumuda road on Monday. Sandeep Panda, a teacher from Pujariguda school, narrowly escaped injury when the vehicle suddenly stopped and burst into flames. Although the fire brigade arrived and controlled the fire, the scooter was completely destroyed. Short-circuit is suspected to be the cause of the fire. https://www.dharitri.com/scooty-suddenly-caught-fire-while-it-was-moving-and-then/

Millions of people gathered in Tehran for the funeral of Iran's former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, marking one of the largest gatherings in the country's modern history. Mourners lined a 10km route to pay their final respects. During the procession, crowds shouted slogans against US President Donald Trump and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, with placards calling for their assassination. Supporters carried red and white flags, symbolizing martyrdom and revenge according to Shia traditions. The body will be taken to Qom for rituals before burial in Mashhad. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/khomeinis-last-journey-12139867