Cyclone Murasu May Trigger Fresh Rainfall in Odisha; Southern Districts Likely to Feel Impact

Cyclone Murasu May Trigger Fresh Rainfall in Odisha; Southern Districts Likely to Feel Impact

Bhubaneswar, Nov 1 (UDN): Odisha may witness another spell of rainfall as Cyclonic Storm Murasu gathers strength over the Bay of Bengal and moves towards the south Andhra Pradesh coast. Although Andhra Pradesh is expected to face the direct impact of the system, parts of southern Odisha could experience rain and strong winds, according to weather forecasts.

 Representational Image 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that the weather system is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm before crossing the south Andhra Pradesh coast on the morning of November 3.

Wind speeds during landfall are expected to reach 100–110 kmph, with gusts potentially touching 120 kmph. The storm is likely to cross the coast between Nellore and Narsapur.

Southern Odisha Districts on Weather Watch

According to weather expert Debashish Jena, Odisha is likely to experience the indirect effects of the approaching cyclone, particularly in its southern districts.

Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri are among the districts likely to receive rainfall as the system approaches the Andhra Pradesh coastline. Some areas may also experience strong winds.

However, Ganjam and Gajapati are not expected to face impacts as severe as those associated with Cyclone Arnab, the expert indicated.

Why Murasu May Have a Lesser Impact on Odisha

Explaining the difference between the two weather systems, Jena said Cyclone Arnab had brought substantial rainfall to Odisha because of its northward movement.

In contrast, the new system is moving in a southward direction, which is likely to limit its influence over the state.

He said Odisha would experience an indirect impact from Murasu, but the overall effects were unlikely to be as severe as those witnessed during Cyclone Arnab.

Andhra Pradesh Braces for Cyclonic Landfall

Meanwhile, south Andhra Pradesh remains in the path of the developing storm. The IMD has forecast further intensification over the Bay of Bengal, with the system expected to approach the coastline in the early hours of November 3.

The projected landfall between Nellore and Narsapur could bring very strong winds and adverse weather conditions to coastal areas.

With the system continuing to develop, its movement and intensity will remain crucial in determining the extent of rainfall across neighbouring regions.

Odisha’s southern districts, particularly Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri, will therefore need to remain alert to changing weather conditions as Murasu advances towards the Andhra Pradesh coast.

Further updates from the IMD are awaited.

Nepal, Bhutan Push for Special Himalayan Climate Agenda at COP31 Amid Rising Disaster Risks

Kathmandu, Nov 1: Amid growing threats from climate change and an increase in extreme weather events across the Himalayan region, Nepal and Bhutan have jointly called for a dedicated Himalayan climate agenda at the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31).

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The two Himalayan nations have proposed a separate agenda item titled “1.5-Degree Temperature Rise in the Himalayan Region”, seeking greater international recognition of the environmental challenges confronting mountain ecosystems and communities.

The conference is scheduled to take place in Antalya, Turkey, from November 9 to 20.

According to a statement issued by the secretariat of Nepal’s Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment on Saturday, the joint proposal was submitted under Rule 12 of the draft rules of procedure of the conference. Nepal’s Agriculture, Forests and Environment Minister Geeta Chaudhary submitted the proposal on behalf of both countries.

Growing Climate Threats Across the Himalayas

The joint initiative comes against the backdrop of increasingly severe climate-related disasters in the Himalayan region, including devastating floods, glacial lake outbursts, rising temperatures and accelerated glacier melting.

The proposal highlights concerns that continued temperature increases could cause irreversible damage to fragile mountain ecosystems, threaten biodiversity and undermine the livelihoods of communities dependent on Himalayan natural resources.

It also emphasises the importance of the Himalayan river systems, which provide water, food and energy to more than two billion people living downstream.

The region is also home to nearly half of the world’s important biodiversity areas, making its protection critical for ecological stability.

Call for Scientific Research and Global Action

Under the proposed agenda, Nepal and Bhutan have urged the international community to support comprehensive scientific studies on rising temperatures in the Himalayan region and assess the consequences of exceeding global temperature targets.

The two countries have also proposed an annual high-level dialogue on mountains and climate change to ensure that the concerns of Himalayan nations receive sustained attention in international climate negotiations.

Another key recommendation is to initiate a process for developing a dedicated action plan for Himalayan ecosystems under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The proposal further calls for mountain-specific priorities to be incorporated into global discussions on climate adaptation, climate finance and loss and damage.

