Cyclone Murasu crossed the south Andhra Pradesh coast early Tuesday, November 3, triggering weather alerts across parts of southern India and disrupting air travel. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall warning for Tamil Nadu's Nilgiris district, while 11 flights operating to and from Chennai were cancelled amid adverse weather conditions. The cyclone made landfall between Nellore and Narsapur, near Ongole, during the early hours of Tuesday. It brought sustained winds of 100–110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph, according to the weather department.

Following its landfall, the weather system is expected to move north-northwestwards and gradually weaken. The IMD has forecast that it could weaken into a cyclonic storm before further deteriorating into a deep depression. The weather department has warned of heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places in the Nilgiris over the next 24 hours. Authorities have advised residents and tourists to remain cautious, particularly in areas vulnerable to waterlogging and landslides.

The rainfall warning is significant for popular hill destinations such as Ooty and Coonoor, where continuous downpours can affect road conditions, visibility and travel plans. Residents have been advised to follow local administration instructions and avoid unnecessary journeys during periods of intense rainfall. Air travel has also been affected by the developing weather situation. At least 11 flights connected to Chennai International Airport were cancelled on Monday, November 2. The affected services included flights operating on the Chennai–Vijayawada, Chennai–Rajahmundry, Chennai–Kadapa and Chennai–Tiruchirappalli routes, along with their return services.

Of the cancelled flights, five were departures from Chennai and six were incoming services. Passengers have been advised to check with their respective airlines for updated schedules and alternative arrangements before heading to the airport. Chennai also experienced significant rainfall ahead of the cyclone's landfall. The city recorded around 7.6 cm of rainfall by Monday, according to reported weather data. However, all 21 major subways in the city remained open to traffic.

The Greater Chennai Corporation continued monitoring waterlogging complaints and other rain-related issues, including fallen trees and damaged streetlights. Disaster response teams were also deployed at vulnerable locations as a precautionary measure. Although Cyclone Murasu has crossed the coastline, its associated weather conditions may continue to affect neighbouring areas. The IMD's rainfall warning for the Nilgiris and disruptions to flight operations underline the need for continued caution. Residents across affected districts have been urged to monitor official weather bulletins, while air passengers should confirm their flight status directly with airlines. Authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation as the cyclone gradually weakens.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from PT.

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.

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.

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Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

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Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

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Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.