Flooding at a key Coal India Ltd&nbsp;mine in Chhattisgarh will stop production there for at least 30 days, a senior Coal India Ltd official told Reuters on Wednesday.

Large parts of the Dipka mine, which has an annual production capacity of over 30 million tonnes and supplies utilities including NTPC Ltd's plant in Korba, are submerged after embankments of a nearby river broke due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/imd-predicts-heavy-rainfall-for-bihar-himachal-pradesh-252582">heavy rainfall</a>, the official said.

"This is a huge loss for us, and is a big setback to our production goals," the Coal India official said.

He declined to be named as he is not authorized to speak to the media.&nbsp;

The flooding comes as Coal India said on Tuesday its output for the six months to end-September was down 6 per cent, with September production falling 23.5 per cent.

The state producer has targeted 660 million tonnes of coal output for the year to end-March 2020, up 8.7 per cent from 606.9 million tonnes it produced in 2018/19.

Coal accounts for about 75 pct of India's power generation, and India wants to arrest rising imports.

However, the government has failed to open the industry to competition, despite passing a liberalization policy 19 months ago.

Flooding at a key Coal India Ltd mine in Chhattisgarh will stop production there for at least 30 days, a senior Coal India Ltd official told Reuters on Wednesday.

Flooding at a key Coal India Ltd mine in Chhattisgarh will stop production there for at least 30 days, a senior Coal India Ltd official told Reuters on Wednesday. Large parts of the Dipka mine, which has an annual production capacity of over 30 million tonnes and supplies utilities including NTPC Ltd's plant in Korba, are submerged after embankments of a nearby river broke due to heavy rainfall, the official said. "This is a huge loss for us, and is a big setback to our production goals," the Coal India official said. He declined to be named as he is not authorized to speak to the media. The flooding comes as Coal India said on Tuesday its output for the six months to end-September was down 6 per cent, with September production falling 23.5 per cent. The state producer has targeted 660 million tonnes of coal output for the year to end-March 2020, up 8.7 per cent from 606.9 million tonnes it produced in 2018/19. Coal accounts for about 75 pct of India's power generation, and India wants to arrest rising imports. However, the government has failed to open the industry to competition, despite passing a liberalization policy 19 months ago.

Coal India's 30 million tonnes Dipka mine to stop output for a month on flooding

Brahmos supersonic cruise missile featuring Indian propulsion system, airframe, power supply and other major indigenous components, was successfully test-fired on Monday.

"The missile was successfully test-fired at 10.20 am today from Chandipur in Odisha for its full range of 290-km during the launch jointly conducted by DRDO and BrahMos Aerospace," an official statement from Defence Ministery said.

With this successful mission, the indigenous content in the formidable weapon has reached a high value, thus bolstering India's defence indigenisation and the flagship 'Make in India' programme.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, DRDO Chairman G Sathees Reddy and DG Missiles and Strategic Systems MSR Prasad congratulated team DRDO, Brahmos and industries for the successful mission.

DG (Brahmos) Sudhir Kumar Mishra, Director DRDL Dashrath Ram and BK Das, Director ITR coordinated and witnessed the entire mission at the launch site and termed the successful flight test as a landmark achievement in enhancing India's "Make in India" capabilities.

Jointly developed by India and Russia, the versatile Brahmos has been operationalised in the Indian Armed Forces with all the three services.

Brahmos supersonic cruise missile featuring Indian propulsion system, airframe, power supply and other major indigenous components, was successfully test-fired on Monday.

Brahmos supersonic cruise missile featuring Indian propulsion system, airframe, power supply and other major indigenous components, was successfully test-fired on Monday. "The missile was successfully test-fired at 10.20 am today from Chandipur in Odisha for its full range of 290-km during the launch jointly conducted by DRDO and BrahMos Aerospace," an official statement from Defence Ministery said. With this successful mission, the indigenous content in the formidable weapon has reached a high value, thus bolstering India's defence indigenisation and the flagship 'Make in India' programme. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, DRDO Chairman G Sathees Reddy and DG Missiles and Strategic Systems MSR Prasad congratulated team DRDO, Brahmos and industries for the successful mission. DG (Brahmos) Sudhir Kumar Mishra, Director DRDL Dashrath Ram and BK Das, Director ITR coordinated and witnessed the entire mission at the launch site and termed the successful flight test as a landmark achievement in enhancing India's "Make in India" capabilities. Jointly developed by India and Russia, the versatile Brahmos has been operationalised in the Indian Armed Forces with all the three services.

Brahmos supersonic cruise missile test-fired successfully

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday issued a warning of very heavy rainfall in several districts of Odisha.

The fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea along and off the coast in the next 24 hours.

IMD Bhubaneswar, Director, HR Biswas said, "Due to the cyclonic circulation over Jharkhand and the neighbouring area which is shifting from coastal West Bengal, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur at isolated places over the districts of Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Deogarh, and Angul."

The weather forecasting agency has predicted that the districts like Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Khordha, Koraput, Baragarh, Balangir and Sonepur are also expected to receive heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday issued a warning of very heavy rainfall in several districts of Odisha. The fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea along and off the coast in the next 24 hours.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday issued a warning of very heavy rainfall in several districts of Odisha. The fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea along and off the coast in the next 24 hours. IMD Bhubaneswar, Director, HR Biswas said, "Due to the cyclonic circulation over Jharkhand and the neighbouring area which is shifting from coastal West Bengal, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur at isolated places over the districts of Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Deogarh, and Angul." The weather forecasting agency has predicted that the districts like Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Khordha, Koraput, Baragarh, Balangir and Sonepur are also expected to receive heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours.

Odisha: Indian Meteorological Department predicts very heavy rainfall, issues warning to fishermen

Hirakud dam authorities on Wednesday decided to open 10 sluice gates to release the floodwater amid heavy rainfall in the state.

As the water level in the reservoir inched close to its full capacity, only 10 gates were opened.

Earlier in the day, the authorities had open 20 gates to release the water in view of heavy rainfall.

The current water level of the reservoir is at 625.15ft.&nbsp;The full capacity of the reservoir is 630 ft.

The average inflow of water was measured at 2,52,017 cusecs while the outflow was 2,20,250 cusecs.

According to IMD forecast, Odisha is likely to receive one or two spells of rain or thundershowers with the cloudy sky for the next week.&nbsp;

Hirakud dam authorities on Wednesday decided to open 10 sluice gates to release the floodwater amid heavy rainfall in the state. As the water level in the reservoir inched close to its full capacity, only 10 gates were opened.

Hirakud dam authorities on Wednesday decided to open 10 sluice gates to release the floodwater amid heavy rainfall in the state. As the water level in the reservoir inched close to its full capacity, only 10 gates were opened. Earlier in the day, the authorities had open 20 gates to release the water in view of heavy rainfall. The current water level of the reservoir is at 625.15ft. The full capacity of the reservoir is 630 ft. The average inflow of water was measured at 2,52,017 cusecs while the outflow was 2,20,250 cusecs. According to IMD forecast, Odisha is likely to receive one or two spells of rain or thundershowers with the cloudy sky for the next week.

Authorities open gates to release floodwater from Hirakud dam in Odisha

In a bid to strengthen the party's base ahead of the civic body polls in Odisha, Biju Janata Dal President and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched party's membership drive at party headquarters in Bhubaneswar on Monday.

Addressing the party workers, Naveen Patnaik said, "BJD is the party of 4.5 crore people of Odisha and they all are its family members, Biju Janta Dal has been receiving blessings from each town, village, and house, through this membership drive we will meet them again, we will meet farmers, youth and common man and seek their blessings and with their blessings we will further strengthen the party."

"I firmly believe our membership campaign will be fully successful with the support of the people of Odisha," he added.

The party is eying to double its membership during this drive, which currently stands at 47 lakh. The membership will be done both manually and online and will continue till October 31.

Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has also launched its membership drive in July this year to counter the Biju Janata Dal's membership strength in the state. According to the BJP leader, Golak Mohapatra, party had 30 lakh members and now it has reached 50 lakh which is 10 lakh less from their sate target.

In a bid to strengthen the party's base ahead of the civic body polls in Odisha, Biju Janata Dal President and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched party's membership drive at party headquarters in Bhubaneswar on Monday.

In a bid to strengthen the party's base ahead of the civic body polls in Odisha, Biju Janata Dal President and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched party's membership drive at party headquarters in Bhubaneswar on Monday. Addressing the party workers, Naveen Patnaik said, "BJD is the party of 4.5 crore people of Odisha and they all are its family members, Biju Janta Dal has been receiving blessings from each town, village, and house, through this membership drive we will meet them again, we will meet farmers, youth and common man and seek their blessings and with their blessings we will further strengthen the party." "I firmly believe our membership campaign will be fully successful with the support of the people of Odisha," he added. The party is eying to double its membership during this drive, which currently stands at 47 lakh. The membership will be done both manually and online and will continue till October 31. Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has also launched its membership drive in July this year to counter the Biju Janata Dal's membership strength in the state. According to the BJP leader, Golak Mohapatra, party had 30 lakh members and now it has reached 50 lakh which is 10 lakh less from their sate target.

Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik launches BJD's membership drive, aims to double its members

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall over Chattisgarh, Odisha and East Rajasthan.

