Month: October 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday affirmed National Democratic Alliance’s victory in the Bihar assembly elections, stating that their victory is certain, stating Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rahul Gandhi’s game will be over until 1 pm on November 14.

Shah also lauded the crowd that emerged during his rally in Samastipur, noting that he had travelled across the state and had witnessed the same crowd everywhere.

“I have travelled across the entire state of Bihar — and I have seen such massive crowds everywhere. On the 14th, the counting will begin at 8 a.m., ballot boxes will open at 9, and by 1 o’clock, Lalu and Rahul’s game will be over (“1 bajte-bajte Lalu-Rahul ka supda saaf”).” Amit Shah said.

Amit Shah also drew parallels between the National Democratic Alliance and the Mahabharata, asserting that the NDA is like “panch pandavas” and lauding the unity within the alliance.

“This is not an election to make our candidates legislators, nor to make them ministers this upcoming election is to free Bihar from “jungle raj.” In the NDA, all five of our allies are fighting this election together, like the five Pandavas,” he said.

He stressed that Mahagathbandhan might have more parties in its alliance. Still, NDA has the support of PM Narendra Modi, the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the youthful energy of Chirag Paswan, the lifelong dedication of Jitan Ram Manjhi, and the experience of Upendra Kushwaha.

“In the NDA, Bihar has the support of Modi ji, the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish ji, the youthful energy of Chirag Paswan, the lifelong dedication of Jitan Ram Manjhi, and the experience of Upendra Kushwaha. Though they (the opposition) may be greater in number, just like the Pandavas in the great battle, the NDA’s victory in this electoral war is certain,” Shah added.

Earlier today, Amit Shah, took a sharp jibe at the Mahagathbandhan alliance for favouring family members in leadership positions rather than capable political leaders, contrasting it with how the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded 25-year-old Maithili Thakur.

“We gave a ticket to 25-year-old Maithili Thakur, who has no political background. Can this ever happen in RJD or Congress? Lalu ji wants to make his son (Tejashwi Yadav) the Chief Minister and Sonia ji wants to make Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister,” Amit Shah said while addressing a public rally in Darbhanga.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Mahagathbandhan, released its manifesto titled ‘Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran’, outlining key promises ahead of the polls, while addressing a joint press conference in Patna.

According to the manifesto, under the ‘Mai-Behin Maan Yojana’, women will receive financial assistance of Rs 2,500 per month from December 1 for the next five years.

The Opposition’s alliance promised to implement the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). OPS has been on the Congress agenda since the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government in Himachal Pradesh restored it soon after assuming office. Congress had also included it in its manifesto for the Haryana Assembly polls.

Mahagathbandhan has promised to put the Waqf (Amendment) Act on hold, and to make the management of Waqf properties “welfare-oriented and transparent”.

The 2025 Bihar elections will have the main contest between the National Democratic Alliance and the Mahagathbandhan.NDA includes the Bharatiya Janata Party, Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha.

Mahagathbandhan, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal, includes Congress party, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI-ML) led by Deepankar Bhattacharya, the Communist Party of India (CPI), the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), and Mukesh Sahani’s Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP).

Additionally, Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj has staked claims to all 243 seats in the state. The assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14. (ANI)

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor on Wednesday said that former Bihar CM Lalu Prasad Yadav and current CM Nitish Kumar were the root cause of all trouble in the state.

Speaking to reporters here, Kishor appealed to people in Bihar who earn their living in other states not to vote for Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United).

“If they vote for Lalu or Nitish again, they will have to go back to travelling like animals on trains. The people of Bihar have to decide if they want a factory made here or in other states. Lalu and Nitish are the root of all troubles in Bihar,” Kishor said.

He stated that a Jan Suraaj government must be established in Bihar to improve conditions, ensuring that people in the state don’t have to leave their homestate to make a living.

“People of Bihar who have come to the state from other states will have to return if things don’t change here in the next 10-15 days. They will have to return to work in factories in Chennai, Gujarat, Delhi, Mumbai and live in the same conditions there. If things improve and a ‘Jan Suraaj’ is established, they will not have to go to other states. We appeal to them not to return and to remain in Bihar until the elections are over,” Kishor said.

