Cyclone 'Amphan' LIVE updates: NDRF teams deployed in Odisha to shift villagers to shelters

Cyclone 'Burevi': NDRF teams deployed in TN's low-lying areas

Two teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in Thoothukudi ahead of cyclone 'Burevi' which is expected to cross south Tamil Nadu between Kanyakumari and Pamban on December 04. 3 NDRF teams are also arrived at Tirunelveli to move towards low-lying areas. Teams of NDRF are also deployed at Kanyakumari, and Alappuzha in Kerala. Cyclone 'Burevi' will cross Sri Lankan coast close to Trincomalee on evening of December 2 and will emerge into Gulf of Mannar on December 03 morning. 'Burevi' will cross south Tamil Nadu between Kanyakumari and Pamban on early morning of December 04.

World famous Rajarani Music Festival kicks off in Bhubaneswar

The world famous Rajarani Music Festival took off on a high note in Odisha's Bhubaneswar on January 18. The three-day event is being held on 11th century Rajarani Temple's premises. The audience was enthralled after listening to the euphonious phrases. The festival celebrates the richness of Indian classical music. The annual event features artistes from across the country. This international music festival is being organised since 2003 by the state tourism department.

Watch: 11-ft long python rescued by Forest Department in Odisha's Brahmapur

An 11-ft long python was rescued by the Forest Department in Odisha's Brahmapur. It was found inside a JCB machine. The python was later released in nearby jungle.

Chilika Lake becomes favourite destination for rare Irrawaddy Dolphins

Chilika Lake has become a favourite destination not only for migratory birds but also for rare Irrawaddy Dolphins. According to Chilika Development Authority (CDA), the lake records its highest ever count with 11.42 lakh migratory birds. During the monitoring of flora and fauna of Chilika Lake on January 15, 2021, dolphin population in Chilika Lake recorded with 156 along with five species of seagrass were reported. The annual bird count of Asia's largest brackish water lagoon was undertaken on January 14. Chilika now has 22 per cent of India's seagrass area. "State Government is focusing on eco-tourism in the state. At present there are around 47 such sites in the state along with Chilika Lake, we are focusing to add more facilities at these sites," Hari Shankar Upadhyay, Principal Chief Conservation of Forests (Wildlife), Odisha said.

Watch: Building roof collapses in UP's Ghaziabad, many trapped under debris

The roof of a building reportedly collapsed amid heavy rain in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad on January 3. Many people were trapped under the rubble with police, fire brigade and National Disaster Response Force teams working to rescue them. DM Ajay Shankar Pandey said that although an exact number of people trapped wasn't known, rescue teams wouldn't stop until everyone was extricated. Watch the full video for more.

IAF helicopter refills Bambi Bucket from lake to douse Dzouku Valley fire

Indian Air Force helicopter refilled Bambi Bucket from a lake near Dimapur to douse the wildfire at Dzouku Valley near Kohima, Nagaland. NDRF has also deployed 60 personnel to control the wildfire. The popular tourist spot is under danger due to massive fire.

20 rescued after roof of building collapses in UP's Ghaziabad

Around 20 have been rescued after a roof of a building collapsed due to heavy rains in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad on January 03. NDRF and medical teams are on spot.

Don't need her certificate: Vijayvargiya on Mamata's 'BJP more dangerous than Naxalites' remark

BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya reacted on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's statement calling the party "more dangerous than Naxals". He said that BJP doesn't need CM Banerjee's certificate that it is dangerous or not. "People of the country have made Narendra Modi Prime Minister second time so we don't need Mamata Banerjee's certificate,' he said. He added that BJP will only choose those TMC leaders who are not indulged in anti-national activities.

Aditya Birla Group's Vice President joins BJP ahead of Bengal polls

Ranjan Banerjee, senior vice-president of Aditya Birla Group, joined the BJP in Kolkata on January 20. He joined the party in the presence of BJP's national vice president Mukul Roy. Meanwhile, Arindam Bhattacharya, a former Congress MLA who later switched to TMC joined BJP. He joined BJP in the presence of party leader Kailash Vijayvargiya in New Delhi. Speaking to ANI, Ranjan Banerjee said, "I thank BJP for giving me this opportunity to serve the people of the state. We need to bring industries here so that people can get employment." Bengal is going for polls in the mid of 2021.

Mamata Vs who in Nandigram?’: Suvendu Adhikari responds; guarantees BJP win

Days after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that she would contest the upcoming state assembly election from Nandigram, now her former aide turned BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has hit back. While Adhikari refused to confirm his candidature from Nandigram, he said that he would guarantee the victory of the candidate the BJP fields in Nandigram. ‘Mamata Banerjee has announced to contest from there, relying on 62,000 votes but I have 2.13 lakh people who chant 'Jai Shri Ram,’ Adhikari said. Meanwhile, in a fresh setback to the Trinamool Congress, Arindam Bhattacharya joined the Bharatiya Janata Party and said that he wants to join PM Modi’s mission of making an Atmanirbhar Bengal. Watch the full video for all the details.