1. Surge in COVID-19 Cases Nationwide and in the State
The number of COVID-19 cases continues to climb, with 358 new infections reported across the country, raising the total to 6,491, according to the Union Health Ministry. In the state, seven new cases were identified on Monday, pushing the total beyond 50, as confirmed by Public Health Director Dr. Nilakant Mishra.

2. Twin Cyclones Brewing Over Bay of Bengal; Heavy Rain Forecast
Two cyclonic systems are active over the Bay of Bengal—one near north-west Bay and coastal Odisha, and another in the south-east region. The Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rainfall across various regions of north and south Odisha over the next five days.

3. Drivers’ Union Threatens Indefinite Strike from July 8 Over Key Demands
The Drivers’ Unity Forum has warned of launching an indefinite steering wheel strike starting July 8 if their six demands are not met. The Driver Ekta Manch and Driver Mahasangh have both backed the protest.

4. 150 Villages to Be Developed as ‘Maha Utkar Adarsh’ Villages
Panchayati Raj Minister Ravi Naik has announced that 100 to 150 villages linked to notable freedom fighters will be developed under the ‘Maha Utkar Adarsh’ scheme, aimed at preserving legacy and driving rural development.

5. Odisha IAS Officer Dhiman Chakma Jailed in Rs 10 Lakh Bribery Case
2021-batch IAS officer Dhiman Chakma has been arrested for accepting a bribe of ₹10 lakh. Currently lodged in Bhawanipatna jail, the Deputy Commissioner of Dharmagarh spent the night on the floor and ate roti following his arrest by Vigilance authorities.

6. ₹45 Crore Drug Bust in Assam; Four Arrested
Assam police have dismantled a major drug syndicate in Cachar district, seizing narcotics worth ₹45 crore. Four drug mafia members were arrested during the operation, which was lauded by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

7. Political Uproar Over Los Angeles Immigration Protests
Protests in Los Angeles over immigration crackdowns have intensified, prompting legal action against the Trump administration. California’s Governor has strongly criticized the federal government’s approach, calling for immediate intervention.

8. Axiom-4 Mission Launch Postponed to June 11
The launch of the Axiom-4 space mission, which includes Indian astronaut Group Captain Shukla, has been postponed to June 11 at 5:30 PM IST due to adverse weather, as announced by ISRO.

9. 8th Pay Commission to Be Implemented from January 2026
The Central Government has declared that the 8th Pay Commission will take effect from January 1, 2026, benefiting 48 lakh central employees and 57 lakh pensioners. Experts predict a salary and pension hike between 25% and 50%.

10. Russia Launches Largest Airstrike on Ukraine Amid Ongoing War
Ukraine endured one of its worst nights in the ongoing war as Russia launched a massive air assault involving 479 drones and 20 missiles, primarily targeting the central and western regions, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.

The post Top 10 News Of The Day : Surge in COVID-19 Cases Nationwide and in the State & Twin Cyclones Brewing Over Bay of Bengal appeared first on Odisha Connect.