Devastating Floods Highlight Economic Cost of Climate Change

The urgency of the joint initiative has been underscored by recent disasters in both countries.

In Nepal, devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems on August 26, 2026, caused extensive destruction. The flooding was linked to an avalanche that temporarily dammed a river, according to the report.

A Rapid Disaster Needs Assessment prepared by the Nepalese government estimated the damage at approximately $2.7 billion, while recovery and reconstruction requirements were projected at $4.7 billion.

Bhutan has also experienced the devastating impact of climate-related events. A flash flood on Thursday night, reportedly triggered by the bursting of the Shintaphu glacial lake, washed away infrastructure at the Gasa Tshachu natural hot springs.

No casualties had been reported as of Friday.

Himalayan Nations Seek Stronger International Support

Through the joint proposal, Nepal and Bhutan are seeking to shift greater global attention towards the specific vulnerabilities of mountain regions, which often face disproportionate consequences from climate change.

The initiative underscores the need for stronger international cooperation, adequate climate financing and science-based adaptation measures to protect vulnerable Himalayan communities.

As COP31 approaches, the two countries are hoping to secure a more prominent place for Himalayan concerns in global climate negotiations and push for concrete action to safeguard the region’s ecological and economic future.

INDIA Bloc Gears Up for ‘Chalo Dilli’ Rally at Ramlila Maidan, Targets Election Commission Over SIR

New Delhi, Nov 1: The opposition INDIA bloc is set to stage a major show of strength in the national capital on Sunday with its ‘Chalo Dilli’ march, culminating in a rally at Ramlila Maidan against alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and the Election Commission’s ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

The opposition alliance is expected to bring together political leaders, party workers, student organisations and supporters from various parts of the country. Among its key demands are a halt to alleged irregularities in voter list revision and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.

The rally is expected to intensify the political confrontation between the opposition parties and the BJP-led Central Government over the credibility of the electoral process.

Security Tightened Across Delhi

Ahead of the proposed demonstration, Delhi Police have strengthened security arrangements across the national capital. Restrictions under Section 163 are in force in several districts, prohibiting unauthorised gatherings at sensitive locations, including Jantar Mantar and the Election Commission’s office.

Police and paramilitary personnel are expected to remain deployed at strategic locations, particularly around Ramlila Maidan, to maintain law and order during the gathering.

Authorities have also put traffic and crowd management arrangements in place. Opposition leaders and participants have been asked to follow the designated security and movement arrangements.

Rahul Gandhi Appeals to Visitors to Support Local Traders

Ahead of the rally, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi appealed to people travelling to Delhi to participate in the demonstration while also supporting local businesses during the festive season.

In a post on X on Saturday, Gandhi said thousands of people would be arriving in the capital for the march and urged them to shop at small local establishments during the festive period of Diwali, Chhath and Bhai Dooj.

He dismissed concerns that the political gathering would adversely affect traders, alleging that the BJP was spreading rumours out of fear of the opposition’s mobilisation.

Gandhi called on participants to combine their political protest with efforts to support Delhi’s small traders and shopkeepers.

Venugopal Alleges Large-Scale Voter List Irregularities

Congress general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal has also appealed to people across the country to join the November 1 mobilisation.

In a video message shared on X on Thursday, Venugopal described the campaign as ‘Chalo Dilli, Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’, alleging that democratic institutions and electoral processes were under threat.

He claimed that nearly 13 crore names had been deleted from electoral rolls and alleged widespread irregularities in voter list revision across several states.

Venugopal also praised Rahul Gandhi for leading the opposition’s campaign and questioning the functioning of institutions responsible for safeguarding democracy.

Opposition Seeks Accountability

Through the Ramlila Maidan gathering, the INDIA bloc aims to bring its concerns over the SIR exercise and electoral transparency to the forefront of national politics.

The opposition parties have maintained that the revision process must be transparent and that no eligible voter should be excluded from electoral rolls.

The rally is expected to serve as a significant political platform for the alliance as it seeks to build a united campaign around voter rights, electoral accountability and the functioning of the Election Commission.

Further political developments are likely to emerge following the opposition’s demonstration in the national capital.

India Records Historic Drop in Extreme Poverty, PM Modi Highlights World Bank Findings

New Delhi, Nov 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted what he described as a historic achievement in India’s poverty reduction journey, citing findings from the World Bank’s latest report that show a significant decline in extreme poverty over the past decade.

Sharing key findings from the World Bank’s India Poverty and Equity Brief: October 2026 on Instagram, the Prime Minister underscored the country’s progress in improving living standards and expanding economic opportunities.

“A historic fall in poverty. A generational rise in opportunity,” Modi wrote alongside a carousel of data and messages highlighting the government’s poverty alleviation efforts.

One of the slides featured the message, “‘Gareebi Hatao’ was never a slogan for us. It is our commitment,” emphasising the government’s stated resolve to address poverty through welfare programmes and sustained development initiatives.

Extreme Poverty Falls to 2.6 Per Cent

According to the World Bank assessment, India’s extreme poverty rate dropped sharply from 27.1 per cent in 2011 to 2.6 per cent in 2023.

The report also estimates that around 496 million people moved out of poverty during the period under the broader lower-middle-income poverty threshold.

The assessment measures extreme poverty using a benchmark of $3 per person per day, while the lower-middle-income poverty line is set at $4.20 per person per day. Both thresholds are calculated using 2021 Purchasing Power Parity (PPP).

The World Bank noted that India has made substantial progress in reducing poverty across both monetary and non-monetary indicators over the last decade, placing the country among those recording some of the fastest improvements globally.

Welfare Initiatives and Development in Focus

The findings point towards improvements in living conditions and access to essential services, reflecting the impact of economic development and poverty alleviation measures.

The Prime Minister’s remarks place renewed emphasis on the government’s development agenda, which focuses on improving access to basic amenities, strengthening social security and creating greater economic opportunities for vulnerable sections of society.

However, despite the substantial decline in poverty, challenges such as income inequality, employment generation and wage disparities continue to require attention.

The latest World Bank assessment offers an important picture of India’s progress while highlighting the continuing need for inclusive growth, sustainable livelihoods and equitable access to economic opportunities.

Bay of Bengal Depression Set to Intensify Into Severe Cyclone; South Andhra Pradesh Braces for Landfall on November 3

Bhubaneswar, Nov 1 (UDN): A developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal is steadily gaining strength and is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm before making landfall along the south Andhra Pradesh coast on the morning of November 3, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast.

 Representational Image 

According to the IMD, the depression over the Southeast Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards at a speed of around 22 kmph during the six hours preceding 11:30 PM on October 31. At that time, the system was centred near latitude 10.9°N and longitude 87.5°E.

The weather system was located approximately 830 km east-southeast of Chennai, 880 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam and 950 km east-southeast of Ongole.

The IMD has forecast a gradual intensification of the system over the coming days. It is very likely to develop into a deep depression over the Southwest and adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal by noon on November 1.

The system is subsequently expected to strengthen into a cyclonic storm by midnight on November 1 and further intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the Westcentral Bay of Bengal by November 2.

As per the latest forecast, the system is likely to approach the Westcentral Bay of Bengal, close to the south Andhra Pradesh coast, by the early hours of November 3.

Landfall Expected Between Nellore and Narsapur

The severe cyclonic storm is likely to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur by the morning of November 3, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 100–110 kmph and gusts reaching up to 120 kmph, the weather agency said.

The expected intensity and wind speed indicate the potential for significant weather impacts along the coastal belt.

With the system continuing to intensify, its movement and development will remain under close observation. Further updates and advisories from the IMD are expected as the cyclone approaches the coastline.

Towards Buddha Co., Ltd. and ICP DAS Showcase iTLC Intelligent Traffic Control Solutions at APTA 2026 in Chicago

Advancing smart intersection technologies and expanding international market opportunities through strategic collaboration

CHICAGO, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Towards Buddha Co., Ltd., an overseas distributor of the iTLC Intelligent Traffic Control System, joined its technology partner ICP DAS at APTA 2026 TRANSform & EXPO in Chicago, USA, to showcase the iTLC-9000 Series and its applications in intelligent traffic management.

The exhibition highlighted innovative traffic control technologies designed to support reliable, secure, and integrated smart intersection operations, while providing opportunities to connect with international transportation professionals and explore emerging market needs.

Innovative Traffic Control Solutions

Under the theme “Innovative Traffic Control System,” the exhibition featured the iTLC-9000 Series, highlighting four key capabilities: modular and redundant design, secure networking, traffic signal integration, and active alert systems.