The weather forecasting agency also predicted heavy downpour over Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gujarat, Coastal Karnataka, Kerala and Mahe.

Thunderstorm accompanied by lightning is very likely at isolated places over Jharkhand and Gangetic West Bengal."Strong winds, speed reaching 45-55 kmph, are very likely to prevail over west-central and southwest Arabian Sea, the east-central Bay of Bengal and along and off Andaman and Nicobar Islands," the IMD stated in its All India Weather Warning.

The organisation has advised fishermen not to venture into these areas for the next few days.&nbsp;

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall over Chattisgarh, Odisha and East Rajasthan. The weather forecasting agency also predicted heavy downpour over Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gujarat, Coastal Karnataka, Kerala and Mahe.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall over Chattisgarh, Odisha and East Rajasthan. The weather forecasting agency also predicted heavy downpour over Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gujarat, Coastal Karnataka, Kerala and Mahe. Thunderstorm accompanied by lightning is very likely at isolated places over Jharkhand and Gangetic West Bengal."Strong winds, speed reaching 45-55 kmph, are very likely to prevail over west-central and southwest Arabian Sea, the east-central Bay of Bengal and along and off Andaman and Nicobar Islands," the IMD stated in its All India Weather Warning. The organisation has advised fishermen not to venture into these areas for the next few days.

Chattisgarh, Odisha likely to receive heavy rainfall: India Meteorological Department

Ruling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/om-birla-from-grassroots-politician-to-lok-sabha-speaker-228583">Biju Janata Dal (BJD)</a> will launch its membership drive on September 2 to strengthen the party's base ahead of the civic body polls in Odisha.

BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday formed a state-level committee to monitor and coordinate the membership drive.

The committee consists of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-jammu-kashmir-situation-section-144-imposed-security-tightened-in-state-240732">Rajya Sabha MP Prasanna Acharya</a>, MLAs Debiprasad Mishra, Pratap Keshari Deb, Pradeep Panigrahi, Pranab Prakash Das and Pramila Mallick, and former legislator Sanjay Kumar Das Burma.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had also launched its membership campaign in July to strengthen its base in the coastal state. 
&nbsp;

Ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) will launch its membership drive on September 2 to strengthen the party's base ahead of the civic body polls in Odisha. BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday formed a state-level committee to monitor and coordinate the membership drive.

Ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) will launch its membership drive on September 2 to strengthen the party's base ahead of the civic body polls in Odisha. BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday formed a state-level committee to monitor and coordinate the membership drive. The committee consists of Rajya Sabha MP Prasanna Acharya, MLAs Debiprasad Mishra, Pratap Keshari Deb, Pradeep Panigrahi, Pranab Prakash Das and Pramila Mallick, and former legislator Sanjay Kumar Das Burma. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had also launched its membership campaign in July to strengthen its base in the coastal state.

Odisha: Biju Janata Dal to launch membership drive in September

Heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places in west Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand on Sunday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

Heavy rainfall is also very likely at isolated places in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Bihar and Chhattisgarh, the IMD said in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin.

Thunderstorm accompanied by lightning may also occur at isolated places over Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Sikkim and Odisha.

Strong winds with speeds reaching 45-55 kmph are very likely to prevail over west-central and southwest Arabian Sea, the weather office said.

It advised fishermen not to venture into the sea in these areas for the next few days.

Heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places in west Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand on Sunday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

Heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places in west Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand on Sunday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Heavy rainfall is also very likely at isolated places in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Bihar and Chhattisgarh, the IMD said in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin. Thunderstorm accompanied by lightning may also occur at isolated places over Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Sikkim and Odisha. Strong winds with speeds reaching 45-55 kmph are very likely to prevail over west-central and southwest Arabian Sea, the weather office said. It advised fishermen not to venture into the sea in these areas for the next few days.

Heavy rainfall likely at isolated places in west UP, Punjab and Haryana: India Meteorological Department

In a major bureaucratic reshuffle by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik led BJD government on Saturday reshuffled many IAS officers.

Senior IAS officer Gagan Kumar Dhal has been appointed the chairman of Odisha Forest Development Corporation Ltd (OFDC).

Earlier, Dhal was Commissioner, Agriculture Production. According to a statement, seven other IAS officers were reshuffled.

They were Suresh Chandra Mahapatra, Sudershan Pal Thakur, Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra, Mona Sharma, Sanjiv Chopra, Manoj Kumar Mishra, and Rudra Narayan Palai.

Mahapatra, Additional Chief Secretary of Forest and Environment Department, has been appointed Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary and Secretary of Planning and Convergence Department.

He is allowed to have the additional charge of Working Chairperson, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, Puri.

Thakur, Director General of Training Coordination, Gopabandhu Academy of Administration, is allowed to hold the additional charge of Chief Administrator, KBK, Koraput, in addition to his own duties.

Mohapatra, Additional Chief Secretary of School and Mass Education Department, has been appointed Agriculture Production Commissioner vice transfer of Dhal.

He is allowed to have the additional charge of Additional Chief Secretary of School and Mass Education Department in addition to his own duties.

Sharma, Principal Secretary of Rural Development Department, has been allowed to have the additional charge of Principal Secretary of Forest and Environment Department in addition to her own duties.

Chopra, Principal Secretary of Industries Department with Additional Charge, Chairman, OMC Limited, is allowed to have the additional charge of Principal Secretary of Home Department in addition to his own duties.

IRTS officer Mishra, CRC and Special Secretary of Commerce and Transport Department, has been allowed to have the additional charge of Secretary, Electronics and Information Technology Department, in addition to his own duties.

Palai, Special Secretary of Electronics and Information Technology Department, has been appointed Special Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department.&nbsp;

In a major bureaucratic reshuffle by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik led BJD government on Saturday reshuffled many IAS officers. Senior IAS officer Gagan Kumar Dhal has been appointed the chairman of Odisha Forest Development Corporation Ltd (OFDC).

In a major bureaucratic reshuffle by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik led BJD government on Saturday reshuffled many IAS officers. Senior IAS officer Gagan Kumar Dhal has been appointed the chairman of Odisha Forest Development Corporation Ltd (OFDC). Earlier, Dhal was Commissioner, Agriculture Production. According to a statement, seven other IAS officers were reshuffled. They were Suresh Chandra Mahapatra, Sudershan Pal Thakur, Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra, Mona Sharma, Sanjiv Chopra, Manoj Kumar Mishra, and Rudra Narayan Palai. Mahapatra, Additional Chief Secretary of Forest and Environment Department, has been appointed Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary and Secretary of Planning and Convergence Department. He is allowed to have the additional charge of Working Chairperson, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, Puri. Thakur, Director General of Training Coordination, Gopabandhu Academy of Administration, is allowed to hold the additional charge of Chief Administrator, KBK, Koraput, in addition to his own duties. Mohapatra, Additional Chief Secretary of School and Mass Education Department, has been appointed Agriculture Production Commissioner vice transfer of Dhal. He is allowed to have the additional charge of Additional Chief Secretary of School and Mass Education Department in addition to his own duties. Sharma, Principal Secretary of Rural Development Department, has been allowed to have the additional charge of Principal Secretary of Forest and Environment Department in addition to her own duties. Chopra, Principal Secretary of Industries Department with Additional Charge, Chairman, OMC Limited, is allowed to have the additional charge of Principal Secretary of Home Department in addition to his own duties. IRTS officer Mishra, CRC and Special Secretary of Commerce and Transport Department, has been allowed to have the additional charge of Secretary, Electronics and Information Technology Department, in addition to his own duties. Palai, Special Secretary of Electronics and Information Technology Department, has been appointed Special Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department.

Major administrative reshuffle in Odisha, Gagan Dhal appointed OFDC chairman

In an unprecedented move, the Odisha government has done away with the practice of according 'Guard of Honour' to the Chief Minister, ministers and other government officials.

However, the practice would be duly followed on special occasions like Republic Day, Independence Day and Utkal Dibasa (Odisha Day).&nbsp;

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was first to remove red beacon from his car.&nbsp;

Moreover, the tradition of ceremonial welcome will still remain in practice for the President, Vice President and Prime Minister of India, Governor, Lokayukta, Chief Justice of both Supreme Court and High Court and other judges of both the courts.

In an unprecedented move, the Odisha government has done away with the practice of according 'Guard of Honour' to the Chief Minister, ministers and other government officials.

In an unprecedented move, the Odisha government has done away with the practice of according 'Guard of Honour' to the Chief Minister, ministers and other government officials. However, the practice would be duly followed on special occasions like Republic Day, Independence Day and Utkal Dibasa (Odisha Day). Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was first to remove red beacon from his car. Moreover, the tradition of ceremonial welcome will still remain in practice for the President, Vice President and Prime Minister of India, Governor, Lokayukta, Chief Justice of both Supreme Court and High Court and other judges of both the courts.

Odisha abolishes practice of according 'Guard of Honour' to chief minsiter, government officials

India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bhubneshwar, in its latest forecast on Monday issued an orange warning for the next 48 hours in the state.

The weather department stated that many districts in Odisha may receive light to moderate rainfall, whereas some interior places like Mayurbhanj, Sonepur, Kendujhar, Balangir, Kalahandi, Raigad, Nayaghar and Puri may receive heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Some places may even get extremely heavy rainfall like Bhadrak and Kendrapara.

