Authorities in Tamil Nadu have announced the closure of schools and colleges in Chennai and Tiruvallur as Cyclone Murasu intensifies over the Bay of Bengal, raising concerns about heavy rainfall, strong winds and possible flooding across parts of the eastern coast. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued weather warnings for several coastal districts, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, as the weather system moves towards the Indian coastline. Disaster management authorities have stepped up preparations to deal with the possible impact of the cyclone.
According to the weather department's forecast, the system is expected to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast near Ongole, between Nellore and Narsapur, around midnight on November 2 or during the early hours of November 3. The cyclone is likely to bring wind speeds of 100–110 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 120 kmph, potentially affecting coastal settlements, transport services and electricity infrastructure.
In Tamil Nadu, the decision to suspend educational activities in Chennai and Tiruvallur was taken as a precautionary measure amid forecasts of heavy rainfall. Other districts, including Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet and Vellore, are also expected to experience adverse weather conditions. Andhra Pradesh is likely to face significant rainfall as the cyclone approaches land. Coastal districts, including Prakasam, Bapatla, Krishna, NTR and West Godavari, are among the areas requiring close monitoring. Officials have been directed to strengthen emergency arrangements and remain prepared for possible flooding, power disruptions and damage caused by strong winds.
Odisha has also stepped up its preparedness, with rainfall activity expected to increase in parts of the state. Southern districts, particularly Ganjam and Gajapati, could experience heavy rainfall as the cyclone influences regional weather conditions. Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea due to rough conditions along the affected coastline. Residents in vulnerable and low-lying areas have been urged to follow instructions issued by local authorities and move to safer locations if evacuation orders are announced.
Emergency response teams are being kept on standby to deal with potential incidents, including waterlogging, fallen trees and disruptions to essential services. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, secure loose objects around their homes, keep emergency supplies ready and monitor official weather bulletins.
Authorities have also cautioned people against believing unverified information circulating on social media, urging them to rely on updates from the IMD and respective district administrations. The situation remains under close watch as Cyclone Murasu approaches the coast. Further developments will depend on the system's movement, intensity and rainfall distribution over the coming hours.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.
The Indian Coast Guard has successfully rescued all 20 crew members of a cargo vessel that ran aground in the Bay of Bengal off the Andhra Pradesh coast amid severe weather conditions associated with Cyclone Arnab. The rescue operation was carried out on Thursday, October 29, after the vessel encountered difficulties while sailing through rough seas.
The cargo ship, identified as MV Sigma Pearl, reportedly experienced an engine failure that affected its ability to navigate safely. The vessel was travelling from Visakhapatnam towards Singapore when it drifted towards the Andhra Pradesh coastline and became stranded near Antarvedi in the Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema district.
Following information about the emergency, the Indian Coast Guard launched a rescue operation involving Coast Guard Ship Sujay and a helicopter. Rescuers faced challenging conditions due to strong winds, rough waves and poor weather caused by the cyclone. During the operation, 13 crew members were initially evacuated and transferred to the Coast Guard vessel. Rescue teams subsequently managed to bring the remaining seven crew members to safety, ensuring that all 20 people aboard the ship were rescued.
The operation required close coordination between Coast Guard personnel, helicopter teams and local authorities. Despite the difficult sea conditions, the rescuers completed the evacuation without any reported loss of life. Authorities are continuing to monitor the condition of the stranded vessel and assess the possibilities of safely moving it. The ship's technical condition and the circumstances surrounding its engine failure are also expected to be examined.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by commercial vessels operating in the Bay of Bengal during cyclonic weather. Strong winds, high waves and equipment failures can quickly turn routine maritime journeys into emergencies, making timely communication and effective rescue arrangements essential. The successful operation once again demonstrated the Indian Coast Guard's role in protecting lives at sea and responding to maritime emergencies, including incidents involving international commercial vessels.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has formed a committee to review and strengthen its Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC-ST) cell following the death of a student on campus in September. The decision comes amid student protests demanding stronger grievance redressal mechanisms, improved mental health support and greater accountability from the institute’s administration. The move follows the death of Sahil Wakode, a second-year BTech student, on September 18, 2026. The incident triggered protests on campus, with students raising concerns about alleged caste-based discrimination, student welfare and the effectiveness of existing institutional support systems.
The newly formed committee will examine the functioning of the SC-ST cell and recommend measures to make it more effective in addressing students’ complaints. Students have called for greater authority for the cell, stronger representation and a more responsive mechanism to deal with allegations of discrimination.
Wakode’s family has alleged that he faced caste-based discrimination and harassment. These allegations have drawn attention to the safeguards available to students from marginalised communities. The Mumbai Police Crime Branch is investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, while the National Commission for Scheduled Castes has also examined the matter. Alongside the SC-ST cell review, IIT Bombay has established a separate committee to assess hostel conditions and gather feedback on students’ concerns. The panel is expected to examine aspects of campus life that affect student welfare and recommend improvements where necessary.
The institute has also initiated recruitment for 30 temporary counsellor positions, including four senior counsellor posts. The positions may be filled on a full-time or part-time basis. An institute official said the recruitment drive had received more than 600 applications, which will be screened before candidates are shortlisted for interviews.
The measures come amid wider concerns about mental health and student support at competitive educational institutions. Students face academic pressure and personal challenges, making accessible counselling services and reliable complaint-handling procedures important components of campus welfare. Students have urged the administration to move beyond committee formation and ensure that recommendations lead to practical changes. Their demands include transparent grievance procedures, timely action on complaints and stronger safeguards for students who report discrimination.