“This time in Bihar, votes should only be cast for education, employment, and change,” he added.

With less than ten days remaining before the first phase of polling in the Bihar Assembly elections, the Madhepura Assembly constituency has emerged as one of the key battlegrounds to watch.

Located within the Madhepura Lok Sabha constituency, a political stronghold once represented by veteran leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav and Sharad Yadav, this seat holds significant importance in the upcoming state polls.

The Madhepura seat has been a stronghold for the Rashtriya Janata Dal, as they have retained it since the previous three elections.

Chandra Shekhar, a three-time MLA from the seat, has been a controversial figure in Bihar politics. He has served as Minister of Disaster Management from 2015 to 2017 and Minister of Sugarcane Industries from 2022 to 2024.

He also stirred controversy with his remarks on Ram Charit Manas during a Hindi Diwas event in 2023, which then heated up state politics. JDU, which was then an ally of the RJD, had distanced itself from the remarks; meanwhile, his party had defended his statement, citing it as a reflection of its ideology.

In the 2025 elections, Chandra Shekhar Yadav once again contests under the RJD symbol as the Mahagathbandhan candidate. On the other side, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has fielded Kavita Kumari Saha from the JD(U).

Saha, who belongs to the Extremely Backward Class (EBC) community and holds a postgraduate degree in Sociology, had earlier made her political debut successfully as the Chairperson of the Madhepura Municipal Board.

Shashi Kumar, from the Jan Suraaj Party, is also in the election field against Saha and Chandra Shekhar.

The assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday asserted that nothing would undermine the fragile Gaza ceasefire he brokered a few weeks ago, even after Israel launched deadly airstrikes in the enclave on Tuesday, killing over 30 in response to the alleged killing of an Israeli soldier.

Speaking to reporters during a gaggle aboard Air Force One, Trump justified Israel’s retaliation, stating that Israel should “hit back”.

“They killed an Israeli soldier. So, the Israelis hit back, and they should hit back. When that happens they should hit,” the US President said during the gaggle en route to South Korea.

Pressed on whether the Israeli action risked undermining the ceasefire, Trump replied flatly, noting that “Nothing is going to jeopardise that.”

He sought to minimise Hamas’s role in any broader peace process, calling the group “a very small part of peace in the Middle East” and warning that its members would face severe consequences if they failed to comply with ceasefire terms.

“You have to understand, Hamas is a very small part of peace in the Middle East and they have to behave. They’re on the rough side, but they said they would be good, and if they’re good, they’re going to be happy. And if they’re not good, they’re going to be terminated. Their lives will be terminated. And they understand that. And we have many countries that are willing to do that,” he stated.

The remarks by the US President come hours after the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) carried out air strikes in the region after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu instructed his military to “immediately carry out forceful strikes in the Gaza Strip,” as per a statement from his office on Tuesday.

“Following security consultations, Prime Minister Netanyahu has directed the military to immediately carry out forceful strikes in the Gaza Strip,” the Israeli PMO stated.

As reported by CNN, Israel had informed the US about their decision to carry out strikes in Gaza.

A military official said that Hamas militants attacked Israeli forces east of the so-called yellow line, which demarcates the Israeli-occupied part of Gaza from the rest of the enclave.

The troops stationed in the Rafah area reportedly came under rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) and sniper fire, CNN reported.

Following the assault, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that Hamas would pay a “heavy price” for targeting Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) personnel.

“Israel will respond with great force,” Katz said.

According to the IDF, at least 30 people were killed in the strike “in which dozens of terror targets and terrorists were struck.”

Israel has also accused Hamas of misidentifying the remains of the most recently returned captive, which were of an abductee whose body was recovered two years ago.

Netanyahu said he’s deciding on next steps after Hamas returned the remains of a previously recovered captive, as per Al Jazeera.

Hamas condemned what it described as a “criminal bombardment” by Israel, alleging that it violated the ongoing ceasefire agreement. The group denied responsibility for the attack on Israeli troops but reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the truce, CNN reported. (ANI)

A, 68-year-old Indian-origin businessman named Darshan Singh Sahsi was killed in Canada’s Abbotsford on Monday morning (local time), reported the Vancouver Sun.