Shashikant Mishra, Scientist, MET department said, "For last 24 hours, Light to moderate rainfall has been reported at 73 per cent stations and also heavy rainfall at some places, especially in Kandhamal district."

He further added, "Low-pressure area has been formed, near the north-west Bay of Bengal, adjoining West Bengal and Bangladesh, due to which Odisha will receive light to moderate rainfall for next 48 hours, and at some places heavy to very heavy rainfall like north coastal districts of Odisha."

He also said, "water level in the river basins of, Mahanadi, lower Brahmani, Baitarani, and Vamsdhara may arise due to these rains."

India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bhubneshwar, in its latest forecast on Monday issued an orange warning for the next 48 hours in the state. The weather department stated that many districts in Odisha may receive light to moderate rainfall, whereas some interior places like Mayurbhanj, Sonepur, Kendujhar, Balangir, Kalahandi, Raigad, Nayaghar and Puri may receive heavy to very heavy rainfall.

India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bhubneshwar, in its latest forecast on Monday issued an orange warning for the next 48 hours in the state. The weather department stated that many districts in Odisha may receive light to moderate rainfall, whereas some interior places like Mayurbhanj, Sonepur, Kendujhar, Balangir, Kalahandi, Raigad, Nayaghar and Puri may receive heavy to very heavy rainfall. Some places may even get extremely heavy rainfall like Bhadrak and Kendrapara. Shashikant Mishra, Scientist, MET department said, "For last 24 hours, Light to moderate rainfall has been reported at 73 per cent stations and also heavy rainfall at some places, especially in Kandhamal district." He further added, "Low-pressure area has been formed, near the north-west Bay of Bengal, adjoining West Bengal and Bangladesh, due to which Odisha will receive light to moderate rainfall for next 48 hours, and at some places heavy to very heavy rainfall like north coastal districts of Odisha." He also said, "water level in the river basins of, Mahanadi, lower Brahmani, Baitarani, and Vamsdhara may arise due to these rains."

IMD predicts heavy rainfall in Odisha for next 48 hours

The death toll from floods in Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra rose to 95, official figures showed on Saturday, as heavy rain and landslides forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate their homes.

Seasonal monsoon rains from June to September are a crucial lifeline for agrarian Indian society, delivering 70% of the country's rainfall, but they also bring in their wake death and destruction every year.

Some <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/42-dead-in-rain-battered-kerala-19-trains-cancelled-241955">42 people died in southwestern Kerala</a> and over 100,000 affected people have been evacuated, the central government's disaster management cell said, after 80 landslides hit the state in two days.

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Rescue operations by teams from Goa Naval Area underway in Kolhapur (Maharashtra) &amp; Uttar Kannada (Karnataka) district. Today's rescue effort involved evacuation of 1016 persons by Navy teams in various parts of Maharashtra, Goa&amp;Karnataka which included 602 women &amp; 193 children <a href="https://t.co/s6A2yimRZ1">pic.twitter.com/s6A2yimRZ1</a>
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The state planned to open the gates of Banasurasagar dam in Wayanad district at 0930 GMT, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said during a news conference in the city of Kochi. Shutters of the dam were partially opened on Saturday morning to manage the water level and avoid serious damage, a senior state official of the district confirmed to Reuters.

A red alert, or severe rainfall and bad weather conditions forecast, has been issued for seven out of 14 districts in the state, the Kerala State Disaster Management control room told Reuters on Saturday.

Last year, Kerala was hit by one of its worst floods in one hundred years.&nbsp;

More than 200 people were killed and over 5 million affected.

Watch:&nbsp;Weather disturbance continues in India, Heavy rainfall batter west, south India

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/weather-disturbance-continues-in-india-heavy-rainfall-batter-west-south-india-241990/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The state's busiest airport, Cochin International Airport, has been closed since Friday as the taxiway is water-logged. The airport is expected to reopen from Sunday as water levels had started to recede, the state body said.

In neighbouring Karnataka, home to India's tech hub Bengaluru, some 24 people have died in what chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa said on Saturday were the worst floods in 45 years.

Around 1,024 villages have been inundated due to the rains, several dams were reaching their full capacity, and over 200,000 people had been evacuated, he added.

As many as 16 of the state's 30 districts have been affected by the heavy rains and 235,105 people have been evacuated and shifted to 624 relief camps, Yeddyurappa added.

In Maharashtra, home to India's financial capital Mumbai, 29 people have died this week.

The Indian Meteorological Department said on its website that heavy to very heavy rain was likely to lash isolated areas of Kerala, parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra, and some southern states might also see extremely heavy rain on Saturday.

The death toll from floods in Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra rose to 95, official figures showed on Saturday, as heavy rain and landslides forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate their homes.

The death toll from floods in Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra rose to 95, official figures showed on Saturday, as heavy rain and landslides forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate their homes. Seasonal monsoon rains from June to September are a crucial lifeline for agrarian Indian society, delivering 70% of the country's rainfall, but they also bring in their wake death and destruction every year. Some 42 people died in southwestern Kerala and over 100,000 affected people have been evacuated, the central government's disaster management cell said, after 80 landslides hit the state in two days. Rescue operations by teams from Goa Naval Area underway in Kolhapur (Maharashtra) & Uttar Kannada (Karnataka) district. Today's rescue effort involved evacuation of 1016 persons by Navy teams in various parts of Maharashtra, Goa&Karnataka which included 602 women & 193 children pic.twitter.com/s6A2yimRZ1 — ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2019 × The state planned to open the gates of Banasurasagar dam in Wayanad district at 0930 GMT, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said during a news conference in the city of Kochi. Shutters of the dam were partially opened on Saturday morning to manage the water level and avoid serious damage, a senior state official of the district confirmed to Reuters. A red alert, or severe rainfall and bad weather conditions forecast, has been issued for seven out of 14 districts in the state, the Kerala State Disaster Management control room told Reuters on Saturday. Last year, Kerala was hit by one of its worst floods in one hundred years. More than 200 people were killed and over 5 million affected. Watch: Weather disturbance continues in India, Heavy rainfall batter west, south India The state's busiest airport, Cochin International Airport, has been closed since Friday as the taxiway is water-logged. The airport is expected to reopen from Sunday as water levels had started to recede, the state body said. In neighbouring Karnataka, home to India's tech hub Bengaluru, some 24 people have died in what chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa said on Saturday were the worst floods in 45 years. Around 1,024 villages have been inundated due to the rains, several dams were reaching their full capacity, and over 200,000 people had been evacuated, he added. As many as 16 of the state's 30 districts have been affected by the heavy rains and 235,105 people have been evacuated and shifted to 624 relief camps, Yeddyurappa added. In Maharashtra, home to India's financial capital Mumbai, 29 people have died this week. The Indian Meteorological Department said on its website that heavy to very heavy rain was likely to lash isolated areas of Kerala, parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra, and some southern states might also see extremely heavy rain on Saturday.

Death toll from floods across India rises to 95, hundreds of thousands evacuated

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday chaired a high-level state committee meeting and approved five welfare projects worth Rs 265 crore for Puri.

The Infrastructure Development will be done under "Abhada Yojana" of the state government.

The government is of the view that Puri is the destination for the large number devotees from all over the world and it should be developed in order to provide high-quality service and facilities.

"Under these projects, 1250 shops, multi Level parking space with the accommodation facility of 400 cars each will be constructed. All the government offices including the Puri Collector`s office will be accommodated under a single roof. The municipal market will be renovated into a modern market complex and beautification work will be done," read a press release issued by the Chief Minister's Office.

All infrastructural development work will be carried out by the Works Department and Odisha Bridges and Construction Corporation Limited.&nbsp;

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday chaired a high-level state committee meeting and approved five welfare projects worth Rs 265 crore for Puri. The Infrastructure Development will be done under "Abhada Yojana" of the state government.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday chaired a high-level state committee meeting and approved five welfare projects worth Rs 265 crore for Puri. The Infrastructure Development will be done under "Abhada Yojana" of the state government. The government is of the view that Puri is the destination for the large number devotees from all over the world and it should be developed in order to provide high-quality service and facilities. "Under these projects, 1250 shops, multi Level parking space with the accommodation facility of 400 cars each will be constructed. All the government offices including the Puri Collector`s office will be accommodated under a single roof. The municipal market will be renovated into a modern market complex and beautification work will be done," read a press release issued by the Chief Minister's Office. All infrastructural development work will be carried out by the Works Department and Odisha Bridges and Construction Corporation Limited.

Odisha government approves project worth Rs 265 crore for Puri's development

The India Meteorological Department said that isolated places over Konkan, Goa, South Interior, Coastal Karnataka and Odisha are likely to receive heavy rainfall on Wednesday.

"Heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy falls at isolated places over Chhattisgarh, East Madhya Pradesh, Madhya Maharashtra, West Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Telangana, North Interior Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu," the weather forecasting stated in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin.

Heavy rainfall is also witnessed at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, Gujarat region, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Lakshadweep.

Strong winds, speed reaching 40-50 kmph, are likely to prevail over the entire Arabian Sea and West Coast and central and north Bay of Bengal, West Bengal and Odisha coasts.

