Heavy rains hit parts of Andhra Pradesh on Monday under the influence of Cyclone Michaung as the state government issued an alert to the eight districts as it nears the southern coastal region before landfall. "Cyclone Michaung is moving north-westwards in the south-west Bay of Bengal. It is moving at a speed of 8 km per hour and is currently 90 km from Chennai and 140 km from Nellore. It will cross the coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam as a strong storm near Bapatla on Tuesday morning... Fishermen should not venture into the sea and people should stay alert," stated the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority. Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy held a review meeting on the cyclone with senior officials and set several relief efforts in motion. Also, an alert was issued to the districts of Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema, and Kakinada.

Heavy rain has caused severe waterlogging in Chennai as cyclone Michaung approaches the North coast of Tamil Nadu before it heads towards Andhra Pradesh. The cyclone is expected to make landfall around midnight between Machalipatnam and Nellore in Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh. Chennai airport has suspended operations till 11:30pm (IST) on Monday, with 12 domestic outbound flights and four international flights being cancelled. Three incoming international flights were diverted to Bengaluru due to the weather conditions. Flights at Chennai airport were grounded as rainwater clogged the runway. Tuesday has been declared a public holiday in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, and Tiruvallur districts of Tamil Nadu given the devastation of Cyclone Michaung. All schools, colleges, educational institutions, and government offices, including the offices of public undertakings/corporations, boards, banks, and financial institutions in the four districts will be closed due to the harsh weather conditions. However, all essential services including hospitals, police, water supply, milk supply, power supply, and offices engaged in disaster response, relief and rescue activities, shall function as usual.

Chennai airport closes operations until 11:30 PM Monday as severe Cyclone Michaung triggered intense Chennai rains, throwing daily life into disarray from heavy downpours and strong winds. With conditions worsening, Michaung also disrupted flights, seeing 10 cancellations and 20 delays overnight amid the inclement weather. While airport operations continue otherwise, airlines have asked passengers to confirm the fight status before leaving home. Cyclone Michaung is forecast to cross the Andhra coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam soon. IMD expects wind speeds around 80-90 kmph, potentially exceeding 100 kmph. As the system closes in, air travel and normalcy stand hampered by torrential Chennai rains and precarious winds nearing 100 kmph speeds.

Cyclone Michaung is forecast to make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam on Tuesday at noon, drenching Chennai with intense rain triggering severe flooding. Most parts of Chennai city remain submerged under the heavy rainfall unleashed by the severe cyclone system currently over the Bay of Bengal. Schools, colleges, and government offices in Chennai and three adjoining districts remain closed today, and the state government has urged private companies to allow their employees to work from home. With Michaung expected to hammer the Andhra coast, low-lying Chennai areas were already flooded from the heavy downpour ahead of the potential onslaught. In view of the fast-approaching Cyclone Michaung, the Tamil Nadu government has issued an advisory asking people to stay indoors. BJP President JP Nadda said BJP workers will also aid in rescue and relief work facing the fast-approaching storm. With key cyclone landfall imminent, prior torrential rains flood Chennai amid precautions to assist stranded residents urgently.

Heavy overnight rains pounded Chennai as cyclone Michaung closed in, leaving two dead after a wall collapse. With extremely heavy rain forecast over 24 hours, NDRF and SDRF have been mobilized while 14 subways got shut over flooding. Water exceeded danger levels on one bridge, forcing suspension of 6 trains. Most parts of Chennai recorded over 100mm rainfall, triggering power cuts and waterlogging, while neighboring districts also saw heavy rains. The cyclone heading toward Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh coast has led to flight cancellations too. Authorities are on high alert to mitigate risks from the severe rains still intensifying under Michaung's influence. (Image Courtesy: @UpdatesChennai on X)

India is among the top 20 countries worst hit by dengue in 2023, recording more cases and deaths than the annual average of the past five years, according to a new report by Save the Children. The aid agency report states that between January to November 2023, around 5 million dengue cases were reported across 20 high-burden countries, a 30% increase versus 2022. With over 5,500 fatalities, deaths rose 32% year-on-year. Actual figures are likely higher with underreporting. Bangladesh faced its worst outbreak on record with over 300,000 infections and 1,598 deaths in 2023 alone, over 5 times higher than last year. Save the Children has called for localized action plans to control mosquitoes, boost diagnosis and treatment as a cross-government effort.

Cyclone Michaung, brewing over the Bay of Bengal, has triggered heavy rainfall and disruption across Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu. Educational institutions have been shut for two days in Andhra Pradesh's NTR district and the Union Territory of Puducherry as more intense rain is forecast. Tamil Nadu has advised private companies to allow staff to work from home to avoid risk. Chennai is already witnessing waterlogging and floods, with the St Thomas metro station inundated under 4 feet of water, cutting off access. Despite disruptions, metro trains are running to schedule. The Greater Chennai Corporation has urged residents to stay indoors given heightened risk of flooding on roads. Cyclone Michaung, named by Myanmar to signify strength and resilience, is expected to intensify rains and strong winds along the Tamil Nadu coast until December 5.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of Cyclone Michaung intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm, with landfall expected between Nellore and Machilipatnam on December 5. Northern Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh prepare for heavy rainfall, prompting a public holiday in Tamil Nadu. Coastal districts are on high alert as authorities deploy resources to mitigate potential damage. The Southern Railway cancels 118 trains in Tamil Nadu, and educational institutions declare a holiday in several districts. NDRF teams are positioned, and the region braces for the impact of Cyclone Michaung.

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani envisions India's economic prowess, stating, "India will be a $40 trillion economy by 2047," during the Pandit Deendayal Energy University convocation. Emphasizing the need for sustainable growth, Ambani predicts India's energy needs to double by the end of the decade. Addressing the Energy Trilemma, he asks crucial questions and notes, "Energy transition is critical for India's global leadership in green, sustainable development." Ambani expresses confidence in the youth combating the climate crisis, urging them to contribute to India's greatness. He concludes, "The 21st Century is indeed going to be India's Century."  

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the imminent completion of the first phase of Ayodhya's Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport by December 15. The airport, spanning 50,000 square feet, is poised to accommodate Boeing 737, Airbus 319, and Airbus 320 aircraft. With construction progressing swiftly, flight operations are anticipated to commence before the proposed consecration ceremony of Ram Lala on January 22. Adityanath highlighted Ayodhya's transformation into "an epitome of New India," aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision. The airport's inauguration is expected to be officiated by PM Modi in two phases.