Top 10 News Of The Day- Odisha on Alert Amid Rise in Asian Covid Cases & EOS-09 Satellite Launch Faces Setback

1. Odisha on Alert Amid Rise in Asian Covid Cases
Odisha is on alert after the rise in Covid-19 cases in parts of Asia, including Hong Kong and Singapore. The state health administration is closely observing the situation and has initiated discussions with the World Health Organization for risk assessment and preparedness. Director of Public Health, Dr. Nilakant Mishra, stated that there is currently no information about a new Covid variant. No special alert has been issued in India yet, but the state is in contact with the Centre and will act as per Central Government guidelines.

2. EOS-09 Satellite Launch Faces Setback
The launch of the EOS-09 satellite failed due to an obstacle in the third stage. Experts are analyzing the issue. The satellite, launched at 5:59 am from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, was intended to monitor borders and coastlines, particularly sensitive areas. However, due to the third-stage flaw, the mission was not fully successful.

3. India-Pakistan Ceasefire Talks Underway
A ceasefire is being considered between India and Pakistan, with a DGMO-level meeting expected today. The meeting may decide to extend the ceasefire period. Following the Pahalgam attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist camps in POK and Pakistan. India also strongly retaliated against a drone attack originating from Pakistan.

4. ₹40,000 Cr Arms Boost for Indian Army
The Indian Army has been granted urgent arms procurement powers with an aid of ₹40,000 crore. Approved in a high-level DAC meeting, this move comes amid tensions in Doklam and ongoing conflict with Pakistan. The procurement aims to equip the forces for short-term intense warfare scenarios.

5. RBI to Issue New ₹20 Notes with New Governor’s Signature
The Reserve Bank of India will soon release ₹20 notes of the Mahatma Gandhi series bearing Governor Sanjay Malhotra’s signature. The notes will retain the existing design, including the image of the Ellora caves, size, color, and security features. The old notes will continue to be valid. This update follows the routine process after a change in the RBI governor.

6. 15 AAP Councilors Resign, Form New Party
In a major setback for AAP, 15 Delhi Municipal Corporation councilors have resigned, including Mukesh Goyal, the former opposition leader. They have formed the Indraprastha Vikas Party. Mukesh had contested the last assembly election from Adarshnagar on an AAP ticket but lost. The defectors had earlier switched from Congress to AAP before the municipal elections.

7. J&K Police Crack Down on Terror Aides
Jammu and Kashmir Police have taken action against 23 terrorist associates under the stringent Public Safety Act. While encounters with terrorists continue, the police are also targeting those who support them. The action was carried out in Srinagar, according to police reports.

8. Tornado Devastates U.S. Midwest, 27 Dead
A powerful cyclone struck the Midwest USA, heavily affecting Kentucky and Missouri. The tornado claimed 27 lives, injured over 12 people, and damaged 5,000 buildings. Power lines were destroyed in several areas. In Laurel County, Kentucky, search operations continue to locate survivors, according to Sheriff John Root’s office.

9. Thunderstorms Predicted in 9 Odisha Districts
Thunderstorms and high-speed winds are affecting various parts of Odisha. The weather department has predicted thunderstorms today in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Balangir, Koraput, Rayagada, and Gajapati. Wind speeds may reach 30–40 km/h, with an orange warning issued for winds up to 50–60 km/h during Kalabaisakhi.

10. Ram Charan’s Wax Statue Unveiled at Madame Tussauds
Southern superstar Ram Charan, who gained global fame with ‘RRR’, has reached another milestone. A wax statue of him with his pet dog Rhyme has been unveiled at London’s Madame Tussauds. While many Indian celebrities have statues there, Ram Charan’s is unique as it is the first to include a pet.