The organisation&nbsp;has advised fishermen not to venture into these areas.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The India Meteorological Department said that isolated places over Konkan, Goa, South Interior, Coastal Karnataka and Odisha are likely to receive heavy rainfall on Wednesday.

The India Meteorological Department said that isolated places over Konkan, Goa, South Interior, Coastal Karnataka and Odisha are likely to receive heavy rainfall on Wednesday. "Heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy falls at isolated places over Chhattisgarh, East Madhya Pradesh, Madhya Maharashtra, West Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Telangana, North Interior Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu," the weather forecasting stated in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin. Heavy rainfall is also witnessed at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, Gujarat region, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Lakshadweep. Strong winds, speed reaching 40-50 kmph, are likely to prevail over the entire Arabian Sea and West Coast and central and north Bay of Bengal, West Bengal and Odisha coasts. The organisation has advised fishermen not to venture into these areas.

IMD issues heavy rainfall alert for Goa, Coastal Karnataka, Odisha

Odisha suffered loss and damage amounting to Rs 24,176 crore with the infrastructure sector being the hardest hit due to cyclone Fani which struck the state on May 3, according to a government assessment released on Tuesday.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik released damage, loss and need assessment report on cyclone Fani in the presence of United Nations resident coordinator in India Renata Lok-Dessallien, representatives of World Bank, Asian Development Bank here.

According to the report, an estimated Rs 29,315 crore is needed for recovery.

Infrastructure sector alone constitute about 42 per cent of the total needs and the social sector which includes housing, constitute 36 per cent, the report said.

The assessment report was prepared with data available with the departments which were validated by field visits by a team.

The process spanned over a period of 20 days comprising a team of more than 10 multisectoral experts from World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and various agencies of UN along with officials from several departments of state government and local NGOs.

The extremely severe Cyclonic Storm Fani hit the Odisha coast on May 3, causing extensive damage and impacting the life and property of more than 1.65 crore people in 14 districts of the state.

Odisha suffered loss and damage amounting to Rs 24,176 crore with the infrastructure sector being the hardest hit due to cyclone Fani which struck the state on May 3, according to a government assessment released on Tuesday.

Odisha suffered loss and damage amounting to Rs 24,176 crore with the infrastructure sector being the hardest hit due to cyclone Fani which struck the state on May 3, according to a government assessment released on Tuesday. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik released damage, loss and need assessment report on cyclone Fani in the presence of United Nations resident coordinator in India Renata Lok-Dessallien, representatives of World Bank, Asian Development Bank here. According to the report, an estimated Rs 29,315 crore is needed for recovery. Infrastructure sector alone constitute about 42 per cent of the total needs and the social sector which includes housing, constitute 36 per cent, the report said. The assessment report was prepared with data available with the departments which were validated by field visits by a team. The process spanned over a period of 20 days comprising a team of more than 10 multisectoral experts from World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and various agencies of UN along with officials from several departments of state government and local NGOs. The extremely severe Cyclonic Storm Fani hit the Odisha coast on May 3, causing extensive damage and impacting the life and property of more than 1.65 crore people in 14 districts of the state.

Cyclone Fani caused Rs 24,176 crore damage in Odisha

Odisha government on Friday directed collectors of five districts to remain alert in view of the heavy rains forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

In a letter, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has directed Collectors of Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, and Nuapada to closely monitor the situation as it may create a flood-like situation in these districts.

In Malkangiri, schools will remain closed for two days as heavy downpour lashes the district. District Administration Malkangiri said both the government and private schools will shut sown from August 3 to 5.

The SRF has also asked the collectors to keep the administrative machinery prepared to meet any possible situation that may arise due to heavy rains.

"The administrative officials will initiate necessary measures to identify vulnerable residential schools, welfare institutions which may get inundated and subsequently shift the inmates to safer shelters if required," as per the advisory.

The district authorities have been directed to make advance arrangements for food, water, sanitation, and medical facilities and&nbsp; 
relief camps.

Fire services teams have been asked to stay prepared to carry out search and rescue operations.

&nbsp;

Odisha government on Friday directed collectors of five districts to remain alert in view of the heavy rains forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Odisha government on Friday directed collectors of five districts to remain alert in view of the heavy rains forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). In a letter, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has directed Collectors of Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, and Nuapada to closely monitor the situation as it may create a flood-like situation in these districts. In Malkangiri, schools will remain closed for two days as heavy downpour lashes the district. District Administration Malkangiri said both the government and private schools will shut sown from August 3 to 5. The SRF has also asked the collectors to keep the administrative machinery prepared to meet any possible situation that may arise due to heavy rains. "The administrative officials will initiate necessary measures to identify vulnerable residential schools, welfare institutions which may get inundated and subsequently shift the inmates to safer shelters if required," as per the advisory. The district authorities have been directed to make advance arrangements for food, water, sanitation, and medical facilities and relief camps. Fire services teams have been asked to stay prepared to carry out search and rescue operations.

Alert issued in five districts of Odisha, India Meteorological Department predicts heavy rainfall

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/odisha-naveen-patnaik-chosen-leader-of-bjd-legislative-party-meets-governor-221783">Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik</a> on Monday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that if the project on Godavari river in Andhra Pradesh continues then it will cause "permanent injury" to the interests of Odisha.

"If the project is allowed to be completed before the resolution of all the pending cases, it will cause permanent injury to the interest of the state of Odisha and its people," Patnaik said in a letter to Modi.

His letter comes in response to the Environment Ministry's decision to extend the construction of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gadkari-promises-funds-for-completion-of-polavaram-project--150868">Polavaram Multipurpose Project</a>.

The Chief Minister had written several letters to the Prime Minister in the recent past, warning the Centre of severe environmental consequences in his state if the project is allowed to be completed.

Echoing similar concern, Patnaik urged Modi to intervene in the matter and give directions to "stop" the construction work of the project.&nbsp;

"I would earnestly request you to kindly intervene in the matter and give appropriate direction to stop the construction work of the Polavaram Project immediately until all the pending issues are resolved," the letter read.

&nbsp;Patnaik`s government has been opposing the project for its design which could pose danger for Odisha.&nbsp;

"Once the project is completed there will be impounding of the reservoir and it may not be possible to change the design and operating parameters of the project thereafter," he said.

Urging the centre to wait for a final resolution of the dispute, the Chief Minister wrote, "I would like to reiterate that if the construction work on Polavaram Project is not stopped forthwith, it will have immense adverse impacts on people living in the tribal district of Malkangiri in Odisha. The submergence of the large extent of forest area would be of irreversible consequences".

The Chief Minister also pointed out that Odisha's pleas were ignored on the matter and public hearing on the project has not been held till date.&nbsp;

Stating that the issue can be avoided if an opportunity is given for a final resolution pending before the Supreme Court, he said; "Polavaram project can be reformulated as per the Godavari Water Dispute Tribunal award without causing large scale submergence in Odisha, Telangana and Chhattisgarh".

Polavaram Project is an under-construction multi-purpose national project on the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh. It is designed to overcome the deficit in water in the country. The project is entirely funded by the Centre and is also known as National River-Linking Project.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that if the project on Godavari river in Andhra Pradesh continues then it will cause "permanent injury" to the interests of Odisha.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that if the project on Godavari river in Andhra Pradesh continues then it will cause "permanent injury" to the interests of Odisha. "If the project is allowed to be completed before the resolution of all the pending cases, it will cause permanent injury to the interest of the state of Odisha and its people," Patnaik said in a letter to Modi. His letter comes in response to the Environment Ministry's decision to extend the construction of the Polavaram Multipurpose Project. The Chief Minister had written several letters to the Prime Minister in the recent past, warning the Centre of severe environmental consequences in his state if the project is allowed to be completed. Echoing similar concern, Patnaik urged Modi to intervene in the matter and give directions to "stop" the construction work of the project. "I would earnestly request you to kindly intervene in the matter and give appropriate direction to stop the construction work of the Polavaram Project immediately until all the pending issues are resolved," the letter read. Patnaik`s government has been opposing the project for its design which could pose danger for Odisha. "Once the project is completed there will be impounding of the reservoir and it may not be possible to change the design and operating parameters of the project thereafter," he said. Urging the centre to wait for a final resolution of the dispute, the Chief Minister wrote, "I would like to reiterate that if the construction work on Polavaram Project is not stopped forthwith, it will have immense adverse impacts on people living in the tribal district of Malkangiri in Odisha. The submergence of the large extent of forest area would be of irreversible consequences". The Chief Minister also pointed out that Odisha's pleas were ignored on the matter and public hearing on the project has not been held till date. Stating that the issue can be avoided if an opportunity is given for a final resolution pending before the Supreme Court, he said; "Polavaram project can be reformulated as per the Godavari Water Dispute Tribunal award without causing large scale submergence in Odisha, Telangana and Chhattisgarh". Polavaram Project is an under-construction multi-purpose national project on the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh. It is designed to overcome the deficit in water in the country. The project is entirely funded by the Centre and is also known as National River-Linking Project.

Stop the Polavaram project as it will cause 'permanent injury' to Odisha: Naveen Patnaik writes to PM Narendra Modi

Odisha has registered a deficit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-rains-imd-declares-onset-of-south-west-monsoon-for-maharashtra-capital-230394">rainfall</a> of 31.5 per cent in June this year, an official said.