These technologies are designed to support system reliability, communication security, and efficient traffic infrastructure management, addressing the evolving requirements of modern intelligent transportation systems.

As cities worldwide continue to modernize transportation infrastructure, integrated and adaptable traffic control solutions are becoming increasingly important for smart intersection development.

Strengthening International Market Connections

As an overseas distributor of iTLC solutions, Towards Buddha Co., Ltd. plays an important role in connecting traffic control technologies with international markets.

During APTA 2026, Towards Buddha Co., Ltd. and ICP DAS engaged with transportation professionals, system integrators, and industry representatives to introduce iTLC technologies, exchange industry insights, and explore potential business opportunities.

“APTA 2026 provided a valuable platform to connect with the global transportation industry,” said a representative of Towards Buddha Co., Ltd. “Together with ICP DAS, we look forward to expanding international awareness of iTLC solutions and developing new opportunities in intelligent traffic control.”

Looking Ahead

Building on its participation at APTA 2026, Towards Buddha Co., Ltd. will continue collaborating with ICP DAS to promote iTLC solutions, strengthen international partnerships, and explore new opportunities in the global intelligent transportation market.

About Towards Buddha Co., Ltd.

Towards Buddha Co., Ltd. is an overseas distributor of the iTLC Intelligent Traffic Control System, focused on international market development and connecting advanced traffic control technologies with transportation industry needs.

Media Contact

Towards Buddha Co., Ltd.

Contact: Michael Chen

Email: Towardsbuddhaincorporation@gmail.com

Website: https://www.towardsbuddha.com 

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Drive to Great | BAIC FOTON Africa Partners Conference Successfully Held, Accelerating Localization Strategy

PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On October 29, the BAIC FOTON Africa Partners Conference, themed “Drive to Great,” was held at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Nearly 700 participants attended, including Chinese and African political and business representatives, senior executives from BAIC Group and BAIC FOTON, and distributors, key accounts, industrial partners, and media from 42 African countries.

Strategic anchoring and deeper whole-value-chain cooperation

BAIC FOTON has ranked first in China’s commercial vehicle sales for 21 consecutive years and first in exports for 15 consecutive years, covering more than 140 countries and regions. From January to September 2026, export sales exceeded 168,500 units, up 43.6% year on year. In Africa, its business covers 54 markets with more than 300 authorized service outlets. At the conference, Chang Rui, CEO of BAIC Group and Chairman of the Board of BAIC FOTON, and customer representatives completed delivery of 1,000 heavy trucks in Ghana and 800 heavy trucks in Zambia. Wu Zongtian, President of BAIC FOTON International, and customer representatives signed new energy product projects: 200 units in Mozambique, 100 in Ethiopia, 100 in Kenya, and a batch project in Zambia, covering green transition scenarios in mining, agriculture, and other industries. Wu Zongtian released BAIC FOTON’s internationalization and Africa regional strategy report, proposing three pillars: localized product portfolio, localized business ecosystem, and localized manufacturing and operations. BAIC FOTON will deploy fuel, natural gas, battery electric, and plug-in hybrid technology routes, using South Africa to activate Southern Africa and drive coordinated breakthroughs in East Africa, North Africa, and West Africa.

Product matrix expanded and localized manufacturing advanced

Two heavy trucks, GALAXUS R5 and GALAXUS C5, were officially launched in Africa, and the TUNLAND V PHEV pickup was released for Africa, expanding supply for heavy-duty logistics and multi-purpose mobility. Relying on 16 localized factories in Africa, BAIC FOTON continued manufacturing cooperation. At the strategic signing session, Dai Hongkai, Party Secretary of BAIC FOTON International, completed six localized manufacturing cooperation signings with partners in Tanzania, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. BAIC FOTON also advanced vehicle purchase support cooperation with WesBank and an African parts center warehouse cooperation with DP World, providing full-chain support for African users.

Market promotion deepened and GALAXUS set sail in Africa

The conference held a partners award ceremony, recognizing outstanding partners in key account development, new energy promotion, aftermarket services, and distributor cooperation. Luo Yunjie, VP of BAIC FOTON International, announced the launch of the Africa leg of the FOTON GALAXUS Global Experience and presented flags to distributor representatives from Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. BAIC FOTON will continue working with local partners to deepen localized manufacturing and industrial collaboration, improve regional supply and operation service systems, and jointly embark on the new journey of “Drive to Great.”

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