In a news release by the Abbotsford Police, the patrol officers discovered the victim’s body while he was suffering from life-threatening injuries. The victim was taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to death due to his wounds. The investigation into the matter is in the early stages, reported the Vancouver Sun.

“Despite life-saving medical efforts of first responders, the man succumbed to his injuries. No arrests have been made at this time. The investigation is still in its early stages, and additional resources have been deployed to support efforts in uncovering the full circumstances surrounding this incident,” Sergeant Paul Walker said as per the Vancouver Sun.

The Police further said that the shooting of Sahsi doesn’t appear to be linked to the continuing incidents of extortion-related violence targeting members of the South Asian business community. Investigators believe the suspected shooter was alone when he got out and shot Sahsi. Investigators also released a surveillance image of a silver Toyota Corolla allegedly involved in the shooting, the Vancouver Sun reported.

Meanwhile, Canada-based gangster Goldy Dhillon, who is linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, on Wednesday claimed the responsibility for Darshan Singh Sahsi’s murder.

Sharing a post on Facebook, Goldy Dhillon claimed responsibility for the murder, stating that the victim was involved in a major drug trade and had allegedly ignored the gang’s demands for money.

The authenticity of the post is being verified by Police agencies in India and Canada, and possible links to the Bishnoi network operating abroad are being investigated.

Gurpreet Singh Sahota, a Punjabi journalist, described Darshan Singh Sahsi as a “gentle person” and said he was a businessman from Abbotsford, as reported by the Vancouver Sun.

“He was a very gentle person. He was a millionaire, a multimillionaire, but never showed off, and he was very helpful to the community,” Sahota said as per the Vancouver Sun. (ANI)

Veteran actor Satish Shah’s demise has left everyone saddened.

A few days after the death of the ‘Sarabhai vs Sarabhai’ star, his close pal Supriya Pilgaonkar took to Instagram and shared a picture from her last meeting with him.

“Gone too soon Satish! Can’t believe we met on a previous Sunday! Happy to have that memory stamped on my heart. I know you are forever watching over your beloved Madhu. We will feel your presence through her smiles. Singing your favourite songs and dancing,” she posted.

The picture showed Satish Shah sharing smiles with his wife Madhu and actress Supriya Pilgaonkar.

The prayer meet for the late actor was held at Jalaram Hall in Juhu, Mumbai on October 27. Several celebs, including Johnny Lever with his family, Paresh Ganatra, Deven Bhojani, Sumeet Raghvan and his family, Rajesh Kumar, Divya Dutta, David Dhawan, Nitish Bharadwaj, and Supriya Pilgaonkar, among others, attended it.

The Sarabhai vs Sarabhai producer JD Majethia, who shared a close bond with Satish Shah, posted an emotional note ahead of the prayer meet.

“Our beloved Satish Shah. We gather to celebrate the life and creative spirit of a man whose work has touched hearts, inspired many minds, and brought beauty to the world of film,” he wrote on his Instagram handle.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also condoled the passing away of veteran actor Satish Shah and said the late actor will be remembered as a true legend of Indian entertainment. In an X post, PM Modi said Satish Shah’s “effortless humour and iconic performances brought laughter into countless lives”.

“Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Satish Shah Ji. He will be remembered as a true legend of Indian entertainment. His effortless humour and iconic performances brought laughter into countless lives. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” he said.

The actor’s diverse filmography includes popular hits like satirical black comedy ‘Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro’ (1983), ‘Hum Saath-Saath Hain’, ‘Main Hoon Na’, ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’, ‘Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa’, ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, ‘Om Shanti Om’, and ‘Shaadi No. 1’, had a career spanning over four decades.

A graduate of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Shah’s mastery of situational comedy and character versatility made him one of the most respected and loved actors in the Indian entertainment industry. (ANI)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday said that Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘Montha’ has weakened into a Cyclonic Storm over the coastal Andhra Pradesh and will maintain the intensity of cyclonic storm during the next six hours.