The state received an average rainfall of 148.3 mm against the Long Term Average (LTA) of 216.5 mm during June.

On average, the state experiences 9.9 rainy days in June. However, this time, there were 7.4 rainy days during the month.

Of the 30 districts, Jajpur received the highest rainfall of 253.7 mm in June, whereas Gajapati district received the lowest of 59.8 mm, an official at the Special Relief Commissioner's (SRC) office said.

While four districts of Jajpur, Koraput, Dhenkanal and Nawarangpur recorded normal rainfall last month, rainfall in 18 districts remained deficit between 19 per cent and 39 per cent, the official said.

Rainfall in as many as six districts - Balangir, Keonjhar, Nuapada, Nayagarh, Kandhamal and Sundargarh - remained severe deficit between 39 per cent and 59 per cent during June.

Two districts of Rayagada and Gajapati received scanty rainfall in June, the official said.

Going by blocks, 19 blocks have received surplus rainfall and 73 blocks received normal rainfall in June.

While 90 blocks received deficit rainfall, 85 blocks received severe deficit rainfall and 47 blocks received scanty rainfall in June, he said.&nbsp;

Odisha has registered a deficit rainfall of 31.5 per cent in June this year, an official said. The state received an average rainfall of 148.3 mm against the Long Term Average (LTA) of 216.

Odisha has registered a deficit rainfall of 31.5 per cent in June this year, an official said. The state received an average rainfall of 148.3 mm against the Long Term Average (LTA) of 216.5 mm during June. On average, the state experiences 9.9 rainy days in June. However, this time, there were 7.4 rainy days during the month. Of the 30 districts, Jajpur received the highest rainfall of 253.7 mm in June, whereas Gajapati district received the lowest of 59.8 mm, an official at the Special Relief Commissioner's (SRC) office said. While four districts of Jajpur, Koraput, Dhenkanal and Nawarangpur recorded normal rainfall last month, rainfall in 18 districts remained deficit between 19 per cent and 39 per cent, the official said. Rainfall in as many as six districts - Balangir, Keonjhar, Nuapada, Nayagarh, Kandhamal and Sundargarh - remained severe deficit between 39 per cent and 59 per cent during June. Two districts of Rayagada and Gajapati received scanty rainfall in June, the official said. Going by blocks, 19 blocks have received surplus rainfall and 73 blocks received normal rainfall in June. While 90 blocks received deficit rainfall, 85 blocks received severe deficit rainfall and 47 blocks received scanty rainfall in June, he said.

Odisha receives 31.5 per cent deficit rain in June

US national security advisor Robert O'Brien will represent the United States at back-to-back virtual summits with Asian countries this weekend, the White House said on Friday.

O'Brien will lead the US delegation in talks with the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) beginning on Friday evening US time, or Saturday morning in Asia.

"Ambassador O'Brien will reaffirm the commitment of the United States to prosperity and security in the Indo-Pacific during virtual remarks," the White House said in a statement.

O'Brien will participate in a broader East Asia Summit on Sunday, when 15 Asia-Pacific economies - excluding the United States - are expected to sign a China-backed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which could become the world's largest free trade agreement.

It will be the third year in a row that the United States has been represented in the East Asia meetings at a relatively low level, even though the outgoing administration of President Donald Trump had declared the Asia Pacific and competition with China a foreign policy priority.

Trump is preoccupied with challenging the results of last week's U.S. presidential election and has refused to concede defeat to Democratic President-elect Joe Biden, who is due to take office in January.

While Trump attended the US-ASEAN summit in Manila in 2017, he has never attended a full EAS meeting. Vice-President Mike Pence represented the United States at the meetings in Singapore in 2018, while O'Brien did so in Thailand last year.

US national security advisor Robert O'Brien will represent the United States at back-to-back virtual summits with Asian countries this weekend, the White House said on Friday.

US national security advisor Robert O'Brien will represent the United States at back-to-back virtual summits with Asian countries this weekend, the White House said on Friday. O'Brien will lead the US delegation in talks with the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) beginning on Friday evening US time, or Saturday morning in Asia. "Ambassador O'Brien will reaffirm the commitment of the United States to prosperity and security in the Indo-Pacific during virtual remarks," the White House said in a statement. O'Brien will participate in a broader East Asia Summit on Sunday, when 15 Asia-Pacific economies - excluding the United States - are expected to sign a China-backed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which could become the world's largest free trade agreement. It will be the third year in a row that the United States has been represented in the East Asia meetings at a relatively low level, even though the outgoing administration of President Donald Trump had declared the Asia Pacific and competition with China a foreign policy priority. Trump is preoccupied with challenging the results of last week's U.S. presidential election and has refused to concede defeat to Democratic President-elect Joe Biden, who is due to take office in January. While Trump attended the US-ASEAN summit in Manila in 2017, he has never attended a full EAS meeting. Vice-President Mike Pence represented the United States at the meetings in Singapore in 2018, while O'Brien did so in Thailand last year.

IMD predicts heavy rainfall in parts of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh in next 2-3 days

The Odisha government put all the 30 districts of the state on alert Saturday in view of the IMD forecasting enhanced heavy rainfall for the next three days, officials said.

The step was taken in view of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicating the formation of a low-pressure area in North Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas, which is likely to intensify into a depression during the subsequent 48 hours.

"Under its influence, enhanced rainfall activity is very likely over the districts of Odisha," Director of IMD, Bhubaneswar H R Biswas said.

Due to the likely formation of a low-pressure area over north Bay of Bengal, squally weather with the wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph is likely to prevail over north Bay of Bengal and the adjoining west central bay from June 30 to July 2, he added.

In an advisory issued to the district collectors, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said, "Administrative machinery of all the districts has been asked to remain alert to meet any localised flood/waterlogging situation that may arise in the event of extremely very heavy rainfall. The situation may be closely watched."

The SRC said Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Gajapati, Ganjam, Nabarangpur, Mayurbhanj, Malkangiri and Balasore districts were specially told to remain alert.

The IMD advised fishermen not to venture along and off the Odisha coast and north Bay of Bengal from June 30 to July 2.

Those who had ventured to the deep sea were advised to return to the coast by June 29 night, the IMD said.

Extremely heavy rainfall at one or two places in Bhadrak, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Kendrapada districts and heavy to very heavy rainfall at one or two places in the coastal districts, besides in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Angul, Deogarh, Sambalpur, Kandhmal and Malkangiri have been forecast on Sunday, the department said.

It forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall on Monday with extremely heavy rainfall likely to occur over one or two places in Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Sonepur and Boudh districts.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur over one or two places of Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Jajpur and Sundargarh districts, the IMD said.

Jharsuguda, Sundergarh, Bargarh, Nuapada, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur and Koraput districts are likely to experience heavy rainfall on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The Odisha government put all the 30 districts of the state on alert Saturday in view of the IMD forecasting enhanced heavy rainfall for the next three days, officials said.

The Odisha government put all the 30 districts of the state on alert Saturday in view of the IMD forecasting enhanced heavy rainfall for the next three days, officials said. The step was taken in view of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicating the formation of a low-pressure area in North Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas, which is likely to intensify into a depression during the subsequent 48 hours. "Under its influence, enhanced rainfall activity is very likely over the districts of Odisha," Director of IMD, Bhubaneswar H R Biswas said. Due to the likely formation of a low-pressure area over north Bay of Bengal, squally weather with the wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph is likely to prevail over north Bay of Bengal and the adjoining west central bay from June 30 to July 2, he added. In an advisory issued to the district collectors, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said, "Administrative machinery of all the districts has been asked to remain alert to meet any localised flood/waterlogging situation that may arise in the event of extremely very heavy rainfall. The situation may be closely watched." The SRC said Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Gajapati, Ganjam, Nabarangpur, Mayurbhanj, Malkangiri and Balasore districts were specially told to remain alert. The IMD advised fishermen not to venture along and off the Odisha coast and north Bay of Bengal from June 30 to July 2. Those who had ventured to the deep sea were advised to return to the coast by June 29 night, the IMD said. Extremely heavy rainfall at one or two places in Bhadrak, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Kendrapada districts and heavy to very heavy rainfall at one or two places in the coastal districts, besides in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Angul, Deogarh, Sambalpur, Kandhmal and Malkangiri have been forecast on Sunday, the department said. It forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall on Monday with extremely heavy rainfall likely to occur over one or two places in Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Sonepur and Boudh districts. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur over one or two places of Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Jajpur and Sundargarh districts, the IMD said. Jharsuguda, Sundergarh, Bargarh, Nuapada, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur and Koraput districts are likely to experience heavy rainfall on Tuesday.

Odisha government puts all districts on alert due to forecast of heavy rain

As many as 64 people had died and over 1.4 lakh hectare crop area affected due to cyclone Fani in Odisha, the Home Ministry said on Tuesday. Cyclone Fani affected three states — Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. In Odisha, 64 lives were lost, 5.56 lakh houses and huts were damaged, 6,281 cattle were lost, 1,48,663 hectare of cropland affected and 6,416 boats and 8,828 nets were damaged, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai told Lok Sabha in a written reply.

