Bandh Disrupts Normal Life
Normal life was affected across Odisha during a 12-hour nationwide strike called by central trade unions protesting four new labour codes and alleged pro-corporate policies. Major unions, including CITU, AITUC, INTUC, HMS and UTUC, picketed roads. Congress, Left parties supported the bandh; BJD’s labour wing extended “moral support”.

Breakthrough in Murder Case
Police reported a major breakthrough in the Kinnar Sona murder case following the encounter of prime accused Krishna Kandi. A forensic team recovered a Pulsar bike, pistol, live bullet, cartridges and blood samples. Investigators suspect robbery as motive; raids continue to nab two absconding associates.

QR Code Land Pattas
Odisha will introduce QR code-enabled land pattas to curb land fraud, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari said. The Record of Rights will carry a scannable code providing instant land details. Fraudulent transactions will trigger alerts to Tehsildars and Revenue Inspectors, enhancing transparency in property dealings.

Pitabas Panda Case
The Pitabas Panda murder case took a new turn after defence counsel Deepak Pattnaik questioned missing objectionable photographs of accused Bikram Panda allegedly stored in a pen drive at Panda’s house. A secret chamber key was reportedly recovered from Panda’s sacred thread and opened in his wife’s presence.

Chilika Dolphin Count Stable
Irrawaddy dolphin numbers in Chilika Lake remain unchanged at 159. The lagoon also recorded 16 humpback dolphins this year, up from 15 in 2025. Overall, 765 dolphins of six species were sighted along Odisha’s coast and Chilika during the census.

Bangladesh Goes to Polls
Bangladesh began voting in its first parliamentary election since Sheikh Hasina’s ouster. Polling runs from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, with counting immediately after. Of 350 seats, 300 are directly elected; 151 seats are required to form the government.

Seattle Settles Student Case
Seattle reached a $29 million settlement with the family of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old Indian student killed in 2023 after being struck by a speeding police vehicle. The officer was driving 74 mph in a 25-mph zone while responding to a call.

Nabi Fined by ICC
Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi was fined 15 per cent of his match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during a T20 World Cup match against South Africa in Ahmedabad. He argued with umpires over Lungi Ngidi’s wristband, violating Article 2.4.