As per the weather department, the Severe Cyclonic Storm “Montha” over coastal Andhra Pradesh moved nearly northwestwards with a speed of 10 kmph during past six hours, weakened into a Cyclonic Storm and lay centered at 0230 hrs IST of today, the 29th October 2025, near latitude 16.5°N & longitude 81.5°E, about 20 km west-northwest of Narsapur (Andhra Pradesh), 50 km northeast of Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh), 90 km west-southwest of Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), 230 km southwest of Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and 470 km southwest of Gopalpur (Odisha).

“It is likely to move nearly northwestwards across coastal Andhra Pradesh and maintain its intensity of cyclonic storm during the next 6 hours, and weaken further into a deep depression during the subsequent 6 hours,” IMD added.

The latest observations indicate that the rear sector of the cyclonic storm “Montha” entered into the land.

Meanwhile,Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi visited the control room at the Special Relief Commissioner’s office to review the situation ahead of the landfall of Cyclone Montha.Majhi reiterated the state government’s preparedness in view of Cyclone Montha, saying that Odisha is not under threat yet and that people have been relocated to safe locations as a precautionary measure.

“We reviewed the graphical images of IMD in the control room regarding the ground situation of Cyclone Month..Odisha is not at much risk. All our teams are prepared for any situation. People have been shifted to safe places, and all arrangements have been made at the shelters,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that pregnant women, sick people, and the elderly are being cared for. Schools and Anganwadis have been closed, and the authorities are keeping a strict vigilance for the next 24 hours.

Union Health Ministry also reviewed preparedness measures for Cyclone Montha with senior officials of the eastern coastal States, including Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu, an official statement said.

Cyclones are caused by atmospheric disturbances around a low-pressure area, characterised by swift, often destructive air circulation. Cyclones are usually accompanied by violent storms and bad weather. The air circulates inward in an anticlockwise direction in the Northern hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern hemisphere. (ANI)

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana is elated with the success of his latest film ‘Thamma’, which he described as the “biggest film” of his career so far. He also expressed his excitement about working with Sooraj Barjatya on his next project.

Speaking to ANI, Ayushmann said, “I am feeling good. Validation by the public is the biggest validation…For me, this is the biggest opening of my career and hopefully my biggest film as well.”

‘Thamma’ is directed by Aditya Sarpotdar. It is written by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew and Arun Falara and produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik. It is the fifth instalment in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe and stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Paresh Rawal.

The actor revealed that what drew him to the film was the opportunity to step beyond his usual “guy next door” roles. “In this film, the generic character that I have played in my earlier films, which is a guy next door, from there, the transition towards becoming a vampire or a superhero-like characteristics, I have done that for the first time. So, I was very excited for that. Because I am a big fan of this universe…” he said.

When asked about the film’s success, Ayushmann said, “As an actor, I found the script exciting. Whatever is happening now is like a cherry on the top.”

The actor also shared that before Thamma 2, audiences can expect the sequel to Bhediya. “I’m excited to see how different characters from this universe will merge and clash in upcoming films,” he shared.

On his upcoming projects, Ayushmann revealed he will soon start shooting for filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya’s next film.

“The shoot is going to start in the next 4 days. It is like a dream for me that I am playing the character of Prem. Because I had just thought that I wished it would happen. And, it happened. There is something new in Sooraj ji’s story and it is a good thing. It is a family film like his films. The same film hasn’t been released for many years,” he said.

He also confirmed a collaboration with Yash Raj Films for a new project. “I am doing another project for YRF. It is a very interesting and new story…I am very excited..title is not announced yet,” he added.

Created under the Maddock Films banner, ‘Thamma’ is the fifth film in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, following Stree, Roohi, Bhediya, and Munjya. The story revolves around Ayushmann’s character, who turns into a vampire and falls in love with Rashmika’s character, leading to a “bloody love story” full of twists. (ANI)

Actor Emraan Hashmi says his upcoming film ‘HAQ’ draws inspiration from the historic 1985 Shah Bano case, describing it as a story that reflects on a balance between personal faith and constitutional law. He also noted that the movie is not meant to “malign” any community or religion and talks about women’s rights and dignity.