The committees are expected to examine existing systems and identify areas requiring improvement. Their effectiveness will depend on the recommendations made and the institute’s willingness to implement them in a timely and transparent manner. The developments have renewed debate over student welfare, inclusion and accountability in higher education. As the investigation into Wakode’s death continues, IIT Bombay’s response to the concerns raised by students and his family is likely to remain under scrutiny.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
Cyclone Arnab has weakened after making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, with weather officials expecting the system to lose further intensity as it moves inland. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed four additional teams to Andhra Pradesh to strengthen rescue and relief operations amid concerns over heavy rainfall, coastal damage and flooding. NDRF Inspector General Narendra Singh Bundela said at a press conference in Delhi that the cyclone had been downgraded from a very severe cyclonic storm to a severe cyclonic storm. According to the assessment shared by officials, the system was expected to weaken further into a cyclonic storm before deteriorating into a deep depression by Wednesday evening.
The additional NDRF teams were sent to Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday night, with the Indian Air Force transporting personnel to the state. The deployment was undertaken in anticipation of significant impacts along the coastline and to support emergency response efforts. Bundela said the NDRF, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and district-level emergency teams were actively working in affected areas. The Andhra Pradesh government has deployed 80 SDRF teams to assist with evacuation, rescue and other emergency operations.
Authorities have also carried out evacuations in Yanam, where rainfall left some residents stranded. According to Bundela, NDRF personnel evacuated 38 people from the area by Tuesday evening. The state government is providing regular updates on casualties, damage and other developments through its State Emergency Operation Centre. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Cyclone Arnab completed its landfall along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, southwest of Yanam, by 8 am on Wednesday, October 28. The storm crossed the coast between 2 am and 8 am, with its centre moving completely over land by the end of that period.
During landfall, the cyclone recorded maximum sustained winds of 125–135 kmph, with gusts reaching 150 kmph. At 8:30 am, the system was located over coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and the adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal. The IMD placed its centre approximately 20 km east-northeast of Narsapur, 40 km southwest of Yanam and 60 km southwest of Kakinada.
The Andhra Pradesh government has placed the state on high alert, with the Chief Minister's Office saying officials are working continuously to protect residents and limit damage to property. Authorities are monitoring vulnerable locations and coordinating emergency response measures as the storm weakens. Although no fatalities had been reported at the time of the announcement, the cyclone's powerful waves and coastal impact have already damaged infrastructure. Severe sea conditions and coastal erosion affected the Uppada coastal road near Kakinada, prompting repair and restoration work to begin. Officials are working to restore connectivity and protect the vulnerable shoreline. Emergency teams remain deployed across affected areas as authorities continue to monitor weather conditions, assess damage and prepare for further rainfall and possible flooding.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused certain forces of deliberately undermining the Tata Group, claiming that business leaders are reluctant to speak out against what he described as serious wrongdoing. He vowed that justice would be pursued over the alleged actions. His comments come as a growing dispute over the leadership of Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group, has reportedly created divisions among trustees and members of its board. Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata challenged a resolution approving the reappointment of N Chandrasekaran as Tata Sons chairman. The resolution had been passed at the holding company's board meeting on September 17.
In a post on X, Gandhi alleged that the Tata Group was being systematically damaged and questioned why business leaders had remained silent. He also said that Indian businesses should not be treated as personal assets by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha said his party would seek accountability and ensure justice over the alleged wrongdoing. Neither the government nor the Tata Group issued an immediate response to Gandhi's allegations.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
A new round of demonstrations led by India’s youth-driven Cockroach movement has faced a government crackdown under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside the closure of a long-standing protest venue in Delhi. Two prominent leaders of the movement have reportedly been jailed for five days over alleged violations of restrictions on protests. Initially sparked by concerns over education and unemployment, the demonstrations have expanded to focus on voting rights. The government rejects allegations that it intends to exclude millions of people from the electoral process. However, its handling of the protests has drawn criticism from the United Nations and Amnesty International, prompting broader concerns about democratic freedoms in India. In this report, Lucy Hough speaks with South Asia correspondent Hannah Ellis-Petersen about the protests and their wider political implications.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has announced a broad set of initiatives covering family support, housing, technology and Singapore’s national resilience. Hairianto Diman and Justine Moss speak to SMU School of Law Associate Professor Eugene Tan about the major measures, their significance for Singaporeans and what they reveal about the Government’s priorities for the country’s next stage of growth.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Myanmar's military government has released rare images of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi meeting a Red Cross official, marking her first known contact with the outside world since the 2021 coup. The photos were released just ahead of junta chief Min Aung Hlaing's first official visit to Thailand, prompting speculation about their political significance.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
In a conversation with political editor Tom McIlroy and chief political correspondent Dan Jervis-Bardy during the 50th Labor conference in Adelaide, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas discussed his state’s political battle with One Nation. He said progressive groups should avoid dismissing or talking down to Pauline Hanson’s supporters, arguing that their concerns need to be understood rather than ignored. Addressing the ongoing debate over the AUKUS submarine deal, Malinauskas acknowledged concerns after the US revealed that Virginia-class submarine production rates had not improved. However, he maintained that walking away from the agreement would create greater strategic risks than the challenges surrounding the controversial defence partnership.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
