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

A BJP joining program was held in Habaspur, Junagarh block of Kalahandi district, where over 500 people joined the party in the presence of MP Malvika Devi and MLA Sudhir Ranjan Pattjoshi. Additionally, a free ambulance service funded by Akshaya Nayak was inaugurated for the local public during the event. https://www.dharitri.com/bjps-mishrana-in-habaspur-kalahandi/

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/

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

The Odisha government has integrated the 'PM-Surya Ghar Yojana' with central housing schemes like PMAY to provide solar energy to beneficiaries. Deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo announced that for 1KW rooftop solar panels, a combined subsidy of ₹55,000 (₹30,000 from Center and ₹25,000 from State) will be provided, leaving beneficiaries to pay only ₹1,875. Additionally, a ₹3,708 crore project for underground cabling across four DISCOMs was approved to enhance safety and infrastructure. Directives were issued to replace dangerous overhead wires with insulated cables and develop a utility shifting portal for easier infrastructure management. https://prajuktiodisha.com/odisha-dy-cm-kanak-vardhan-singh-deo-power-reforms-pm-surya-ghar-pmay