Speaking to ANI, he said, “Maybe the younger generation doesn’t know much about this case. The film is inspired by the 1985 Shah Bano case, in which Ahmed Khan divorced Shah Bano, who then fought for her dignity in the Sessions Court, the High Court, and the Supreme Court after her husband stopped her maintenance.”

He added, “Shah Bano said ‘Mai Musalman hu hindustani aurat hu pehle’ and ‘I should get my maintenance under secular law and constitutional law. Beyond Muslim personal law’. It became a landmark case; Shah Bano was fighting for a lot of women, for different generations to come. So even then, the country was divided into two parts on this argument. Because on one side was the law of religion. On the other side was secular, all-encompassing constitutional law for every citizen. Obviously, the verdict that came, we have to accept it. But there is always a tilt. That a personal law is also a sacred sacrosanct of a religion. So it was a very interesting story. And it was based on that.”

Emraan emphasised that the film’s purpose is not to form any opinion. “This is a film where, when you step out of the theatre, we will find it is pro-women and we have raised the issue for their dignity, for their equality of rights. But at the same time, if you feel that during the final monologue and the film, Ahmed bhi Abbas bhi jo apne nazariye se ki jo environment mein pala bada tha jo uski conditioning thi vo sahi tha apni taraf to humne apna kaam kar liya..So we are not judging anyone in this film. We are not pointing fingers. We have just shown you the case in a very unbiased way. And then it is up to you as to how you step out of the theatre. ,” he explained.

The actor, who is known for his films such as ‘Murder’, ‘Hamari Adhuri Kahani ‘, and ‘Jannat’, among others, shared that he approached the story with sensitivity.

“I read the script of this film, I saw it from the perspective of a creative actor, but for the first time in my career, I had to see that there is a sensitivity regarding a community, regarding my community. I have to be a little cognisant, and I have to analyse it in a different way. What I have extrapolated from this film is that there is a very balanced point of view..So we are not talking about anything that we are not pointing a finger at a community or passing a judgment,” he said.

Hashmi said that the film did not “malign” or target any community. “I don’t know what people will say, but as a liberal Muslim, I can say that I had no problems with the viewpoint of the film. Because we are not maligning any community, if we were, I wouldn’t have done this film…And just to give a viewpoint of the kind of Muslim I am, I married Parveen, who is a Hindu. Meri family mein mere bete puja bhi karte hai, namaaz bhi padhte hai. This is my secular upbringing. So from my point of view, I am watching this film. Everyone watches a film according to their conditioning, religious tenets, upbringing, environment, and viewpoint.”

Urging viewers to watch the film, he said, “Not just the Muslim community. Of course, they should see it. Women should see it. It’s a story of a woman’s voice. It’s a story of equality. It’s a story of a certain right to dignity. It’s a story for men as well. I think these biases that men have in a patriarchal society, that we think it’s a man’s world, and we will do whatever we can, and it costs a woman her dignity. That has been reflected in this film. If you introspect on that, you will find value in this film. For men as well.”

Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam are set to bring a true story from the 80s to the screen in ‘HAQ’, which focuses on the famous Mohd Ahmed Khan vs Shah Bano Begum case.

Emraan and Yami will play the lead roles as Mohd Ahmed Khan and Shah Bano Begum, with a fierce courtroom confrontation.

The Mohd. Ahmad Khan v. Shah Bano Begum, or the Shah Bano maintenance case, has been considered a legal milestone in the battle for the protection of the rights of Muslim women in India.

In 1978, Shah Bano (62) filed a petition in the Indore court, seeking maintenance from her divorced husband, Mohammed Ahmed Khan, an affluent and well-known lawyer.

The two married in 1932 and had five children — three sons and two daughters. In 1985, the Supreme Court ruled that Shah Bano was entitled to maintenance under Section 125. However, a year later, the Rajiv Gandhi government brought in legislation to nullify the court verdict.

Directed by Suparn S Varma, ‘HAQ’ also features Vartika Singh, Danish Husain, Sheeba Chadha, and Aseem Hattangady in prominent roles.

Made under the banner of Junglee Pictures, the film is produced by Vineet Jain, Vishal Gurnani, Juhi Parekh Mehta, and Harman Baweja. It will hit theatres on November 7, 2025. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump has again claimed to have ‘stopped’ the brief conflict between India and Pakistan in May and said “seven brand new beautiful planes were shot down”.