“In addition, infrastructure like roads, power, railway, telecommunications etc. were also damaged in Odisha,” he said. There was no loss of human lives in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. A total of 222 houses/huts were damaged, 28 cattle were lost and 1,365-hectare crop area was damaged in Andhra Pradesh, he said. In West Bengal, 29,260 houses/huts were damaged and 1.12 lakh hectare of crop area was affected due to the cyclone Fani, the minister said.

To prevent loss of human lives, a record number of 15,57,170 persons in Odisha, 17,460 persons in Andhra Pradesh and 2,34,801 persons in West Bengal were evacuated to safer places, Rai said. “There are institutional mechanisms at the national and state level for effective management of natural disasters. Though the primary responsibility for disaster management rests with the state governments, the central government extends all possible logistics and financial support to the states to supplement their efforts to meet the situation effectively,” he said.

The concerned state governments undertake an assessment of damage and provide financial relief in the wake of natural disasters including cyclone, from the State Disaster Response Fund already placed at their disposal, Rai said. In order to support the affected people of the states, central government has released in advance an assistance of Rs 1,086 crore (Rs 340.875 crore to Odisha, Rs 200.25 crore to Andhra Pradesh, Rs 235.50 crore to West Bengal and Rs 309.375 crore to Tamil Nadu) from SDRF on April 29, the minister said.

In pursuance to the visit made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Odisha after the cyclone Fani, the central government released additional Rs 1,000 crore to the state government on May 7, he said. Odisha was severely affected by the cyclone and has submitted a memorandum seeking an assistance of Rs 5,227.68 crore, Rai said.

An inter-ministerial central team visited the affected areas of the state from June 20 to 22 again for an on-the-spot assessment of damages caused by the cyclone Fani. Upon receipt of the report from the team, further financial assistance under NDRF will be considered as per laid down procedure, the minister said.

As many as 64 people had died and over 1.4 lakh hectare crop area affected due to cyclone Fani in Odisha, the Home Ministry said on Tuesday. Cyclone Fani affected three states — Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal.

As many as 64 people had died and over 1.4 lakh hectare crop area affected due to cyclone Fani in Odisha, the Home Ministry said on Tuesday. Cyclone Fani affected three states — Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. In Odisha, 64 lives were lost, 5.56 lakh houses and huts were damaged, 6,281 cattle were lost, 1,48,663 hectare of cropland affected and 6,416 boats and 8,828 nets were damaged, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai told Lok Sabha in a written reply. “In addition, infrastructure like roads, power, railway, telecommunications etc. were also damaged in Odisha,” he said. There was no loss of human lives in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. A total of 222 houses/huts were damaged, 28 cattle were lost and 1,365-hectare crop area was damaged in Andhra Pradesh, he said. In West Bengal, 29,260 houses/huts were damaged and 1.12 lakh hectare of crop area was affected due to the cyclone Fani, the minister said. To prevent loss of human lives, a record number of 15,57,170 persons in Odisha, 17,460 persons in Andhra Pradesh and 2,34,801 persons in West Bengal were evacuated to safer places, Rai said. “There are institutional mechanisms at the national and state level for effective management of natural disasters. Though the primary responsibility for disaster management rests with the state governments, the central government extends all possible logistics and financial support to the states to supplement their efforts to meet the situation effectively,” he said. The concerned state governments undertake an assessment of damage and provide financial relief in the wake of natural disasters including cyclone, from the State Disaster Response Fund already placed at their disposal, Rai said. In order to support the affected people of the states, central government has released in advance an assistance of Rs 1,086 crore (Rs 340.875 crore to Odisha, Rs 200.25 crore to Andhra Pradesh, Rs 235.50 crore to West Bengal and Rs 309.375 crore to Tamil Nadu) from SDRF on April 29, the minister said. In pursuance to the visit made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Odisha after the cyclone Fani, the central government released additional Rs 1,000 crore to the state government on May 7, he said. Odisha was severely affected by the cyclone and has submitted a memorandum seeking an assistance of Rs 5,227.68 crore, Rai said. An inter-ministerial central team visited the affected areas of the state from June 20 to 22 again for an on-the-spot assessment of damages caused by the cyclone Fani. Upon receipt of the report from the team, further financial assistance under NDRF will be considered as per laid down procedure, the minister said.

Cyclone Fani: 64 people died, over 1.4 lakh hectare crop area affected in Odisha

Close to 1000 schools having less than 10 students on the roll will be shut down in Odisha to tackle the teachers'&nbsp;shortage issue, the government said on Sunday.

"Odisha government has decided to close 966 public schools that have below 10 students," Mass Education Minister Samir Ranjan Das told ANI here.

The minister said that even some of these schools were running with just two to three students.

The closure of these schools will help the government to tackle the teacher shortage problem in the state.

"It is not possible for the government to provide teachers and infrastructure to the students given there is an acute shortage of teachers," he said.

Thousands of teachers teaching in these schools will be transferred to nearby schools.

The students studying in these schools will also be shifted to nearby schools.

Das said, "To encourage these students, the government has decided to pay Rs 3000, Rs 4000 and Rs 6000 as conveyance allowance as per their attendance."

Close to 1000 schools having less than 10 students on the roll will be shut down in Odisha to tackle the teachers' shortage issue, the government said on Sunday.

Close to 1000 schools having less than 10 students on the roll will be shut down in Odisha to tackle the teachers' shortage issue, the government said on Sunday. "Odisha government has decided to close 966 public schools that have below 10 students," Mass Education Minister Samir Ranjan Das told ANI here. The minister said that even some of these schools were running with just two to three students. The closure of these schools will help the government to tackle the teacher shortage problem in the state. "It is not possible for the government to provide teachers and infrastructure to the students given there is an acute shortage of teachers," he said. Thousands of teachers teaching in these schools will be transferred to nearby schools. The students studying in these schools will also be shifted to nearby schools. Das said, "To encourage these students, the government has decided to pay Rs 3000, Rs 4000 and Rs 6000 as conveyance allowance as per their attendance."

Odisha to close nearly 1000 schools having less than 10 students

The Chandrabhaga beach in Puri district in east Indian state of Odisha has become the first in Asia to get the Blue Flag certification. The certification is given by Denmark-based Federation of Environment Education (FEE) to beaches which are environment-friendly, clean and equipped with amenities of international standards for tourists. The beach was given the honour on World Environment Day on Wednesday. It is situated 30 km from the city of Puri.

Puri beach becomes first in Asia to get Blue Flag tag

And one of the leaders who helped BJP enter the state of Odisha was Pratap Chandra Sarangi who won from Balasore Lok Sabha Constituency. Sarangi took oath as Minister today. Watch this video to know more.

"Odisha's Modi" Pratap Chandra Sarangi takes oath as Minister

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/naveen-patnaik-invites-modi-to-his-swearing-in-ceremony-as-odisha-cm-222062">Chief minister-designate Naveen Patnaik</a> is set to take oath on Wednesday as the chief minister of Odisha, for the fifth consecutive time.

Along with him, a 20-member Council of Ministers will also be sworn in.

Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal had on Sunday invited Chief Minister and BJD president Patnaik to form the next government in the state.

The Governor appointed 11 Cabinet ministers and nine Ministers of State on the recommendation of the chief minister.

The 72-year-old BJD supremo Patnaik, one of the longest-serving chief ministers, managed to retain the state for the fifth consecutive term in the recently concluded Lok Sabha election in the state.

The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to be held at 10.30 am at the Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar, the Governor`s office said in a press statement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other political leaders have been invited to the ceremony.

The Cabinet Ministers who will take oath are Ranendra Pratap Swain, Bikram Keshari Arukha, Naba Kishore Das, Pratap Jena, Prafulla Kumar Mallick, Niranjan Pujari, Sudam Marndi, Susanta Singh, Tukuni Sahu, Arun Kumar Sahoo and Padmanav BeheraThe state ministers include Ashok Chandra Panda, Samir Ranjan Dash, Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi, Dibya Shankar Mishra, Premananda Nayak, Raghunandan Das, Padmini Dian, Tusharkanti Behera and Jagannath Saraka.

Elections for the 147 seats in the Odisha Legislative Assembly and 21 Lok Sabha seats were held simultaneously in the state.

Patnaik won from two Assembly segments, his home turf Hinjili under the Aska Lok Sabha seat in southern Odisha and Bijapur in the Bargarh Lok Sabha seat in western Odisha.BJD retained 12 of the 21 parliamentary seats in the state.

The party secured 112 seats in the 147-member Odisha Assembly. BJP won 23 seats and Congress managed to win nine seats. An independent and CPI(M) won one seat each.

Patnaik, the son of former chief minister Biju Patnaik formed the BJD after quitting the Janata Dal in 1997. He became the chief minister for the first time in the year 2000 and his party had been in alliance with the BJP till 2009.&nbsp;

Chief minister-designate Naveen Patnaik is set to take oath on Wednesday as the chief minister of Odisha, for the fifth consecutive time. Along with him, a 20-member Council of Ministers will also be sworn in.

