Eminent poet Dr. Phani Mohanty has been felicitated with the prestigious Godabarish Misha Samman for his outstanding contributions to Odia literature.

The Chief Minister made an aerial survey of affected districts on Sunday. 

The power supply to about 98 percent of electricity consumers in the affected districts has been restored. While 22.84 lakh consumers were affected, 22.32 lakh have been provided electricity connection. 

As many as 7,000 employees are engaged in the restoration work. Power supply could not be undertaken on war footing due to waterlogging in low-lying areas.

About 30,000 people were still staying in 470 cyclone shelters, while over 8 lakh people were accommodated in 6,210 shelters during the cyclone. 

Chief Minister Majhi reviewed damages after an aerial survey in Paradip, Mahakalpada, Rajnanagar, Rajkanika, and Chandbali. Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari and Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja accompanied the Chief Minister During the survey. 

As per preliminary estimates, crops on about 2,21,800 acres of agricultural land in 880 gram panchayats and 4,100 villages in 12 blocks of Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, Jajpur and Mayurbhanj districts have been damaged. The Chief Minister said assistance would be provided once the actual report comes.
 

The day promises to be a memorable tribute to Indian heritage and culture, emphasising the growing bond between the US and the Indian-American community.

Continuing a tradition from previous years, the President will light a Diya lamp in the Blue Room before his remarks, the White House said.

After this, he would deliver remarks before a gathering of Indian-Americans, for whom he is hosting a reception.

This would be President Biden's last Diwali reception at the White House as he is not running for the presidential election.

Among the President's introductions will be a video message from Sunita Williams, a decorated NASA astronaut and retired Navy Captain.

She recorded a video greeting from the International Space Station (ISS), where she took over as Commander in September, the White House said.

Sunita Williams is a practising Hindu and has previously sent Diwali greetings from the ISS to people across the globe.

She has also brought multiple Indian/Hindu cultural items, including samosas and copies of Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita with her to space in celebration of her heritage, it said.

Nootana, a classical South Asian dance and music ensemble based in Washington, DC, will provide musical entertainment for guests, in addition to the Marine Corps Band, the White House added.

Last year after the Diwali celebration, the US President shared a video of the festivities on microblogging platform X in which he was seen lighting a diya with US First Lady Jill Biden at the White House.

"Today, Jill and I lit the diya to symbolise Diwali's message of seeking the light of wisdom, love, and unity over the darkness of hate and division. May we embrace the enduring spirit of this holiday and of our nation – and reflect on the strength of our shared light," he posted.

--IANS
 

Upon his arrival, the MEA took to social media platform X greeting the Spanish leader, "Bienvenido a India!"

"President of the Government of Spain@sanchezcastejon touches down in Vadodara, marking the first visit by a Spanish President to India in 18 years. An official visit to elevate India-Spain relations to new heights," said the MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Monday on X.

"I am embarking on my first official trip to India with the aim of reviving our bilateral relations. India is a key player and a very prominent voice in the international community with whom we will address many of the joint challenges that lie ahead," the Spanish President posted on X.

President Sanchez was received by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri at the Vadodara International Airport.

During his visit, the Spanish President will be inaugurating the Final Assembly Line Plant of C295 aircraft at Vadodara, a flagship "Make in India" initiative in the aviation sector, along with PM Modi.

The plant is been set up by Tata Advanced Systems in collaboration with Airbus Spain.

Prior to the Spanish President's visit, the city of Vadodara had been decked up with beautiful lights.

This is the first visit of President Sanchez to India which is also taking place after 18 years.

President Sanchez will also visit Mumbai, where, apart from official engagements. He will interact with trade and industry leaders, think-tanks, and the film industry.

He will address the fourth Spain India Forum organised by the Spain-India Council Foundation and the Observer Research Foundation.

He will also visit prominent film studios where he will interact with leading celebrities in Indian movie industries, to foster greater collaboration between the Indian and Spanish media and entertainment industry.

Several MoUs/Agreements are expected to be signed during the visit, which will give a fillip to bilateral cooperation.

President Sanchez's visit will be an opportunity to review the entire gamut of our bilateral relations and further deepen the partnership across various sectors, including trade and investment, IT, innovation, infrastructure, renewable energy, defence and security, pharma, agro-tech, and biotech, culture, and tourism, the MEA said.

--IANS