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.

Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi was struck by a rubber bullet while covering protests against U.S. immigration raids in downtown Los Angeles on June 9. The incident, which occurred near the Metropolitan Detention Center on East Temple Street, has drawn international attention and condemnation, renewing concerns over press freedom and journalist safety.

Tomasi, a U.S. correspondent for Australia’s Nine News, was reporting live from the protest site when she was hit in the leg by a rubber bullet allegedly fired by a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer. Witnesses said the officer had a clear line of sight to the journalist before opening fire. Despite being in visible pain, Tomasi quickly assured nearby onlookers, saying, “I’m good,” before resuming her duties.

The protest was part of a wider wave of demonstrations against President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration policies, with tensions escalating between demonstrators and security forces including the LAPD and the National Guard. Authorities declared the area an unlawful assembly zone and instructed media to maintain distance; however, Tomasi was injured while reporting near an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office.

Tomasi later took to social media platform X to thank supporters, writing, “Thanks to all for your kind messages & love. I am a little sore right now, but I am okay, and it is important that we keep telling these significant stories!” She also shared a detailed report highlighting the turmoil in Los Angeles that day.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade released a statement stressing the importance of media freedom and the right of journalists to operate safely. “All journalists should have the ability to work safely,” it said.

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young condemned the incident as “shocking and unacceptable,” urging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to raise the matter directly with President Trump. “The first thing the President must tell our Prime Minister is to stop shooting our journalists!” she said.

The incident comes just one day after British photojournalist Nick Stern was also injured by non-lethal projectiles while covering similar protests in the city. Prime Minister Albanese described Tomasi’s footage as “horrendous,” praised her resilience, and confirmed that concerns had been formally raised with U.S. authorities.

In response, the LAPD has launched an internal investigation into the use of force during the protests.

Tomasi’s experience has become a powerful reminder of the critical—and often dangerous—role journalists play in bearing witness to unfolding events. The attack has triggered a broader global discussion about the protection of media workers and the need for greater accountability when press freedom is threatened.

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