Cyclone

An India Today ground report from South 24 Parganas highlights the political contest between the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.

An exclusive India Today report based on an RTI reveals a critical staff shortage within India's aviation regulator, the DGCA, with a 44% vacancy in the Airworthiness Wing and 30 vacant posts in the Air Safety Wing.

This news bulletin, anchored by Nagarjun Dwarkanath, covers significant political and criminal developments across Southern India. A primary focus is the finalized alliance between the DMK and Congress for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections following high-level talks between Kanimozhi and Rahul Gandhi. In Andhra Pradesh, the CBI has submitted a final charge sheet regarding the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) ladoo ghee adulteration scam. Criminal reports include a triple murder in Chennai involving a migrant family from Bihar, resulting in five arrests. Environmental concerns in Kanyakumari are highlighted, specifically regarding rare earth element mining and coastal erosion affecting deep-sea fishermen. Additional coverage includes the Karnataka Contractors Association's strike threat over pending dues, a SIT probe involving actor Jayaram in the Sabarimala gold theft case, and food poisoning incidents in Telangana government schools. The report also notes political developments in Kerala involving Rahul Gandhi and Shashi Tharoor, providing a comprehensive overview of current regional affairs and legal proceedings.

Speaking to India Today Global, EU Vice President and High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas stressed the need to “build partnerships with those countries who believe in free trade,” underscoring the strategic message behind the newly concluded India–EU Free Trade Agreement.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the progress of the Bhogapuram International Airport in Andhra Pradesh following the successful landing of the first commercial validation flight. GMR Group Deputy Managing Director I.P. Rao confirms that 96% of the work is complete and operations are expected to commence by May or June 2026. The programme highlights the airport's unique features, including the 'Mugulu' or Rangoli-inspired ceiling design and structural resilience against cyclones with a wind speed design of 275 km/hr. Rao also details the passenger capacity of 6 million annually and the integration of self-baggage drops.

In this special report, India Today's Pramod Madhav reports from Aziz Nagar in Kodambakkam, Chennai, where residents are facing severe difficulties due to waterlogging caused by the remnants of Cyclone Didwa. The reporter highlights that floodwater has entered homes, forcing officials to deploy 100 HP motor pumps to drain the area. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin is seen inspecting the situation and interacting with officials to expedite relief measures. The transcript notes that while the stormwater drainage system was built to handle 12 centimetres of rainfall, the city has received over 15 centimetres, with predictions of up to 20 centimetres. Mayor Priya has assured that work is underway 24/7, and food packets are being distributed to affected residents. The report captures the ground reality of the deep depression's impact on Chennai's low-lying areas.

The winter session of Parliament started on a stormy note after Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked the opposition to stop drama and focus on delivery.

Amid political drama in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar will meet tomorrow for a second breakfast meeting to project unity amidst a leadership tussle.

This news bulletin reports on significant political and social developments across South India. In Karnataka, the Deputy Chief Minister hosts a meeting with the Chief Minister to project unity amidst speculation of internal discord. The programme highlights a search operation in Kerala for a lawmaker facing serious charges and a central agency's notice regarding financial bonds. In Tamil Nadu, a political debate arises over the proposed renaming of the Governor's residence to assert the sovereignty of the people. Additionally, the broadcast covers a disturbing child abuse case in Telangana involving school staff and provides updates on a deep depression affecting the weather. The segment also touches upon infrastructure concerns regarding a cricket stadium's fitness for future matches.

In this news bulletin, the focus is on Cyclone Ditwa, which has weakened into a deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that the system is moving northwards at a reduced speed of 5 km/hr, positioned approximately 90 km from Puducherry. Despite the weakening, authorities have maintained a high alert for rainfall across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh. Residents are urged to stay indoors and follow safety instructions issued by district officials.

In this Special Report, India Today Global Editor Pranay Upadhyay details the evacuation of over 400 Indians from Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwa (referred to as Deewa in the transcript). Upadhyay confirms, 'The Government of India via the Indian Mission in Colombo has assured that any Indian who is in distress... will be safely evacuated.' The transcript highlights that the Indian Air Force deployed C-130J and IL-76 aircraft for the operation. Additionally, the report notes that 12 people have been killed and 218 are missing in the island nation due to floods and landslides.

