Severe Cyclone Michaung's landfall is currently underway with its eye close to Andhra's Bapatla as the cyclone nears completing its damaging crossing of the south coastal belt in India. An official said the cyclonic storm is moving nearly northwards parallel to the coast and will finish landfall over the next two hours. Michaung is unleashing intense 90-100 kmph winds with 110 kmph gusts. Nearly 10,000 people have evacuated to 211 relief shelters across 7 districts facing the storm's fury. With heavy rains forecast during landfall, Andhra farmers frantically shifted harvested paddy from fields to protect crops from inundation. CM Jagan Mohan Reddy directed officials to treat Michaung as a major threat and avoid casualties and property loss while immediately calculating crop damage post-landfall. As the most severe December cyclone in decades slams Andhra Pradesh, the state scrambles to shelter displaced citizens and farmers work overnight to save standing grain fields from the heavy coastal deluge. [Video Courtesy: ANI X handle]

The AICC concluded the meeting to decide Telangana's next CM. State chief Revanth Reddy seems set for the role after Rahul Gandhi confirmed "The decision has been taken, it was Revanth Reddy." The deliberations at AICC chief Kharge's home involved Venugopal, Thakare and DK Shivakumar. DK Shivakumar will soon fly to Hyderabad with the sealed cover, needing formal approval from Sonia Gandhi before a public announcement likely this evening. Meanwhile, the central observers also finalized cabinet portfolios and deputy CM candidates. MLAs were instructed to gather at a hotel for Assembly protocols and affairs briefing by ex-MP Chinna Reddy ahead of taking over. With Rahul Gandhi explicitly naming him CM, Revanth Reddy looks primed to steer Congress' return to power after toppling KCR.

Cyclone Michaung made a devastating landfall near Bapatla on the Andhra Pradesh coast, wreaking havoc after unleashing rain chaos in Tamil Nadu. With at least eight casualties reported in rain-related incidents in Chennai, the storm surge threatens south coastal Andhra Pradesh. The cyclone, expected as a severe cyclonic storm with winds reaching 90-100 km/h (gusting up to 110 km/h), prompted an alert for eight Andhra districts. Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy declared it a major challenge, urging precautionary measures. Evacuations and relief camps are in progress, while Home Minister Amit Shah assures central support. Coastal areas in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry remain on high alert, anticipating heavy rainfall.

Renowned for his role as Fredricks in the iconic crime show 'CID,' actor Dinesh Phadnis has passed away due to liver damage. Co-star Dayanand Shetty confirmed the news, debunking earlier reports of a heart attack. Shetty declined to comment on the specific treatment. 'CID,' a long-running series on Sony Entertainment Television, faced an abrupt end in 2018, leaving cast and crew shocked. Shivaji Satam, ACP Pradyuman, expressed disbelief, unsure if the already-shot episodes would air. The sudden departure of Phadnis adds a somber note to the legacy of 'CID' and its unexpected exit from the television scene.

In a compelling political narrative, Anumula Revanth Reddy, a prominent Congress leader, stands on the cusp of becoming Telangana's Chief Minister. Securing a significant victory with 64 seats in the recently concluded assembly polls, Reddy's journey from his days as an ABVP member to a contender for the state's top position is noteworthy. Having faced setbacks and triumphs, Reddy's political trajectory includes a stint with the Telugu Desam Party before joining Congress in 2017. The speculated oath-taking ceremony in Hyderabad's LB Stadium is expected to host key political figures. While awaiting official confirmation, Reddy's ascendancy signifies a potential paradigm shift in Telangana's political landscape.

Chennai Airport has recommenced operations post a brief shutdown caused by Cyclone Michaung's heavy rainfall. Before the reopening, 21 aircraft were grounded, leaving approximately 1500 passengers stranded. The airport management reported successful clearance of water stagnation on runways and taxiways, deploying Crash Fire Tenders for slush removal. All communication and air traffic facilities are functioning normally. Airlines are advised to prioritize departures for stranded passengers' clearance. Meanwhile, the cyclone, positioned over the Westcentral Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall near Bapatla as a Severe Cyclonic Storm, maintaining wind speeds of 90-100 kmph.

In a significant diplomatic development, Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer, representing US President Joe Biden, engaged in talks with India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, in New Delhi to address bilateral concerns, including the alleged assassination attempt on a Khalistani terrorist by a junior Indian official in the US. The visit focused on reviewing progress in the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), a cornerstone of strategic security and technology cooperation. Acknowledging India's establishment of a committee to investigate the incident, Finer emphasized the importance of accountability. The US State Department welcomed India's proactive approach, highlighting the seriousness with which both nations are treating the matter.

Cyclone Michaung inflicts widespread havoc in Chennai, resulting in eight casualties and knee-deep waterlogging. Amidst the tumult, Chennai Airport temporarily suspends operations due to severe flooding but eventually resumes amidst persisting challenges. The cyclone, set to make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam at 11 am, prompts Andhra Pradesh to evacuate nearly 900 residents from vulnerable coastal areas. Foxconn and Pegatron halt iPhone production near Chennai due to heavy rains. The Indian Railways readies for potential disruptions. With the cyclone's severity expected to persist until December 6, heightened preparedness and relief measures are crucial in facing this unprecedented natural disaster.

India's financial landscape witnessed a historic moment as the Sensex and Nifty soared to unprecedented heights, crossing the 69,000-point milestone. The remarkable surge followed the BJP's triumphant victories in key state assembly elections. Just a day after the poll results, markets experienced a surge, reflecting investor confidence. NSE Nifty climbed 0.52% to 20,794.50 points, and the Sensex rose 0.50% to an impressive 69,204.10. Banking stocks contributed significantly, gaining 0.7%, with public sector banks showing a notable 1.3% increase. Analysts predict continued momentum, aligning with expectations for a pre-2024 election rally.

Cyclone Michaung, a severe cyclonic storm, is set to make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh at 11 am, wreaking havoc in its wake. The storm has already claimed eight lives in Chennai due to heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds. Roads turned into rivers, vehicles were swept away, and power outages disrupted normal life. Chennai airport's runway is flooded, leading to flight cancellations. Tamil Nadu government declares a public holiday in affected districts. Rescue operations, relief camps, and emergency measures are in place. The cyclone's impact extends to neighboring Andhra Pradesh, with authorities on high alert. Union Home Minister Amit Shah assures assistance.