Cyclone Montha Makes Landfall, Causes Disruption in Andhra Pradesh
Severe cyclonic storm Montha made landfall near the Andhra Pradesh coast on Tuesday evening, causing significant disruptions and claiming two lives. The cyclone's landfall process, with wind speeds up to 100 km per hour, began around 7 pm between Kakinada and Machilipatnam. The storm led to the inundation of agricultural crops across 87,000 hectares and damaged roads, bridges, and culverts, uprooting numerous trees. As Montha weakened into a deep depression, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued heavy rainfall warnings for five districts in Telangana for Thursday. Coastal districts of Andhra and Odisha had mobilised storm shelters and suspended non-essential services in vulnerable zones as a precautionary measure.
PM Modi Addresses India Maritime Week 2025, Unveils Vision for 2047
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Maritime Leaders Conclave and chaired the Global Maritime CEO Forum at India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai. He highlighted India's historic progress in the maritime sector and its vision to become a global maritime hub by 2047, under the 'Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision'. The Prime Minister announced initiatives for shipping and shipbuilding worth ā¹2.2 lakh crore, including the acquisition of 437 vessels, and stressed India's role as a "steady lighthouse" amid global tensions. He also noted the launch of a megawatt-scale indigenous green hydrogen facility at Kandla Port and the completion of Phase 2 of the Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal at JNPT, doubling its handling capacity.
Union Cabinet Approves Terms for 8th Central Pay Commission
The Union Cabinet has approved the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC), which will be headed by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, a former Supreme Court judge. This commission is tasked with reviewing and recommending revisions in the salary structure, allowances, and pension benefits for Central Government employees. The commission is expected to submit its recommendations within 18 months.
President Murmu Creates History with Rafale Jet Sortie
President Droupadi Murmu undertook a historic sortie in a Rafale fighter jet from the Air Force Station in Ambala, Haryana, becoming the first Indian President to do so. As the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, she reviewed the operational preparedness of the Rafale fleet.
Delhi's Cloud-Seeding Trial to Combat Smog Faces Hurdles
Authorities in Delhi conducted a cloud-seeding experiment aimed at inducing rainfall to reduce hazardous air pollution levels. However, reports indicated that the trial scheduled for October 29 was put on hold due to insufficient moisture in the clouds. Environmentalists have criticised cloud seeding as a temporary fix, calling for long-term solutions to the capital's persistent air pollution crisis.
Election Commission Initiates Special Electoral Roll Revision
The Election Commission of India has launched Phase II of its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 12 states and 6 Union Territories. This initiative aims to cover 51 crore voters, with a deadline of December 4 for submitting forms.
DRDO Transfers Technology to Industry for 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over 12 Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LATOTs) for eight products to industry partners during SAMANVAY 2025. This two-day industry synergy meet, organised by DRDO's Electronics and Communication Systems (ECS) Cluster in Bengaluru, aims to apprise industries, particularly MSMEs and start-ups, about various industry-friendly initiatives aligned with the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision.