PM Narendra Modi recently recalled the heroic acts of Odisha's former CM Biju Patnaik. During Indonesia's struggle for independence in 1947, Biju Patnaik flew a Dakota aircraft to Jakarta on PM Nehru's request to rescue Indonesian leaders Mohammad Hatta and Sutan Sjahrir from Dutch forces. For his bravery, the Indonesian government honored him with their highest civilian award, 'Bhoomi Putra'. PM Modi highlighted this historic mission as a symbol of the deep-rooted ties between India and Indonesia. https://odishasambad.in/the-daring-story-behind-pm-modis-praise-for-biju-patnaik-in-indonesia/

Forest department officials arrested two poachers in Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary after their activities were recorded on AI-enabled cameras. The enforcement team seized two country-made guns, traps, and 4.8 kg of explosives. A third person who supplied gunpowder was also apprehended. All accused have been sent to judicial custody in Baripada. Statistics reveal that 403 poachers have been arrested from Similipal and Satkosia areas so far this year. https://sambad.in/state/ai-cameras-help-nab-poachers-in-similipal-guns-and-explosives-seized-12143100

During the 77th State-level Bana Mahotsav in Bhubaneswar, CM Mohan Charan Majhi announced a massive afforestation drive. A 1.5 km wide green belt will be created along Mahanadi and 6 other major rivers. Odisha has recorded an increase of 558 sq km in forest cover over the last two years, ranking third in India. Multiple schemes like 'Sabuja Mahanadi Mission', 'CAMPA', and 'MISHTI' are being implemented to combat climate change and increase urban greenery. Two forest protection committees from Angul and Mayurbhanj were honored with the CM's Award and ₹2 lakh each for their contribution. https://odishasambad.in/green-belt-to-be-created-on-river-banks-lakhs-of-saplings-to-be-planted-along-7-major-rivers-including-mahanadi/

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 first-grade female student was seriously injured after being attacked by a stray dog at Maa Saraswati Sishu Vidya Mandir in the Mahanala area of Ganjam district. Teachers and locals rescued the girl and admitted her to the Adpada Community Health Centre. This incident has sparked fear in the locality as a similar dog attack on another student occurred just a month ago in the same region. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/stray-dog-bites-young-student-in-sanakhemundi-admitted-to-nearby-health-centre-12143102

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