The 2027 Panchayat elections in Odisha are being viewed as a 'litmus test' and a semi-final before the 2029 Assembly elections. After 24 years of BJD rule, the BJP is now in power and faces challenges regarding administrative efficiency and law and order issues. BJD is strategizing a comeback through its strong grassroots organization and the involvement of Sujata Raut Kartikeyan. Meanwhile, Congress is attempting to reorganize under new leadership to regain its position. This election will evaluate the leadership of Mohan Charan Majhi, Naveen Patnaik, and Bhakta Charan Das. https://otvkhabar.in/politics/all-eyes-on-panchayat-polls-as-parties-vie-for-grassroots-dominance-12141977

A 40-year-old unemployed man named Jitendra Sethi committed suicide by consuming pesticide in Jharipadara village under Digapahandi block of Ganjam district. He was reportedly mentally distressed due to unemployment. After being shifted from Digapahandi CHC to Berhampur hospital in critical condition, he passed away during treatment. Police have registered a case and handed over the body to the family after autopsy. https://www.dharitri.com/youth-loses-mental-balance-extreme-decision-taken/

A hardcore Naxalite named Dinesh Mahto, who had been absconding for five years, was arrested by Jharkhand police from Hurlung village. He was a declared fugitive with over 10 criminal cases registered against him in various police stations. Mahto was allegedly involved in CPI (Maoist) activities and was responsible for supplying weapons and explosives to the organization. He was captured during a raid at his home village after evading security forces for years. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/hardcore-naxal-accused-of-supplying-weapons-arrested-after-years-of-evading-police-12143011

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has challenged critics to provide proof if any car has been damaged by E-20 petrol. Addressing a conference, he dismissed claims that ethanol-blended fuel reduces mileage or harms engines as false propaganda. He highlighted that ethanol production from biomass like maize and sugarcane is benefiting farmers in UP and Bihar, adding Rs 45,000 crore to their income. Gadkari emphasized that shifting to biofuels will reduce India's Rs 22 lakh crore crude oil import bill and lower carbon emissions. The government is also proposing amendments to motor vehicle rules to promote flex-fuel and 100% bio-fuel vehicles. https://www.dharitri.com/nitin-gadkari-challenges-critics-of-ethanol-blended-petrol-demands-proof-of-vehicle-damage/

A massive landslide near Meppadi in Kerala's Wayanad district has claimed three lives and left seven others critically injured. The incident occurred near the Kalladi Meenakshi Bridge during tunnel construction work. Heavy rainfall, recorded at 265mm in 24 hours, is cited as the primary cause. Emergency teams and locals are involved in rescue operations. Chief Minister VD Satheesan has directed ministers to supervise relief work on a war footing and urged people in prone areas to relocate to safer shelters. https://odishasambad.in/landslide-near-meenakshi-bridge-wayanad-three-killed-10-injured/

Singapore has maintained its position as the world's most expensive city for the fourth consecutive year according to the Julius Baer Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2026. Zurich and Monaco ranked second and third respectively. The report highlights that luxury living costs have increased by an average of 10.2% globally. Mumbai is the only Indian city featured in the list, ranking 22nd, which is a slight drop from its 20th position last year. The rankings are based on the cost of 20 luxury goods and services, including residential property, cars, and business class travel. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/singapore-is-the-most-expensive-city-in-the-world-12142957

A Hindi teacher named Purnima has left her teaching profession to pursue a career in the opera or Jatra industry as a lead actress. Driven by her passion for acting and the arts, she decided to switch from the classroom to the stage, a move that has garnered significant attention in Odisha. https://otvkhabar.in/videosodisha/society/opera-jatra-heroine-purnima-quits-her-apprenticeship-as-a-hindi-teacher-otvshorts-jatraactor-12143030

A young man from Banki, Cuttack district, went missing after being swept away by the strong currents of the Mahanadi river while bathing. Despite rescue efforts by locals and the fire brigade, he remains untraceable. A search operation by the local administration and fire service is currently underway. https://www.dharitri.com/youth-drowns-while-bathing-in-mahanadi-search-continues/

Residents of San Aryapalli in Chatrapur have threatened to launch a massive protest if construction of a stone sea wall is not started within 7 days. Villagers submitted a memorandum to the Ganjam Collector, highlighting the severe coastal erosion allegedly caused by the Gopalpur Port's breakwater construction since 2009. They warned of blocking the port gates and national highway if their demands for permanent safety measures are not met immediately. https://www.dharitri.com/demand-for-construction-of-stone-embankment-on-the-seashore/

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) held a state-level review meeting in Bhubaneswar to discuss organizational growth and strategize for the upcoming panchayat and municipal elections in Odisha. Presided over by State President Nishikant Mohapatra, the party decided to launch public protests against the BJP government's policies, focusing on issues like educational reforms, mob violence, and administrative corruption. The party plans to strengthen its grassroots presence across all assembly constituencies within the next two months. https://prajuktiodisha.com/aam-aadmi-party-odisha-strategic-meet-bhubaneswar-bjp-government-protest