Chief minister-designate Naveen Patnaik is set to take oath on Wednesday as the chief minister of Odisha, for the fifth consecutive time. Along with him, a 20-member Council of Ministers will also be sworn in. Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal had on Sunday invited Chief Minister and BJD president Patnaik to form the next government in the state. The Governor appointed 11 Cabinet ministers and nine Ministers of State on the recommendation of the chief minister. The 72-year-old BJD supremo Patnaik, one of the longest-serving chief ministers, managed to retain the state for the fifth consecutive term in the recently concluded Lok Sabha election in the state. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to be held at 10.30 am at the Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar, the Governor`s office said in a press statement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other political leaders have been invited to the ceremony. The Cabinet Ministers who will take oath are Ranendra Pratap Swain, Bikram Keshari Arukha, Naba Kishore Das, Pratap Jena, Prafulla Kumar Mallick, Niranjan Pujari, Sudam Marndi, Susanta Singh, Tukuni Sahu, Arun Kumar Sahoo and Padmanav BeheraThe state ministers include Ashok Chandra Panda, Samir Ranjan Dash, Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi, Dibya Shankar Mishra, Premananda Nayak, Raghunandan Das, Padmini Dian, Tusharkanti Behera and Jagannath Saraka. Elections for the 147 seats in the Odisha Legislative Assembly and 21 Lok Sabha seats were held simultaneously in the state. Patnaik won from two Assembly segments, his home turf Hinjili under the Aska Lok Sabha seat in southern Odisha and Bijapur in the Bargarh Lok Sabha seat in western Odisha.BJD retained 12 of the 21 parliamentary seats in the state. The party secured 112 seats in the 147-member Odisha Assembly. BJP won 23 seats and Congress managed to win nine seats. An independent and CPI(M) won one seat each. Patnaik, the son of former chief minister Biju Patnaik formed the BJD after quitting the Janata Dal in 1997. He became the chief minister for the first time in the year 2000 and his party had been in alliance with the BJP till 2009.

Naveen Patnaik to be sworn in as Odisha Chief Minister for record 5th time

Biju Janata Dal chief Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday took oath as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/naveen-patnaik-invites-modi-to-his-swearing-in-ceremony-as-odisha-cm-222062">Odisha's Chief Minister</a> for the fifth consecutive term. Along with him, a 20-member Council of Ministers were also sworn in.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar.

Patnaik's BJD stormed into power in the state Assembly polls bagging 112 of the 147 seats.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal had Patnaik to form the next government in the state.

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Bhubaneswar: Gita Mehta, prominent Indian writer and sister of Naveen Patnaik also present at the swearing in ceremony of Naveen Patnaik. <a href="https://t.co/tk0dx7uBit">pic.twitter.com/tk0dx7uBit</a>
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The Governor appointed 11 Cabinet ministers and nine Ministers of State on the recommendation of the chief minister.

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PM Narendra Modi: Congratulations to Naveen Patnaik ji on taking oath as Odisha’s Chief Minister. Best wishes to him and his team in fulfilling the people’s aspirations. I assure complete cooperation from the Centre in working for Odisha’s progress. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/KCiD4D2dIN">pic.twitter.com/KCiD4D2dIN</a>
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Patnaik, the son of former chief minister Biju Patnaik formed the BJD after quitting the Janata Dal in 1997. He became the chief minister for the first time in the year 2000 and his party had been in alliance with the BJP till 2009.&nbsp;

Patnaik was hailed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his crisis management skills when Cyclone Fani ravaged the state. The PM had said that a mass tragedy could be averted only because the state government worked in tandem with the instructions issued by the Centre and implemented it on the ground.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Biju Janata Dal chief Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday took oath as Odisha's Chief Minister for the fifth consecutive term. Along with him, a 20-member Council of Ministers were also sworn in.

Biju Janata Dal chief Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday took oath as Odisha's Chief Minister for the fifth consecutive term. Along with him, a 20-member Council of Ministers were also sworn in. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar. Patnaik's BJD stormed into power in the state Assembly polls bagging 112 of the 147 seats. On Sunday, Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal had Patnaik to form the next government in the state. Bhubaneswar: Gita Mehta, prominent Indian writer and sister of Naveen Patnaik also present at the swearing in ceremony of Naveen Patnaik. pic.twitter.com/tk0dx7uBit — ANI (@ANI) May 29, 2019 × The Governor appointed 11 Cabinet ministers and nine Ministers of State on the recommendation of the chief minister. PM Narendra Modi: Congratulations to Naveen Patnaik ji on taking oath as Odisha’s Chief Minister. Best wishes to him and his team in fulfilling the people’s aspirations. I assure complete cooperation from the Centre in working for Odisha’s progress. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/KCiD4D2dIN — ANI (@ANI) May 29, 2019 × Patnaik, the son of former chief minister Biju Patnaik formed the BJD after quitting the Janata Dal in 1997. He became the chief minister for the first time in the year 2000 and his party had been in alliance with the BJP till 2009. Patnaik was hailed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his crisis management skills when Cyclone Fani ravaged the state. The PM had said that a mass tragedy could be averted only because the state government worked in tandem with the instructions issued by the Centre and implemented it on the ground.

For record 5th time, Naveen Patnaik takes oath as Odisha Chief Minister 

Odisha Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik has invited <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bimstec-leaders-invited-for-modis-swearing-in-ceremony-222056">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> and leaders of different political parties to his swearing-in ceremony scheduled to be held here on Wednesday, party sources said Monday.&nbsp;

Patnaik will take oath as the chief minister for the fifth time in a row at 10.30 am on Wednesday.

"A special message has been sent to Delhi to invite the Prime Minister for the swearing-in ceremony of the new government in Odisha," sources in the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) said.

Invitations have also been sent to leaders of different political parties in the state. However, the invite to the prime minister is significant as Patnaik had during election campaign given an open invitation to Modi.

Patnaik at an election meeting at Basta under Balasore Lok Sabha constituency had invited Modi to his swearing-in, after Modi in a public meeting announced that he would again visit Odisha to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the next BJP government in the state.

Modi had also predicted that Patnaik's government will be out of power after the May 23 poll result announcement.

In his reply, Patnaik had said, "BJD has already secured a majority in the Assembly by the end of the third phase of polling. I humbly invite him (Modi) to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the new BJD government."

Apart from the prime minister, the state government has also invited captains of industries, members of women self-help groups and others to the ceremony.&nbsp;

More than 5,000 people will attend Patnaik's swearing-in.

The BJD supremo's elder sister Gita Mehta and other members of his family may also attend the function.

This time, Patnaik will take oath at the exhibition ground here. In earlier four occasions, he had taken oath at Raj Bhavan.

Director General of Police R P Sharma and other senior officers reviewed the security arrangements at the new venue.&nbsp;

Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal will administer the oath of office to Patnaik and his council of ministers.

Patnaik had on May 24 tendered resignation of the council of ministers headed by him. He had on Sunday met the governor and staked claim for government formation.&nbsp;

After being satisfied that the BJD commands a majority in Odisha Legislative Assembly, the governor extended an invitation to the party chief to form the new government, an official communication said.

The Patnaik-led BJD has secured 112 seats in the 147-member Odisha Assembly followed by BJP that won 23 seats and Congress with nine seats.&nbsp; 
An independent and CPI(M) won one seat each.&nbsp;

Odisha Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders of different political parties to his swearing-in ceremony scheduled to be held here on Wednesday, party sources said Monday.

Odisha Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders of different political parties to his swearing-in ceremony scheduled to be held here on Wednesday, party sources said Monday. Patnaik will take oath as the chief minister for the fifth time in a row at 10.30 am on Wednesday. "A special message has been sent to Delhi to invite the Prime Minister for the swearing-in ceremony of the new government in Odisha," sources in the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) said. Invitations have also been sent to leaders of different political parties in the state. However, the invite to the prime minister is significant as Patnaik had during election campaign given an open invitation to Modi. Patnaik at an election meeting at Basta under Balasore Lok Sabha constituency had invited Modi to his swearing-in, after Modi in a public meeting announced that he would again visit Odisha to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the next BJP government in the state. Modi had also predicted that Patnaik's government will be out of power after the May 23 poll result announcement. In his reply, Patnaik had said, "BJD has already secured a majority in the Assembly by the end of the third phase of polling. I humbly invite him (Modi) to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the new BJD government." Apart from the prime minister, the state government has also invited captains of industries, members of women self-help groups and others to the ceremony. More than 5,000 people will attend Patnaik's swearing-in. The BJD supremo's elder sister Gita Mehta and other members of his family may also attend the function. This time, Patnaik will take oath at the exhibition ground here. In earlier four occasions, he had taken oath at Raj Bhavan. Director General of Police R P Sharma and other senior officers reviewed the security arrangements at the new venue. Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal will administer the oath of office to Patnaik and his council of ministers. Patnaik had on May 24 tendered resignation of the council of ministers headed by him. He had on Sunday met the governor and staked claim for government formation. After being satisfied that the BJD commands a majority in Odisha Legislative Assembly, the governor extended an invitation to the party chief to form the new government, an official communication said. The Patnaik-led BJD has secured 112 seats in the 147-member Odisha Assembly followed by BJP that won 23 seats and Congress with nine seats. An independent and CPI(M) won one seat each.

Naveen Patnaik invites Modi to his swearing-in ceremony as Odisha CM

DRDO on Monday successfully test fired the new version of the Akash surface to air defence missile system with a new indigenously-developed seeker.

