Odisha has stepped up its preparations for another cyclonic storm as Cyclone Murasu approaches the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh coast, even as the state continues to deal with the destruction caused by Cyclone Arnab and subsequent floods.

The death toll from Cyclone Arnab in Odisha rose to six on Sunday after two more bodies were recovered from a landslide-hit village in the southern part of the state. Ten people remain missing, with search operations underway to trace them.

According to Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh P Patil, Cyclone Arnab, which made landfall in Andhra Pradesh on October 28, and the subsequent floods have affected around 1.18 lakh people in Odisha. The disaster has also affected 75,388 hectares of agricultural land and damaged 1,672 houses.

Cyclone Murasu likely to hit Andhra Pradesh on November 3

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Murasu is expected to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm before making landfall between Nellore and Narsapur in Andhra Pradesh on the intervening night of November 2 and 3.

The storm is likely to bring wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph.

India has named the cyclone Murasu, which means ‘war drum’.

Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, said Odisha would begin receiving rainfall from November 2, with its intensity expected to increase on November 3. Rainfall is likely to continue until November 4 under the influence of the cyclone.

Six dead, 10 missing after Cyclone Arnab

The death toll from Cyclone Arnab increased to six following the recovery of two bodies from a landslide-affected village in southern Odisha. Officials said search operations were continuing for 10 missing people.

The hilltop village of Gidipabali, located along the border of Ganjam and Kandhamal districts, was severely affected by a massive landslide triggered by cyclone-induced rainfall.

The village, which was home to around 26 people, was buried under sludge and debris that cascaded down the hills and destroyed houses.

At least 13 people who managed to escape the landslide have been shifted to a relief centre near G Udaygiri, Kandhamal District Collector Vedbhusan said.

Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh P Patil said at least 10 landslide incidents had been reported during Cyclone Arnab, making them a major challenge for the state.

Odisha steps up preparations for fresh cyclone

With another storm approaching, the Odisha government has intensified its preparations, particularly in the southern districts that were badly affected by Cyclone Arnab.

Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the government was fully prepared to deal with the approaching cyclone and urged people not to panic.

The state has issued a high alert in its southern region, including Ganjam district. Authorities have also ordered the evacuation of people living in low-lying areas and hilly terrain before Cyclone Murasu makes landfall.

Some districts in southern Odisha have announced the closure of schools and colleges until November 3.

Meanwhile, more than 6,400 personnel have been deployed to accelerate the restoration of electricity supply in cyclone-affected areas.

Mohan Majhi announces relief package for affected families

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas and announced a special relief package for affected families.

Under the package, each family affected by the floods in the southern region will receive 50 kg of rice and Rs 2,500. Financial assistance will also be provided for crop losses, house damage and livelihood-related losses.

Majhi said the relief package would be reviewed after assessing the damage caused by Cyclone Murasu.

He also said disaster response teams were on standby, vulnerable low-lying areas were being monitored and fishermen had been strictly advised against venturing into the sea.

Additionally, an eight-member inter-ministerial central team will visit Odisha from November 2 to 4 to assess the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has married journalist Nidhi Razdan, with the couple announcing the development through social media posts on Saturday. The two also shared photographs from their celebrations, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

Omar Abdullah, 56, posted pictures of the couple on X, accompanying them with the caption, “A new journey began yesterday.” He also tagged Nidhi Razdan in his post.

Responding to the announcement, Razdan, 49, shared a message of her own, writing, “It’s done bro @OmarAbdullah”, confirming their marriage.

The wedding was preceded by a small family gathering in Srinagar, where close members of both families came together to celebrate the occasion, according to people familiar with the development.

Family members attend wedding celebrations

The celebrations were attended by Omar Abdullah’s parents, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and Mollie Abdullah, along with his three sisters and other close relatives.

Razdan’s parents, veteran journalist MK Razdan and Sarla Razdan, were also present at the celebrations.

The couple shared photographs from the occasion on their respective social media accounts, announcing their marriage publicly.

Omar Abdullah’s previous marriage dissolved by Supreme Court

The marriage comes after the Supreme Court formally dissolved Omar Abdullah’s marriage to Payal Abdullah in July, following a settlement between the estranged couple.

The two, who have two sons, had been involved in matrimonial proceedings spanning several years. They eventually resolved their outstanding disputes through mediation and jointly sought the dissolution of their marriage.

In July, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Omar Abdullah, informed a Supreme Court bench comprising Justice PS Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe that both sides had reached an agreement and agreed to withdraw the cases filed against each other.

“Both of them have embraced freedom. It’s all settled. Lordships may grant divorce. All other matters will be withdrawn,” Sibal told the court.

The bench accepted the settlement and indicated that it would pass orders in accordance with the terms agreed upon by both parties.

Veteran television producer-director B.P. Singh, best known for creating the popular crime investigation series CID, has died after suffering a heart attack. His death on Tuesday, October 27, prompted tributes from colleagues and members of the entertainment industry, who remembered his contribution to Indian television.

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit shared the news of Singh’s death in a social media post, remembering him as an accomplished filmmaker whose work had captivated audiences through shows such as CID and Aahat.

Pandit also recalled his association with Singh during the latter’s tenure as president of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association. Expressing grief over the loss, he described Singh as a close friend and a person whose work would continue to inspire future generations.

The last rites are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 28, according to Pandit’s post.

BP Singh’s contribution to Indian television

Born Brijendra Pal Singh, B.P. Singh established himself as a prominent figure in Indian television through his work as a producer and director. He created CID, one of the country’s longest-running crime investigation shows, which premiered in 1998 and followed a team of Mumbai crime branch officers investigating cases.

The series became widely recognised among television audiences and ran for around two decades. Singh also occasionally appeared on the show as DCP Shamsher Singh Chitrole.

One of the show’s notable milestones came in October 2004, when a special episode was filmed in a single continuous take lasting 111 minutes. The achievement received recognition in the Limca Book of Records and the Guinness World Records.

Singh’s work was not limited to crime dramas. He was also associated with Aahat, a popular horror television series that aired from 1995 to 2015. His other projects included Khaaki, Abhay and SuperCops Vs Super Villains.

Ashoke Pandit remembers the veteran filmmaker

In his tribute, Pandit recalled Singh’s professional achievements and their personal association. He praised the filmmaker’s work on CID and Aahat and expressed condolences to his family and loved ones.

Singh’s death marks the loss of a veteran television professional whose productions helped shape crime and horror programming in India.

His work on CID and Aahat remains a significant part of his legacy in Indian television.