First, Minister Naba Das’ Murder: In a shocking incident on January 29, Odisha Health Minister Naba Das was shot dead by an Assistant Sub-inspector of Police in Jharsuguda district from point blank rage in full public view. A political turmoil erupted about airlifting of the minister from Jhasuguda to Bhubaneswar for treatment and delay in the declaration of his demise. Still there are questions galore on the murder motive. Second, Bahanga Train Tragedy In Balasore: What happened on the fateful evening of June 2nd remained one of the deadliest train accidents in the history. The accident claimed 296 lives and over 1000 people sustained injuries. The deadly mishap left 19 dead bodies without an identity thus after 130 days BMC organized the last rites of these unidentified bodies which gave rise to political and social debate. Third, The Birth Of AI Anchor LISA: On the 9 of July, Odisha's first private satellite news channel OTV set several new milestones, when it launched the State's first AI news anchor. LISA, the first-ever AI Odia news anchor, made waves on social media globally. Such was the craze of LISA that from the US, UK, Greece, and even Bangladesh and Pakistan, the news spread like wildfire. It is said that the reason behind Lisa’s global appeal is her desi avatar as she is not only an AI news anchor, but a regional AI news anchor who speaks Odia, Hindi, and English. Fourth, The Big IT Raids In Bolangir: Around Rs 351 crore cash were seized during IT raids on the property of liquor traders in Odisha. From man power to machines, the counting of the seized money continued for almost five days. The case put Jharkhand Congress MP Dhiraj Sahu in deep trouble. The matter also flared up the national politics. Fifth, Entry Of VK Pandian Into State Politics: After taking voluntary retirement, former bureaucrat VK Pandian joined Odisha’s governing party Biju Janata Dal on December 1st. The IAS-turned-Politician was appointed as 5T chairman in Cabinet Minister Rank. Later when senior BJD leader Debi Mishra said that Pandian will not contest in the 2024 Elections, speculations were put to rest. Sixth, The Ollywood Tussle: Actor and Producer Manoj Mishra and Producers Union jumped into a war of words regarding film release and distributions. The fight erupted after various producers banned Mishra for allegedly disrupting Odia film screening in Western Odisha. The row included various actors, producers and even politicians before taking an unconcluded pause. Seventh, State Players Shine In Sports: The year 2023 made Odisha celebrate Sports. Firstly, javelin thrower Kishore Jena from Odisha won silver at Asian Games and qualified for Paris Olympics 2024. Along with that Odisha also hosted Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 for the second time. Even, first two qualifiers for FIFA World Cup 2026 were also hosted by the state. Eighth: First Female Speaker of Odisha’s Legislative Assembly: Senior BJD leader Pramila Mallik was elected unopposed on September 22nd as the speaker of Odisha’s Legislative Assembly. She is the first woman in the state to occupy the prestigious position. Last: Kamiya Jani Jagannath Temple Visit Row: A controversy erupted over a video showing the entry of Youtuber, influencer Kamiya Jani’s into Puri Srimandir and partaking Mahaprasad. Questioned were raised allegedly after purported video showed Kamiya Jani consuming and promoting beef. However, the blogger later clarified the misunderstanding through a video message and said she has never had beef. The year also witnessed demise of some notable figures like writer and CM Naveen Patnaik’s sister Geeta Mehta, senior leader Surya Narayan Patra, Music Director Swarup Nayak and Politician Maheswar Mohanty that left a void which cannot be filled ever.