The missile was test-fired in Balasore off the Odisha coast.

This is the second successful test of the missile in last two days as a successful test was done by them on Saturday also.

This is a new version of the missile fitted with an indigenous seeker.

Akash missile is a medium range Surface to Air Missile with multi-target engagement capability.

The missile was developed as part of Integrated Guided-Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) other than Nag, Agni, Trishul, and Prithvi missiles.

The supersonic Akash missile has a range of around 25 km and up to the altitude of 18,000m.

The missile uses high-energy solid propellant for the booster and ramjet-rocket propulsion for the sustainer phase. The missile system is said to be highly mobile.

Several variants of the missile- Akash MK1, Akash-MK2 with improved accuracy and higher ranges are under development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The Akash missile system was formally inducted into the Indian Air Force on July 10, 2015, and in Indian Army on May 5, 2015. In September that year, the Defence Acquisition Council cleared seven additional squadrons of the missile for the Air Force.

However, the missile system has been bogged in controversies with a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report in 2017 stating that as many as 30 per cent of the missiles failed when tested.

The Indian Army too had said in 2017 that the missile does not meet its operational requirements due to higher reaction time.

India is slowly plugging holes in its air-defence elements by developing advanced surface-to-air missile named MRSAM- Medium Range Surface to Air Missile in collaboration with Israel.

Besides that, five regiments of renowned S-400 air defence system are under procurement from Russia. The delivery is slated to begin in 2020.

&nbsp;

DRDO on Monday successfully test fired the new version of the Akash surface to air defence missile system with a new indigenously-developed seeker. The missile was test-fired in Balasore off the Odisha coast.

DRDO on Monday successfully test fired the new version of the Akash surface to air defence missile system with a new indigenously-developed seeker. The missile was test-fired in Balasore off the Odisha coast. This is the second successful test of the missile in last two days as a successful test was done by them on Saturday also. This is a new version of the missile fitted with an indigenous seeker. Akash missile is a medium range Surface to Air Missile with multi-target engagement capability. The missile was developed as part of Integrated Guided-Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) other than Nag, Agni, Trishul, and Prithvi missiles. The supersonic Akash missile has a range of around 25 km and up to the altitude of 18,000m. The missile uses high-energy solid propellant for the booster and ramjet-rocket propulsion for the sustainer phase. The missile system is said to be highly mobile. Several variants of the missile- Akash MK1, Akash-MK2 with improved accuracy and higher ranges are under development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The Akash missile system was formally inducted into the Indian Air Force on July 10, 2015, and in Indian Army on May 5, 2015. In September that year, the Defence Acquisition Council cleared seven additional squadrons of the missile for the Air Force. However, the missile system has been bogged in controversies with a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report in 2017 stating that as many as 30 per cent of the missiles failed when tested. The Indian Army too had said in 2017 that the missile does not meet its operational requirements due to higher reaction time. India is slowly plugging holes in its air-defence elements by developing advanced surface-to-air missile named MRSAM- Medium Range Surface to Air Missile in collaboration with Israel. Besides that, five regiments of renowned S-400 air defence system are under procurement from Russia. The delivery is slated to begin in 2020.

DRDO successfully test fires new version of Akash air defence missile

Disney in India donated Rs 2 crore on Monday to aid relief and recovery efforts in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-odisha-government-says-adequate-steps-taken-to-avoid-outbreak-of-any-epidemic-219507">areas impacted by cyclone Fani in Odisha</a>.&nbsp;

The donation will support disaster response and provide assistance to those in need through Save the Children in India.

"Our hearts go out to those affected by this severe cyclonic storm Fani. The families and communities impacted by this devastating calamity need our support as they begin to rebuild," Sanjay Gupta, Country Manager, Star and Disney India, said in a statement. "Through our contribution, we hope to help the families affected as they recover from this cyclone," Gupta added.

Watch:&nbsp;NASA releases images of power situation after Fani

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-releases-images-of-power-situation-after-fani-217238/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

With this aid, Save the Children in India will provide affected families with critical shelter, basic needs and also work in cyclone shelters and temporary camps.

In August 2018, Disney and Star India came forward to extend support during Kerala floods, the release said.&nbsp;

Disney in India donated Rs 2 crore on Monday to aid relief and recovery efforts in areas impacted by cyclone Fani in Odisha. The donation will support disaster response and provide assistance to those in need through Save the Children in India.

Disney in India donated Rs 2 crore on Monday to aid relief and recovery efforts in areas impacted by cyclone Fani in Odisha. The donation will support disaster response and provide assistance to those in need through Save the Children in India. "Our hearts go out to those affected by this severe cyclonic storm Fani. The families and communities impacted by this devastating calamity need our support as they begin to rebuild," Sanjay Gupta, Country Manager, Star and Disney India, said in a statement. "Through our contribution, we hope to help the families affected as they recover from this cyclone," Gupta added. Watch: NASA releases images of power situation after Fani With this aid, Save the Children in India will provide affected families with critical shelter, basic needs and also work in cyclone shelters and temporary camps. In August 2018, Disney and Star India came forward to extend support during Kerala floods, the release said.

India's Disney donates Rs 2 crore to Cyclone Fani relief in Odisha

A yellow warning was issued by the regional Meteorological Department on Saturday due to heat wave conditions in the state.

People have been warned not to come out after 11.30 am.

Labourers have also been advised to restraint from work.

Advisory also talks of precautionary measures in case of any urgency.

Prevailing weather conditions have severely affected the normal life of the common people in the state.

The Met Department forecast said that such conditions will prevail for the next three days.

Titilagad recorded 46.5-degree Celsius temperature. At three places out of 22 centres, the temperature was recorded above 45 degree Celsius.&nbsp;

A yellow warning was issued by the regional Meteorological Department on Saturday due to heat wave conditions in the state. People have been warned not to come out after 11.

A yellow warning was issued by the regional Meteorological Department on Saturday due to heat wave conditions in the state. People have been warned not to come out after 11.30 am. Labourers have also been advised to restraint from work. Advisory also talks of precautionary measures in case of any urgency. Prevailing weather conditions have severely affected the normal life of the common people in the state. The Met Department forecast said that such conditions will prevail for the next three days. Titilagad recorded 46.5-degree Celsius temperature. At three places out of 22 centres, the temperature was recorded above 45 degree Celsius.

Odisha: Met Department issues yellow warning due to heat wave conditions

Odisha Chief Minister and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik on Sunday met Governor Professor Ganeshi Lal and staked claim to form a government in the state for a fifth consecutive time.

Patnaik`s meeting with the Governor took place after newly elected BJD MLAs held a meeting in the state capital and elected the former as their leader.

Speaking to media, Patnaik said, "MLAs of BJD have elected me as the leader of their legislature party.

I am very grateful to them and I am now going to see the Governor.

"He also said that party MPs have been told to take "Odisha`s demands forward and work hard for the people".

Earlier in the day, newly elected BJD MPs also met with Patnaik in Bhubaneswar.BJD put up a tough fight against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections and managed to retain 12 of the 21 seats in the state.

Patnaik won from two Assembly segments, Hinjili under the Aska Lok Sabha seat in southern Odisha and Bijapur in the Bargarh Lok Sabha seat in western Odisha. While BJP won 8 seats in the state, one went to the Indian National Congress (INC).

The parliamentary elections saw stalwarts such as BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra being defeated by BJD`s sitting MP Pinaki Misra from the Puri parliamentary constituency. Patnaik`s party was able to contain the BJP, although it could not stop the national party from making inroads into its bastion.

Elections for the 147 seats in the Odisha Legislative Assembly and 21 Lok Sabha seats were held simultaneously in the state.&nbsp;

Odisha Chief Minister and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik on Sunday met Governor Professor Ganeshi Lal and staked claim to form a government in the state for a fifth consecutive time.

Odisha Chief Minister and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik on Sunday met Governor Professor Ganeshi Lal and staked claim to form a government in the state for a fifth consecutive time. Patnaik`s meeting with the Governor took place after newly elected BJD MLAs held a meeting in the state capital and elected the former as their leader. Speaking to media, Patnaik said, "MLAs of BJD have elected me as the leader of their legislature party. I am very grateful to them and I am now going to see the Governor. "He also said that party MPs have been told to take "Odisha`s demands forward and work hard for the people". Earlier in the day, newly elected BJD MPs also met with Patnaik in Bhubaneswar.BJD put up a tough fight against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections and managed to retain 12 of the 21 seats in the state. Patnaik won from two Assembly segments, Hinjili under the Aska Lok Sabha seat in southern Odisha and Bijapur in the Bargarh Lok Sabha seat in western Odisha. While BJP won 8 seats in the state, one went to the Indian National Congress (INC). The parliamentary elections saw stalwarts such as BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra being defeated by BJD`s sitting MP Pinaki Misra from the Puri parliamentary constituency. Patnaik`s party was able to contain the BJP, although it could not stop the national party from making inroads into its bastion. Elections for the 147 seats in the Odisha Legislative Assembly and 21 Lok Sabha seats were held simultaneously in the state.

Odisha: Naveen Patnaik chosen leader of BJD legislative party, meets Governor

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