Odisha

In a series of diplomatic engagements that go beyond the usual political formalities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been using his international visits to highlight India’s diverse and vibrant cultural heritage.

A 20-year-old tribal woman was allegedly assaulted and forced to consume human feces after protesting crop damage by a non-tribal man in Odisha's Bolangir district. The accused remains at large, prompting outrage and demands for justice from local communities and political figures.

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Cyclone Dana made landfall in Odisha, bringing heavy rain and strong winds, causing disruptions but no major damage or casualties. Schools and educational institutions were closed in Odisha, West Bengal, and parts of Jharkhand as a precaution.

Cyclone Dana, expected to make landfall in Odisha tonight, has prompted the evacuation of 10 lakh people. The severe cyclonic storm, with winds up to 120 kmph, poses a risk to nearly half of the state's population. Heavy rainfall is also expected in West Bengal.

Odisha and West Bengal are evacuating coastal areas as Cyclone Dana approaches, predicted to make landfall between Thursday night and Friday. Over 150 trains have been canceled, and rescue teams are on high alert.

Odisha's Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, said that officials have already inspected 250 cyclone relief centers, ensuring they are ready to house evacuees. Food, water, medicine, electricity, and other essentials are being stocked at these centers to provide for those displaced by the impending cyclone.

The NDRF has deployed 25 teams to West Bengal and Odisha in preparation for a severe cyclone expected to hit between Puri and Sagar Island on October 24-25. The cyclone is predicted to bring winds of 100-110 kph with gusts up to 120 kph, prompting evacuations and emergency preparedness measures.

In the case of Cyclone Dana, the name was contributed by Saudi Arabia, one of the 14 countries involved in the WMO's naming system for the North Indian Ocean region. "Dana" is an Arabic word meaning "generosity" or "bounty," symbolising the cultural influence that cyclone names often carry.

For male employees, known as "commissioning fathers," the policy grants 15 days of paternity leave following the birth of their child through surrogacy. This leave must be utilised within six months of the child’s arrival and is applicable only if the employee has fewer than two surviving children.