News from Bhubaneswar

STF and Drugs Control Department seized over Rs 1 crore worth of illicit cough syrup in Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, detaining one person and probing inter-state links. The confiscated syrups are suspected to have been intended for unauthorised sale and potentially abusive consumption. Further probes are underway to trace the supply sources and involved individuals.

Odisha's Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena warns delivery platforms against reckless driving by delivery boys, emphasising road safety over speed. Transport Department will soon issue an advisory to delivery companies, citing serious concerns over the rising trend of delivery boys speeding on roads. The competition to reach customers faster is becoming 'extremely dangerous'.

Vigilance officials raided Ashok Panda, an R&B Assistant Engineer in Bhubaneswar, uncovering luxury flats, prime plots, and unaccounted wealth worth crores, raising serious corruption concerns. Four flats of engineer Panda are one each in Grand Awaas, Utkal Utopia, Vipul Garden, and Cosmopolis. He also has a Benami flat that surfaced during the raids.

Archana Dash accuses her husband, OAS officer Sarthak Saurabh Mohapatra, of neglect and emotional cruelty towards her and their newborn, highlighting his lack of concern during her hospitalisation. Additionally, she has accused Sarthak’s family—particularly his mother-in-law and sister-in-law—of harassment. A formal complaint regarding domestic abuse has been filed.

Odisha's School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond vows strict action against the OTET question paper leak, with a Crime Branch probe underway and arrests made.

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi to disburse the third installment of Subhadra Yojana on August 9 in Jeypore, benefiting over one crore women. The scheme's steering committee reviewed implementation and discussed eligibility criteria.

Odisha faces backlash as OSSSC cancels RI, ARI, Amin, and ICDS Supervisor exams due to Sify Technologies' alleged malpractice, sparking protests among aspirants.

Odisha faces heavy rainfall as IMD issues orange and yellow alerts for several districts, urging residents to stay alert and avoid outdoor activities during severe weather.

Senior OAS officer Sarthak Saurabh Mohapatra accused by wife Archana Dash of abandoning her and their newborn in a hospital, alongside allegations of domestic abuse. An FIR has been lodged at Mahila Police Station. Archana further alleged that she had been subjected to mental and physical harassment by her husband, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law soon after marriage.

Over 350 professors have applied for 13 Vice-Chancellor positions in Odisha's universities, with delays anticipated due to incomplete Syndicate formations. The BJP-led government's reforms aim to resolve past legal issues. The scrutiny is further prolonged because several professors have applied to multiple universities.

Odisha's Health Department issues urgent advisory as snakebite cases surge post-floods, emphasising the 'golden hour' for treatment and anti-venom availability in affected districts. This period is critical for minimising the neurotoxicity and myotoxicity, and for early diagnosis. Besides, expert advice is very important during this time to save a life.

Odisha Vigilance uncovered significant assets in a raid on Assistant Engineer Ashok Kumar Panda's property, revealing joint investments with Raja Kishore Jena and attempts to evade detection.

Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida announced the reopening of the Subhadra Portal for applications post-August 9, offering young women a chance to avail financial benefits.

Odisha's PWD to integrate AI for faster tender processing, reducing evaluation time from months to a week, as announced by Minister Prithviraj Harichandan.

The Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project faces delays as DMRC terminates contracts for Phase-I, but the state confirms it's not scrapped. A revised DPR is underway to align with urban transport needs.