Trump, while delivering remarks at a dinner with business leaders during his visit to Japan on Tuesday (local time), said that he stopped the conflict through trade.

“A lot of the wars that I stopped were because of tariffs, and be frankly, I did a great service to the world but because of tariffs because of trade. If you look at India and Pakistan, they were going at it. Seven planes were shot down. Seven brand new beautiful planes were shot down and they were going at it- at two big nuclear powers,” he said.

Trump then claimed that he told Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir to stop the conflict, or the US would not do trade with them.

“And I said to Prime Minister Modi- the prime minister very nice man, a very good man, and the field marshal over in Pakistan. I said, Look, we’re not going to do any trade if you’re going to be fight.” No, no, no. One thing has nothing to do with the other. I said, “It has a lot to do with the other two nuclear powers. We get that nuclear dust all over the place. All of you are affected, right?” And we said, “No, we’re not doing any deals if you’re going to fight.” And within about 24 hours, that was the end of that. It was amazing, actually,” he said.

Trump then said that through this tactic, he stopped other wars.

“And we’ve done numerous like that. I would say trade is responsible for 70% of the fact that we didn’t have wars by using our heads because they want to trade with the United States. But I said we’re not going to trade if you’re going to go to war. And it’s amazing how quickly they were able to make deals. And you know, they would have been fighting for 10 years killing millions of people, numerous of them. So we’re very happy about that,” he said.

However, India has consistently refuted the claims made by the US President, stressing that the decision of “cessation of hostilities” with Pakistan was reached through direct diplomatic engagement between the two nations, and no third party was involved.

It was India’s long-standing position that any issue with Pakistan, including those related to Jammu and Kashmir, is to be resolved bilaterally between the two countries.

India’s Operation Sindoor, initiated on May 7, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians, showcased a calibrated, tri-services response that embodied precision, professionalism, and purpose. Operation Sindoor was conceived as a punitive and targeted campaign to dismantle the terror infrastructure across the Line of Control and deeper inside Pakistan. (ANI)

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi visited the control room at the Special Relief Commissioner’s office to review the situation ahead of the landfall of Cyclone Montha.

Majhi reiterated the state government’s preparedness in view of Cyclone Montha, saying that Odisha is not under threat yet and that people have been relocated to safe locations as a precautionary measure.

“We reviewed the graphical images of IMD in the control room regarding the ground situation of Cyclone Month..Odisha is not at much risk. All our teams are prepared for any situation. People have been shifted to safe places, and all arrangements have been made at the shelters,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that pregnant women, sick people, and the elderly are being cared for. Schools and Anganwadis have been closed, and the authorities are keeping a strict vigilance for the next 24 hours.

“Care is being taken for the elderly, seriously ill patients, and pregnant women. Complete arrangements have been made for food, water, and other essential items for the people. Schools and Anganwadis have been closed. In some places where trees fell, the roads were immediately cleared. We have instructed all collectors and officials to maintain strict vigilance for 24 hours,” he stated.

The Gajapati District Magistrate, Madhumita, also gave assurances and said, ” Due to continuous rain, landslides have occurred in several places. We cleared those areas this morning. To achieve our goal of zero casualties, 10,000 people have been relocated from sensitive areas. Pregnant women are also being taken care of. Our staff is actively working on the ground.”

Meanwhile, the Union Health Ministry reviewed preparedness measures for Cyclone Montha with senior officials of the eastern coastal States, including Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Tamil Nadu, an official statement said.

Cyclone Montha, which made landfall on Tuesday night, has crossed the Andhra Pradesh and Yanan coasts between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, to the south of Kakinada, the India Meteorological Department said. It turned into a severe cyclonic storm.

According to the latest IMD observation update at 12:30 am, the severe storm will weaken into a cyclonic storm over the next 6 hours.

Cyclones are caused by atmospheric disturbances around a low-pressure area, characterised by swift, often destructive air circulation. Cyclones are usually accompanied by violent storms and bad weather. The air circulates inward in an anticlockwise direction in the Northern hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern hemisphere. (ANI)