A severe cyclone moving over the southwest Bay of Bengal has prompted the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for parts of Tamil Nadu. The storm is bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to the region, with forecasts of extremely heavy rain for Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry. Residents have been advised to stay indoors and avoid coastal areas. The Puducherry Chief Minister has reviewed the ground situation and visited coastal areas to assess preparedness as the system moves inland.

On this Special Report, India Today’s Pramod Madhav tracks Cyclone Ditwah as it moves parallel to the Tamil Nadu coast. The storm has triggered heavy rainfall and strong winds across Chennai, Puducherry, and Nagapattinam, with three deaths reported. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for multiple districts. Pramod Madhav reports, ‘This cyclone Ditwa is also being not expected to make a landfall over here as it is being said that it could only travel parallelly all the way up to Chennai.’ The programme also features updates from NDRF Deputy Commandant K Kapil on rescue preparedness.

On this Special Report, India Today’s Pramod Madhav tracks Cyclone Ditwah as it moves parallel to the Tamil Nadu coast. The storm has brought heavy rainfall to Nagapattinam and Myladurai districts, with some areas receiving 220 mm of rain. While the cyclone is not expected to make landfall, it has triggered red alerts across southern India. 'This is the present situation at Marina Beach as we speak,' Madhav reports, highlighting the rough seas and warnings for fishermen. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 28 teams and sniffer dogs to assist in relief operations.

In this Special Report, an Unidentified speaker details India's humanitarian response to the devastation caused by the cyclone in Sri Lanka. Under 'Operation Sagar Bandhu', India has intensified relief efforts, airlifting 21 tons of critical supplies to Colombo. The speaker highlights dramatic rescue operations caught on camera, including the use of a 'Chetak Chopa' to save families stranded on rooftops. The report notes that the cyclone has affected approximately 1.4 lakh people and claimed over 100 lives, leaving a significant trail of destruction across the island nation.

Cyclone Litva is steadily moving towards the northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts, prompting red alerts across multiple districts in southern India. The storm has already brought heavy rainfall to Nagapattinam and Mayiladurai, where certain areas recorded 220 mm of rain. Over 50 flights have been cancelled at Chennai airport, and schools and colleges remain closed as a precautionary measure. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 28 teams to assist as the state braces for the cyclone. According to the update, the cyclone is expected to travel parallel to the coast without making landfall, but will bring significant rainfall. The administration has advised locals and tourists to stay indoors, and fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea due to rough conditions. The Chief Minister has also taken stock of the situation, ensuring safety measures are in place.

As Cyclone Ditwa heads towards the Indian coast, multiple districts in southern India are under red alert. An India Today correspondent reports from Chennai that the storm is approximately 250 kilometers away, bringing relentless rainfall and damaging winds. 'The wind speed has increased... warning issued to fishermen not to venture into the sea,' the reporter states. The cyclone is expected to impact northern Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh, with 50 flights cancelled at Chennai airport. Schools and colleges remain shut as 28 NDRF teams deploy across the region. The storm is moving north-northwestwards and is expected to weaken before passing along the coastline.

In a major humanitarian move, India has launched 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' to assist Sri Lanka following the severe impact of Cyclone Ditwa. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has positioned MI-17 V-5 helicopters in Colombo to facilitate swift Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. According to the bulletin, IAF transport aircraft are also earmarked for the large-scale evacuation of Indian nationals, with missions planned from Thiruvananthapuram and Hindon. Essential relief materials, including medical supplies, are being airlifted to support affected communities. The operation underscores India's commitment to safeguarding lives and extending timely assistance to its maritime neighbour.

In this update, an unidentified speaker discusses the trajectory of Cyclone Ditwa, noting it has 'traversed through Sri Lanka' and is moving towards the Tamil Nadu coast. The speaker states that '14 teams have been deployed in the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu' with others in reserve. The cyclone is expected to weaken into a depression by the 1st of December. The update also highlights that schools are closed in Puducherry and alerts have been issued for several districts including Chennai.

On this Special Report, the focus is on Cyclone Ditwa, which is currently 160 kilometers away from Puducherry and 250 kilometers away from Chennai. The cyclone is moving parallel to the Northern Tamil Nadu coast and is expected to impact Nagapattinam, Vedaranyam, and Southern Andhra Pradesh. Five teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been airlifted from Vadodara to Chennai and are on standby. India Today's Shibimol KG reports from Puducherry that the situation is currently 'under control' with gusty winds of 50-60 kmph, though heavy rainfall is predicted. The programme also highlights that Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy has reviewed preparedness, ordering night shifts in factories to be cancelled.