In preparation for the 2026 Rath Yatra, Odisha Police conducted a mega mock drill named 'Operation Chakravyuh' in Puri. The drill, aimed at countering potential terrorist attacks and handling hostage situations, involved STU and SOG commandos. For the first time, advanced robots were deployed during the exercise. The mock drill showcased real-time response strategies, including fire safety measures and hostage rescue from high-rise buildings near the Jagannath Temple, ensuring an impenetrable security cover for the millions of devotees expected to visit. https://argusnews.in/odisha/operation-chakravyuh-jagannath-temple-rath-yatra-2026-security-drill

After the Snana Yatra, Lord Jagannath is suffering from a high fever and is currently in the 'Anasara' room. Today, the sacred 'Phuluri Oil' prepared with 24 medicinal ingredients at the Bada Odia Matha will be applied to the deities' bodies by Daitapati servitors to cure the fever. Due to the Lord's illness, traditional music and chants are prohibited in the temple, and devotees are currently offering prayers to 'Pati Dian' instead of the main idols. https://argusnews.in/odisha/lord-jagannath-fever-phuluri-oil-ritual-anasara-puri-2026

The Indian stock market witnessed a massive crash on Wednesday as the Sensex plummeted 1677 points and Nifty fell by 517 points. This downfall, triggered by rising tensions between the US and Iran and a hike in crude oil prices, led to investors losing approximately ₹8 lakh crore in a single day. Market capitalization of listed companies dropped to ₹471 lakh crore. Global market sentiments weakened after US President Donald Trump announced the end of a ceasefire, pushing crude oil prices to $78.09 per barrel. https://sambad.in/business/sensex-crashes-1677-points-investors-lose-8-lakh-crore-us-iran-tensions-12146405

Additional SP of Bhanjanagar, Ranjan Kumar De, rescued an injured youth named Sagar Maharana who was lying on the roadside at Kulad Road. The ASP spotted him while traveling to Gallery and immediately took him to Bhanjanagar Hospital in his own vehicle. The youth was later shifted to Berhampur for better treatment. The officer's humanitarian act is being widely praised. https://www.dharitri.com/exemplary-humanity-bhanjanagar-asp-rescues-injured-youth-lying-on-roadside/

In Anugul, Odisha, a farmer named Tapas Pradhan cut down 1,400 of his own banana trees worth approximately 2.5 lakh rupees due to constant elephant menace. The elephant herd had been destroying his crops and entering his home for the past 10 days. Feeling helpless and fearing for his life, the farmer took this extreme step to stop the elephants from frequenting his farm. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/fear-of-elephants-compels-farmer-to-chop-down-1400-banana-trees-in-angul-12146777

A unique wedding ceremony was organized at the Maa Shyamakali Temple in Bargarh, where two specially-abled couples tied the knot. Facilitated by the 'Power of Divyang' organization, the couples—Swapna Sahoo with Rajkumar Sahoo and Sabita Singh with Pradip Kumar Panda—started their new lives together. The event was attended by Bargarh MLA Ashwini Kumar Sarangi and Atabira MLA Nihar Ranjan Mahananda, who congratulated the newlyweds. The president of the organization, Shyamsundar Agrawal, played a key role and encouraged other specially-abled individuals seeking marriage to contact the organization for support. https://www.dharitri.com/two-specially-abled-couples-tie-the-knot-in-a-mass-marriage-at-bargarh/

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi has chaired a high-level meeting deciding to establish 2200 Godabarish Mishra Adarsh Primary Schools by March 2027. Over ₹2200 crore has been allocated for the current financial year. The CM expressed concern over delays in land identification and instructed collectors to ensure 5-acre plots for each mega campus, including purchasing land if necessary. The overall goal is to set up 7000 such model primary schools across the state. https://sambad.in/state/odisha-to-establish-2200-godabarish-mishra-model-primary-schools-by-march-2027-cm-sets-9-month-deadline-12146795

A major controversy has erupted over Junior NTR's upcoming mythological film based on Lord Kartikeya. Tamil organizations have objected to a motion poster describing the deity's birth in the North, demanding a ban or removal of the text. Meanwhile, the actor is busy shooting for Prashanth Neel's film 'Dragon', which revolves around an international drug network and is set to release on June 11, 2027. https://odishasambad.in/controversy-erupts-over-jr-ntrs-new-film/

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed banks to stop charging customers for SMS alerts related to compliance, awareness, and promotional messages. Previously, banks were charging between Rs 15-18 every three months for these services. Furthermore, banks are no longer mandatory required to send SMS alerts for transactions of Rs 500 or less. This move is expected to impact the fee income of banks and the revenue of telecom companies. https://sambad.in/business/rbi-directs-banks-not-to-charge-sms-alert-fees-customers-12146696